Searching for fresh air and a little peace at Rockefeller State Park, "The Jewel of Westchester"!
This will be about a 3 hour hike, approx. 4-5 miles at a slow/moderate pace which includes breaks to "take in all the views". The woods trails are mostly level with a few moderate inclines.
We will take Brothers Path, alongside the beautiful Swan Lake. Shortly after we'll pick up the Brook Trail into the woods where we may see the frequent equestrian! We’ll continue on to the Stone Barns where we'll hopefully see some of our 4 legged and fine feathered friends. We'll take a short break here.
Returning on the RT trail to Brothers Trail, we'll come back around Swan Lake and head back to the parking lot.
Hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Bring sun protection, WATER is MANDATORY, snacks and don't forget those cameras! Dress in layers. Length of hike is an approximation and can vary depending upon the group and conditions.
ALWAYS check the day of an event for possible updates. Inclement weather or poor air quality cancels.
Please post if you can help with sweeping to make sure no one gets left behind!
Optional dinner at Horse Feathers in Tarrytown depending upon interest and availability. Parking lot in back. Street parking is metered until 6.
Carpooling suggested.
DIRECTIONS from the South: take the Saw Mill River Pkwy North to Exit 26; Taconic State Pkwy. Immediately get off first exit for Rt. 117. Turn left onto Rt. 117 and go 1.6 miles to Park entrance on the left. (cross 117 to entrance) (NOTE there is a FREE PARKING LOT on your left when you turn left onto 117 from the Taconic if you want to carpool from there to the main visitor lot just down the road)
The park sometimes closes when it is full to capacity and will reopen as people leave. There is ADDITIONAL PARKING along route 117 just outside the park. I suggest parking near the exit of the park if you need to park on 117 as it is closer to the visitor center and parking lot where we will be meeting. You may need to do a u turn to do this depending upon which direction you are coming from.
For more directions scroll down:
Located in Westchester County on County Route 117 in Tarrytown.
Taconic Parkway north: Exit County Route 117 Pleasantville. At end of ramp, turn left. Proceed through 3 lights. Preserve entrance will be on the left.
Taconic Parkway south: Exit NYS Route 100/Route 133 - Millwood/Mt. Kisco west. Turn left at end of ramp/traffic light onto NYS Route 100. Proceed south until NYS Route 100 joins with NYS Route 9A. Follow signs to merge onto NYS Route 9A south. Once on Route NYS 9A south, take 2nd exit - County Route 117/Pleasantville/N. Tarrytown. This is a left side exit. At end of exit ramp, turn right onto County Route 117 west. Preserve entrance is approximately 2 miles on the left.
NYS Route 9: Proceed to County Route 117 east. Preserve entrance is one mile east on County Route 117 on the right side.
or Take Rt. 9 into Tarrytown and turn right at Rt 448 near Horsefeathers Pizza Place. Take to end and turn left to continue on Rt. 448 to Rt. 117. Turn left onto Rt 117 and stay in left lane as entrance to park will come up soon on your left. Be on the lookout for the park sign. You will have to cross over Rt 117 to enter park entrance.
Public Transportation: Metro-North: Train to Tarrytown Station. Taxi service is available from the station to the Preserve.
Contact Information: Rockefeller State Park Preserve (http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/59/details.aspx)
914-631-1470
For more directions or info, go to Rockefeller State Park website or call the park number.
There is a $6.00 per car parking fee(subject to change) unless you have an Empire Pass. Everyone needs to register at the meters and put a ticket in your windshield. M-F NYState seniors 62 and over are free and just need to scan your license for a parking ticket.
