Westchester Outdoor & More

Rockefeller State Park Preserve
125 Phelps Way · Pleasantville, NY
How to find us
Meet in the main parking lot.

"At Pocantico Hills...where the fine views invite the soul...I have spent many delightful hours, studying the beautiful views, the trees and fine landscape effects of that very interesting section of the Hudson River..." Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Sr. Random Reminiscences

Description

Fast paced hike. Will do 2 hours and 6 to 7 miles. We do not stop. There are early outs.

Terrain: Easy to moderate, mainly rolling hills.

This is not a beginner hike. We tend to walk at a brisk pace and we don't stop. We keep the same pace on the hills as we do on the flat parts of the trails. Please assess your ability to keep this pace before signing up.

Cancellation notices: If cancellation is necessary, it will be posted on the afternoon of the hike.

Pets: Friendly, well behaved dogs are welcome. The park requires dogs to be leashed at all times. It is possible that we will encounter one or more horses with riders or carriages. They have the right of way and you are expected to control your dog.

Liability Waiver: This is a fun and interesting group of people who enjoy hiking and socializing, it is not organized by a professional hiker.
Hiking or outdoor activities have inherent risks. Your participation in our hikes or other events could be dangerous and can result in serious injury, medical emergency, even death.
You agree to participate in this event completely at your own risk and to take full responsibility for your own safety and well being, including those of your guests.

Rockefeller Start Park Preserve Web Site (http://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/59/details.aspx)

Rockefeller State Park Preserve Trail Map (http://nysparks.com/parks/attachments/RockefellerTrailMap.pdf)

Features a number of photo ops - Views, Ted's Bench - a mini waterfall , cumulative elevation for the day n more

Assuming trail conditions permit - we will incorporate a route that we have never done before

Estimated Distance - 7.5 to 9.999 miles

Estimated End Time - I'd like to be off trail no later than 2:15

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area, previously known as Merritt Park (and also sometimes known as Haviland Hollow), consists of over 800 acres and is Putnam County's largest county park.

Suggested Donation - $2.00 - Can Venmo - Steven-Tartas

What to bring - Water, Snacks, hat -dress in layers

Group Size - Likely 16 to 22

Can carpool from Mt Kisco if there is interest

Everyone starts on the wait list. First spots go to the regulars.
Please check in with me if this is your first event with the group - I just want to make sure this is within your comfort zone and the comfort zone of the group.

Can text - 914 772-5230

Great Hollow is located at 225 State Route 37, New Fairfield, CT, near the intersection of State Route 37 and Haviland Hollow Road. Our administrative office is located in the Merritt House and usually open from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

We are meeting at the main lot -across from the Observation Tower and the Birds of Prey Display

### By Car

If driving from the south and New York City area, take I-684 North to Route 22 North in Brewster. Take 22 North approximately 7 miles to Haviland Hollow Road. Make a right on Haviland Hollow Road and take it to the end. Turn left onto Route 37 and our entrance will be on your left in about 50 yards.

From NY: From the intersection of Route 22 and Route 55, follow Route 22 South for 4.75 miles until you come to a traffic light. Take a left at the light onto Haviland Hollow Road. Drive approximately 2.5 miles to the end of the road. Turn left onto Route 37 and our entrance will be on your left.
From CT: Follow Route 7 south into the town of Gaylordsville. Take a right onto Route 55 and then a left onto Route 39. Follow Route 39 into the town of Sherman and then bear right onto Route 37. Follow Route 37 south for about 6 miles and our entrance will be on your right, about 50 yards before the intersection with Haviland Hollow Road.

Old Sleepy Hollow Trail is bisected by Old Sleepy Hollow Road. It can be reached by taking
Route 117 to Route 448. If you are coming from the Taconic, you make a left at the traffic light onto Rt 448. If you are coming from Rte. 9, you make a right at the traffic light onto Rt 448. Almost immediately after you turn onto Rte. 448, Old Sleepy Hollow Road is on your right. Make the right. Stay on Old Sleepy Hollow Road until the road ends. Turn left. The road is still called Old Sleepy Hollow Road. Shortly, you'll see cars parked along the side of the road. Park and walk to the trail head.

This is a moderate to fast hike, 6 to 7 miles. We will be walking mostly on carriage trails. Hike pace, distance, and/ or route will be altered to accommodate weather related hiking conditions.

Liability Waiver: This is a fun and interesting group of people who enjoy hiking. It is not organized by a professional hiker.

Hiking or outdoor activities have inherent risks. Your participation in our hikes or other events could be dangerous and can result in serious injury, medical emergency, even death.

You agree to participate in this event completely at your own risk and to take full responsibility for your own safety and well being, including those of your guests.