Spring is finally here and what better way to celebrate it then enjoying the outdoors. The Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve invite tri-state area residents to enjoy the beauty of the 2,000-acre NY State Park that recently was named to the State Registry of Historic Places for its stunning views and one of a kind carriage road system.
Here are the Friends top five suggested Spring Trail Picks for outdoor enthusiasts:
Raven’s Rock (.5 mile/.8km)
- Located in the Buttermilk Hill Area, this area is largely forested. The narrow trail steeply descends from the ridge, ending at a deeply fissured and fractured cliff. Folklore surrounds this notable rock, including a mention in Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
13 Bridges Loop (1.9 miles/3/1km)
- Located in the Eagle Hill Area, 13 bridges were purposefully designed to crisscross Gory Brook, to maximize the tranquil sound of running water. Hikers will enjoy mature hardwood forest and sunlight fields.
Brothers’ Path (1.1 mile/1.8 km)
- Located in the Swan Lake Area at the entrance to the Preserve, this trail is ideal for strolling or walking dogs. Views or turtles, water lilies and migrating waterfowl surround make it a great pick for families and sure to keep children entertained.
Witch’s Spring Trail (.5mile/.8 KM)
- Also located in the Eagle Hill Area, the shady trail along legendary Gory Brook features a high diversity of ferns. Visitors wishing to extend their hike can continue up to Spook Rock.
Foundation Loop (.5 mile/.8 km)
- Located in the Rockwood Hall Area, this trail leads to the remains of William Rockefeller’s estate. Panoramic views of the Hudson and stunning copper beeches and specimen trees are throughout. Great place to stop for a picnic lunch if you want to make a day out of it!
The mission of Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve is to help restore and maintain the Preserve’s unique system of carriage roads and pastoral landscapes and to support educational programs and passive recreation such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, jogging, and photography in a tranquil setting. Over 400,000 visitors from around the world walk the roads each year, joined by countless joggers and equestrians. The Rockefeller Preserve includes over 2,000 acres, 65 miles of carriage roads, a 22-acre Swan Lake, circled by Brothers’ Path, the gateway to the Preserve. To view trail maps and see additional trail suggestions, visit https://www.friendsrock.org/rspp-map.
