The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

hiking

Stay Grounded: Three Local Hiking Destinations to Try

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PHOTO BY PIA HAAS

Hiking or nature walking is a favorite year-round pastime for many. It is a wonderful way to reconnect with Mother Nature. It is a chance to simply breathe in the fresh air and unplug from our busy, over-programmed lives.

The many benefits of hiking include reducing stress while improving our mood. Part of the beauty of hiking is admiring the world around us, too. The experience helps us to stay grounded in the moment and focus on simple pleasures like the crisp air against our faces, the sound of the leaves rustling, the gentle babbling of a stream, or the smell of a bed of leaves on a crisp fall morning.

Mother Nature reminds us to never take a single moment for granted. At the height of the pandemic, my daily walks helped keep me both sane and fulfilled. I ventured out on the trails and discovered some local gems! These are short escapes with tremendous payoffs. Have an hour? Take one of these low-key, less-traveled hikes.

PHOTO BY PIA HAAS

Marian Yarrow Nature Preserve

432-428 Mt. Holly Road, Katonah, NY

Located in Lewisboro, Westchester County, the preserve comprises almost 80 acres and has over two miles of trails. This lovely hike will lead you through hardwood forests made up primarily of black birch, lots of white ash, white and red oak, and large-tooth aspen trees. En route, you’ll discover wetlands, lakes, and streams.

The trails are secluded enough that most of my treks there have been blessed with peaceful solitude. It is unlikely that you’ll come across many other people while exploring this beautiful place.

When you reach Hidden Lake, stop to watch for migratory birds; pileated woodpeckers, wood ducks, palm warblers, hermit thrushes, ovenbirds and indigo buntings have all been spotted here! Other lake dwellers include red-spotted newts, spotted salamanders, box and painted turtles, star-nosed moles, and mink. I encountered a beautiful fox who looked at me with soulful eyes before scampering off.

Near the lake, you will find a small stream cascading down into a 30-foot waterfall before flowing into the Indian Brook. The remainder of the preserve combines rugged and gentle terrain as well as a small meadow.

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any time. There is a four car parking area at the entrance. Dogs are also welcome, but must be on a leash.

PHOTO BY PIA HAAS

Baxter Preserve

80-170 Baxter Road, North Salem, NY

This gorgeous site in North Salem, Westchester County, is 114 acres in total and has a large eight-acre pond surrounded by easy-to-walk trails. The parcel was donated by the North Salem Open Land Foundation in 1979.

With its combination of trails, forest, and meadows, Baxter preserve is a wonderful place for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. I’ve also seen horse-back riders and an occasional fisherman.

The trails are mostly wide and open, lined with a variety of trees including black cherry, cottonwood, maple, and apple.

The kaleidoscope of intensely colorful foliage in the fall and winter as well as the bounty of breathtaking wildflowers in the spring and summer make this a year-round wonder.

The trails are level and mostly covered with grass, which makes them easy for walking and enjoying the scenery. The main trail, called “The Racetrack”, is a 1.9-mile loop and circles the pond. It was once a place where people watched point-to-point horse races in the 1950’s.

The second trail in the Baxter Preserve diverges off the eastern part of the Racetrack; this will lead you into several more fields. Look for walnut trees, jewelweed, and even leopard frogs, another interesting inhabitant of Baxter.

Smaller trails branch off and traverse more fields in the Preserve, where wildflowers, ironweed, and purple loosestrife flourish. These trails can be marshy and wet after rain, so be prepared to step through puddles.

You can also check in on the chickens, who are usually happily clucking in their enclosure in the nearby farm.

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

You can find the entrance to the trails in an open field located on Baxter Road. Roadside parking is available.

PHOTO BY PIA HAAS

Zofnass Family Preserve

258 Upper Shad Road, Pound Ridge, NY

On an astounding 127 acres in Pound Ridge, Westchester County, this beautiful preserve includes an eight-mile trail network of rocky woods, streams, and marshes. Along the trails, you will find hundreds of stepping stones for crossing streams and wetlands, a 50’ tall stone staircase, old stone walls, and even a fort. There is also the great benefit of a three-acre arboretum, which features over 250 plant species.

Anyone in need of solitude and serenity might appreciate that the preserve is not heavily traveled. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walking in the forest and exploring the arboretum.

The trails are beautifully maintained and well-defined with printed educational plaques posted throughout and maps posted at major junctions, making it simple to navigate. I found it to be terrific, easy hiking, although the conditions could prove a bit challenging at some times of the year due to mud, tree roots, or uneven, rocky sections.

We are encouraged to look for wood frogs, spring peepers, yellow-throated vireos, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and wild turkeys.

Paul Zofnass, a Pound Ridge resident and member of the Westchester Land Trust’s Board of Directors, came up with the idea of creating a trail preserve here and over 10 years, put the project together. Paul and his family donated land, persuaded their neighbors to donate land, and created the impressive trail system. One of Paul Zofnass’ neighbors is Jane Pauley, after whom ‘Pauley’s Point’ was named. Another spot, ‘Trudeau’s Point of View,’ was named after her husband, cartoonist Garry Trudeau. They generously gave their land to the trust.

The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

There are two designated parking areas which can accommodate four to five cars each.

PERSONAL SAFETY PLUS AN UPDATE ON THE COUNTY TRAILWAYS

Any time you hike, it’s best to have a buddy with you. Whatever you decide, however, always bring a fully charged phone, plenty of water, snacks, and sun block.

Some good news for hikers using the North and South County Trailway and the Bronx River Pathway: Smart Signs with QR codes have been installed at trailheads and access points. The new mile markers with municipality names make it easier for trail users to relay where they are in case of an emergency. The signage includes a 9-1-1 locator sticker and a unique QR code for the trail, so emergency services can easily locate the person in need. Be sure to make a note of the mile marker information each time you pass an Emergency SOS 9-1-1 sign along the trails.

Spring Hiking At Easy to Reach and Popular Westchester County Park Locales

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Photo by Elena Wolfe for Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

Looking for a fun new hike for this Spring? Look no further. We put together a short list of diverse trails to blaze as the weather turns warmer. After all, Spring in New York is that perfect sweet spot when it’s not too cold and not too hot. In other words, it’s the perfect time of year to put down those phones and go to the park!

WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION

This stunning park clocks in at over 4,300 total acres, and is located in Pound Ridge, NY. According to a spokesman for Westchester County Parks, Linda Lovallo, “The Reservation is a mecca for hikers from nearby, as well as communities throughout Westchester, as well as Connecticut, New York City and even Long Island.” Because of the sheer size of the park, hikers have many choices for planning their routes. There are more moderate routes like the Pound Ridge Marsh Loop, a 2.6 mile loop, and there are far more challenging paths more experienced hikers can traverse on their own. Camping is offered at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation as well.

For programming, the reservation has much to offer. A particularly interesting program is called, “Gallery In the Park,” where artists exhibit their work in the beautiful surroundings of the reservation. There are two shows scheduled this spring. The first is, “For Mother Nature,” a multi-artist mixed-medium show that will celebrate Mother Nature, and will coincide with the weekend after Earth Day. There will be an opening reception scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be refreshments and live acoustic music. “For Mother Nature” will run through Sunday, June 5. The second show is by renowned wildlife photographer, Dona Tracy. The show will open Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, from 1 to 4 p.m., and will feature live music on Saturday and a live Birds of Prey demonstration on Sunday. The show will run through August 14. 

STONE BARNS

While perhaps a bit of an unconventional choice for a hike, unconventional isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While many trails are flooded with hikers when the nicer weather comes around, the 80-acres Stone Barns (located in Pocantico Hills) has to offer will be all yours (and getting up close to the animals who live there is just a bonus).

Blue Hill is the famous restaurant that Stone Barns serves, but the grounds aren’t just limited to their customers. A parking pass is available for $10 on the weekends (parking is free on weekdays) so that everyone can enjoy its beauty. “In the Stone Barns Center fields, you will see our hard-working teams making the transition from winter cover to spring abundance. The fields are coming alive with new growth of diversified vegetables, grains, herbs and flowers,” said Stone Barns crop director Jason Grauer. 

You don’t have to just stay with the fields, either. Stone Barns offers guided tours of their facilities for $25 an adult, and $10 a kid over 5. “When visiting the Stone Barns Center Greenhouse this spring, one can see the propagation space, a warm nursery environment with tens of thousands of plants started from seed and plant tissue culture,” said Grauer. With Stone Barns, it’s not just a hike, it’s an entire agricultural experience.

The programs can get a little bit pricey, but they are top notch. They range from the relatively modest and children-friendly tour mentioned above, to a $75 tour led by a Stone Barns farmer and a Blue Hill chef, to a $95 sheep shearing demonstration. Stone Barns also features an upscale cafeteria that is open from Thursday to Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. The perfect place to end a hike!

CROTON POINT PARK

At 508 acres, it’s right in the middle of Pound Ridge and Stone Barns. Like Pound Ridge, Croton Point has many exciting amenities when you plan your visit. “This park offers year-round events and activities and has facilities for camping, hiking and swimming. Patrons come from Connecticut, all five boroughs of New York City, upstate New York, all parts of Westchester County, and from as far as Alaska and The Netherlands,” said Lovallo. You can go for a serious camping trip, or you can go for a quick three-minute walk or run. 

During the summer months, the park is an attraction for swimmers. In the spring, the beautiful river-side park may just be the perfect place for hikes and visits of all types. In addition to camping and swimming, Croton Point Park offers other compelling programming as well. “The Croton Point Nature Center houses exhibits on local flora and fauna including Hudson River specimens, local and Native American history and hands-on activities,” said Lovallo. The park is on land that belonged to Native Americans, and the director of the center tries to reflect that.

Another fun feature of Croton Point Park is the miniature air field that Croton Point Field becomes when members of the Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester gather. You won’t notice them on your hike, but you’ll pass right by them when on your way to park. 

The 3.7 mile Croton Point Park trail is perfect for hikers of every skill level. It features a river view and, like all entries on this list, exemplifies the lush, beautiful greenery that the Hudson Valley is known for. At the end of the trail, you can even walk right up to the cliff overlooking the water (that is very safely protected with barricades). This trail is not to be missed in the spring. Bring the kids, bring the dog, bring the whole family!

The Devil in a Day

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(L-R): Matt Chmielecki and Walter Staudenmaier

The Devil’s Path is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the country. Located in the Catskill Mountains about a two-hour drive north of Chappaqua; the trail is approximately 25 miles long with six peaks and 16,000 feet of elevation. For most brave adventurers who take on this challenge, it is tackled over the course of two to three days; but for the past four years an ambitious group of Dads from Chappaqua have partaken in what has become an annual tradition of completing the hike in one grueling 14-hour stretch.

When the weather starts to get warm, but before summer’s heat sets in, the men call in a personal day at work and forgo their usual train commute into the City. They pack their cars with supplies and convoy north to the Catskills.

Practice hikes take place in advance. Brian  Cook takes his training very seriously. To prepare for his inaugural hike he was often seen walking around town with a weighted backpack to simulate the supplies he would be carrying. Andy Shaiken, who has also completed the New York City marathon, considers the hike to be “more difficult and more rewarding” in comparison.

The men depart on a Thursday night. They leave one car full of supplies at the halfway point and another at the end. It is not an out and back trail, so they finish at a different point from where they start. They then check into the Kaatskill Mountain Club Hotel and attempt to go to bed early; but nerves prevent much sleep. At 4 a.m. they wake up and the long day begins.

Walter Staudenmaier, who will be hiking the Devil’s Path for the fourth year this Spring, packs seven bacon and banana sandwiches, fourteen GU energy gels and twelve liters of a 50/50 water and Gatorade mix as his personal fuel of choice.

They rendezvous in the parking lot and head to the trail for a 4:45 a.m. sharp departure. There is excited and nervous banter at the beginning. A brisk pace is set. It’s dark, so headlamps are needed for the first 45-minute gradual uphill climb. Putting one foot in front of the other, the monotony of the hike sets in and the first hill quickly disappears. A regimen is established; the hikers briefly stop every 45 minutes to take salt tablets and supplements to offset what their bodies are expending. Few additional stops are taken.

The first half of the hike consists of three intense peaks. “There is an incredibly steep descent to the halfway point of the trail that rattles your knees, your toes are banging into your boots at every step.” Recalls Staudenmaier.

At the halfway point, the men take a well-deserved 30-minute break. They get off their feet, massage their legs, change clothes, replenish supplies, use tiger balm to try to get muscles loose and prepare to set off again.

The second half begins with a torturous vertical climb and exhaustion quickly sets in. A third of the way into the second half the hikers feel extremely uncomfortable. The last four hours are “complete misery; every single step hurts.”

(L-R): Chappaqua Dads, Brian Cook, Andrew Skala, Andy Shaiken, Walter Staudenmaier, and Eric Rose

About halfway through the second half is the point of no return. Until then, the path is always no more than a couple of miles away from a put out; but towards the end that option is lost because it’s the same distance to finish as all other exit points. At about eleven hours in, with approximately three hours remaining, there is no way out except to finish.

“Hiking for 14+ hours straight is a whole lot easier when you are sharing the struggle with good friends.  It also helps to have a cooler full of beer at the end of the trail waiting for us.” Says Matt Chmielecki, a Cross Fit enthusiast who will be hiking the trail for the third year this Spring.

Overall, the first half of the hike is much more technical and challenging; there are a lot of rock ledges and obstacles. The second half is easier but exhaustion gets in the way of appreciating it. The fatigue gets so intense in the second half, the hikers don’t take many photos; only at the very end.

The journey shifts from struggle to relief once the hike is complete. A steak dinner at the hotel is the final reward, in addition to the satisfaction of having completed “the Devil” in a day.

PHOTOS courtesy of Sabra Staudenmaier

 

Progress on the ‘ChapLine’: Plans for a “Woodsy Trail” and Much, Much More

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L-R: New Castle Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz, New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein, and New Castle Resident and proposer of the ChapLine, Dan Googel
L-R: New Castle Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz, New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein, and New Castle Resident and proposer of the ChapLine, Dan Googel

Story and Photo By Matt Smith

Imagine it’s a clear, calm, Spring, Saturday afternoon. You’re in town, having completed a morning of shopping, or finished lunch with a friend. As you would usually do, you head back to your car and prepare for the drive home. But imagine you didn’t bring your car–and instead, you travel home via bike, which is also the way you came. You ride along a woodsy trail, surrounded by trees and steeped in nature. As you pedal, you feel the cool, crisp air brushing against your face and the soothing warmth of the sun washing over your back. Just before you reach the clearing, you cycle across a bridge and look out at a lake, its ripples shimmering in the sunlight. Pure bliss. Wouldn’t that be just wonderful?

With any luck, you could be doing exactly that…and sooner than later, as the New Castle Town Board is steadily making progress on its previously announced plans to construct the proposed ChapLine.

The project would involve upgrading an existing path–cleared and graded in 2005 in order to install a sewer line–to create a fresh, 1.6 mile, multi-use recreational trail connecting Chappaqua Crossing to Horace Greeley High School, and the downtown shopping area (King St. and N. Greeley Ave.)

The project received new attention last year when New Castle resident Dan Googel–who was also, at the time, a member of the Master Planning Commercial Work Group–approached the Town Board at a public meeting, with new ideas for moving forward with the plan.

Noting that community members, according to a July 2014 report from the community work sessions run by Pace, had requested “a more walkable community, a more bike-friendly community, [and] more places for the community to gather,” Googel explained that the establishment of such a trail in Chappaqua would “be a cost-effective means to accomplish these goals.”

Though he acknowledges the town master plan is still not yet complete, Googel has been encouraged by the outpouring of positive feedback from the town and residents since his initial presentation. Comments New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein, on the matter: “There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but there is also enormous support for creating this trail, and I’m hopeful that we will finally get it done.”

Greenstein also recognizes the many benefits to having the trail completed. For one, he says, “it’s good for business,” as the trail would provide easy access to the downtown shopping area. Additionally, it would be good for the community, as according to studies from other towns and communities, such trails “actually increase the home values of these areas,” making them more attractive and vibrant.

Googel, on the other hand, stresses that having a walking/running/biking trail would encourage a healthy lifestyle, “providing a place for people to get exercise [and] to be outside.” Furthermore, “it’s environmentally friendly,” as it reduces the needs for cars (which cuts down on fuel expenses and gas emission) and “allows a great deal more students to get to school without having to drive.”

Equally important, it would provide residents with a safe alternative to biking or walking on the main roads. “Route 117 is dangerous,” comments New Castle Deputy Supervisor Lisa Katz. “So, to have anyone be able to walk from school or town [on a safer trail] would be phenomenal.”

Greenstein also notes that the trail would provide a more appropriate running course for members of the Greeley Track and Field team, who currently train by crossing Rt-117 and running up Annandale Rd, stating “Crossing Rt-117 in the afternoon is far from ideal, but what option do they [currently] have? ChapLine would give the team a safe option.”

While the Town is enthusiastic about the benefits the trail would provide, Board members are also aware of certain concerns and obstacles that may need to be addressed as they move forward. “We understand that there are neighbors who are affected [by this process] and we’ll do everything in our power to try to minimize and lessen those impacts,” comments Greenstein.

On the subject, Googel expressed that he would like to see the Town work with the affected residents during the path development process. “We want the adjacent neighbors to see this as a positive amenity,” he explains. “And we want to build the path in a manner such that it enhances their property in addition to [enhancing] the broader New Castle community.” Of note, the Town owns the land next to the affected private properties, and intends to evaluate either procuring easements and/or relocating the trail onto this Town-owned land.

Additionally, the team has recently issued an RFP for an engineering firm to conduct both a feasibility study and cost analysis for the competition of the trail. “We’ll have to do a SECQR [State Environmental Quality Review] as well,” says Greenstein, which will “identify any [additional] environmental concerns or technical issues.” Though Greenstein is confident in the Town’s ability to mitigate any major concerns, he explains that because the project is in such an early stage, “We may not even know what our biggest obstacle is yet.”

As for additional future plans, the Town would like to assemble a committee of sorts–which might include a member of the school board, the Town Board, the Planning Board, the New Castle Recreation and Parks Department, and a few of the affected neighbors–so that issues and questions about the project can be answered in a forum where everyone can be heard. Greenstein adds that having the committee might also benefit the newly elected Town Board members, giving them “a chance to quickly get up to speed.”

Furthermore, having received a generous donation of $1.5 million by Summit Greenfield (the owner of Chappaqua Crossing), in support of pursuing this project, the Town hopes to explore additional sources of funding after the feasibility study has been completed. “I have full confidence in this community, as family-oriented as it is, that people would be very supportive personally,” states Googel, on the subject. “The town will definitely come together on this issue.”

So, all in all, things are looking up. “This is a great opportunity,” adds Greenstein, “and we’re going to work hard to get it done, and get it done right.” Reiterates Googel, with a smile: “[The trail] is already here. It’s just begging to be completed.” And, when it is, he says, looking optimistically at the grassy path in front of him, “Hopefully, we can all have a great amenity for our families to enjoy.”

Matt Smith is a proud graduate of Skidmore College and a regular contributor to the Inside Press.

Adventures In Armonk: Walks And Hikes Right In Our Backyard

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Moss-carpeted ground at the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve
Moss-carpeted ground at the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve

Article & Photos By Liz Susman Karp

Let the phrase “take a hike” take on a different, and far more positive meaning this fall by heading outdoors on one of the many noteworthy local hikes and walks in and around Armonk. The nearly 350 acres of parkland in North Castle feature trails for walking and hiking at all different levels and various lengths.

The Betsy Sluder Preserve offers a beautiful, easy walk in shady, leafy environs off of Old Route 22. Cat Rocks Park (Bedford), designated a nature conservancy by North Castle, is a similar spot; note parking can be difficult on the narrow roads. North Castle Superintendent of Recreation & Parks, Matt Trainor, recommends the Johnson Tract, a wooded area off of North Greenwich Road, as “a wonderful quiet hiking area.”

In the heart of downtown Armonk, meander through the paths of bucolic Wampus Brook Park for a lovely, leisurely walk. Looking for more of a challenge? Resident Jane Ellen Gertz comments, “Since the 16 years I have lived in the Whippoorwill Hills neighborhood, close to town, I have run or jogged with and without a baby jogger or walked, depending on my level of fitness, a 3-5 mile loop that takes me through town and back home again. There are various turns to make each day’s exercise a little different, including Old Mount Kisco Road, Lombardi Park, Rainbow Bridge over Interstate 684, H.C. Crittenden fields, Wampus School fields and connecting paths to Lombardi Park and Wampus Brook Park.” Trainor agrees, saying that those fields and parks “sort of interconnect, which in itself would make for a great circuit. Just a thought: If you are taking a dog–please remember to clean up!”

A well-trodden trail at the Betsy Sluder Preserve beckons to be walked.
A well-trodden trail at the Betsy Sluder Preserve beckons to be walked.

Two superb spaces in which to walk or hike are the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve and the Herbert L. Nichols Preserve, both owned by the Nature Conservancy. The 247-acre Meyer Preserve, primarily donated by the former owners of The Washington Post who once lived at the nearby Seven Springs estate now owned by Donald Trump, encompasses vernal pools, rare flora and fauna and over 6.5 miles of wooded trails and fields. Enter on Bretton Ridge Rd for the western parcel or on Oregon Road for the eastern parcel. Near the Greenwich border off of Riversville Road, the 87-acre Nichols Preserve offers walking trails and several ponds and streams.

For those who prefer walking on a track, there are two available, at Byram Hills High School (Tripp Lane) when school is not in session, and at North Castle Community Park (Business Park Drive) which Trainor says, “is desirable for runners and athletes with knee issues because of its cinder base…it’s better on the joints and muscles.” The high school also has a network of paths used in season by the cross country team, and the park has a long asphalt path that runs the length of the playing fields, providing a nice walk and community atmosphere for spectators and residents.

Wide pathways run alongside the water at picturesque Wampus Brook Park.
Wide pathways run alongside the water at picturesque Wampus Brook Park.

The Bronx River Greenway, a series of disconnected paths that run parallel to the Bronx River Parkway beginning in Yonkers and ending at the Kensico Dam “to me,” says Trainor, ”unofficially connects North White Plains to the Kensico Dam Complex,” where he often takes his family. “It’s a great all-around facility and you can’t beat the view from the top of the dam.” The wide pathway at the top of this Westchester County symbol opened in May 2012. He suggests taking that trail along with the Greenway and heading south on Route 22 towards North White Plains. “The great thing here is that you can get super creative with the routes and length of walks you take, even in the more ‘urban’ settings,” enthuses Trainor.

Another popular destination close by is Cranberry Lake Preserve, a Westchester County Park in North White Plains. Trails range from 1-2.4 miles in length and include cliffs and a history trail past remnants of an early 20th century stone mining operation.

Heading farther afield, the exceptional Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers over 30 miles of specially-designed wide interconnected carriage roads past rolling hills and picturesque scenery for easy to moderate walks. Trail maps are available online and at the Preserve office, entrance on Phelps Way in Pleasantville.

North Castle Seniors Nellie Palamarczuk (left) and Faye Barresi (right) walk with Liz Thomas (center), North Castle Senior Recrea- tion Leader, in Wampus Brook Park. Senior walks are regularly scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
North Castle Seniors Nellie Palamarczuk (left) and Faye Barresi (right) walk with Liz Thomas (center), North Castle Senior Recrea- tion Leader, in Wampus Brook Park. Senior walks are regularly scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

A recent thread on Facebook’s Armonk Moms page discussed additional prime spots frequented by locals, including Westmoreland and Butler Sanctuaries (Mount Kisco), the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (Bedford), Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county’s largest park (Pound Ridge), and Audobon Greenwich. The Zofnass Family Preserve, also in Pound Ridge, offers a family Westchester Wilderness Walk. The Westchester County Parks website (parks.westchestergov.com) and numerous books, such as Walkable Westchester, are excellent resources.

To join organized hikes in the county and surrounding areas, local groups available include Westchester Trails Association (www.westhike.org), New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (www.nynjtc.org), The Westchester Hiking Meetup Group (www.meetup.com/Westchester-Hiking-Group) and the Facebook group, Bedford Castle Baby Trails, which plans monthly family hikes.

Remember to wear proper footgear, use bug spray, bring water and check for ticks! Whether your preference is for a walk or a hike, living in Armonk provides abundant opportunities for a pleasant pastime or invigorating exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of our area.

Liz Susman Karp is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner. She, her husband and their two teenage boys live in Briarcliff Manor. They all look forward to trying some new walks and hikes.