WESTCHESTER TRAILS ASSOC.

Transcription

1 WESTCHESTER TRAILS ASSOC. Join our Yahoo Group: SPRING HIKING SCHEDULE MARCH, APRIL and MAY 2016 Hikes ratings are based on terrain (mileage is stated separately in the description). An easy hike is one with relatively flat terrain or gentle, rolling hills (for example, Rockefeller Preserve). A moderate hike has steeper grades, possibly going up and down all day, and may involve some bushwhacking or short rock scrambles (like much of Harriman Park). A strenuous hike has steep ascents, often with rough or difficult terrain on much of the hike (like most Schunemunk trails, Breakneck Ridge, etc.). These ratings apply during good weather. Bad weather may lead to poor footing and increase the difficulty of any hike. Hiking boots and drinking water are required on all hikes. A trail lunch should be carried unless otherwise indicated. Hikers with improper footwear, without sufficient water, or who are otherwise unprepared, may be refused by the leader. New hikers are asked to contact leaders in advance of hikes. All hikers should choose a hike within his or her abilities - contact the leader if you have any questions. All who participate in the activities of Westchester Trails Association (WTA) do so at their own risk. A hike listing with an NWP designation means that the group meets in the parking lot of the North White Plains train station at the stated time for a carpool to the trailhead. (Otherwise, please contact the leader for information about the meeting time and place.) To reach the NWP lot, take the Bronx River Parkway to Fisher Lane in North White Plains and follow the train station sign. The parking lot is half a block from the turn, on the right hand side, before the underpass. There is no charge in this lot on Saturdays or Sundays. If coming by train please notify the leader. Walk down the stairs from the train platform to the parking lot on the NYC bound side, then walk north toward the toll booth. We encourage carpooling to the hike site. This arrangement is entirely voluntary and entails no obligation on the part of the drivers. Passengers should reimburse the driver for a share of the expenses. We suggest that you multiply the miles driven round trip (to and from the trailhead) by 30 per mile, add tolls and parking fees if applicable, and divide the total by the number of people in the car (including the driver). You may wish to round these amounts up or down to the nearest dollar, to make things easier. A schedule of WTA activities is printed 4 times a year. If a leader s contact information is not listed below, please Eileen West at eileenw1000@gmail.com for details. To become a member, please print out and complete the application on our website. Make checks or money orders payable to Westchester Trails Assoc., and mail to the address on the application Saturday, March 5 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday, March 5 - Round Hill-East Mountain Circular. 6-7 miles, moderate. This Fahnestock loop starts with a steep climb to Round Hill from which we will enjoy several views, and then on to East Mountain. Meet at 9:30 at Hubbard Perkins Parking just north of junction of 9 & 301. Leader: Minu Chaudhuri (914) or minu1@optonline.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, March 5 - Edith Read Sanctuary, Rye NY. 2-3 miles, easy. Wooded trails, a marsh, a lake, the Long Island Sound and a bamboo forest. The planned hike is two hours, but we can add more walking on the boardwalk for another hour or two. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 16).

2 Sunday, March 6 - Around the County - Bedford to Lewisboro. Part 5: Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. 7 miles, moderate. Now that we have visited the preserves in the eastern part of Lewisboro, we return to Pound Ridge and head north, exploring the area near the upper Pound Ridge/Lewisboro border. First, we ll hike through the Clark Preserve and then arrive at the place that first comes to mind when we say Pound Ridge - Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Our route will take us along part of the Rocks Trail and other trails, and will end on the Lewisboro side of the park near Kimberly Bridge, where the next hike in this series will begin. Meet at the Cross River shopping plaza at the intersections of Routes 121 and 35 to consolidate cars for the shuttle. Contact the leader for meeting time or other questions. Leader: Eileen West, eileenw1000@gmail.com. Rain or heavy snow cancels. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (Nos. 63 and 94a [if done with Part 3 of this series]. Saturday, March 12 - Rockefeller Park - Main Entrance. 5-6 miles, easy to moderate. This is a three to four hour hike which may lead to Stone Barns for food. Bring lunch or buy lunch. There are picnic tables indoors and outdoors. Fee to park. For meeting time or information, call Jean Dolen at (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 59). Sunday, March 13 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, March 13 - Beacon Mountain, Pocket Road Ascent. 7 miles, moderate to strenuous. This is the lesser known and traveled trail up Beacon Mountain offering picturesque trails bordering a fast-moving stream and multiple waterfalls. Spectacular views from the ridge. We'll also visit a makeshift war memorial and recount its poignant history. Same substantial climb to the top, just from a different direction. Reasonably civilized. Some easy scrambling, about 2000' elevation gain. Like all my hikes these numbers may change a bit. Ahem. Meet at 10 a.m. on Pocket Road (northeast side of the mountain). Parking is limited so please try to car pool. Leader: Howard Millman (914) , hwardmillman@aol.com. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, March 13 - Blue Mountain Reservation, Peekskill. (NWP). 5-6 miles, easy to moderate. Scenic trails with massive rock formations. Trails are mostly easy; steady ascent on Blue Mountain. Meet at 9:30 at North White Plains, or contact leader for time and place to meet at the park. Leader: Catharine Raffaele. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 48). Saturday, March 19 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday, March 19 - Route 9D to Bear Mountain. 5-6 miles, moderate to strenuous. Starting from Rt 9D, we cross the Bear Mountain Bridge (nice river views) and go through the zoo down to the river. We then ascend Bear Mountain ('the goal') via the Major Welch and descend by way of the AT. The ascent up Bear Mountain is steep but will be done at a moderate pace. Depending on conditions, some sort of traction aid might be a good idea. Leader Steve Klepner, spk010@yahoo.com, (home) (914) , (cell) (845) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, March 19 - Cranberry Lake Preserve. 3-4 miles, easy to moderate. This is a two to three hour hike through a North White Plains preserve in an area of quarry used to build the Kensico Dam a century ago. Trails go past various ponds, woods, rock formations, bridges and the foundation of an old quarry building. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 51). Sunday, March 20 - Around the County - Bedford to Lewisboro. Part 6: Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. 9 miles, moderate. This hike begins where we left off last time - at the Kimberly Bridge picnic area in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Depending on ground conditions, we will do a circular on the blue or other trails. Then we head north, back into Lewisboro. We ll visit the Lewisboro Town Park, and continue from there to explore various trails in the Old Field Preserve, Pine Croft Meadow

3 and Long Pond Preserve, where this season s Around the County series of hikes will end. Contact leader for meeting time and place. Leader: Eileen West, eileenw1000@gmail.com. Rain or heavy snow cancels. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (Nos. 12 and 63). Saturday, March 26 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday, March 26 - Overlook and Fishkill Ridge Loop. 8 miles, moderate to strenuous. This hike begins at the Sunnyside Road parking. We start with a steep ascent up the Overlook Trail, then climb Lamb s and Bald Hills. If conditions and enthusiasm permit, we will complete the Ridge Circuit before returning to descend the Overlook Trail. Plan on 2,000' elevation gain. Contact leader Jane Restani by 5:00 P.M. Friday to register at irabjanea@aol.com. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, March 26 - Fahnestock Loop. 6-7 miles, easy to moderate. This is a loop hike on the Perkins and Fahnestock trails. We will hike over rolling hills in horse country, through hardwood forests, along streams, and by several ponds. Contact leader to register. Jane Smalley (914) or jsmallpt@aol.com. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, March 27 - Pine Meadow Loop. (NWP). 6 miles, moderate. The brooks and cascades will be rushing this time of year. We'll lunch overlooking the lake, there are great views along the shoulder of Diamond Mountain, and we can meditate at Ga-nus-quah rock. Meet at NWP at 9:30, or at the Reeves Meadow Visitor's Center on Seven Lakes Drive at 10:20 a.m. Leader: Carolyn Hoffman, earthwormch@aol.com, home (914) , cell on day of hike only (914) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, April 2 - Multi-Hued Bull Hill. 6 miles, moderate to strenuous. Explore Taurus (a/k/a Bull Hill) and environs starting from the lesser used Nelsonville trailhead, traversing a quintet of trails - Red, White, Blue, Green and Yellow. To register, contact the leader Debbie Farrell at debfarpr@gmail.com or call (914) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, April 3 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, April 3 - Dunderberg Circular. 9:00-5:00 (NWP). 8 miles, moderate to strenuous. We will climb up to the ridge on the RD and return on the Timp Torne. Lots of ups and downs all day, rewarded by spectacular views in all directions. Leader: Catharine Raffaele. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, April 3 - Saxon Woods Park, Weinberg Nature Center. 9:30-2:00 (NWP). 3-4 miles, easy. A delightful three mile walk in the Park with tall trees, a pond and the ruins of an old stone building. An optional extension to the Weinberg Nature Center adds one mile to the hike. Leader: Herb Hochberg, (914) , h_hochberg@hotmail.com. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 60). Saturday, April 9 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday, April 9 - Anthony s Nose. 6 miles, strenuous. The Camp Smith Trail is said to be the most rugged trail in Westchester County. You will be rewarded for your efforts with many panoramic views along this scenic route. Lunch will be at Anthony s Nose and then we will head back to the starting point. Co-leaders: Lillian Wolfe-Brown, sunset922@aol.com and Alice Benash, ajrb3@verizon.net. Rain cancels. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 50). Saturday, April 9 - Butler Memorial Sanctuary. 3-4 miles, easy to moderate. This is a lovely hike that is perfect for those hikers who want to graduate from easy hikes to moderate hikes. One trail is fairly level and the other trail we take is moderate as there is some elevation. To register, call

4 Carol Harting at (845) or at Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 49). Sunday, April 10 - THREE HIKES TODAY: Sunday, April 10 - Saugatuck Reservoir Circular. 12 miles, moderate. Using trails within the Trout Brook Preserve and the Centennial Watershed State Forest, we will do a circular hike around the Saugatuck Reservoir, located within the towns of Weston, Easton and Redding, CT. Lots of water views from every direction as we hike along and above the shore. Meet the leader at the Katonah railroad station (in the Jay Street lot on the northbound side of the tracks) at 8:45 a.m. About a dozen hikers are expected to arrive on the 8:58 train from NYC, so please register in advance since we need enough cars to accommodate everyone on the drive to the trailhead. Leader: Eileen West, eileenw1000@gmail.com. Awful weather cancels. Note: This is a New York Ramblers hike. Sunday, April 10 - Mountain Lakes Camp. 5-6 miles, easy to moderate. This is a three to four hour hike through a County park with a partially restored camp from the olden days. Yurts and log cabins, bonfire pit, bathrooms, dining hall, etc. Trails are beautifully marked through the camp, with some view areas. Bring lunch and water. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 57). Sunday, April 10 - Whippoorwill Park, Chappaqua. (NWP 9:30 a.m.) 3 miles, easy to moderate. This is slow but steady hike, and is dog friendly (welcoming well-behaved dogs on leashes.) Gentle terrain with a few hills in a hardwood forest. Contact leader if you want to meet at the trailhead. Leader: Carolyn Hoffman, earthwormch@aol.com, home (914) , cell on day of hike only (914) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No 45.) Saturday, April 16 - THREE HIKES TODAY: Saturday, April 16 - Fields, Farms, Cemetery, and Mines Hike. 8 miles, easy to moderate. The hike begins with a brief exploration of the farms and a mine around the St. Johns Church area in Harriman. Then it's off to find a seldom seen woodland cemetery. Along the way we'll pass a forest of pretty mountain laurel. We'll stop by the Hasenclever Mine, Harriman's oldest and most important mine. The return route will pass Lake Askoti, and more laurel. Brief off trail; no short pants. Meet at the trailhead on St. Johns Road immediately north of the Church at 9:30 a.m. Leader: Mark Jelléy (914) , hvdaytrips@comcast.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, April 16 - Wonder Lake State Park in Putnam County. 6 miles, easy to moderate. Acquired by New York State in 1998 and expanded in 2006, this park covers over 900 acres in both the towns of Paterson and Kent. There is the main Lake, a smaller pond, and some hills. Please note that even though the hike is easy to moderate, it is not for first-time hikers. Carpooling is not available, so we will be meeting at the trailhead. To register, please call the leader Barry Leibowitz by 5 p.m. on the day before the hike at (845) (home) or (914) (cell). Rain cancels. Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Saturday, April 16 - Orchard Beach and Hunter Island. 4 miles, easy. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk of Orchard Beach and around the trails and shoreline of Hunter Island. Meet the leader at 11 a.m. at the Orchard Beach parking lot - we will be on the side closest to the beach, at the far right corner of the lot. Leader: Josephine Pierri. Rain cancels. Sunday, April 17 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, April 17 - Harriman Loop Hike # 21 (Pingyp Mountain). 7-8 miles, moderate to strenuous. This hike has sections with some strenuous terrain. Be prepared for rock scrambling. The

5 hike is not recommended for beginners or folks who hate iffy footing. Contact leader Jane Restani by 5:00 P.M. Saturday to register at Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, April 17 - Lasdon Park, Somers. 2-3 miles, easy. Enjoy the spring flowers in this lovely Westchester County park as we walk the path of war memorials and then through the gardens and a field of beautiful trees, leading us to the historic tree section, and circle a pond with a pagoda. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 34). Saturday, April 23 - A HIKE AND A CANOE/KAYAK TODAY: Saturday, April 23 - Lion's Head and Bear Mtn (Salisbury CT). 8 miles, moderate to strenuous. Plenty of views on this hike, using part of the Appalachian Trail. Shuttle involved. Call or for additional information and to register. Leader: Steve Singlak, (845) or srshudson@verizon.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, April 23 - Canoe/Kayak, Chodikee Lake, Highland, NY. About 5 or 6 miles of lake and stream paddling. The meandering streams at both the north and south ends provide plenty of wildlife habitat, with acres of dead and dying trees, extensive wooded swamps and stands of catails and other marsh vegetation. We may encounter a few beaver dams. There may be space in leader's canoe. Directions: New York State Thruway to Exit 18, New Paltz. We'll meet at 10:00 at the Mall. Turn left onto 299 and then a right into the Mall. Contact leader to register. Jane Smalley (914) or jsmallpt@aol.com. Joint event with ADK Mohican. Sunday, April 24 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, April 24 - Southern Harriman Circular. 8 miles, moderately strenuous. This hike starts from the Reeves Meadow Visitors Center and uses portions of the Pine Meadow, Seven Hills, and Racoon Brook trails and affords many viewpoints - one can see the NYC skyline on a clear day! The route has varied terrain with a few short rock scrambles and water crossings. Contact the leader, Judy Hirschman, hirschmanjudith@gmail.com before Friday evening (April 22) to register. Heavy rain cancels. Sunday, April 24 - Hook Mountain Circular. 6 miles, moderate. The day will begin with an easy northward hike along the Shore Path and progress with a ridge walk on the Long Path, ascending to the Hook Mountain summit with its spectacular views of the Hudson, then returning on local streets to our cars. A beautiful hike, but not suitable for beginners. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Saturday, April 30 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday, April 30 - Great Mountains, Great Lake Hike. 7 miles, moderate plus. This hike has something for everyone. We'll hike up to Tom Jones and Parker Cabin mountains, while enjoying the many fabulous views. Then we'll use a lesser traveled route along a pretty wetland to the beautiful Lake Skenonto (we may even see beavers there), and return along another lesser used route. There are 3 short but steep strenuous ascents, with long periods of easy hiking in between. Hiking poles recommended. Meet at the Ramapo-Dunderberg trailhead lot on Route 106 in Harriman (to the west of Kanawauke Circle) at 9:30 a.m. Leader: Mark Jelléy (914) , hvdaytrips@comcast.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, April 30 - Old Croton Aqueduct, Hastings to Yonkers. 5-6 miles, easy. Lovely views of the Hudson River on this easy hike with a few hills, which we will do at a leisurely pace.

6 Surprise lunch stop, then on to the Hudson River Museum for an optional visit, if desired. Return by the same route. Meet in the parking lot off Washington Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson. Driving directions: Take U.S Route 9 to Hastings, turn west (towards the river) on Washington Avenue, then turn left on Aqueduct Lane, which is a sharp diagonal turn onto a unpaved parking area. If you reach Warburton Avenue, you ve gone too far. Contact the leader for starting time. Leader: Ellie Carren, (914) No calls after 11 PM, please. Sunday, May 1 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, May 1 - Breakneck Ridge/Sunset Point. 7-8 miles, moderate to strenuous. Views all day - Wilkinson Trail over Sugarloaf to Sunset Point and return on the Breakneck Ridge Trail/Breakneck Bypass. Meet at the large parking lot just north of the 9D tunnel. Leader: Steve Singlak, (845) or srshudson@verizon.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, May 1 - Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. 5.6 miles, easy to moderate. This will be a pleasant walk in the woods on gentle terrain on the Reservation s red ski trail. To register, call Carol Harting at (845) or at c.harting@verizon.net. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 63). Saturday May 7 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Saturday May 7 - Suffern to Sloatsburg. 8-9 miles, moderate to strenuous. This one way hike traverses some little used areas in Harriman and passes several interesting rock formations. For information or to register contact Bob Fiscina at fis6973@verizon.net. A shuttle will be required. No beginners please. Rain cancels. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, May 7 - Bear Mountain. 5 miles, moderate plus. We will take winding steps (800 or more) to the midway point, then a trail with minor scrambling to the top. A beautiful view from the top surrounding Perkins Tower (an historical museum, not open at this time of year). Call the leader, Jean Dolen, to register at (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Sunday, May 8 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, May 8 - Jones Point to the Timp. 7-8 miles, moderate to strenuous. Starting at Jones Point, we take the RD up Dunderberg Mountain and continue on via Bald Mountain to the Timp. Return via the Timp Torne trail. Many Hudson River views, particularly if the leader can find the alternate trail near the top of Dunderberg. A big up at the beginning followed by several ups and downs, done at a moderate pace. Bring a lunch and at least 1.5 quarts of water. Leader Steve Klepner, spk010@yahoo.com, (home) (914) , (cell) (845) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, May 8 - Marshlands Conservancy. 3-4 miles, easy. Enjoy a two hour hike in this Rye preserve on a network of trails through a field, a deciduous forest and a salt marsh. Meet leader at 10:00 a.m. at the Conservancy parking lot, located at 220 Boston Post Road near the Rye Golf Course. Leader: Leslie Millman. Contact leader by at oooleslie@aol.com. Cell number is for day of hike changes only: (914) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 9). Saturday May 14 - THREE HIKES TODAY: Saturday May 14 - Storm King. 8-9 miles, moderate to strenuous. Starting from 9W, we climb Butter Hill, descend to Rt 218, continue on to Storm King and the North Ridge of Crows Nest Mountain

7 before returning to the cars. For information or to register contact Bob Fiscina at No beginners please. Rain cancels. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Saturday, May 14 - Mianus River Gorge Preserve. 4.5 miles, easy to moderate. The Mianus River Gorge Preserve is nearly 800 acres of old-growth forests, rare hemlock forests, woodlands, stone walls, abundant wildlife and the Mianus River - a water supply for over 150,000 people in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Some of the highlights of the hike include the seasonal Havemeyer Falls and the Hobby Hill Quarry. Directions: Route 684 to Exit 4 (NY 172), Route 172 East toward Bedford Village, left on Route 22 North past the village green to Long Ridge Road (Mobil gas station on right) for less than ½ mile to Miller s Mill Road, Right on Miller s Mill Road, go down the hill and across the bridge, Left on Mianus Road (dirt road). It is half a mile to the parking lot on the left. Contact leader Art Adelman at aadelman@optonline.net or (914) for meeting time. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 56). Saturday, May 14 - Central Park Walk, NYC. 6 miles, easy to moderate. Explore Central Park from the north end to midtown, see the historic monuments along the way, and enjoy optional th sightseeing afterwards. Take the Metro North Harlem Line to 125 Street - contact leader for details. Leader: Jean Dolen, (914) Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Sunday, May 15 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, May 15 - Schunemunk Circular. 8 miles, moderate to strenuous. Contact leader for meeting time. We enjoy two ridge walks and a waterfall on this hike, using the Trestle, Western Ridge, Jessup and Otterkill Trails. Good views abound. Leader: Eileen West (914) ; eileenw1000@gmail.com. Rain cancels. Sunday, May 15 - Morning Hike & Lunch at the Monastery. 4 miles, moderate. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the Pelton Pond Picnic parking lot on Route 301 just off the Taconic Parkway. After a 2-3 hour hike around Canopus Lake on the AT, we will go to the Buddhist Monastery in Kent, NY for a vegetarian lunch ($6) and a tour of the grounds and buildings. The largest statue of the Buddha in the Western hemisphere is located there. Contact Carole Ehleben, ehleben@optonline.net or (914) for information and to register. Note: This is an ADK Mohican hike. Saturday, May 21 - TWO HIKES AND A CANOE/KAYAK TODAY: Saturday, May 21 - Northern Harriman Lake Skannatati Circular. 8 miles, moderate. This hike begins at the Lake Skannatati parking area off Seven Lakes Drive. We use a variety of trails including the Long Path and Dunning before stopping for a scenic lunch at Island Pond. Contact the leader for meeting time. Leader: Marvin Pasternak, hikermarv@aol.com, (718) Rain cancels. Saturday, May 21 - Muscoot Farm (Katonah). 4-5 miles, easy to moderate. We will walk the yellow perimeter trail and perhaps other trails if the weather conditions are favorable. Meet the leader at 10 a.m. at the Muscoot farm parking lot, or form your own car pool from NWP and head north to Muscoot. Leader: Usha Shukla, shukla_usha@hotmail.com. Rain cancels. Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 58). Saturday May 21 - Canoe/Kayak, BashaKill. This is the largest freshwater wetland in southeastern New York, which protects acres of habitat for all kinds of wildlife. If we are lucky we may catch the spring bird migration. The leader may set up a shuttle for a one way paddle through the entire wetlands. There may be space in leader's canoe. Bring binoculars, lunch, and a sense of adventure. Contact leader to register. Jane Smalley (914) or jsmallpt@aol.com. Joint event with ADK Mohican.

8 Sunday, May 22 - TWO HIKES TODAY: Sunday, May 22 - Island Pond Circular. 6-7 miles, moderate. We ll start on the A-SB, hike up to the ridge for expansive views along the RD and Lichen trails, and then head over to Island Pond for a relaxing break on a rock outcrop overlooking the water. Return is via the A.T. Co-leaders: Alice Benash, ajrb3@verizon.net and Lillian Wolfe-Brown, sunset922@aol.com. Rain cancels. Sunday, May 22 - Rockefeller State Park. 4-6 miles, easy to moderate. We will explore several trails on a less traveled side of the preserve, which will enable us to see views of the Saw Mill River valley. Meet the leader at 9.30 a.m. in the large parking lot owned by the Town of Mount Pleasant (formerly the Mt. Pleasant pool) on Route 117. If you are heading west, the lot is on your left, past Route 9A and the North County Trailway parking lot, but before Route 448. If you need a ride please contact the leader in advance. Inclement weather may cancel. Leader: Sue Soni, surekhasoni1968@gmail.com, (914) Qualifies for the Westchester 100 (No. 59). Saturday, May 28 - Al s Trail and Lake Lillinonah, Newtown, CT. 6-7 miles, moderate. This linear hike through the Upper Paugussett State Forest combines Al s Trail (part of the Newtown Trailway system) and the blue-blazed Lake Lillinonah Trail, offering multiple ups and downs and frequent water views. Then we ll head over to the Holy Cow Ice Cream Stand for a post-hike treat. Carpooling is available from the Exit 3 Park & Ride off Route 84 in Danbury, CT (across from Trader Joe s). Register with one of the co-leaders: Carol Harting at c.harting@verizon.net or (845) , or Eileen West at eileenw1000@gmail.com. Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Sunday, May 29 - Hi-Tor and the Long Path. (9:30 a.m., NWP). 7 miles, moderate. This is a shuttle hike on moderate terrain with some easy sections featuring Hi-Tor, the highest point in the Palisades with spectacular views over the Hudson. Leaders: Frank Lee, fleessa@yahoo.com, and Carolyn Hoffman, earthwormch@aol.com, home (914) , cell on day of hike only (914) Joint hike with ADK Mohican. Monday, May 30 - Shenandoah Mountain off the AT. 6 miles, moderate. This hike with 1,282 feet of elevation gain is moderate enough to give everyone a good workout before those Memorial Day picnics. We will pass the RPH Shelter and climb to the open summit on Shenandoah Mountain, then come back down the same route. Contact Carol Harting at c.harting@verizon.net or (845) to register. Joint hike with ADK Mohican.