Appalachian Mountain Club New York-North Jersey

Registration at: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015mD72AI/act00020354 Clicking "Attend" on Meetup will put you on a wait-list, so please follow this activities.outdoors.org link if you are serious about joining us.

Overview:

• 9:30 am, Monday, April 20
• Kimberly Bridge Parking & Picnic Area, Ward Pound Ridge
• 4.2 miles (low-moderate) or 8 miles (moderate)
• No bushwacking or stream crossings; the Blue Trail (moderate) starts with an uphill climb and also includes a downhill rock scramble

Details:

Our Monday hike takes us to the eastern and northern parts of Westchester's largest park, the 4315 acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

We'll start with the Brown Trail, whose 3.7 miles are among the easiest of the 35 miles of trails in the park, and where we'll hike clockwise. We'll follow the Cross River for the first mile before turning north and then east, then briefly picking up the Deer Hollow Trail and soon thereafter returning to the Brown Trail These trails are mostly flat, although there is a long-but-gentle ascent between park junctions 5 and 6 and a couple of shorter ascents near the end. While sneaker-clad families often populate the Brown Trail on weekends, parts of it are rocky; boots and poles are strongly recommended, even for those planning to skip the Blue Trail.

After finishing the Brown Trail, we'll pass through our parking area, the end point for those doing the 4.2 mile outing; continuing hikers will pick up the 3.8 mile Blue Trail. On the Blue Trail, we'll hike counter-clockwise towards Gilmore Pond, about an hour away. The route starts with a steady 15 minute ascent, then levels off and includes a rocky descent, of a type familiar to anyone who has hiked in Harriman. Soon thereafter, we'll briefly skirt Gilmore Pond, which is private property and guarded with "No Trespassing" signs and allegedly by giant snapping turtles, and then follow the trail back north, returning us to the Kimberly Bridge parking area.

Lunch: Hikers doing the Brown Trail only can expect to be done around 11:45, so will not need to bring lunch. However, hikers continuing on the Blue Trail will stop for lunch at the picnic tables near the parking lot, and 4.2 mile hikers are welcome to join us. And for everyone, water is a must.

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our community. Do not participate if you, or someone whom you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.
RSVP only for "Yes," by Sunday 6:30 pm, by registering here. A pre-hike update will be sent to all signed-up participants early Sunday evening.

>> REGISTER HERE <<
Curious about AMC? Come on in!

Join us for a welcoming, community-centered Open House where you can learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Club and how we connect people to the outdoors. Whether you’re a lifelong hiker, a weekend wanderer, or just beginning your outdoor journey, there’s a place for you here. For 150 years, AMC has been fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. At our Open House, you’ll discover how we bring that mission to life through recreation, conservation, education, and advocacy across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

What to Expect

• Meet AMC staff, volunteers, and members
• Learn about local trips, programs, and volunteer opportunities
• Explore how our conservation work protects the landscapes we all love
• Get the inside scoop on lodging, outdoor experiences, and ways to get involved
• Ask questions and find your next adventure

Why Attend?

Because the outdoors is for all of us. And the more we come together, the more we can do to protect it. You don’t need experience. You don’t need gear. You just need the desire to step outside and connect. So bring a friend, your curiosity, and your love for the outdoors. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are new to the AMC, a long-time member, or just curious about us. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Where to Meet

Meet at the Rivian Showroom at 461 West 14th Street in Manhattan. Refreshments, information sharing, and more.

Spring is Sprung so let’s celebrate Earth Day with a Phone Photo Walk at the NYBG free entrance to the Grounds on Wednesday! There is a 10:21am Train from Grand Central to the NYBG (22min train ride). Group meets at 11am by the ticket booth of the NYBG across the street from Metro North train Stop on 2950 Southern Blvd, Bronx NY. Bring your hat, snacks and water, wear supportive shoes and be prepared to walk some 4 to 5miles in search of the Magnolia and Cherry trees in bloom! Let’s improve our Phone Photography skills, enjoy the Nature and make new friends. Please also register on the AMC website at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX00000121c92AA/act00019254
Check my Instagram page for some inspiration at @rebecaphotony

Leader: Rebeca Galbinski

Let’s celebrate Arbor Day with a Phone Photo walk in Central Park! Group meets at the Conservatory Water at 11am at Le Pain Quotidien Cafe by the Kerbs Boathouse - entrance to the Park is on 72nd St and 5th Ave. We will walk some 3 miles North passing Alice in Wonderland, the Obelisk behind the MET Museum and head to the Bridle Path by the West Side of the Reservoir in search of the Cherry trees in bloom. Let’s improve our Phone Photo skills and make new friends. Wear supportive shoes, bring snacks and water and be ready to take nice pictures! Please also register on the AMC NY-NJ Chapter website at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000012PEf2AM/act00019370
Check out my Instagram for some inspiration
@rebecaphotony

Leader: Rebeca Galbinski