Manitou Point Preserve Day Hike - Moderate

Official registration for this hike will be processed via the following link: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001OYCs/act00014830

Manitou Point Preserve has several short but lovely hiking trails to explore. On this trip, we will hike them all from the parking lot: Perimeter Trail, Livingston Trail, Copper Mine Trail, Upland Trail, Manitou Road Bypass Trail and the short Connector Trail (not listed in hiking order). Combined, we will hike close to 4 miles. All trails share a unique view of the wooded landscape and provide a different hike experience from views of a ravine to a slight view of the Hudson River.

Here's the plan: Meeting time is 9:30am and location is at the the trailhead parking lot. For those of us who are taking the Metro-North train, we meet outside the platform at the Manitou train station (pulls into the station at 9:05 am). From there, we'll walk to the parking lot to meet with fellow hikers who drove. The walk is approximately 20 minutes on the road. Together, we'll begin our adventure on the Perimeter trail, which leads us to the other trails.

Important to know:
This hike is both public transportation and beginner friendly. The general pace will be social and steady. We will take breaks as needed and decide as a group where we will have our lunch. There are no bathrooms on the trail or at the train station. The rating is moderate due to the terrain and not suitable for folks who have trouble with gradual and steep ascents/descents.

Transportation Options (Please note the links are provided as a courtesy. Attendee is ultimately responsible for their transportation and related costs to and from the hike):

Public Transportation: MetroNorth Train Schedule (https://new.mta.info/schedules):
Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan: Take the 7:56 am Hudson Line 8807 Poughkeepsie bound train to Manitou Train Station. Arrival is scheduled for 9:05 am into Manitou.
Harlem 125th Street Station: Same train mentioned above pulls into Harlem at 8:06 am. Tip: Sit in the last two train car because the doors only open in the rear at Manitou.

Driving: Manitou Point Preserve Parking Lot, 90 Mystery Point Rd Garrison, NY 10524, New York, Hudson River Valley, NY
Google Maps Pin for the Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PDUvA4LKyVDma1dX8

What to bring/pack/wear:

• New to hiking? Here is a link that hopefully answers your gear questions: https://amc-ny.org/hiking-faqs/
• Appropriate, sturdy hiking footwear is a MUST (this terrain is not suitable for regular running/walking sneakers or boots with zero tread);
• Trekking poles are highly suggested;
• Lunch, snacks, electrolytes and no less than 2-3 liters of water.
• Please dress for the weather! Wear layers that you can adjust for comfort. There will be several parts of tree cover and sun exposure - wear sunscreen, bring a wide brimmed hat and bug spray.

FYI: Severe weather cancels the hike and we would try to reschedule.

Additional Information:
Brief History of Trail: https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/places/manitou-point-preserve
Trail Map Link: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/osi-craft/Manitou_TrailSign_June2018.pdf
Photo Credit: Open Space Institute