About us
This hiking group is about bringing people together to enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming, social, and well-organized way. It focuses on exploring scenic trails throughout CT and NY while creating a sense of community and connection among members. The group encourages inclusive participation, offering hikes suited to a range of abilities, and emphasizes consistency and thoughtful leadership
Please use a clear photo of yourself as your profile picture so it's easy for others to recognize you at meetups.
We do ask for a contribution of $3 per hike or $15 per year to cover [meetup.com] fees. Zelle or Venmo Grace Best
@Grace-Best-1
Last 4 digits of phone # is 9912
If you’ve already paid your annual dues with our previous group, they will carry over and remain valid for a full year in this new group.
Hike Levels
C- hikes are the easiest, with minimal elevation and a duration of about 2½ to 3½ hours.
B- hikes are moderately challenging, with more elevation and lasting about 2½ to 4½ hours.
A- hikes are the most challenging, typically 4 to 6½ hours.
What to Bring
Sturdy footwear or hiking boots and a backpack are strongly recommended.
Bring water and a trail lunch. Please allow yourself enough time to arrive and find the group before the hike begins.
Participants are expected to coordinate their own travel and arrive at the meeting point on time.
If you have any questions about a specific hike, feel free to reach out to that hike's leader.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Grace Best at 203-984-9912.
Liability Disclaimer
By participating in events of this group, you acknowledge that your participation is voluntary and undertaken at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, well-being, and personal property.
By attending, you agree to release and hold harmless the event organizers, hosts, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or related to your participation.
Each participant agrees to exercise their own judgment and take appropriate precautions during all events.
Upcoming events
21
History and Mystery Hawk Rock - the Stonehenge of Putnam County :-)
Dunkin Donuts, 1090 rt 52, carmel, NY, USEveryone starts on the wait list. I'll give priority to people who have tried to get on this event in the past but couldn't get on.
Max is 16 people in 4 cars
Due to limited parking we can only take a limited number of people and we must Carpool from DD to trailhead.
Hike is about 4 miles but seems like 5 :-) and about 2 to 2.5 hours, rated C - no major steep climbs, but not a stroll in the park either. Be prepared for some mud.
We do ask for a contribution of $3 per hike or $15 per year to cover meetup.com fees and our annual social events.
Venmo @Grace-Best-1
203-984-9912
Directions - take I-84 to exit 58 left onto Ludingtonville Road left to route 52 east go about 1 mile to Dunkin Donuts on left across from Kent Elementary School.
It's About 30 minutes from Danbury Mall.
Your GPS may show town as either Carmel or Kent.
We will leave DD parking lot promptly at 10:15 so dont be late, or you may not be able to park at trailhead
Google Maps direct link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ufvod61zvk2im5XS7
Optional Post-hike lunch at Eveready Diner off I-84 or another place TBD.
PS - Since this is on NYC DEP land, technically, everyone needs a free DEP access permit - available here. Click here. (hhttps://www1.nyc.gov/site/dep/recreation/recreation.page
Click here for the NY Times article about Hawk Rock http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/nyregion/15hawk.html
Click here for description from the Kent CAC
http://kentcac.info/wp/hikes/hawk-rock/
Click here to Rock On -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XfmHyG8y-g
Click here for more rock humor https://youtu.be/5tIhwITwhSg?t=25s
Click here to see another odd rock formation that you can drive by before or after the hike - Its at 667 Titicus Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
[https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x89c2ac8ffbf58297:0xed17613db5600d70!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttp://picssr.com/photos/johnsen_dimitrova/interesting?nsid%3D90561303@N00!5snorth+salem+erratic+rock+celtic+rock+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e1!2shttps://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/352387058_994eb744d3.jpg&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjXoOn75I7XAhUFYiYKHfAdAoAQoioIazAK ](https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x89c2ac8ffbf58297:0xed17613db5600d70!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttp://picssr.com/photos/johnsen_dimitrova/interesting?nsid%3D90561303@N00!5snorth+salem+erratic+rock+celtic+rock+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e1!2shttps://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/352387058_994eb744d3.jpg&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjXoOn75I7XAhUFYiYKHfAdAoAQoioIazAK )9 attendees
The 3 Lakes Hike at Mountain Lake Park + Potluck Picnic afterwards
Mountain Lake Park, 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY, US## The 3-Lakes Loop at Mountain Lakes Park
Location: Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, North Salem, NY Distance: ~6.0 miles Elevation Gain: ~800 ft Pace: Moderate/Social (~2.5 mph), Difficulty: Moderate B (Rugged terrain, rolling hills and roots, slippery sections near the lakes).
### The Hike
Join us for a scenic exploration of Westchester’s northernmost wilderness! Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park is a hidden gem that feels more like the Adirondacks than the Hudson Valley. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the park is characterized by dramatic rock outcroppings, native hardwood forests, and a series of beautiful, secluded lakes.
Our "3 Lakes" route focuses on the tranquil shorelines of Hemlock, Spruce, and Pine Lakes. We will navigate a mix of wide woods roads and narrow, technical trails that offer a true backcountry feel. Along the way, we’ll experience the park's highlights, including massive stone features and possible glimpses of local wildlife that frequent these higher elevations.### Park Overview
Mountain Lakes Park boasts the highest point in Westchester County (Bailey Mountain, 982 ft). Because of its elevation, the park often stays several degrees cooler than the surrounding towns, making it a perfect summer escape. The trails are famously "characteristically wet" near the lake edges, so expect some mud, mossy rock scrambles, and technical footwork.
***
### What to Bring
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please come prepared with:
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended. The trails near the lakes can be boggy and rooted; sneakers may not provide sufficient traction or protection.
- Hydration & Nutrition: At least 2 liters of water and high-energy snacks.
- Gear: Trekking poles are very helpful for the rocky and slippery sections.
- Protection: Ticks and mosquitoes are active near the water and under the canopy; please bring/apply your preferred repellent and sun protection.
***
### Meetup Details
- Meeting Point: The parking lot near Hemlock Lake. Please use the specific location pin provided in the event location to find our group.
- Post-Hike Fun: We will host a Potluck Picnic at the lake beach immediately following the hike. Please bring a food item or refreshment to share with the group!
Donations: We do ask for an optional contribution of $3 per hike or $15 per year to cover [meetup.com] fees.
Venmo Grace Best
@Grace-Best-1
Last 4 digits of ☎️ # is 9912***
### Legal Disclaimer
> Participation in this hike is at your own risk. By signing up, you acknowledge that hiking involves inherent dangers, including but not limited to falls, rockslides, and weather-related injuries. You agree that you are physically capable of completing this trek and that the organizer(s) are not responsible for any injuries, illness, or loss of property that may occur during the event.
30 attendees
Past events
6
Group links
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Members
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