CANCELLED:Hidden Paradise Hike at Orchard Beach / Pelham Bay Park

Come enjoy a little piece of heaven tucked away at Orchard Beach/ Pelham Bay Park; the Big Apples' biggest park!! It's' the best time of the year to go without the crowds! A little taste of summer in April! Let's enjoy these longer days!

If you've never been on this walk/hike, this is your chance to discover these well hidden trails and little oasis at Orchard Beach, where few people venture! It's not your Mothers' Orchard Beach!

For a little history of the park go to: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/12110

This will be a 2 1/2 - 3 hour hike covering approx. 4 miles on paved paths, a boardwalk and woods trails, mostly level, with some rocky shore lines and possibly a few brushy areas, so PANTS TUCKED INTO SOCKS is strongly recommended along with BUGSPRAY as this area is KNOWN FOR TICKS! Dress in layers and bring (MANDATORY)WATER, Recommended Masks for Restrooms, sun protection,snacks and Cameras.

We will be taking the Twin Island and Kazimiroff Nature (mostly shaded) woods Trails around Twin and Hunter Islands (no longer actual islands though they have the feel of a remote little oasis) at a slow/moderate pace with many stops to enjoy the stunning panoramic vistas of the bay and marshlands from some rocky, glacier formed shore lines. This is also a great birding place so you may want to bring your binoculars too!

Restrooms available.

PARKING IS FREE at this time of the year.

MEEETUP IN PARKING LOT (SEE GOOGLE MAP) FACING THE PLAYGROUND AND BEACH.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/8/7/9/600_442806265.jpeg

Optional Dinner at Johnys' Reef, 2 City Island Ave. https://johnnysreefrestaurant.com or Tonys' Pier at the end of City Island Ave., a short drive from the park. Outdoor dining available, first come, no reservations, CASH ONLY. Bring layers if you plan to eat outside.

Inclement weather cancels. ALWAYS check the day of an event for possible changes.

DIRECTIONS from NYC GOVT.PARKS site: Use Orchard Beach and City Island Exits

Pelham Bay Park DirectionsBy Car:

The Bruckner Expressway/New England Thruway has two park exits, "Country Club Road/Pelham Bay Park" and "Orchard Beach/City Island." So does the Hutchinson River Parkway at "Pelham Parkway East" and "Orchard Beach/ City Island." Pelham Parkway serves as a cross-town route to the park. IF taking the Hutch. South get off at Exit 5 for Orchard Beach, City Island, stay straight on Hutch. .3 miles, enter roundabout and get off at 2nd exit for Orchard Beach/ City Island. Head toward Orchard Beach and parking lot will be to your left.

By Bus:

The Bx12, Bx29, Bx5, Bx52, and Westchester Line number 45 serve the park. Orchard Beach is served by the Bx5 and Bx12 buses during the summer only. During the winter, take the Bx29 to the City Island Circle and walk to the beach. subject to change