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 so lets' take advantage and have an early taste of summer!
For a little history of the park go to: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/history
It is a hidden gem and not the Orchard Beach most people know. Come and be amazed!

This will be an approx. 3 hour hike covering approx. 4 miles on paved paths, a boardwalk and woods trails, mostly level, with some rocky shore lines and a few brushy areas, so PANTS TUCKED INTO SOCKS is strongly recommended along with BUG SPRAY as this area is KNOWN FOR TICKS! Dress in layers and bring (MANDATORY)WATER, 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! The Nature Center has been reopened so we'll stop in for a quick visit.

Restrooms are available. PARKING IS FREE this time of the year.

MEETUP IN MAIN LOT FACING THE PLAYGROUND AND BEACH, LEFT OF THE MAIN STAIRWAY. See google map.

PLEASE leave yourself extra time navigating directions.

AS WITH ALL OF OUR EVENTS YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND THAT OF YOUR GUESTS AND WE CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY YOU MAY INCUR. PARTICIPATING IN THESE EVENTS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. HIKING CAN BE DANGEROUS AND INJURIES CAN OCCUR, SOMETIMES FATAL. If you wander off from the group you are responsible for finding your way back.

Optional dinner depending upon availability and interest at the popular Johnys' Reef at the end of City Island, Tonys or The Seashore Restaurant, the first restaurant on the right upon crossing the bridge over to City Island. at 591 City Island Ave.) Check them out at: http://www.seashorerestaurant.com

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 ParkDirectionsBy 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