Angle Fly Preserve (Somers NY)

This is a hike that we have featured for the last 8 years. Angle Fly Preserve.

We were the first group to ever feature this hike, and it is not typically offered with other area groups.

Type of hike - Hike for a beginner -looking to take the next step up - easy for my Sunday Regulars - TONS OF SHADE

Note: Estimated group size likely 22-26- I have more flexibility beyond that if you are part of a carpool.

Estimated Distance -4 to 5.5 miles depending on heat and final route

Everyone starts on the waitlist -the first spots always go to the regulars with a SOLID history of attendance.

The land protected within Angle Fly Preserve has a history that has been traced back over 200 years to the early days of the United States of America. It forms part of an historic corridor in Somers known as the Mt. Zion Historic Neighborhood, which runs much of the length of Primrose Street/Rt. 139 and Plum Brook Roads, both pre-Revolutionary public roads. The name "Angle Fly Brook" can be found in early histories of the Town of Somers.

From Farm to Gentleman Estate
The Reynolds Homestead – 72 acres of current day Angle Fly Preserve – was sold to Edwin Tatham in 1905. The Tatham House on the hill overlooking the Reynolds House was built between 1908 and 1916, in Spanish or Mediterranean revival style. The house and its formal, walled garden reflect a time when a number of large farms were turned into so-called Gentlemen Estates. The Reynolds House then housed a series of caretakers for the estate.

In 1933, the estate was purchased by Warner Orvis who installed a pool house, a stone dam on Angle Fly Brook and showcase gardens. Some specimen trees still survive. He was said to have had a weeping wisteria, a highly invasive species. Wisteria now chokes much of the grounds surrounding the ruins of the house.

​Series of Large Developments Proposed
Around 1970, after failing as a private hunting and fishing club, the estate was sold to Primrose Associates who combined it into a larger tract. In 1976 they built and furnished the models for the ill-fated 1,264 unit ill-fated condominium complex known as Primrose Farms. Ruins of model units and the sales office remain on the property. A second unrealized proposal for 278 homes followed in 1988. By 1997, the parcel found its way into the hands of developers who renamed the site Eagle River and proposed 108-homes with four miles of roads. As part of the Eagle River plan, the Tatham house and possibly the Reynolds House were to be razed.

Estimated End Time - 12-12:15

Suggested Donation - $2.00 - Can Venmo - Steven-Tartas

CONTACT: Steve (914) 772-5230 - can call or text - please do not leave messages on the meetup site

TRAILMAP: http://www.somerslandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Angle-Fly-Preserve-Trail-Map-Feb-2012.pdf

Looking for an address that you can enter into your GPS system? Unfortunately, most systems don’t have a street address that corresponds to the main entrance to Angle Fly Preserve. However, the following GPS coordinates should help you find your way: N 41.29481, W 73.71677

TAKE 684 NORTH TO EXIT 6 TURN LEFT UNTO 35 WEST - Stay on 35 west for 1.6 mile. At 4 way intersection, make a right unto 100 North. After .6 miles, take first fork left unto Route 139.

After 1 mile, road curves and you will see open space on your left, slow down park entrance is on your left. Enter Park drive by old farmhouse and gate, stay on worn blacktop road for .4 miles until you reach the parking lot. Lot does feature a small bathroom.

What to bring - Water, snack, hat and camera

Note: No Dogs Allowed - Policy of Angle Fly

In the event of bad weather, I will provide an update before 7:45 AM