Buttermilk Hill - Rockefeller Preserve

Rockefeller Preserve - Buttermilk Hill Hike

5+ Mile Hike Ending at the Blue Hill Cafe!

From its summit are obtained fine views of the Hudson Highlands, the Statue of Liberty in New York Bay and the spires of St. Patrick's Cathedral...

(From the New York Central Publication — Health and Pleasure, 1895)

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According to legend, Buttermilk Hill, one of the highest hills in Westchester, got its name during the Revolutionary War. As a result of the conflict, farmers trying to hide their cattle from cattle thieves herded them to the far side of Buttermilk Hill. Because local residents still needed butter and buttermilk, they had to walk up the hill where the cows where hidden. Some people believe that is why the hill is named "Buttermilk Hill." (http://www.pocanticohills.org/history/rooke... (http://www.pocanticohills.org/history/rookery.htm))

According to a New York Times story from 1881, about the murder of a farm-hand over a bag of nuts, "This mountain, which is thickly covered in tress of all kinds and a thick, shabby undergrowth, has in the past been the scene of many unlawful deeds."

Sounds like our kind of place!

Terrain: Easy to moderate, with rolling hills along well-groomed carriage trails..

Distance: 5+ miles. Something a tad longer than our Monday hikes, about 2.0 - 2.5 hours.

Pace: Moderate to brisk. We will be walking at a very brisk pace! Please assess your ability to keep this pace before signing up.

What to bring and wear: Dress warmly in layers. Make sure you have water. I'll check the trail conditions on Sunday and let you know if we will need traction devices.

Meeting location: Stone Barns Agricultural Center.

http://www.stonebarnscenter.org/visit/before-you-visit/hours-and-directions.html

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Free Parking. We will meet in the bottom lot of the Stone Barns Agricultural Center. Down by the greenhouses and the pigs!

Cancellation notices: I will cancel by 8:00am if the weather looks dicey or if the hiking conditions are not great.

Pets: Friendly, well behaved bogs are welcome. The park requires dogs to be leashed at all times. It is possible that we will encounter one or more horses with riders or carriages.

Hike Description:

We will hike under Route 448 and up Buttermilk Hill. The hike will end at the courtyard of the Blue Hill Restaurant where the Blue Hill Cafe will be open for a snack and more socializing.

http://www.bluehillfarm.com/food/fact-sheet/blue-hill-cafe

Contact: Feel free to post a question to the site or send me an email. I'll send out a group email with my cell number 24 hours ahead of the hike so you can contact me for cancellations and directions.

Liability Waiver: This is a fun and interesting group of people that enjoy hiking and socializing, it is not organized by a professional hiker.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/4/6/event_91980582.jpegHiking or outdoor activities have inherent risks. Your participation in our hikes or other events could be dangerous and can result in serious injury, medical emergency, even death.
You agree to participate in this event completely at your own risk and to take full responsibility for your own safety and well being, including those of your guests.

(Photo, Chew)