Save the Dates: Guided Walks in June in Rockland County

Join experienced Rockland County Trail Guide Docents on a variety of free local guided walks on two Saturdays in June.

“We hope County residents take advantage of this great chance to explore our beautiful, natural environment and get some exercise at the same time,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

Guided park walks are scheduled throughout the year—for more information and the schedule visit www.rocklandsteps.org/calendar.

Harriman State Park, Reeves Meadow

• June 20 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Join Docent Marianne Bloomfeld, on this moderate to difficult (2.5-sneaker) 3-mile walk on a mostly cleared, level trail with a few steps and rocks. This trail follows the meandering Stony Brook. Let’s explore what lives along the stream, possibly finding some blooming plant life or croaking frogs.
• Meet in the Reeves Meadow parking lot near the Stone Building.
• Directions: NY State Thruway to Exit 15 A (Sloatsburg/Suffern). Turn LEFT at end of exit ramp onto Route 17N. Go 2.5 miles to Seven Lakes Drive. Turn RIGHT. Go 1.5 miles to Reeves Meadow lot. If lot is full, park alongside of the road.
• This walk is not stroller-friendly. Restrooms are not available and no dogs are allowed.

Kennedy Dells Park: “Rockland County’s Secret Hollywood! Lights, Camera, Action; Explore the evolution of early movie history in Rockland County”

• June 27 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Join Docent Jack Bloom, on this moderate to easy (2-sneaker) 3-miles walk on mostly flat, some wooded and some wide and hard-packed trails. Take a wooded hike while you learn some of the 35mm history of early New City. Learn about the start of the movie business right at Kennedy Dells Park... New City’s Secret Hollywood.
• Meet in the main Kennedy Dells parking lot on North Main Street, New City, 1⁄2 mile north of Phillips Hill Road on the left.
• Directions: Head North on Main Street in New City until you are out of town. Pass Phillips Hill Road light and the park is approximately 1⁄2 mile on the left.
• Restrooms are available at this park. This park is not stroller friendly and please do not bring your dog on this walk.

Important general information about the guided walks: Pre-registration for all walks is suggested (for some walks pre-registration is required). For more information about the walks or to register, call (845) 708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.

Check www.rocklandsteps.org/calendar and click on the walk(s) you are interested in for more information, directions, and any changes to the schedule. Walks are held through out the year—stay tuned by checking out the website periodically for updates.

Meet in the parking lot, unless otherwise specified. All walks are rain or shine. Wear proper footwear (closed-toe sturdy shoes such as walking shoes/boots or sneakers) and clothing (light-colored) and seasonally appropriate attire such as a jacket or hat, depending on the weather. Hiking boots are preferred. Bring along binoculars, water, sunscreen, a snack, and walking sticks if desired. As with any physical activity program, it is recommended you speak to your physician before starting.

All guided walks are coordinated and supported in partnership with the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Rockland County Youth Bureau’s Conservation Corps program and the Rockland County Department of Health’s Steps to a Healthier Rockland program.

PHOTO: www.nynjtc.org