One of the many things I love about New York is the countless outdoor destinations that dot the state. From gorgeous state parks to breathtaking nature preserves, there is always some place worthy of my time. One of these delightful outdoor spots is the Blue Mountain Reservation. Located in Peekskill, NY, this is a 1,500-acre park that is home to numerous trails including the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway.
When you find yourself in the area of Peekskill and you want to spend time immersed in Mother Nature’s greatest creations, head to the Blue Mountain Reservation. This unique park was acquired in 1926 and is home to several features including the Sportsman Center, a facility with target ranges, and the Blue Mountain Trail Lodge.
Here, you will also find trails of all lengths and difficulty levels. There are both double-track and single-track trails as well as trails that will challenge you mentally and physically.
The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway can be accessed from the Blue Mountain Reserve Trail System. This is a 12-mile unpaved trail that you can explore on foot and it is perfect for a day hike.
You will find the path near the shooting range in the Blue Mountain Reservation.
Bicycles are not allowed on the trail and after hiking for a while, you may find yourself enveloped in the quiet of the area. This linear trail takes you all the way from the Blue Mountain Reservation to Ossining.
Depending on where you begin and how far you travel, it will affect what you see but you may come across sites like Croton Gorge Park …
… and John E. Hand Memorial Park. There are also several parking areas along this trail if you don’t want to start right from the beginning. Take a look at this Westchester County Trailway map for this information.
The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is perfect for a day hike and it’s open year round. While we love the summer views, we are particularly fond of the area in the fall. Walking through vibrant fall foliage is breathtaking.
For more information on the Blue Mountain Reservation and the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway, visit the Westchester County website.
Have you ever spent time at Blue Mountain Reservation in New York? What are some of your favorite outdoor destinations in the Empire State? Let us know in the comments.
If you are searching for even more hikes in New York, check out our list featuring several of our favorites. Just make sure that before you tackle any trail, no matter the distance and difficulty level, you are prepared with all of the right gear.
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