Don't Miss: This Weekend's Guided Walks in Rockland

Join experienced Rockland County Trail Guides on free guided walks this fall. Guided walks offer visitors varied terrain, great scenery, interesting discussion points, and different levels of walking.

All Aboard for Thiells, Pomona, and Mt. Ivy! at Samuel G. Fisher Mt. Ivy Environmental Park in Pomona
Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• We've all walked on abandoned railroad beds, but this one is full of Rockland County history! First, stroll through grassy meadows in the shadow of Boulders Stadium. Then, discover Rockland's railroad history along the old Erie RR right of way...right in our backyard. Maybe you'll even find an old iron railroad tie spike. All this within the Pomona/Mt. Ivy wetlands. This moderate, 3-mile walk is a combination of an old road, open meadows and an abandoned rail road track. There may be some wet spots, especially after rains as the area is a wetland. The trail is relatively flat and wide. Half of the walk is along an old railroad right of way. The other half is a natural trail.
• Directions: From Exit 12 off the Palisades Parkway make your way to Route 45. Go south 0.1 mile and make a right into Pomona Road, then right again onto Fireman's Memorial Drive. Park at the end of Fireman's Memorial Drive, but do not block the gate. Please note that parking is limited. For more information, visit Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PVvvYe5GH4G2
• Meet Trail Guide Jack Bloom at the park entrance past the Fire Training Center off of Fireman's Memorial Drive in Pomona.
• Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is not stroller-friendly, restrooms are not available, and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.

Historical Piermont! Walk to the Birthplace of Piermont with the Piermont Historical Society
Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

• Walk along the Sparkill Creek (Birthplace of Piermont) with Richard Esnard of the Piermont Historical Society and see Rockland Road Bridge which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The whole walk will be on the street and sidewalks. After the walk, spend the day in Piermont; the Piermont Train Station will be open from 12:00 - 3:00 pm (free) and there is an art event in Piermont Flywheel Park from 1:00 - 6:00 pm (free). From 2:00 - 6:00 pm participate in the Piermont Lobster Fest at Goswich Pavilion with live bluegrass music ($16 per person).
• Directions: Take Route 59 (Main Street) south to Nyack. Pass Broadway and turn right onto Piermont Avenue. Follow to Ash Street in the center of town and turn Left. You will see the parking lot behind the restaurant (10 Ash Street). For more information, visit Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zMosychBDKA2
• Meet in the parking lot behind Confetti Restaurant (free parking).
• Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is stroller-friendly, restrooms are not available, and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.

PHOTO/ By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D. (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons