mmowens40@yahoo.com (845) 675-7200
Tallman
Kennedy Dells
Favorite FALL Outings
A Fall Family Outing - recommended by the PETZRGR8 Pack Leader
When the crisp, cool fall air comes to Nyack, a family outing to a nearby park
for a walk might be just what the doctor ordered.
Dogs LOVE the cooler air; for some, like Rosie, the pack's Husky, the colder
the better. Cold wind rustling through their hair invigorates their spirit so
they love to be "off and running."
Most of us enjoy the Hook regularly; many of you know about these other
parks. Two of the PETZRGR8 pack favorites include Tallman in Palisades
or Kennedy Dells in New City.
Tallman in Palisades
Tallman is just east of 9W, about four miles south of Nyack. Cross the big
bridge on 9W and take the first left. We park at the far end of the parking
lot, near the path! Take the path to the picnic tables, up the hill to the tower
(water tower? What is that big round edifice?), continue around the tower
and through the forest on the "short cut" to the paved path. Right or left
on the paved path, will take you for adventures. The road to the left takes
you back around to the parking lot, or the road right takes you to the next
path through the forest that leads back to the lot. Either way, it's an adventure.
There are creeks along the way for a refreshing drink, but I always take
water for drinks after exercising (avoid drinking a lot of water en route-
it can be tough on their tummies). This time of year, with loose leaves
on the forest floor, take care where you are stepping. Rocks poke up now
and again to surprise you. You can always stay on the paved path for a
smoother walk. The dogs don't care. They just love being out in the crisp air
and gorgeous smells of the forest. It's even fun in the snow.
Kennedy Dells County Park in New City
Kennedy is located on North Main (north of the Library) in New City. It is about
eight miles from central Nyack. Once you are at the New City Public Library,
drive north to the main entrance for Kennedy Park on the left. Parking is
behind the soccer fields and the path takes you to the dog park and forest.
Option: I usually take a left at the light on Phillips Manor, drive down the hill,
then up the hill, past the Children's Center on the right, across the little bridge
and make the first right at the "For Lease" sign. You can park on the street,
but we prefer to park at the back of the parking lot, which leaves us 20 feet
from the path and far from the traffic. There are numerous paths to the creek.
If you are with Cleo, she will lead the way. You can take almost any road
to the left from the path - they all lead to the little creek for a refreshing
splash and drink mid-walk.
FIRST LEG (see slide show) A rock-lined path takes you into the woods.
SECOND LEG: PLAN A: The first road to the left is a wonderfully shaded
path to the meadow; at the meadow take that right and voila, you will be at
the creek in no time (perfect for short legged critters or older puppies).
PLAN B: Or walk past the meadow on the original path, and take the second
road to the left. It leads to the same crick in the creek. PLAN C: A bit past
the road is a path which winds through a lovely walk - a big bumpy.
PLAN D: If you continue down the road, through the second meadow, you can
(1) take the road to the right to go to the dog park or to the left and back to
the creek, OR (2) on the original path, continue past that junction, through
the meadow on the rustic road, and take the first path (a little obscure) to the
left and through the woods. It is a longer path, but marvelous. It leads
you to a part of the creek accessible for wading and to the man-made falls
(at the dam) that you see on their web-site.
It's all good. Have a GR8 walk and enjoy the fall foliage.