| WINTER HIKES Winter is a great time to explore The Great Swamp! We have an upcoming easy hike this Sunday, February 15 at our Gordon Douglas Reserve – East. Then (rescheduled from Feb 1) on March 8, we will explore the more rugged environment of Gordon Douglas Reserve – West. Please see the detailed description of these events below. Come on out and enjoy the beauty of the Great Swamp! |
 Hike at Gordon Douglas Nature Reserve – East Sunday February 15, 9:30 AM 1143 Route 22 |
| Skill level: Easy, 1.5 miles Highlights: An easy 1.5-mile hike with amazing views of the Great Swamp and an opportunity to do some winter birding in a private reserve. Bring your binoculars and cameras! Dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes/boots. Since trails could be icy, slip-on ice-traction cleats and hiking poles are recommended. Hike will start at 9:30 am, please arrive early to allow registration. Bring your own snacks and drinks. No dogs allowed. Practice good tick-bite prevention (repellents, light colored clothing, long sleeves, pant legs tucked into socks) if temperatures are above freezing. Registration: Please email Ken Luhman at frogspaddle22@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Directions: Park in the vacant lot at 1143 Route 22 before the 9:30 am hike start. Suggested donation: $5/person: Hike Donation link |
 Hike at Gordon Douglas Reserve – West Sunday March 8, 10 AM Metro-North Appalachian Trail station |
| Skill level: Challenging, ~4.5 miles Hike will last approximately 3 hours. This will be a strenuous hike on steep slopes and around boulders, intended for experienced hikers. Dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes/boots as a significant portion of the hike will be off-trail. Since trails could be icy, slip-on ice-traction cleats and hiking poles are recommended. We will cross the boardwalk and then depart the Appalachian Trail to hike along the west side of the Swamp River. Bring your own snacks and plenty of fluids. No dogs allowed. Practice good tick-bite prevention (repellents, light colored clothing, long sleeves, pant legs tucked into socks) if temperatures are above freezing. Highlights: We will explore rocky cliffs and pass a large glacial erratic while hiking many types of terrain including a 30% incline to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view of the Gordon Douglas Reserve. Registration: Please email Ken Luhman at frogspaddle22@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Suggested donation: $5/person: Hike Donation link Directions: Park in the lot at the Metro-North Appalachian Trail station, just south of Native Landscaping on Route 22. Please arrive before the 9:30 am start to allow time for registration. |
