This multi-use area provides a protected wilderness for mountain biking, hiking and back country camping.
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY. Two parking areas:
41.740840, -73.773337 North bound side of Taconic State Parkway, .25 mile north of Rossway Rd.
41.746940, -73.772115 Tyrrel Rd, Exit right off of the Taconic State Parkway, .25 mile north of the parking area above. Parking lot is .25 mile or so from the parkway.
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, trapping, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, geocaching, snowmobiling
Upstate New York provides many opportunities for outdoor activity. Some need a long drive, others are right next door. You don't need big state parks or high peaks to enjoy the wilderness.
Located in Pleasant Valley, NY, the Taconic Hereford Multi-use Area is protected state land conveniently located off the Taconic State Parkway. For those living in neighboring towns of Dutchess County, it provides easy access to enjoy outdoor living. It's been dubbed The 909 because of its size, 909 acres. There are numerous marked and unmarked trails that traverse the park. The rolling terrain makes for easy hiking and fun mountain biking.
There are a few designated campsites but back country camping is allowed, so you can pick your own spot to spend the night. As with any wilderness area, leave no trace rules apply: carry out what you carry in. If you build a fire make sure to clear the area around it of all dry leaves and brush. Camp at least 150 feet from any road, trail or stream.
I camped out recently as a blizzard hit the NY metro area. Northern Dutchess was spared this time, getting away with only flurries, some wind gusts and cold temperatures. I found a nice spot early in the day and spent the afternoon preparing the site and collecting firewood. I would certainly need it, as cold as it was forecast to be. One thing I love about this property is the ease of finding downed wood. It is literally everywhere. I had plenty to last me the night and the next morning.
As sunset turned to night the cold set in. I added layers and stoked the fire, piling on log after log to keep it burning hot. I made some tea to help warm my core to go along with the fire. There was hardly a creature stirring in the frigid darkness, but I hung my food as I always do. You never know when a critter will come out in search of easy pick'ens.
The sound of the wind and squeaking of tangled limbs would ring all night. The temperature continued to drop and would bottom out at 16 degrees. I woke at 1:30 a.m. I don't often sleep well when camping. This night was no exception. I left the confines of my tent as I noticed the moonlight illuminating the ground; I started the fire again. The coals were still very warm from earlier so all it needed was some twigs and tinder. After I got the fire burning good and hot, I took the time to stand up and admire the natural light casting shadows from the trees surrounding my camp. The bright white full moon was intoxicating, almost hypnotizing. The feeling of soaking in the night sky while all else rests is indescribable. After an hour or so of warming up, I went back to bed as the fire died down.
Rising early on a clear Sunday morning I sat by a renewed campfire and allowed it to wake me up. Though in no rush, I ate breakfast and began to break down camp without lingering. I made sure to put the fire out using some dirt and water; I also tossed some stones on top.
Having this time of zen to myself is important. It allows me to clear my mind away from distraction; to reflect on what is gong on in my life and to resolve to move forward in a positive direction. I must admit; I have grown a lot over the last few years with the help of the outdoors. It is good for you to spend time in nature, either by yourself or with those close to you. If laughter is medicine, nature is certainly a different prescription of the same species.
Location: Pleasant Valley, NY. Two parking areas:
41.740840, -73.773337 North bound side of Taconic State Parkway, .25 mile north of Rossway Rd.
41.746940, -73.772115 Tyrrel Rd, Exit right off of the Taconic State Parkway, .25 mile north of the parking area above. Parking lot is .25 mile or so from the parkway.
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, hunting, trapping, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, geocaching, snowmobiling
Upstate New York provides many opportunities for outdoor activity. Some need a long drive, others are right next door. You don't need big state parks or high peaks to enjoy the wilderness.
Located in Pleasant Valley, NY, the Taconic Hereford Multi-use Area is protected state land conveniently located off the Taconic State Parkway. For those living in neighboring towns of Dutchess County, it provides easy access to enjoy outdoor living. It's been dubbed The 909 because of its size, 909 acres. There are numerous marked and unmarked trails that traverse the park. The rolling terrain makes for easy hiking and fun mountain biking.
There are a few designated campsites but back country camping is allowed, so you can pick your own spot to spend the night. As with any wilderness area, leave no trace rules apply: carry out what you carry in. If you build a fire make sure to clear the area around it of all dry leaves and brush. Camp at least 150 feet from any road, trail or stream.
I camped out recently as a blizzard hit the NY metro area. Northern Dutchess was spared this time, getting away with only flurries, some wind gusts and cold temperatures. I found a nice spot early in the day and spent the afternoon preparing the site and collecting firewood. I would certainly need it, as cold as it was forecast to be. One thing I love about this property is the ease of finding downed wood. It is literally everywhere. I had plenty to last me the night and the next morning.
As sunset turned to night the cold set in. I added layers and stoked the fire, piling on log after log to keep it burning hot. I made some tea to help warm my core to go along with the fire. There was hardly a creature stirring in the frigid darkness, but I hung my food as I always do. You never know when a critter will come out in search of easy pick'ens.
The sound of the wind and squeaking of tangled limbs would ring all night. The temperature continued to drop and would bottom out at 16 degrees. I woke at 1:30 a.m. I don't often sleep well when camping. This night was no exception. I left the confines of my tent as I noticed the moonlight illuminating the ground; I started the fire again. The coals were still very warm from earlier so all it needed was some twigs and tinder. After I got the fire burning good and hot, I took the time to stand up and admire the natural light casting shadows from the trees surrounding my camp. The bright white full moon was intoxicating, almost hypnotizing. The feeling of soaking in the night sky while all else rests is indescribable. After an hour or so of warming up, I went back to bed as the fire died down.
Rising early on a clear Sunday morning I sat by a renewed campfire and allowed it to wake me up. Though in no rush, I ate breakfast and began to break down camp without lingering. I made sure to put the fire out using some dirt and water; I also tossed some stones on top.
Having this time of zen to myself is important. It allows me to clear my mind away from distraction; to reflect on what is gong on in my life and to resolve to move forward in a positive direction. I must admit; I have grown a lot over the last few years with the help of the outdoors. It is good for you to spend time in nature, either by yourself or with those close to you. If laughter is medicine, nature is certainly a different prescription of the same species.
Comments
Post a Comment