Sunshine and 81 degrees: isn’t this the day you spent all winter looking forward to? Here are a few things to do in and near Nyack.
- Hike up Hook Mountain: OK, people from Denver laugh at us when we call The Hook a mountain. But the spectacular view from the top of Hook Mtn looking over the the Lower Hudson River is well worth the 45 minute walk from Upper Nyack — and even closer if you park in the Executive Golf Course parking lot at Rockland Lake.
- Speaking of Rockland Lake State Park, the park on 9W is always a good choice for walking, biking, fishing or kayaking/canoeing.
Esposito Rail Trail: You can start at the tennis courts in South Nyack on Franklin Street and walk all the way to Piermont or Sparkill through the woods along part of the train line that used to run from Nyack to Hoboken.- Blauvelt State Park: One of our areas best kept secrets. It’s unimproved but that also means it’s unspoiled, sitting pretty between Rt 303 and Rt 9W.
- Nyack Beach State Park: You can walk or bicycle a couple of miles along the Hudson in one of our area’s most popular attractions. If you are up for a greater distance and want to get away from the crowds, walk up the hill past the picnic tables and then turn right to follow the river all the way up to Haverstraw. If you are taking a bike, hybrids and mountain bikes are best for this part of the journey.
- Tallman Mountain State Park has acres of woods overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh. The park operates as a day-use area, offering a running track, tennis courts, playfield, cross country skiing, a walking trail, hiking and picnic areas.
- Special programs on Sunday, May 24:
- The Big Band Sound, a 20-piece jazz band, recreates the swinging sounds of the big band era in its annual concert on the library lawn. 2-3:30p at New City Library, 220 North Main Street, New City.
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Indian Rock Hike at Sam’s Point: This hike will pass the scenic vista at the Sam’s Point Overlook and then continue around Lake Maratanza. This 4.7 mile hike traverses woods roads and a rocky footpath featuring a bog bridge. Most of the terrain is fairly level with some short steep sections. Preregistration is required by calling 845-647-7989.
- New Windsor Cantonment: historic balladeer Linda Russell performs traditional American patriotic music in the Temple Building at 2p.
- Washington’s Headquarters: Karen Monti will offer a presentation titled From the Badge of Military Merit to the Purple Heart at 2p. This program tells the story of the award that was the precursor to the Purple Heart and the men who earned it.
