Need some new or forgotten places to take a mom break or get the kids out of the house for some exercise? Check out some of our favorite places!
This week we visit Snake Rocks Preserve
| Snake Rocks Preserve | ||
Nordic Drive/Yerry Hill Road, Woodstock NY | ||
This is probably a different kind of hike for many of you. Head down Yerry Hill Road in Woodstock NY. You will drive past Nordic Drive, this is where the trail starts, but you must park about .1 miles further down Yerry Hill.  | ||
Once you park and head back towards the trail head, turn up Nordic Drive. You will see a sign that it's a private road, but this is the correct way! There are just no unauthorized vehicles allowed past this point. Continue up the hill on foot! This was probably the hardest part of the hike for me, I have been hiking every weekend, but it has all been relatively flat. This was the biggest incline I have been in a while, we have goals for the summer though! | ||
Once at the end of the road, follow the signs posted, as this will also fork at a private driveway.  From here you can continue your hike on a sort of "lollipop loop". I suggest heading right, and following the arrows to the trail head, but either direction through the loop would be fine! You can check in at the trail kiosk. The complete hike was about 1.5 miles from where we parked. | ||
When you reach the bluestone quarry, that your kids will beg to climb, hold off a bit. You can continue on the trail and then take a short safe detour off the trail to the top! Can you spot my child who raced ahead to be the first "Queen of the Castle"? There are some rock benches built and a beautiful view and great resting stop for a picnic, or to sun bathe! | ||
After a short break we headed back towards the trail and continued on our hike. We reached a small pond which the kids loved checking out. It was still frozen, but not thick enough to walk on top of.  | ||
The kids led us on to finish the loop, there were a few rocks and downed trees which they climbed and played on, and some manmade rock steps leading down the slight hill.  | ||
After completing the loop, we headed out and back down the road. (Much easier walking down the hill) and back to our parking area. No snake spottings for us today! This area only has room for about 2 - 3 cars, but there was a sign for additional parking, I just don't have any information on it! | ||
Remember to always respect the world around you, including people, our trails and the wildlife living along the trail. Do you have a favorite spot to hike or take a stroll? Email me at JennaS@macaronikid.com | ||
Interested in checking out more of our weekend hikes? You can see them all on our Hiking Guide! | ||
