Easy hikes and walks around Mount Kisco

The Meyer Preserve Upper Meadows Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through maze-like mowed paths in large fields of wildflowers and into peaceful pine forests. You'll encounter vibrant butterfly milkweed and black-eyed Susans in summer, and tranquil vernal pools. This easy 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike, with a gentle 447 feet (136 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 1 hour and 54 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit to this section of the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve is straightforward. Parking is usually available, though arriving earlier is always a good idea. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy sections, especially after rain. Autumn is a particularly recommended time to experience the trail's vibrant colors, and it's worth noting that the preserve allows bow hunting during specific seasons with permission.

This trail is a highlight of the Meyer Preserve's flatter West Parcel, known for its open meadows and rich wildlife. It's an excellent spot for quiet hikes or trail running, offering a chance to see diverse insect life like bumblebees and butterflies. The preserve's varied geological forms and numerous vernal pools add to its unique character, providing a refreshing contrast to more rugged local trails.

The Gedney Park Red Trail Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through scenic woodlands filled with mature trees and younger growth. You'll traverse varied terrain, from gentle rocky ridges to tranquil valleys, and even skirt past wetlands and streams. It's a perfect spot to enjoy vibrant fall foliage or the lush greenery of spring, providing a peaceful experience for all.

Planning your visit to this easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hike is straightforward, as the park doesn't require permits or entrance fees. With only 270 feet (82 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle outing that takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes. The trail is open year-round, and parking is typically available at the trailhead, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure.

This loop is part of a larger network of trails within Gedney Park, offering opportunities for longer explorations if you wish to combine it with sections of the Yellow, Blue, Purple, or Nature Trails. It's notably family-friendly and dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs to accompany you, making it a popular choice for those looking for a relaxed outing with their loved ones.

The Lost Pond and Sentry Ridge Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, guiding you through a tapestry of diverse forests and serene wetlands. This easy hiking route provides a peaceful journey where you can immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, particularly around the tranquil Lost Pond section. The terrain is gentle, making it a pleasant walk for all skill levels, and you'll find the path well-suited for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Planning your visit to this trail in the Westmoreland Sanctuary is straightforward. The trailhead is easily accessible, and while parking is generally available, arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially on weekends, to ensure a spot. The best time of year to hike the Lost Pond and Sentry Ridge Loop is during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant, though it's a rewarding walk in any season.

This 2.8-mile (4.4 km) loop, with a modest 246 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete, making it an excellent choice for a shorter outing. The Sentry Ridge portion of the trail holds historical significance as a former lookout for the Continental Army, adding a layer of local context to your walk. It's a great option for Lost Pond and Sentry Ridge Loop family friendly hiking, and dog friendly trails are often appreciated here too.

The Muscoot Farm Yellow Trail is a charming loop that guides you through a delightful mix of landscapes, from quiet wooded sections to expansive open fields offering broad vistas of the surrounding forest. You'll wander along narrow singletrack paths and wider farm roads, passing by seasonal streams and over a wooden bridge, with opportunities to spot wildflowers and explore wetlands. The route also skirts the Muscoot Reservoir, providing a pleasant natural backdrop for your walk.

This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) hike involves a modest 230 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 1 hour and 18 minutes, making it a great option for a relaxed outing. The trail is well-marked with yellow blazes, sometimes overlapping with the White Trail. Muscoot Farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and parking is available at the farm. Remember that dogs are generally not allowed on the trails.

What truly sets this trail apart is its location within Muscoot Farm, an early 20th-century interpretive farm museum. After your hike, you can explore the historic farm buildings and observe rare breeds of livestock and poultry, adding a unique educational and cultural dimension to your outdoor adventure. It's a perfect blend of nature and history, ideal for families or anyone looking for a gentle, engaging hike.