Hey there, fellow nature lovers! Do you ever feel like you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you ever wish you could just wander around a beautiful park and breathe some fresh air? Well, we have just the place for you: Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County, New York. This park is one of our favorite spots to visit when we want to relax and reconnect with nature. Let us tell you why.
This park is not your ordinary park. It used to be a country estate of the Rockefeller family, who were super rich and generous. They gave over 1771 acres of land to the state in 1983, so that people like you and us can enjoy it for free (well, almost free – there’s a $6 vehicle entry fee, but that’s totally worth it). The park has 45 miles of crushed stone carriage roads that are perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding.
One of the best things about the park is Swan Lake, which is exactly what it sounds like: a lake with swans. It’s so peaceful and pretty there. You can take a 1.4-mile loop trail around the lake and see how the water reflects the sky and the trees. The trail is easy and fun for everyone and is wheelchair accessible so everyone can enjoy beauty. Along the way, you might see some of the amazing birds that live in the park, like herons, ducks, and hawks. You might even hear them sing!
Another awesome thing about the park is Rockwood Hall, which is a part of the park that has an incredible view of the Hudson River and the Palisades Cliffs. This area used to be where William Rockefeller, John D. Rockefeller’s brother, had a huge mansion with 202 rooms. Can you imagine living there? Sadly, the mansion is gone now, but you can still see some traces of its glory, like big rock walls, fancy trees, and a cute brook with wooden bridges. You can take a 3.5-mile loop trail around Rockwood Hall and enjoy the scenery and the sunsets. You might even feel like you’re in a fairy tale!
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a wonderful place to explore and have fun. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, and you can find more information about the park and its trails on its official website. Whether you’re looking for a chill stroll or a thrilling hike, you’ll find something to make you happy in this park. So what are you waiting for? Grab your shoes and your camera and head over to Rockefeller State Park Preserve. You won’t regret it!
And if you want to see what you can expect from parts of the park before you get there, check out our video below!