Hiking Teatown Lake Reservation in New York
If you are looking for a nice relaxing hike around a lake, look no further than Teatown Lake Reservation in New York!
There are quite a few trails around this particular reservation, but we decided to stick to this lake for the views and because we were once again limited on time trying to beat the rain approaching in the afternoon.
–> Teatown Lake Reservation Trail Map <–
EVEN BEAUTIFUL DURING WINTER
This hike was obviously during the winter, so not quite as green as a spring or summer day, but still beautiful nonetheless. The 1.5 mile blue trail or the ‘Lake Side Loop’ trail takes you all the way around the biggest lake at the reservation.
I would rate this hike as easy due to the fact it is mostly flat all the way around. Of course there are a few short inclines here and there. If you aren’t quite in shape after the long winter, this would be a good trail to start working that stamina back up.
MINI-WATERFALL
There are plenty of neat water features to see along the trail. There is a small dam (as shown in the video at the top of this post) that was flowing really strong after all the recent rains during our hike.
The overflow pours into the creek as shown in one of the pictures above. There are also a few other small creeks slowly trickling down the hill towards the lake. We were lucky enough to see a couple swans taking a bath in the lake. I forgot how big and beautiful those birds were.
SWEET BOARDWALK!
After making our way to the opposite side of the lake from where we originally parked, we crossed a really neat boardwalk that is floating across the lake. FYI be mindful of the gaps between the floating section of boards though, especially for any person or pet with smaller feet.
This area of Teatown Lake Reservation offers some very beautiful views while sitting out by the lake. This place was a nice change of pace from some of the more strenuous hikes we have been hitting up lately.
We definitely don’t mind hitting up the easy strolls every now and again to concentrate more on the views than the struggle of making our way up some of the bigger hills. 🙂
DOG FRIENDLY!
Near the nature center (right by one of the main parking areas on the map), there is a small gated in area. Not sure if you are allowed to, but we did see a few people with their dogs off leash in this area. I don’t think it is meant to be a dog park haha, but not quite sure why else the area would be gated in.
Deanna didn’t get a photo of it because it is closed for the season, but there is an island you can actually hike out to between the months of April and September.
A sign said you would need to have an appointment to go out there but I believe it is full of beautiful flowers and birds during the warmer seasons.
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
