High Banks Preserve in Esopus NY is a great hike that we stumbled upon. Besides the initial uphill, it’s great for all levels and there is an awesome reward at the end of the mile trail.
Take the road off 9W that takes you to Esopus Meadows. However, don’t stop there unless it doesn’t seem crowded. This time of year, the trail along the river is near impossible to go through with all the fishermen. Instead, keep going down the road until you see High Banks Preserve on your left.
On a Sunday, the parking lot was only half full and we only saw a couple people on the hike in. The trail is wide and loose gravel. Remember sunscreen and water as the sun really beats down on the path. Bug Spray is also a good option. The first chunk of the mile is uphill. Be prepared. Eventually there is a sign, head to the lake or to the view. We picked the lake. We see views all the time.
At the end of one mile, there is a nice, very small waterfall cascading down on the left. At the end of the trail there is only one nice spot to sit by the water. We were lucky and no one was there. Several groups of people came up the trail. However, they stopped at a small, but not as nice, lookout because they were social distancing. It’s a nice spot to bring the family dog, and perhaps a picnic. We got lost in time and were there for hours playing in nature.
Overall not many people came up the trail and the majority had their faces covered. This is an option if you feel the need. However, they are only mandatory where social distancing is not possible on the trail.
After enjoying the lake, follow the path back to the car. However, there are several offshoot trails in the woods that can be explored too. Keep in mind, that several trails are under restoration and should not be entered. If families stick to the path, it's a two mile round trip. We took the purple trail. However, according to Alltrails, we were heading very off course and turned around. It added an additional .4 miles.
Looking for a nice, family-friendly trail with an awesome lake? Then head to High Banks Preserve. Make it a hiking adventure and stop at Black Creek Preserve heading south on 9W or Shaupeneak Ridge.
Key Points-
-The initial trail climb is a lovely 200 ft uphill
-No swimming
-Mountain biking
-Fishing (proper permits)
-dog friendly
For more awesome content, follow this link! Adventures of Abby Girl is setting-out to encourage parents to be their child’s superhero and try new things! Remember, everyday is a new adventure. When I’m not writing, I can be found with my tiny inspiration as a professional nature photographer in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas.
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