Does spring tickle the urge to get outdoors to soak in your Vitamin Nature? Hiking into Duck Pond at the Pine Road Trailhead is a great family-friendly 1 mile walk to the pond and 1 mile back to your vehicle.
Short, and not steep, we passed by half a dozen families with their leashed dogs soaking in their vitamin D along route to and from the pond.
Expect the unexpected, because you will use all your senses… check out the crazy wood formations, nestholes, scurrying animals, peepers, and signs of spring growth on bushes along the trail.
G-Pa Phil with binoculars in hand has high hopes to spot wildlife!
In any case the old carriage roads are fairly level and gradual uphill in spots.
If you are not a member, Mohonk Preserve does charge $15 for a hiking day pass, but kids 12 and under are free. Ulster County residents who picked up their Healthy Ulster family pass are free until the end of the month of May.
Click the map above to use our google maps from your location. Easy directions: follow 299 West over the Wallkill River, right onto Springtown, left onto Mt. Rest Rd., left onto Butterville Rd., Right onto Pine Rd. to Trailhead signs.
WHAT TO BRING ON A SHORT HIKE
Your hike might be short but it is important you go prepared. We suggest you wear close toed shoes, a sun hat (sunscreen) and sunglasses. Hiking in a light rain can be fun with raincoat and rain boots with a good tread. The Hudson Valley is a prime location to hike but we do have ticks and other biting insects. That said, long pants and a long sleeve shirt should be considered. In addition to this you might also want to spray your clothes with insect/tick repellent. In a small day pack you should carry extra water (don’t forget water for the dog) and some simple snacks like a piece of fruit or trail mix. There is a good chance you might have to relieve yourself so don’t forget baby wipes in a ziplock bag and an empty ziplock bag for the used wipes and all other garbage. We love our trails please carry out whatever you carry in and if you notice someone left garbage behind be a kind soul and pick it up. Enjoy your hike!