Best Trails in Rockefeller State Park Preserve

9,965 Reviews

Want to find the best trails in Rockefeller State Park Preserve for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 29 great trails for hiking, birding, and snowshoeing and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 20 easy hiking trails in Rockefeller State Park Preserve that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We’ve got you covered, with trails ranging from 39 to 935 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Rockefeller State Park Preserve.

Description

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is made up of forested hills, valleys and pastoral fields that you can explore by hiking, horse-riding or snowshoeing one of its trails. It is also possible to fish on the beautiful lake. Vehicle Entry Fee (VUF) $6.00 per vehicle

ForestHikingDogs on leashKid friendlyRunningEasyWildlifeShortLakeViewsRiverModerately challengingBird watchingWildflowersHistoric siteSnowshoeingLongWheelchair friendly

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Park information

Acreage

1,771 acres

Park hours

Monday

7:00 am – dusk

Tuesday

7:00 am – dusk

Wednesday

7:00 am – dusk

Thursday

7:00 am – dusk

Friday

7:00 am – dusk

Saturday

7:00 am – dusk

Sunday

7:00 am – dusk

Contact

(914) 631-1470

Helpful links

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Top trails (29)

1. Swan Lake LoopEasy•4.6(1248)#1 – Swan Lake LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 1.4 mi•Est. 26mThis is a gravel path around a lake. You can make your walk as long as you would like by adding additional trails in the park. Accessibility: There are 4 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Phelps Way at the northwest end of the trail. All of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is gravel. It is typically at least 8 feet wide. The whole trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category. All-terrain tires or…… Show more
2. Rockwood Hall TrailEasy•4.6(1280)#2 – Rockwood Hall TrailRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 3.5 mi•Est. 1h 15mRockwood Loop is located at the west end of the Rockefeller Preserve in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Scenic highlights include grand views of the Hudson River, Palisades Cliffs, gorgeous sunsets, the “Great White” tree, and a babbling brook with quaint wooden footbridges and blooming rhododendrons in the spring (see photos). Easy parking, access, and year-round usage. Great for strolls, running, family outings, and nature photography…. Show more
3. Rockefeller Park Preserve LoopModerate•4.7(924)#3 – Rockefeller Park Preserve LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 6.6 mi•Est. 2h 27mBegin near the visitors center on Tower Hill Road. Shortly after starting there is a spur trail that leads to a large erratic boulder left behind from glacial activity in the area thousands of years ago. The loop is mostly wooded but also passes through some pretty open meadows with flowers during the summer and past Swan Lake…. Show more
4. Thirteen Bridges LoopEasy•4.5(1188)#4 – Thirteen Bridges LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 2.8 mi•Est. 1h 5mA favorite trail on the Preserve — and yes, it actually has 13 bridges. This trail enters a tranquil and thick forest with many footbridges crossing over a winding brook. Highlights include thick woods, small footbridges, an old walkway over Route 117, mature oak and tulip trees, and gentle gravel paths with occasional horse riders. Accessibility: There do not appear to be any designated accessible spaces in the gravel parking lot off of Old Sleepy Hollow Road at the west end of the trail……. Show more
5. Pocantico River to Douglas Hill LoopEasy•4.7(606)#5 – Pocantico River to Douglas Hill LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 3.8 mi•Est. 1h 20mThis is a gentle and picturesque hike with highlights including a winding river, wooden and stone bridges, giant tulip trees, rolling meadows with tall grasses, a sycamore grove, oriole birds, and easy gravel paths with occasional horse riders. Accessibility: It is unclear if there are designated accessible spaces in the parking lot off of Old Sleepy Hollow Road at the north end of the trail. The trail surface is gravel. It is typically at least 6 feet wide. The majority of the trail is…… Show more
6. Rockwood Hall, Pocantico River, and Old Croton Aqueduct LoopModerate•4.6(422)#6 – Rockwood Hall, Pocantico River, and Old Croton Aqueduct LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 8.3 mi•Est. 3h 6mBegin from a lot near Phelps Hospital and cross over Kendal Way. The route passes through some open fields before crossing South Highland Ave and making a large loop through the woods and along the Pocantico River. After this, you will head back towards the western side of Highland Ave and walk along the Hudson River…. Show more
7. Brothers, Brook, and Ridge Trails Double LoopEasy•4.5(346)#7 – Brothers, Brook, and Ridge Trails Double LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 2.8 mi•Est. 59mA gentle stroll or run through two popular loops at the Rockefeller Preserve. Features include gravel paths, Swan Lake, brooks, old-growth trees, wildlife, and the Welcome Center. There are many intersecting well marked trails to explore along the way as well. The park is free to visit after 4:30 pm…. Show more
8. Buttermilk Hill to Reservoir LoopEasy•4.5(357)#8 – Buttermilk Hill to Reservoir LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 4.5 mi•Est. 1h 45mThis trail loop is a gentle walk through a beautiful area of the Rockefeller Preserve. Highlights include old-growth oaks, two lakes, lush open meadows, and varied wildlife such as deer, birds, and small woodland mammals like squirrels. Parking is available at a paid lot on weekends at Stone Barns Farm (free weekdays and off-season)…. Show more
9. Raven’s Rock via Ferguson Lake TrailModerate•4.4(262)#9 – Raven’s Rock via Ferguson Lake TrailRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 5.6 mi•Est. 2h 16mThis trail combines several well-marked paths that lead to the impressive Ravens Rock. The trail begins at the tollhouse booth on Stone Barns Farm. Highlights include beautiful lakes, old-growth oaks, wildlife, and rolling meadows. A precaution: Ravens Rock is regarded as the most remote area of the Preserve (a bit “spooky”), hikers should have a companion. Lot parking is free on weekdays, roadside parking is not allowed…. Show more
10. Buttermilk Hill LoopEasy•4.5(298)#10 – Buttermilk Hill LoopRockefeller State Park PreserveLength: 2.4 miThis trail is an easy walk with a gradual incline through a meadow and forest. Very tranquil, wooded, and a local favorite. Park at roadside on Route 448, Bedford Rd. Trail begins by entering under the road overpass (see photo). Trail users may occasionally need