There are three FrOG-sponsored Hiking and Paddling events left in May, starting this Sunday (Mother's Day!) with excellent weather forecast. This will be a great opportunity to explore the awesome, FrOGS-owned, newly-named Gordon Douglas Preserve. Please see the detailed descriptions for the May events below. In addition, upcoming events in June include:
June 26: Appalachian Trail Hike from Rt 55, past Nuclear lake to Cat Rocks.
Further details to be provided. Come on out and enjoy the beauty of the Great Swamp!Hike at Gordon Douglas Preserve - West Side
Meet at the AT parking lot at the MetroNorth Appalachian Trail station before the 9:30 a.m. hike start. Hike will last approximately 4 hours. This will be a strenuous hike on steep slopes and around boulders, intended for experienced hikers. Dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes/boots as a significant portion of the hike will be off-trail. We will cross the boardwalk and then depart the AT to hike along the west side of the Swamp River. Bring your own lunch (recommended) or snacks, and plenty of fluids. No dogs allowed. Practice good tick-bite prevention (repellents, light colored clothing, long sleeves, pant legs tucked into socks).
Highlights: We will explore rocky cliffs and pass a large glacial erratic. Hiking many types of terrain including a 30% incline to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view of the Gordon Douglas Preserve.
Registration: Please email Ken Luhman at frogspaddle22@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Suggested donation: $5/person
Directions: Park in the lot at the MetroNorth Appalachian Trail station, just south of Native Landscaping on Route 22.
Green Chimneys Guided Paddle on East Branch Croton River
Sunday May 15, 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Green Chimneys' launch site
Adult Member: $32Fees (includes canoes, paddles, life vests, insurance, lifeguard and FrOGS Donation):
Quiet Waters" rating, although canoes can capsize in inexperienced hands and the water is still cold. Great paddling opportunity for families with children. A qualified lifeguard will accompany the trips.Approximately 2 hours on the water. We will paddle north (upriver) from the launch site. Please be aware that there may be a need to paddle canoes over downed trees. Children must be 6 or older and accompanied by an adult. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. No rain date, paddle is Rain or Shine! Dress for the weather and remember it's cooler on the water. Bring your own drinks and snacks. This will be the only paddle from Green Chimneys this year, which also means the only paddling event for children under 16 years old
- Adult Non-member: $42
- Youth member (age 6-14): $15
- Youth Non-member (age 6-14) : $18
16 paddlers maximum per time slot (unless you bring your own canoe or kayak, paddles, and life vests), so please register in advance.
Directions: From the North: turn left on Haviland Hollow Road, go 0.3 miles and turn right on E. Branch Road, after 2 miles turn right on Doansburg Road, go 0.3 miles and enter launch site on right. From the South: turn right on Doansburg Road, go 1.9 miles and enter launch site on left.
Swamp River Guided Paddle
Sunday May 29, 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM
DEC launch area Wheeler Road, Wingdale NY
Skill level: "Quiet Waters" rating. Some canoe experience is helpful but not essential as there is only a slight current and a few narrow turns to deal with. Canoes can capsize in inexperienced hands, but the water is shallow. There will be no accompanying lifeguard.
Approximately 2 hours on the water. We will paddle south (upriver) and then back north (downriver) to the Rookery. Please be aware that there may be a need to paddle canoes over downed trees. No children under 16 allowed. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. No rain date, paddle is Rain or Shine! Dress for the weather and remember it's cooler on the water. Bring your own drinks and snacks.
Fees (includes canoes, paddles, life vests, insurance and FrOGS Donation):
• Adult Member: $12
• Adult Non-Member: $22
To register, please click https://friends-of-the-great-swamp.square.site/shop/canoe-kayak-trips/6. For any questions, please contact Ken Luhman by e-mail at: frogspaddle22@gmail.com
16 paddlers maximum per time slot (unless you bring your own canoe or kayak, paddles, and life vests), so please register in advance.
Directions: Head north on Route 22. At the Wingdale train station, turn left on Wheeler Road. Look for a sign marking the parking lot on the right just past the railroad tracks, and before the gated bridge over the river. The closest street address is 109 Wheeler Road on the other side of the river from the canoe launch site.