It was a delicious, cool day walking in #ClarenceFahnestockStatePark Mosquitoes are mostly gone now, ponds are rather dry and it feels like #Autumn is just around the corner. One of my favorite times of year.

Today’s adventure brought me back to #ClarenceFahnestockStatePark I've been coming to this park for many years but tend to stick with the same old trails. In the interest in trying something new and wanting to enjoy the #foliage , I parked at the Pelton Pond lot on Rt301. It’s usually full on weekends but was mostly empty today #Wednesday . What a nice area! Plenty of picnic tables overlooking the small pond; too bad I didn't bring lunch. Initially intended only to do the 0.9mi nature trail around the pond, but ended up in a campground on the other side of the pond and decided to explore further. I came to the Roaring Brook (white) trailhead and decided to see what lay beyond. It was an easy, wide and gently sloping trail leading to Stillwater Pond, a 25 minute leisurely stroll away. The trees were slightly past peak but still nice to see on this sunny, warm afternoon. I would have gone further but neglected to bring water for the dog or lunch for myself. Another hiker warned me of a bear siting by the pond so decided to head back. All told, I covered 3.5 miles over 1:45. Definitely an area worth further exploration in the future. #Hiking #HudsonValleyNY #Autumn #GetOutside #RetirementLife

Beautiful Sunday afternoon walk at #ClarenceFahnestockStatePark in Phillipstown New York. Parked at the Glynwood area off Rt301 and took the yellow (Perkins Trail) abutting the fields. The grass and weeds were overgrown, harboring ticks but the lack of people, silence, nice views and encountering a flock of turkeys (likely being raised by Glynwood) made it worthwhile. #Hiking #SilentSunday #HudsonValleyNY