Click the above photo to view Turkey Mountain on Google Maps
LOCATION: Turkey Mountain
DATE: June 8th, 2009
CITY: Yorktown Heights, Westchester County, New York
DISTANCES: 43 miles from Downtown Manhattan, 23 miles from White Plains (NY), 28 miles from Danbury (CT), 44 miles from Poughkeepsie, 9 miles from Chappaqua.
DIRECTIONS: From the South (New York/White Plains) Take the New York State Thruway/Major Deegan North to the Saw Mill Parkway North. Follow SMP to 26: Taconic State Parkway North. Follow TSP to the Underhill Avenue exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Underhill Ave. In Downtown Yorktown Heights, turn right onto New York State Route 118. Drive 1.6 miles south. You will find the entrance to the trailhead on the right, directly across from the sign for Peter Pratt's Inn.
Sometimes, the world's biggest surprises are right in your backyard. I have lived in Chappaqua, New York for 22 years and a half years, and I did not know the existence of a hike-able mountain known as Turkey Mountain a mere 10 minute drive away. Needless to say, I was flabbergasted, yet ecstatic when I found out about the trail while "Googling" trails in Westchester County.
Unfortunately, Rachel was unable to join me for this first hike of the 2009 season. She is finishing up her last few days in Ohio before she spends the summer back on the Northeast. We are going to make it our goal to do as many hikes as we can this summer!
Click the above image for a close-up of the trail map
I arrived at the trailhead of Turkey Mountain to find a dirt parking area adorned with 9 cars, and several signs such as the one above to help guide my way. One important thing to note about the trail is that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED! So leave your furry friends at home if you are feeling compliant.
The nature preserve contains six trails, though only two (Blue and White) hit the summit of the mountain. I decided to do a round trip, going up the Blue Trail (a 1.5 mile trek to the top), and the White Trail going down (a much shorter 0.7 miles). I am not sure what the other trails have to offer - I am excited to try them sometime since I live so very close by!
The first half of the Blue Trail was relatively flat and easy, with nice pieces of boardwalk to guide the hiker through mud-prone sections. Neat looking trail blaze markers such as this one:
were very easy to find and frequently placed. The letters stand for Yorktown Parks & Recreation. The town did a REALLY nice job with this facility! I met another cool sign as the Blue Trail met with the Red Trail: PHOTO
Continuing onward, at about 0.5 miles in, the trail began to dramatically steepen, and I found myself huffing and puffing a bit. I came across some relatively impressive rock formations alongside the path (PHOTO).
As I reached the first mini plateau (each plateau with its elevation is marked on the Blue Trail Map near the top of the article), I found that the trail came close by to lands owned by New York City for Water Supply. These signs are a common sign in Westchester County, near its several reservoirs: PHOTO
I continued on my way, and I met my second plateau, which was pretty (PHOTO), but not yet the view I was looking for. I did see, however, at this plateau and at the summit, lots of beautiful wildflowers, such as this one:
Click the above photo for a closeup.
After a third mini-plateau, I reached the summit. It took me about 35 minutes from the bottom, taking lots of pictures.
In this photo, you can see (just left of center) the silos of Hanover Farm, one of two operating farms within a 15 mile radius of Chappaqua. Click for a closeup.
At the summit, gazing to the south is the main attraction of Turkey Mountain: a view of the New York City skyline 40 miles to the south on a clear day. Today was about 80% clear, so I was able to see the skyline pretty well with the naked eye. Unfortunately, it did not come out as well as I had hoped on camera. Nevertheless, if you focus your eye just left of center above the trees, you can barely make out the skyline. On this one, click to enlarge. Zoom in if you must!:
Also in view from up here are reservoirs (PHOTO), as well as the Old Put truss railroad bridge, which is now used as a bike path (PHOTO).
Pretty breath-taking for the suburbs (PHOTO).
Following the White Trail on the way down was much quicker than going up. It didn't seem as steep as that initial push 0.5 miles or so into the Blue Trail, but it was a more gradual incline down. Near the bottom, I found an outdoor classroom, which is supposedly used yearly during field trips by the Yorktown Schools: PHOTO
Finally, as I neared the parking lot, I met a snake friend! He stuck out his tongue at me! I thought this was a pretty cool shot, seeing that our paths crossed for maybe 10 seconds tops. If anyone knows the type of snake this was, please leave it as a comment:
Click the above photo for a closeup.
FINAL CONSENSUS: If you are looking for a relatively quick getaway and, if you happen to live in Westchester County, is close to home, I HIGHLY recommend Turkey Mountain. It is not too difficult, it offers spectacular views, and brings the excitement of mountain hiking close to home, in a quick and painless journey. It's a nice introduction to higher altitudes, as this one doesn't even crack 1,000 feet! Nevertheless, you truly feel like a giant up there...
Difficulty:
(A couple of rough spots for the out of shape hiker, but if you bring water you should be fine).Trail Markings:
(Yorktown did a GREAT job labeling the trails. Trail markings did match conventions, and the bottom of the map provided a guide to trail marking).Trail Condition:
(Again, Yorktown should be commended - EXCELLENT job in these trails' upkeep).Good for Kids:
(This is a good starter hike for kids who are used to sitting on the couch. However, it is not recommended for inexperienced hikers under the age of 8).Views:
(Absolutely gorgeous).Length: 1-2 hours.
Come Back Rachel!!!!! - Jon
