This hike starts at the parking area of the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve on Sarles Street (at the intersection of Sarles Street and Bretton Ridge Road in Mount Kisco). Hikers should gather at 9:25 a.m. for a prompt 9:40 a.m. departure. This hike is the longest and most difficult of all the hikes we are leading to Merestead. It is about five miles from the trailhead to the top of Merestead, via a large portion of the eastern section of the Meyer Preserve. The hike to Merestead includes a cliff-top overlook of Byram Lake, with 684 in the near distance, and has many steep uphills and downhills along the way. Significant portions involve uneven terrain, tree roots, loose rock, and narrow trails traversing steep terrain. Hiking boots are necessary, and hiking sticks can be helpful if you like using them. The last mile to Merestead is on a well-maintained quiet dirt or paved road through farmland and estate homes. From there, we enter Merestead at the 1860s farmhouse and walk up the inclined carriage road to the top of Merestead. The return trip is a mere mile and half, as it is considerably more direct to the original trailhead. We will return to Byram Lake Road via the grounds of the Merestead estate house to enjoy a different part of the park. Total distance is 6.5 miles (five miles in and up, and 1.5 miles down on the return.)
This moderate-to-difficult hike starts at the parking lot for the Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary in Bedford. Hikers should gather at 10:20 a.m. for a prompt 10:35 a.m. departure. The trail to the top of Merestead is approximately two miles, and that includes a detour to visit the famed Butler Sanctuary hawkwatch, part of a network of hawk-watching sites across the United States. That is an excellent spot to observe a variety of hawks, falcons and other raptors (especially during this time of the fall migration). Although the trail is usually three or so feet wide, it can be narrow in places. Also, there are many steep uphill and downhill sections with obstructions such as a stream crossing, rocks, roots and fallen trees. Hiking boots are highly recommended, as well as hiking sticks if you wish. On the return from Merestead (perhaps after visiting the grounds of the Merestead estate house), we will take a different two-mile route through the Butler Sanctuary via the Balancing Rock Trail (involving additional uphill slopes). There you will see several “glacial erratics,” or huge boulders seemingly stranded in mismatched surroundings or impossibly balanced in place.
Beginning at the Tea House in Leonard Park, Mount Kisco. Hikers should gather at 10:10 a.m. for a prompt 10:25 a.m. departure. This hike is approximately two miles long to the top of Merestead. Although it is mostly flat for the first 70 percent, the last 30 percent involves a considerable and steady uphill. The trail passes through a unique geological and natural environment that encompasses wetlands, flowing streams, a very high dense tree canopy, dramatic rock outcroppings, along with steep cliffs dropping down to a stream that is evidence of the melting of the Wisconsin glacier 20,000 years ago. Throughout the hike, there are significant portions that involve uneven terrain, tree roots, and stepping across streams and muddy patches. Hiking boots are highly recommended, as well as hiking sticks if you wish. The return hike is back along the same route: two miles total, first downhill, then mostly flat, all through the same terrain.
This hike starts at the parking area of the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve on Sarles Streeet (at the intersection of Sarles Street and Bretton Ridge Road in Mount Kisco). Hikers should gather at 10:55 a.m. for a departure at 11:10 a.m. At 1.5 miles long, this hike is the shortest and easiest of the hikes we are leading to the top of Merestead. Nevertheless, the first half mile involves long stretches of uphill terrain, most of which is rutted, washed out and uneven. The last mile to Merestead is on a well-maintained quiet dirt or paved road through farmland and estate homes. From there, we enter Merestead at the 1860s farmhouse and walk up the inclined carriage road to the top of Merestead. The return trip is largely via the same route, however, we will return to Byram Lake Road via the grounds of the Merestead Estate House to enjoy a different part of the park.