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Rock Trail (RT) Loop

 4.9 (9)
  1. Areas
  2. NY
  3. …Westchester County
  4. …Pound Ridge
  5. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Google Map

7.0 Miles 11.3 Kilometers


87%

Runnable

1,264' 385 m

Ascent

-1,263' -385 m

Descent

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

815' 248 m

High

445' 136 m

Low

Shared By Rob Cummings

Conditions

All Clear 83 days ago
Some Mud: Easy to miss some of the RT junctions History
Getting forecast...

“The Rock Trail (RT) Loop passes by six of the "Rock" features of the trails in Ward Pound Ridge Rez. ”

— Rob Cummings
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Overview

This loop passes the following six rock features of the park: Indian Rock Shelter, Castle Rock, Bear Rock, Dancing Rock, Raven Rocks, and Spy Rock. Both Spy Rock and Raven Rocks have scenic overlooks. Below Spy Rock is a rough stone staircase that ascends 300 vertical feet in about 2/10ths of a mile.

This access is shown from Michigan Rd., but you can also access the RT loop from Honey Hollow Rd. (limited parking).

Runner Notes

Come prepared for many ups and downs.

Description

This is a demanding 7-mile loop. Go in any season -- better views in the winter and early spring -- but fun in all seasons. The terrain is rough at points with large trees coming down after storms and trails re-routing around them. Chances are you'll not see too many others on this trail in the colder seasons but summertime and warmer days it can be very popular. Bring a map or the Trail Run Project mobile app -- all intersections are numbered so once you find one you can get oriented.

Flora & Fauna

Enjoy swaths of mountain laurel in the higher elevations. Additionally, spring vernal ponds dot the trail (seasonal).

Contacts

Local Club: Leatherman Harriers

Aug 4, 2018: Muddiest Runners Class of 2018!

May 10, 2018: 2018 Thoughts and Links

Apr 22, 2018: 2018 Results

Land Manager: Westchester County, NY - Parks

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Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 9 votes

#1

in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

#285

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  4.9 from 9 votes
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#1

in Ward Pound Ridge Reser…

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in New York

#285

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Photos

Raven Rocks overlook panorama.
Raven Rocks overlook panorama.
 3
Snowy run on the Red Trail.
Snowy run on the Red Trail.
 2
Bear Rock Petroglyph - Native American Bear and Bird carvings on this rock date possibly to several thousand years ago. Google "Bear Rock Petroglyph" for more photos and information.
Bear Rock Petroglyph - Native American Bear and…
 3
At Raven Rocks overlook in winter.
At Raven Rocks overlook in winter.
 3

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