“In every walk in Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir, naturalist
Enjoy the magnificent fall foliage in the peaceful beauty of the Hudson Valley with a guided, meditative hike to connect with nature and ourselves. This hike takes us to the Old Mineral Springs trail of the Black Rock Forest. Located west of Route 9W in the town of Cornwall, NY on the west side of the Hudson River, we will explore a forest that has been extensively preserved and researched for a century. In a short 4-mile hike, we will get to explore a varied landscape where waterfalls, streams, ponds, wooded areas intertwined, resulting in a highly diversified and rich habitat for plants and animals.
Much of the hike will be observed in silence but we will integrate meditation practices throughout the day — allowing our senses to come alive and our sense of separateness fall away. Turning our attention inward allows us to become receptive to both of our outer and inner experiences. The dynamic outdoor conditions will be a perfect container for mindfulness practices. We will have lunch by a pond.
The hike will be approximately from 10am – 4:30pm.
After the hike you can also stop by the nearby Jones Farm to pick up farm fresh bakery goods and produce, as well as visit the animals.
Who: Lin Wang Gordon and Jon Aaron
When: Sunday, April 24, 2022
Where: Black Rock Forest – Mineral Springs Trail
Length and Elevation: Approximately 3.9 miles, 725 ft elevation – Relatively moderate hike featuring a waterfall. There are sections of ups and downs, please bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes.
Meeting Time: We’ll meet at the trail head at 9:45am.
Meeting Location: 2-16 Old Mineral Springs Rd, Highland Mills, NY 10930
Carpool: Use the sign-up sheet to coordinate
Car Rental: With the cost of bus tickets and logistics of coordination, it may be more economical and easier if some of you could coordinate a car rental and split the cost among 4 people.
Public Transporation:
Shortline Bus: Port Authority bus terminal to Storm King Art Center bus stop. Morning bus leaves at 8:30am. Ride from bus stop to Black Rock Forest is about a 6 mins ride.
However, there may not be a bus running on weekends at 8:30am to Storm King Art Center. In this case, you would need to get off at the Penie Ln – Highland Mills bus stop at Woodbury. Leave at 8:30am and arrive at Highland Mills at 9:45am. Return at 5:14pm and arrive at Port Authority at 6:25pm. Ride from bus top to Black Rock Forest is about a 15 mins ride.
We aim to start the hike at 10am.
Bring
- Mask
- Hiking poles (pls bring them if you have them)
- Your lunch
- Ample snacks
- At least 3 liters of water
- A backpack
- Organic tick repellent (optional)
- Organic bug repellent (optional)
- Sitting props if needed (thermal rest z-seat pad, light yoga block, etc.)
Wear
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable athletic clothing in layers so you can adjust accordingly – (cottons are discouraged)
- Wool socks (if possible)
- Hat
- Jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
Lin Wang Gordon 