Many of our New York State Parks, Westchester County Parks or even local Peekskill parks are not easily accessible or adapted for those who have a disability. But that begins to change this Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., when Rockefeller State Park Preserve off of Rt 117 becomes the first State Park to unveil free-to-use adaptive hiking equipment in the Roll & Stroll program. 

Since the beginning of the year, Rockefeller State Park has been testing various pieces of adaptive hiking equipment for those who are disabled to use inside the Park. After months of testing different adaptive equipment, the staff at Rockefeller State Park settled on and then purchased three separate pieces of adaptive hiking equipment so those who are disabled and/or need assistance can enjoy the outdoors just as much as able bodied individuals. 

The hiking equipment is in the form of two Mountain Trike chairs – the eTrike and ePush, as well as an Oasis Pneumatic walker. They are free of charge to those who may need it. As the program is so new, and the first in New York State to have such equipment,  the only way to use the adaptive equipment as of right now is via a guided hike. The first such hike is Sunday, October 13th, followed by a second Roll & Stroll guided hike in mid-November. The Park is hoping that in the very near future, the adaptive hiking equipment will be available for use by the public anytime during the park’s operating hours.

At the Roll & Stroll on October 13, Rockefeller State Park will have three routes of varying length to choose from. There will be a 1.25 mile loop, a 2 mile loop, and a 3 mile loop. Participants who wish to use the equipment and join on one of the guided hikes will have to pre-register via Eventbrite using this link. Participants who wish to join, but bring their own equipment are also welcome. As an FYI, standard wheelchairs will work, but be forewarned that hard rubber tires can lead to a bumpier ride on the gravel covered carriage trails. All-terrain devices or wheelchairs with bicycle-type wheels are recommended, however, bicycles are not permitted in the park.

The 3 separate hikes will be relatively level and all of them will be led by a hike leader. Participants will be able to experience the great outdoors in the preserve which consists in total of 1,775 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands on well kempt 16 foot wide carriage roads surfaced with hard-packed gravel. Of course, all of the hikes will include a trip around the picturesque Swan Lake. 

Experience the Preserve in its most popular season at the peak of fall foliage as the colors begin to change. Registrants and participants will meet in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. The parking fee is $6 per vehicle and free for those who have a NYS Empire Pass or the Golden Park Pass for NYS seniors 62 and over. Visit the Parks website for more information. In case of inclement weather, the October 13th Roll & Stroll will be postponed to October 20 and registered participants will be notified by 5 p.m. the day prior.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is one of New York State’s most beautiful parks located right here in Westchester County. The bucolic park is located less than 14 miles away from the center of Peekskill and a short 22 minute drive. The preserve offers quiet countryside walks of all lengths through forested hills and valleys surrounding sunlit pastoral fields. In addition, the preserve offers nearly 260 acres of Oak-Tulip Tree Forest, a vulnerable habitat type in New York State, and is home to at least twelve endangered plant species.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve was created through several farsighted and generous gifts to the State of New York by the Rockefeller Family since 1983. It is designated as a “park-preserve” to highlight and protect its natural, historical, and cultural values. Its network of carriage trails wind through scenic forests, fields, and wetlands, which provide important habitat for native plants and wildlife. 

The Preserve Office and Gallery are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and are located at 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, N.Y. 10570.  For more information on programs or volunteering opportunities at Rockefeller State Park Preserve, stop by the Park Office, call 914-631-1470, or visit www.rockefellerstateparkpreserve.org. Don’t forget to follow Rockefeller State Park on Facebook and Instagram. Rockefeller State Park is a carry-in carry-out park.

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