August Adventures. What better way to cool off on a summer’s day than to take a hike near the water? Left, hikers gather near Lake Skenonto on a Harriman Circuit Hike. Right, enjoying the mist from the Croton Dam spillway before continuing to the Blue Pig in Ossining for ice cream.

                                                       Have a most enjoyable autumn. See you on the trail!

 Westchester Trails Association

   Meeting New Friends on the Trail.

Just in time for Halloween, a WTA group passing through Douglas Park in Sleepy Hollow had an unexpected encounter - a skeletal version of the horse and rider from "Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Undeterred, our intrepid hikers posed for a picture and invited them along on the hike. They declined, preferring to hang out in the woods for the rest of the day.

WTA Welcomes its New Members: Sivan Ben Are, Jane Auriemmo, Angela Byrne, Sharlene Chin, Jeenifer Dhawan, Anil Ferris, Linda Geraghty, Rita Glassman,Mary Graham, Rozsa Kovesdi, Elli Mocas, Damian Rippon, Jeri Rippon, Daniel Romano, Barry Touch, Susan Wiley, Howard Zauberman.

And Welcome Back: Beth Baron, Anne Carter, David Oliver, Eleanor Russell, Amy Schneider.

Fall Hiking Tips. Warm days can turn brisk and chilly towards evening. Bring a windbreaker, and a wool or fleece top or sweater to wear under it. Toss a pair of gloves and a hat in your pack just in case. And consider having at least one item of visible clothing in bright orange, since fall is also hunting season.

Autumn leaves are beautiful, but once they fall they mask rocks, roots and nuts that can make you trip or slip - when taking in the colors around you, keep an eye on the ground as well.

This is the season to observe nature’s display in all its glory - enjoy every moment of it!

Join WTA in completing the Westchester 100, a project inspired by the "Walkable Westchester" book written by Jane and Walt Daniels. The book has been an invaluable resource for hiking in our home county, and the most recent (third) edition details more than 635 miles of trails in over 200 parks, preserves and sanctuaries.

We launched our Westchester 100 project in the fall of 2009 when the first edition was published, listing local hiking areas and trails that featured 91 “regular” hikes and 18 “half hikes” throughout the county. Those who complete the challenge (either with our club or on their own) are rewarded with a certificate, a patch, and unlimited bragging rights.

To see our updated Westchester 100 list, please click here. We invite you to join us in exploring the many places to walk or hike that Westchester County has to offer.