Westchester Trails Association

Spring Hiking Tips.  If you’re getting back into hiking after a winter break, start with shorter and easier hikes until you feel in shape for something more strenuous. Be aware of seasonal conditions - spring rains (and snow melt at higher elevations) mean muddy trails and swollen streams. Give your boots a good waterproof treatment, and consider wearing gaiters. To avoid eroding muddy trails, look for established routes in sunny areas, on rocky surfaces, or with well-drained soils. If you find yourself on a muddy stretch of trail, don’t walk off-trail to avoid it - that will only increase erosion. Use common sense when encountering a swollen stream. Poles or sticks will help with balance, and wet feet can easily be tended to with a fresh pair of socks, but fast running water can also be dangerous. If you don’t feel that you can safely cross a stream, turn back.

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

WTA Welcomes its New Members: Michele Abeles, Steven Altarescu, Janet Arms, Marianne Ansari, Susan Chevlowe, Karen Dolan, Skip Doyle, Carolina Duran, Marc Goldberg, Niles Jaeger, Ronald Korman, Katherine Lee, Alexandra Lowe, Virginia MacSaveny, Peter McGregor, Gail McNiff, Laura Ostrow, Janice Perri, Wende Pogust, Brian Portis, Charmaine Portis, Theresa Marie Russo, Deb Silverstein, Marina Suben, Laura Vasami, Angela Vogel, Ivan Vogel, Jason Wei, Richard Wininger.

And Welcome Back: Diane Silver.

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, shortly after the first edition of the book was published, by compiling a list of local hiking areas and trails featuring 91 “regular” hikes and 18 “half hikes” throughout the county. Since then we've sponsored guided hikes to all the places on the list, with those who complete the challenge (either with our club or on their own) being 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.