A Fantastic Fall Run!

I've lived here in Mahwah, "Bergen County's Parkland" for over 15 years. Not only is this area beautiful but it's a stones throw from the Hudson River Valley and Tarrytown, NY, the town of my youth and the place I still call home today. Being so close to "home" certainly has it's benefits for me as a runner because Tarrytown, (Sleepy Hollow to be exact--North Tarrytown to us natives) is home to Rockefeller State Park.

Rockefeller State Park is a 1000 acre natural preserve that was once part of the Rockefeller Estate. The Rockefeller Family generously donated that property to the state of New York who maintains it as a state public park where thousands of visitors congregate to enjoy it's natural beauty.

For runners, the park arguably offers, the best trail running within 30 miles of the metropolitan area. Aside from being the playground of my youth, what makes it so special to runners?

Well, for pure beauty, nothing I've seen in this area can top the lakes, meadows, streams, waterfalls and vistas of the Hudson the way this park does. Then there's the wildlife that you seem to meet on every run. You'll be greeted by deer, coyote, foxes, eagles and endless species of birds. There's no shortage of domestic farm animals either, as the Rockefeller farm sports pure bred horses, cows, pigs chickens and ducks.

Ok, so what about the running? Well, miles upon miles of trails slice throughout this natural preserve. We hold our marathon training program there and when we do very long runs, it's not uncommon to be able to complete most of the run without repeating any of the trails you've left behind. The trails are varied in their surface but, because they are trails, your legs recover so much quicker than running so many miles on the streets. There are hills, (did I say H-I-L-L-S?) but, not only do they strengthen your running, they aren't bothersome or steep (lol) because the park hypnotizes you by it's beauty.

The parks' about a 20-25 minute drive from Mahwah, but after you run there once, the minutes melt away to nothing as you anticipate the run that awaits you on your return.

All I can say is "try it, you'll like it,"  for a fantastic fall run and be sure to let us know what you thought of it!

More info and directions or, stop by Fleet Feet Mahwah and we'll be happy to share some great routes with you!