Events

Walk Around Louisa Pond

Location

Louisa Pond - Shaupeneak Ridge Park
143 Popletown Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561

County: Ulster
Region: Mid Hudson

Date(s)

• September 23, 2023, 9:30AM

Detailed Times/Hours This event will be in coordination with the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. There will be free bus transportation from the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County leaving at 9 AM. You will have to register with the YMCA at https://ymcaulster.org Otherwise, register with the walk leader by emailing michael@catskillcountrywalks.com, then you can meet us at the Louisa Pond parking area by 9:30 AM

Details

Event Type Walk/Hike Description This will be a walk around Louisa Pond. We will visit the interpretive display about Sojourner Truth, who crossed this area when she freed herself from enslavement. The area is rich in native plants and wildlife. We'll see signs of wildlife and we will identify some interesting plants. The pond itself is beautiful to see and hosts frogs, beaver, and many other critters. There are also many birds to see and hear. Louisa Pond is part of the Shaupeneak Ridge Park. Shaupeneak Ridge is protected by Scenic Hudson and is maintained in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the West Esopus Landowners Association. The walk is free and part of the Speak to the Earth series. You can learn more about Speak to the Earth at https://speaktotheearth.org. It is offered in partnership with the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. The walk will take about 2 hours. The trail is less than 2 miles around the lake. The free bus will leave the Kingston YMCA at 9 AM and return by Noon. You have to register with YMCA to take the bus. If you meet us at the Louisa Pond parking area we will be there by 9:30 AM. The walk will be done by 11:30 AM. Organization Hosting the Event Speak to the Earth Phone Number (914) 482-5771

Registration

Advance registration required.
Register by Friday, September 22nd - either at https://ymcaulster.org if you plan to take the bus from the Kingston YMCA (bus leaves at 9 AM) Or, if you plan to meet the group at Louisa Pond at 9:30 AM then register by emailing Michael Drillinger: michael@catskillcountrywalks.com

Additional Information

The trail is mostly flat and wide. There are a few slight up hills and down slopes and a short stretch of rocky terrain. There is one small stream crossing which may even be dry given the time of year.
Additional Equipment Required: Closed toed shoes are a must. Hiking or trail shoes are preferred. Sneakers are okay. NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS. Bring water. A wide brimmed hat and bug spray are recommended.

Trip Duration (hours): 3
Difficulty: Easy
This event is NOT Suitable for children under: 5
Length (miles): 2
Boots Needed: No

Family Friendly: Yes
Barrier Free or Wheelchar accessible? Portion
Additional Wheelchair Info: The parking area and the first quarter mile is packed gravel. There are views of the pond.