Purdys Ridge Preserve is a tract of land, 66 acres, purchased by The Town of North Salem and NSOLF in 2005. A trail system provides public access from Old Schoolhouse Road. Limited parking but the trailhead is clearly in sight at stage 1. A staircase leads your way.
The hike can be quick or long depending on your interest. Uphill is most of the hike here and the reason for the stars.The actual Ridge at the viewpoint is so perfectly sculpted that it almost looks man made. The final stage is within about 50 yards of this point.
The mission of the Foundation is the preservation of the character and natural beauty of the town of North Salem, NY and the area around it by establishing land areas free from exploitation, development, and deterioration and by maintaining the environmental integrity of the area.
This is a fairly moderate trail beginning with a few wooden steps located at the end of Old School House Road. The flat but rocky trail then winds up a fairly steep hill for a good half-mile. Along the way, hikers can see plenty of trees, vines, stone walls and barberry, the predominant vegetation, as well as wildlife such frogs, pileated wood peckers, goshawk, turkeys, fox and of course deer.
Stepping off the ridge, the trail winds around and down for another ½ mile or so. There is a small creek to cross and you may encounter a few fallen trees and a stone wall to climb over. All in all, this 30-minute loop is a nice hike, aside from the bites of a few summer horseflies.
Please be mindful when parking to not to block any of the resident’s driveways. Dogs are welcome of course, as in most all NSOLF trails, but must be leashed.
The hiking trail itself was created as an Eagle Scout project by one of our own locals.