When you visit the Preserve, you walk the crushed stone roads artfully laid out between 1910 and 1950 by John D. Rockefeller, Sr. and his son, John D. Jr. Inspired by their personal love of the outdoors and Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape and architecture, they designed the roads to lead visitors into nature and to create surprises and sensory experiences. John D. Jr., like Olmsted, believed that all people, especially those in cities, need access into beautiful landscapes to experience the wonders and solace of the natural world. From the day they were built the trails were open to the community.
Today, more than 45 miles of rustic carriage roads weave through forests, fields, pastures, and wetlands. The roads are open to hikers, runners, artists, and equestrians. To keep everyone safe on the trails, you should always follow these simple rules of carriage road etiquette: Everyone on the trails must yield to horses, which can easily be startled by sudden movements. Dogwalkers must stop and control their dogs when approaching or being passed by a horse. Runners must stop and let the horse proceed or wait until the rider signals you to pass. Groups must pass in a single file line. Bicycles are strictly prohibited at RSPP, and pets must be kept on a leash under 10 feet long.
As you enjoy the Preserve’s natural beauty, we hope you also get to see some of the horses that the trails were built to carry.
There is a $6 daily parking fee, unless you have a New York State Empire Pass, A Golden Park Pass, or a Group/Individual Access Pass.
Additional Information: Observe all parking signs on Route 448. Trail Maps available at Main Parking/Welcome Center. Thank you West End 2 for placing and maintaining all caches in this series.