Wehle State Park hiking

Even on a cold day, hiking out at Wehle State Park is a spectacular way to spend the day.  Our little one fits comfortably in the backpack, so Mat and I take turns packing her around. Wehle State Park is a free state park in Henderson, NY with over 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.  (The trails are relatively stroller friendly, some seem like they are old roads.)

There are steep cliffs and the official Wehle State Park has a notice about these cliffs.

Danger Notice:  cliff-side location - may not be suitable for families with children.

Here's a trail map that shows all the trails and buildings out at Wehle State Park.
 
Near the main parking area and the main house, there are open fields that are perfect for picnics and running around, but as you get closer to the water there is a definite dangerous aspect of cliffs.  If you can contain your child in a pack or stroller, this is a great place to walk, otherwise just playing in the field near the main house is a great way to have your kids get some energy out.

Mat and I tend to go left on the gravel road and walk past the main house down to the log cabin and walk on the Snakefoot trail that is on the edge of the shoreline. For a long time, we just did the Dancing Gypsy loop.  The Snakefoot trail fast became our favorite because most of the trail is right close to the shoreline and you get fabulous long distance views on clear days.

A side note:  If you have company, say your in-laws, in town and want to take them on a nice walk this is a perfect spot to take them. Unless, it's forecasting rain and you see the rain clouds in the close distance as you are walking to the Dancing Gypsy trail. It won't endear them to you as you are walking back to the car completely soaked! 

We've been lucky enough to see bald eagles, a red fox and a snowy owl on hikes here.