|
Round
Ball Mountain
 |
| View from
property, photo by Peter Blandori |
Description
A
105.6-acre property in Ancram offering spectacular views
of the Harlem Valley and the Taconic Mountains. The
property rises to a summit of 1,318 feet, with a gentle
ascent on one side making the peak easily accessible,
while other areas of the property are characterized by
steep slopes, rocky outcroppings, cascading streams, and
associated woodland habitats including a number of
mosses and ferns.
The property is located within the watershed of
the Harlem Valley Wetland Complex which
supports a number of rare reptiles and plant species.
Improvements
Foot trails lead visitors along the base of the
mountain, and then gently upwards towards its peak along
an old logging road.
From the top, visitors can view more
than 1,500 acres of privately protected lands abutting
the property, and will be able to see the Taconic State
Park, the Route 22 corridor, the proposed extension of
the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, and the rolling hills and
farmland characteristic of the region’s rural
landscape.
As
with other public conservation areas, the Conservancy
will manage Round Ball Mountain as an outdoor classroom,
in addition to providing non-motorized outdoor
recreation for the general public.
In
addition to your valuable membership
support you can donate specific gifts
towards this project.
.
Trail
Map
Click
here
for a downloadable trail map
Upcoming
Activities
Sightings Have
you you seen an unusual animal track, spotted a new
bird, or noticed a wildflower in bloom while visiting a
conservation area? Send
us your
wildlife observations and we will post them here to
share with the community.
Directions
From
Route 22 in Ancram at the Columbia/Dutchess County
border, turn onto Carson Road. The entrance sign
will be on the right approximately 1/2 mile up from
Route 22. Park in the designated lot before reaching
the site managers' residence.
|
