Roeliff Jansen Park(Columbia County)

Got out for a nice winter walk at the Roeliff Jansen Park in rural Columbia County, near the Massachusetts/ New York state line.  The park can be found by continuing south on Route 22 past the intersection with Route 23 in the town of Hillsdale for about half a mile to the parking lot on the left just beyond a bridge over the Roeliff Jansen Kill.  From the parking lot, the main trail ascends into open fields and a small dog run trail leaves to the right.

 The combination of brilliant sunshine and rolling snow packed fields was at times nearly blinding.

 There are several well placed benches throughout the park to stop and relax, soaking in the fresh air.

 The South Meadow Trail provides a beautiful glimpse towards the Southern Taconics.

 Cows and farmland meet the South Meadow Trail, making for a pleasant pastoral scene.

 Footprints crossing the wide open fields.  Unfortunately bitter winter winds made these areas very uncomfortably bitter.

 Looking north towards Hillsdale with the church spire rising amongst the trees.

 A panorama looking south near the woods trail.

 The Roeliff Jansen Kill can be found along the very north area of the park.

 The beautiful Roeliff Jansen Kill is a major tributary of the Hudson River, winding 56 miles through mostly rolling farmland of Columbia and Dutchess Counties.

 A tinge of color along the creek in back of the hay barn.

 The large silo standing proudly near the parking lot.

Kalli and I walked 2.77 miles through the winding hills and fields of Roeliff Jansen Park on a sunny but blustery Sunday afternoon.