Ward Pound Ridge Reservation — Attraction in Town of Pound Ridge

Review: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation - Nature's Haven

Rating: ★★★★☆

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, and I must say it was an enchanting experience. Located just a short drive from the bustling city, this vast nature reserve provided a much-needed escape from the concrete jungle. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained trails, it truly felt like a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.

The first thing that struck me upon entering the reservation was the sheer size and tranquility of the place. Spread across over 4,300 acres, Ward Pound Ridge offers a multitude of recreational activities, from hiking and trail running to camping and picnicking. The trails are well-marked and cater to various difficulty levels, allowing visitors of all ages and fitness levels to explore and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

The natural beauty of Ward Pound Ridge is simply breathtaking. The reservation boasts a rich variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, open meadows, rocky outcrops, and babbling brooks. Each trail I ventured on presented unique scenic vistas, and I found myself captivated by the serenity of the landscapes. It's a perfect place for nature photography and contemplative walks.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse range of animals and birds that call Ward Pound Ridge home. I was fortunate enough to spot deer, foxes, squirrels, and numerous species of birds during my visit. The reserve is a haven for birdwatching, and I was enthralled by the sight of various colorful birds flitting from tree to tree. Make sure to bring your binoculars and a camera to capture these remarkable moments.

One aspect that sets Ward Pound Ridge apart is the excellent maintenance of the park. The trails are well-groomed, clearly marked, and clean, ensuring a pleasant and safe hiking experience. The visitor center provides useful information, maps, and friendly staff members who are eager to assist you in planning your adventure.

While the reservation offers an abundance of natural beauty, it is worth mentioning that some parts of the park can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. If you prefer a quieter experience, it might be best to visit during weekdays or off-peak hours. Additionally, it would be helpful to bring bug repellent, as insects can be quite active in certain areas.

In conclusion, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a true haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and enjoy its wonders. With its well-maintained trails, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife, this reservation is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and...

We camped at Ward Pound Ridge this weekend in Shelters 26 and 27 and this may very well be one of the loveliest and near perfect campgrounds I’ve been to, and would certainly have given it 5 stars because the sites were super spaced apart, super well maintained, and the same goes for the trails we walked in the area, but . . . while there are toilets and portapotties, again, both very well maintained, clean, well stocked with toilet paper and do not smell at all, the shower rooms were closed, and there wasn’t a single place to get water but the hand washing sinks in the toilets and there is no place to do your dishes, but the same sinks in the toilet rooms, as well. If Ward Pound Ridge could install an outdoor dish washing area and make it possible to get water throughout the camping areas, and perhaps install a few open air shower stalls, the grounds for camping would be perfection. The only other thing that I wished it had, was a swimming hole, but I could get over that. In spite of the water issue, we made due with filling a sun shower bladder to wash dishes at our site, filling up our water bottles and taking ‘baby wipe’ baths, but it was hot and a shower before changing for bed to wash off sweat would’ve been heaven. Lastly, there were also no dumpsters/recycling areas for trash. I would go back and be better prepared. Hoping Ward Pound Ridge can do better, especially for...

Assuming not much has changed in the few years since I moved from the area, Pound Ridge Park (as we called it growing up) is absolutely beautiful and entirely peaceful. I started going here with my family when I was so young I don't even remember those times. Every winter, we'd do family trips for sleigh riding down the most EPIC sleigh hill of all time (I'd advise joining small children on the sleigh...it can get brutal on that hill!). In the spring and summer months, we'd camp nights despite living 20minutes away, take hikes and play on any of the amazingly awesome playgrounds (I hope they're still there!). When I got older/high-school age, I'd go alone or with friends and we'd hike, play in the creeks, visit the museum and gallery, picnic, and we still played on the playgrounds. Pound Ridge Reservation is so beautifully unique, diverse, and peaceful. Something about it must bring out the joy and peace in people because in the +20years I'd visited, I don't recall every seeing a face that wasn't smiling or encountering a human who wasn't at least kind. I can go on and on about Pound Ridge; I have nothing but 20years of good memories. But I'll leave it at that lest I bore you. Long story short: 10/10 highly recommended, 10/10 must go, 10/10 bring...