Historic Environments

Do you believe in aliens, or just want to hike through some of New York City’s watershed?  If so, then come hike the trail from Mead Farm to Hawk Rock in Kent, New York, established by the Kent Conservation Advisory Committee.  Just off of Whangtown Road, this hike takes about 2 hours round trip, and takes you through a young wood past several interesting locations!

The large stone chamber on Mead Farm

Prior towards the acquisition of this land sometime in the 20th century, this land had long been farmland.  Mead Farm is named for Moses F. Mead who owned and operated it in the 1860s.  Remnants of the land’s past use can be seen throughout the hike.  The first one is a large stone wall — a part of an old farm building.  Next is a large stone chamber, built into the hillside with a stone roof.  Chambers like these are scattered throughout New England, but this one in particular is large and accessible.  If you were excited about the aliens I mentioned, look no further!  Many theories surround these stone chambers; farm land buildings, Celtic structures, and the more whimsical theory of alien structures.  Another can be found on this hike, but is unsafe to enter.

Hawk Rock, the final point of the hike

The trail on Mead Farm is rocky and uneven, but becomes easier a little while past the stone chamber, as it follows an old road.  The path is clear of foliage and will eventually lead to a few more sites!  One of these is Balanced Rock, a huge boulder that appears precariously balanced.  The other is Hawk Rock, a large glacial erratic that looks somewhat like a roosting hawk!  On Hawk Rock there are some petroglyphs, which are just as mysterious as the aforementioned stone chambers!  Though the terrain is a little rough, this hike is lovely — even in the rain!