Walnut Mountain Park

Date: July 13, 2024 // By: Nelson Perez

Located in Liberty, New York, Walnut Mountain Park spans 265 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities amidst breathtaking natural beauty. This park can be both enjoyable and manageable with a bit of preparation. This post provides an overview of the park’s amenities and offers helpful strategies to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

The park offers a variety of activities, but one of its best features is its vastness. It’s a great location to lounge around, bring activities, and soak up the sun. If you take anything away from this post, it is to have fun and prioritize safety, particularly near the woods or on the trails. Individual needs and safety concerns must always be taken into consideration and this post is just a brief overview of the park.

Pros

  • Open fields to roam around.
  • Areas to sit, eat, and relax.
  • Playground available for smaller children.
  • Bathrooms are available.
  • Several areas to play sports and bring your own activities.

Considerations

  • The trail goes uphill, and the ground can be uneven, which can be challenging.
  • Games are held here, so it may be busier at times.
  • Elopement may be a risk near the woods or on the trails.
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Facilities

  • Hiking and mountain biking trails: Approximately 13 miles of trails with varying levels of difficulty.
  • Picnic areas and pavilion: Ideal for a relaxing family meal or gathering.
  • Playground: A fun spot for kids to play.
  • Sports fields: Includes a baseball field, soccer field, and frisbee throwing stations.
  • Scenic views: The park is surrounded by trees making it a relaxing experience all around.
  • Restrooms: These are located near the entrance of the park.

Strategies for a Sensory-Friendly Visit

  • Prepare for the terrain: While the park offers trails suitable for different experience levels, some areas can be steep. Bring sturdy footwear and consider physical capabilities for the trails.
  • When to go: You can go whenever you want. If you prefer a quieter environment, it might be best to go in the early mornings or late afternoons. Even if there’s a game, there are plenty of areas to come and go as you please.
  • The park is itself a calming and sensory-friendly environment, but feel free to bring anything that helps with comfortability.

The Essentials

  • Comfort items: Bring familiar sensory or behavioral tools to support during the visit.
  • Snacks and hydration: The park is vast and the trails are plenty. Pack plenty of water and favorite snacks to keep energy levels up and avoid meltdowns due to hunger.
  • Frequent breaks: Everyone needs time to just sit or stand and relax.
  • Protection: Bring sunscreen and tick spray. 

Safety and Comfort

  • Stay together: Keep your group together and designate a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
  • Visual boundaries: Use visual markers (Ex. Trees, gates) to ensure people don’t wander off too far.
  • Parking lots: The parking lot is close to the park so being mindful of that is important.
  • Stay on the trail: There are paths on the trails that cut through the woods. However, it’s best to stay on the main trail to ensure that no one gets lost.

Conclusion

Walnut Mountain Park offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests and sensory needs. By preparing in advance and using the park’s amenities thoughtfully, families can create a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s hiking the trails, playing in the playground, or simply taking in the stunning views, Walnut Mountain Park has something for everyone.

For more information and to plan your visit, you can contact the Town of Liberty Parks & Recreation Department at 845-292-7690 or visit their website.