Mountainview Nature Park in West Nyack

The 83-acre Mountainview Nature Park was acquired by Rockland County in 1979. It is kept in its natural state, with hiking trails (maintained by the county) the only amenity provided. The park is situated on the side of a mountain, and the hike - although relatively short - involves an elevation gain of over 400 feet and a traverse of a narrow, rocky footpath that runs along the hillside.

From the parking area, follow the orange-blazed Mountain Trail, which soon crosses a wooden footbridge over a stream, curves to the left, then bears right. It parallels the New York Thruway for a short distance, then turns left, away from this busy highway. (Unfortunately, noise from the Thruway can usually be heard for most of the hike.)

In a short distance, you'll reach a junction where the white-blazed Goat Path heads straight ahead. This will be your return route, but for now, turn left and continue to follow the orange-blazed trail, which begins to climb, steeply in places.

Near the top of the climb, another white-blazed trail leads straight ahead (this connecting trail is not shown on the park map), but you should again bear left to continue on the orange trail. The trail now follows an old stone wall near the edge of an escarpment along the park boundary. Just beyond, you may be able to see the Hudson River through the trees during leaf-off season.

After looping around to the southeast, you'll reach a T-intersection, with a white-blazed trail to the right. Turn left, continuing along the orange trail. A short distance ahead, you'll notice a triple-blue blaze to the left. Turn left and follow the blue-blazed Bear Swamp Trail, which loops around a wetland

When you reach the end of the blue trail, turn right onto the orange-blazed Mountain Trail. Soon, you'll reach the intersection at the other end of the blue trail. Continue ahead on the orange trail (now briefly retracing your route), but at the next intersection, where the orange trail turns right, continue ahead onto the white-blazed Goat Path.

Just beyond, you'll come to another intersection, where white blazes go in both directions. Turn left onto the Overlook Spur Trail (the map indicates that this trail is blazed purple, but it actually is blazed white), which descends to a south-facing overlook, partially obscured by trees. The Ramapo Mountains are visible in the distance, with a town landfill below on the left and the Palisades Center Mall to its right.

Return to the Goat Path and turn left. The trail now begins a steady descent, soon reaching a T-intersection, where you should turn left.

This rugged section of the trail you are about to traverse is aptly described by its name "Goat Path." The trail descends on a narrow, rocky footpath that curves around the side of the hill. It climbs a little, but then continues to descend on a rocky footpath that follows a narrow sidehill track. Extreme caution should be exercised if the trail is covered with snow or ice; some kind of traction aid (such as Stablicers or Microspikes) is highly recommended under these conditions.

When the trail approaches the park boundary (with a small building visible ahead), it curves sharply right at a switchback and descends more steeply. As the grade moderates, the trail joins a woods road and continues west through the woods. When you reach the terminus of the white-blazed Goat Path, continue ahead on the orange-blazed Mountain Trail, retracing your steps to the parking area where the hike began.