Field Study:

Cove Trail at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hyde Park, NY

Avery Cross

Cove Trail is part of the Roosevelt Woods Trail (Hike F), which starts at the FDR National Historic Site. Hike F is a 3.3 mile roundtrip hike. http://www.nysparks.com/parks/attachments/OgdenMillsHydeParkWalkaboutTrailBrochure.pdf

Layout and Design

Cove trail is a line trail of a larger trail system, starting at a parking lot and ending near the Hudson River. It goes through woodlands and passes by historic sites, a marsh, and a pond + constructed waterfall.

Layout and Design

Following the natural contours of the land, this trail has several restorative points. With a bench to sit and enjoy the view, the “Ice Pond” is probably Cove Trail’s greatest anchor point. Cove Trail is generally flat, making it a short and easy walk.

Construction and Maintenance

Generally, Cove Trail had a simple, well-maintained trail corridor. The treadway was very clear of blowdowns, brush, or weeds. This is a walking trail (there was a “no biking” sign) but it is wide enough for driving a vehicle down.

Construction and Maintenance

Swales alongside the treadway help with drainage, leading water to a small stream flowing alongside the trail. As depicted, some drainage areas were not cleared and not very deep. During my visit I saw a park ranger moving a cone, signifying they most likely regularly survey the trails.

Construction and Maintenance

This rock wall serves as a definer, blocking off a potentially vulnerable area from trail users. It also serves as a reminder of human care/effort.

Wayfinding and Interpretation

The trail started with an easy-to-read map of Cove Trail, Meadow Trail, and Forest Trail, all parts of Hike F of the park. Alongside the map was historical information on FDR and highlights of the trail.

Wayfinding and Interpretation

Wayfinding was initially very straightforward. An aesthetically pleasing sign clearly defines the different markers for the two trails, as well as mentions the ice pond ahead. The blue blazes on the trees were well-placed and visible.

Wayfinding and Interpretation

During the walk, the blue blazes stopped on the trees and I saw a the blaze symbol, now in yellow, for the start of a new trail. The map at the beginning showed the intersection of the trails but the first sign did not mention this new trail. Wayfinding would have been easier if there was more consistency and a more explicit sign that Cove Trail was ending.

Environmental Sustainability

Cove Trail is part of the FDR National Historic Site and FDR emphasized the importance of conservation. While the trail itself looked low-impact, there are many human constructed areas such as this orchard. The park tracks treebirds, fish, and terrestrial species in the area, as well as monitors water quality.

Economy

The trails are free to the public. There are admission fees to the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt (National Park Service), the FDR Presidential Library and Museum (National Archives and Records Administration, the Top Cottage, and for tours, all of which contribute to the park maintenance.

Society

The trails offer a great place of recreation and leisure for all types of people. The park offers many educational opportunities through field trips, resources, workshops for teachers, and summer programs.