Warwick

The first section of the A.T., located in Warwick, was open to the public in 1931, and emerges as a moderate hiking path that is approximately 4.8 miles long. On this historic section route, dogs are allowed on a leash and families can enjoy a short, lovely day hike.

Fitzgerald Falls

This is just off Lakes Road between Greenwood Lake and Monroe, a quarter-mile north of Greenwood Lake Middle School. This is a short, quarter-mile-out-and-back trek to the spectacular twin waterfalls right on the A.T. with a slight hill climb about halfway.

Route 17A to Eastern Pinnacles

A great first hike for families, though the rocky Eastern Pinnacles can be slippery when wet. Start at any of the gravel parking lots where Route 17A crests Bellvale Mountain and locate the A.T. trailhead. (It’s near the very last parking lot on the right, if you are coming from Warwick.) Cross Rt. 17A carefully and proceed north. Or, start across from Bellvale Farms Creamery and follow the blue-blazed trail to the white blazes of the A.T., where you turn left. The hike is just over two miles out and back.

A.T. South from Bellvale Farms Creamery

Park at the gravel lot across Route 17A from Bellvale Farms Creamery. Locate the kiosk and follow the trail immediately behind the kiosk — it’s blue-blazed — and in five minutes it will lead you to the white-blazed A.T. Turn right and follow the white blazes southbound about two miles to scenic views overlooking Greenwood Lake. This is a nice four-mile hike out and back.

Indulge your Appetite

A short trek from the Appalachian Trail atop Mount Peter, visitors can enjoy a top-notch ice cream cone at Bellvale Farms Creamery — nationally recognized for its homemade ice cream. Eddie’s Roadhouse, a local tavern nestled right in the heart of the Warwick Village center and historic district, is known for its craft beer and cuisine. Not only is the dining atmosphere cozy, but the owner and his friendly staff are always excited to connect with A.T. hikers and listen to their adventures.

Buy fresh veggies at the Warwick Farmers Market. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from Mother’s Day until late November or the Village of Florida Farmers Market, which is open on Tuesday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning in June. Both markets feature regional farms and farm kitchens.

Enjoy a pint where George Washington once drank grog in 1783 at Baird’s Tavern on Main Street in the heart of the village of Warwick. The recently-renovated tavern features three rooms including a game room where guests can take games off the wall and take part in friendly competition.

Take in Local Culture

Listen to a free concert on Railroad Green in Warwick or in Greenwood Lake at Thomas P. Morahan Lakefront Park. The concerts offer an eclectic mix of performers from rock to jazz to country and everything in between. Shop in our three villages. Warwick, Florida, and Greenwood Lake each offer specialty shops, salons, lodging, museums, art festivals and dining to suit every taste. Special events are held throughout the year including the world-famous Applefest in October.

Peruse some literature at the Albert Wisner Public Library – the recipient of the Library Journal’s “Best Small Library in America” award in 2016 for its innovative architectural design, artistic landscape with sculptures and birdhouses, and sustainability initiatives. The River Birch Patio nearby the library’s interpretative walking path is the recommended spot to enjoy a book in natural surroundings.

In the summer season, you are sure to find many thru-hikers setting up camp not far from A.T. trailhead at the Warwick Drive-In Theater. As movie-goers patiently wait in line, a band of smiling individuals with their backpacking gear can often be found near the entrance. Imagine viewing a movie tent-side and beneath the stars in the night sky.

Outdoor Adventure

Get out and enjoy the land as the town and three villages have set aside thousands of acres of parkland for residents and visitors to explore. You can paddle on Glenmere, Greenwood, or Wickham lakes, play basketball or skateboard at the local parks, or play golf at Warwick County Park. Go boating, swimming, jet or water skiing, fishing, ice-skating, ice-fishing, and snow sledding on Greenwood Lake year-round.

Stay a While

The Warwick Valley Bed and Breakfast is located within Warwick Village and is just a few steps away from the restaurants, cafes, and local businesses in the historic district. This B&B is known for its farm-to-table breakfasts and 1900s charm. Or try out the Inn at Stony Creek, built in 1840 — a revitalized farmhouse that is situated on a nine-acre countryside landscape in Warwick. Each distinctive guestroom, completed with antiques, is named in honor of a significant event, publication, landscape, or person from the 1840s decade. This B&B not only delivers a delicious breakfast, but also serves as a special occasion destination spot for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and romantic getaways.

Jessica Schottanes, a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Geography and Regional Planning and aspires to design and plan for America’s national parks, monuments, and historically and culturally significant landscapes and resources.

Find out more and plan your trip at: Wildeast.org/warwick and townofwarwick.org

Learn more about all 48 A.T. Communities at: appalachiantrail.org/ATcommunities