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Sharon's Bench
4.6 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in New Windsor, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sharon's Bench's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging hike to a viewpoint bench that was erected in memory of a local woman.
What runners say about Sharon's Bench
“Great views, path a bit rugged to get there, no facilities.”
Very steep climb at the beginning but don't let that dissuade you from the trail. Gotta take the white trail (right at the fork) to get there. Dog friendly.
Beautiful scenery from this vantage point, but be warned, bees like to nest underneath the bench, they won't bother you if you leave them alone but there were definitely a few of them when I visited with my family in April. My wife and son couldn't stay for long due to all the buzzing around.....
Amazing view! Bench even has a notebook to leave a calling card of when you were there. A great place for a hike and it's views are outstanding. I come here often. Parking can be strange but it is worth the time you will have..
while walking on the trail yesterday, heard a rattling sound, OMG, a rattlesnake right beside me, be aware!
Trail conditions & character
“Steep trail for those not prepared, but a nice view once you get there.”
“Very steep climb at the beginning but don't let that dissuade you from the trail.”
“trail is steep all the way up, on top of that the trail is VERY rocky and can get muddy at some points (im talking ankle deep mud) Overall.”
Plan your run at Sharon's Bench
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near New Windsor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Schunnemunk State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 450 reviews
2,700-acre park with 8 marked trails totaling over 20 miles, running through mountains & glades.
Kristi Babcock Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 403 reviews
Popular facility with ball fields and playgrounds, along with a pavilion and concession stand.
Storm King State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 946 reviews
1,884-acre park offering hiking paths open from dawn to dusk. No on-site toilets available.
