With the weather getting nicer, it’s the perfect time to plan for a hike. So why not add some furry friends to the mix?
At Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park, NY — about a two-hour drive from NYC in the Hudson Valley of New York — you get to roam with your own llama or alpaca on a guided hike through pastures, paddocks and past a bass pond!
What is Clover Brooke Farm?
This woman-owned farm was established in 2016 and is home to llamas, alpacas, sheep, dairy goats, “mini” Pygora goats, a fruit tree orchard, hop field, honey bee hives, and more — all across 25 beautiful acres. The farm itself actually dates back to the 1850s, with restored stone walls, historic barns and a 18th century farmhouse.
How long are the hikes, and when do they offer them?
Their signature “Llama/ Alpaca Hike” lasts for one hour and 30 minutes. It also includes a tour of the farm and introductions to some of their other animals like Pygora goats, sheep and even barn cats. They take place Wednesdays, Fridays-Mondays (so just not on Tuesdays or Thursdays), but do tend to book up for weekends fast!
Of course this isn’t a particularly strenuous hike, rather on groomed and maintained trails so it’s easy to take plenty of selfies with your fuzzy friends along the way.
Note: you must be eight years or older to participate, and any participants under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to make a reservation?
You also must purchase the $45 tickets for the experience in advance, which can be done on their website here!
What else does the farm do?
And as amazing as this tour sounds, it only touches the surface of farm activities! For animal-lovers, they also hold goat walks, yoga classes with the llamas and alpacas, and bunny cuddling sessions. Non-animals activities involve soap making, beer brewing, painting and gardening.
Find out more on CloverBrookeFarm.com.