Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area Overview
- Capacity: 50 people (Parking holds 50)
- Amenities: Grass Area, Drinking Fountain, Restrooms, Swingset, Grills, Picnic Tables (7, 8-foot tables enclosed), Parking, Fountain, Wood-Burning Fireplace, and Cornhole.
- Activities: Picnicking, Day Camps, Family Reunions
- Reservable: No
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area Guide
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area is the most quaint and quiet picnic area in the Bedford Reservation and is the perfect spot to get away from it all. It is a medium-sized picnic area, holding 50 people (and parking spots), making it perfect for family gatherings, school camps, work trips, picnics, and other gatherings.
The enclosed pavilion has 5, 8-foot picnic tables holding about 30 individuals. There are also two, 8-foot picnic tables in the grass field, making it a nice area for numerous parties at once to enjoy.
There are several charcoal grills next to the pavilion and a wood-burning fireplace that can be used in all seasons. Not only this, but there is a water fountain (for drinking), plenty of garbage cans, and a unisex bathroom facility.
For entertainment, there is a permanent cornhole set, swingset, and grass field. Across the street, there is a beautiful fountain that can be enjoyed (but you cannot go into it) and an even larger grass field.
What sets this picnic area apart from others is that it is not only located in a beautiful metropark with a variety of activities to enjoy, but very few people know about it. It is the perfect spot to get away from it all, while still having all the amenities to make an enjoyable experience for all individuals.
Alternative Option
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area is a quiet and quaint spot nestled in one of the park’s more remote areas, and it tends to be crowded only during holidays over the summer.
If this picnic area is taken or if you need more space, then a quick few-minute drive will take you to Hemlock Creek Picnic Area.
Hemlock Creek Picnic Area is about double the size of Hermit’s Hollow, has a larger picnic shelter, and has access to both a creek and a small “waterfall”. Not only that, but it has more picnic tables, a larger parking lot, and is better suited for visitors during every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 6 picnic tables in the enclosed shelter, 2 picnic tables in the fields, several charcoal grills, unisex restrooms, running water, a small swingset, a small grass field, and a wood-burning fireplace.
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area is located in the Bedford Reservation. It is off the Gorge Parkway and only a few minutes’ drive from other Bedford Reservation activities.
Yes, this Picnic Area can be accessed by individuals with disabilities. The parking lot is located directly next to the shelter. The shelter is handicap accessible, but not everything is accessible.
There are no restrictions. Dogs and other animals are allowed in the picnic area.
This picnic area accommodates 50 individuals, and a parking lot can hold 50 vehicles.
No, this is free and is first-come, first-served.
You can bring your own food and beverage. Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
The facility has several trash cans.
It is operational all year, from 6 am – 10 pm.
Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to get to Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area (parking lot) is to put it into your phone and GPS.
There is one main way to get to the parking lot of Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area, and it is to take the Gorge Parkway either west or East, depending on the direction you are coming from. The parkway connects to Dunham Road and Overlook Lane, so this quickly becomes one of the easier picnic areas to get to.
Learn More About the Bedford Reservation
While Hermit’s Hollow Picnic Area is the quietest and most quaint picnic area in the Bedford Reservation, there are numerous other picnic areas and shelters that can provide similar experiences. Below is a list of all the picnic shelters that you can enjoy in the park:
- Egbert Picnic Area
- Hemlock Creek Picnic Area
- Lost Meadows Picnic Area
- Willis Picnic Area
