Olana State Historic Site

Olana was the 250-acre home of Frederic Edwin Church: one of America's most important artists, a student of Thomas Cole, and a major figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Church once said of his home, "Almost an hour this side of Albany is the center of the world - and I own it." Built high on a hill near Hudson, New York between 1870 and 1891, the house offers magnificent sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson River and the Taconic Hills. Olana is a New York State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark. The park is surrounded by the Olana Viewshed, a part of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, which attempts to limit development in the area around Olana.


To get to the park from Hyde Park, head north on Route 9G. The entrance is the on the right and heads up a steep incline. If you reach the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, you have gone to far. The park is open from 8 am to sunset.


Follow the signs as they direct you along the one-way road. Continue on the road as it passes the lake and lower parking area, and drive up the hill towards the house. Just past the house and around a bend is the upper parking lot. Park your car here and walk down the steps towards the house, pausing to note the interpretive sign with a detailed map of the grounds. You will pass nine other of these signs during your visit, each of which gives invaluable information about the area and includes a small map with a "You are here" marker.


Next to the house is a Visitor's Center. This is open everyday from 10 am to 4 pm. Inside you will find a lot of information about the house, grounds, and the Church family. There are also various pamphlets you can take, including a very helpful trail map. Further, you may want to enjoy the short film in the little theater within. Normally, you would also be able to purchase tour tickets for the home here. Unfortunately, there will be no house tour this year (2006) to allow installation of a fire suppression system. However, you can purchase tickets for a guided cultural landscape tour from now through the end of October, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The fee is $3 per person, and free for members and children under 12.


Follow the trail as it circles close around the Persian-style house to the awe-inspiring view beyond. Spend some time here taking in both the beauty and uniqueness of the home, as well as the sweeping landscape surrounding it.


Turn to your left and continue along the trail as it passes by the Flower Garden on the right and doubles back for a different view of the home. Go right when the trail splits and you'll pass the second interpretive sign. The trail now heads down the hill, past the Flower Garden again. You can open the gate and walk through the quaint garden if you so choose. Stay on the trail as it meanders down the hill towards the third interpretive sign. It was here that Church's studio once stood. Make use of one of the many rustic benches littered about to relax as you gaze out upon the Hudson and the surrounding mountains of the Catskills.


You should now head right, following the road. After a short ways, you will see a trail to your right. This is Ridge Road, and one of the various carriage roads on the grounds. Head down this path, and you will soon see another trail to the left sloping downhill. This is Bethune Road, and its gentle, winding slope will take you all the way down to 9G. Although the trail is nice, the fact that it ends at the road makes it feel like an intrusion on the solace of Olana. Plus, you will have to retrace your steps all the way back up the hill. It's up to you whether you choose to take this quarter mile trail.


Further up Ridge Road, you will come to the fourth interpretive sign. To the left and right of the sign, you should see narrow trails leading out through the trees opening out to views of the Hudson, Catskills, Mt. Merino, and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.


Back on the main trail, continue on until the path forks. To the right is the roadway leading up to the parking lot. Head left, and you will be on a winding downhill path towards North Road. You will read a T, with interpretive sign five. To the left is North Road, which will take you on a half mile sojourn through the woods to the North entrance off Route 23. This was the original main entrance, but it is now closed to traffic.


Head back to sign five and continue straight along the trail, which is now Shale Drive. It is also sometimes referred to as Lower Farm Road. After half a mile, you will come to Cosy Cottage. This was used as the Church's home before Olana was built. Beyond the cottage are the Barnyard, Kitchen Garden, the lower parking lot, and a number of picnic tables. Interpretive signs six, seven, and eight detail the various landmarks. Off in the field, beyond Cosy Cottage, are the ruins of the Ice House.


Far off to your left, you may notice two picnic tables in a field encircled by trees. You can get into this area by breaks in the tree line at the north and south ends of the small field. The northern end of the area is also the start of an unmarked trail. This trail will meet up shortly with a small stream. If you turn and follow the water to your right, you can watch it cascade down small rapids. It is tough going through here, with dense woods full of thorny bushes, and you won't be able to go very far. If you attempt to continue heading along the main trail, you'll hit the neighboring private property. All-in-all, this area is not worth the time, and I mention it only to save any would-be travelers the painful scratches.


Back over by the barn, continue along the trail as it heads to the lake. Turn left onto Pond Road, which will take you around the 10 acre man-made body of water. I've seen people both swim and fish here, but neither seems appropriate to the venue. After a short ways, you will see a wooden dock. Beyond is a small and narrow trail that heads up to the right and to a small picnic area overlooking the water.


Follow the trail a little ways further, and you will notice another small trail leading off to the right. This heads to the waters edge and gives a great view of the house. Just beyond this vista, the trail will fork. Head to the left along Crown Hill Road. This road will take you up the top of Crown Hill (and interpretive sign 10) with a gentle, winding slope. During the days of Frederic Church, this hill was clear of growth and visitors could clearly see the surrounding landscape. Today, only Olana up on the hill is visible.


To head back down the hill, you can follow the trail as it sweeps back around and down the hill, or you can take a shortcut and head straight in front of you down the hill. A short ways down, you will see a trail to your left which takes you back to the Crown Hill Road.


Back by the lake, head to your left and continue along Pond Road. You will soon reach interpretive sign nine, and the trail will fork again. Head to your left and you will be going towards Red Hill. The trail will head along to the edge of a hill, with the Rip Van Winkle Bridge visible through the trees. The path will curve towards the left and fork. Keep as far right as you can and follow the narrow path along the edge of the hill. Not far up the trail you will break out of the woods and have an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. This vista is perhaps even more grand than the one up by the house.


Continue along the trail until you see cabins. The trail will now double back along a higher path. Head back to the lake and turn left, following the road as it complete the circle around the pond. You can now head back to your car by whatever route you desire.


Olana is truly one of the most fantastic parks in the area, second in my mind only to Vanderbilt. The home is both exquisitely beautiful and utterly different from the other mansions along the Hudson. The trails are well maintained, easy to follow, and illuminate worthwhile landmarks and vantage points. The view is beyond breathtaking, and lacks in nothing.


But if you leave Olana still wanting more, I encourage you to head further north on Route 9G. About a half mile up the road, you will come upon a pull-off on your right. I really like the view from here, and encourage you to take a look. Continue on, and head towards the bridge. Right before you get on the bridge, you'll see a small dirt parking area on the right. Park here, and you can walk across the bridge for some great views. Pets, camcorders, and photography are not allowed. However, as long as you don't take hundreds of photos, and your name isn't Muhammad, you probably won't be bothered about the last thing.


If you'd like additional information about this park, please visit http://www.olana.org/ or http://nysparks.state.ny.us/sites/info.asp?siteID=19. Joyous Journeying!

Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area

Tivoli Bays is a 1,468 acre wildlife management area owned by the State of New York and maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation. It is also a part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve; managed as a field laboratory for research and education about the Hudson River Estuary. The park includes two bays, both North and South Bay, which include marshes, islands, tidal swamps and uplands. These areas provide permanent and seasonal habitat for killifish, blue crabs, snapping turtles, muskrat, Virginia rales, ospreys, and an occasional bear.

Because of the large variety of wildlife, the area is a popular place with hunters. Make sure to wear brightly colored clothes, especially if you plan to wander off the hiking trails.


The park is located off Route 9G, just north of Bard College. There are a number of entrances and parking areas within and around the park. The Overlook Trail parking lot is directly off Route 9, and will be on your left as you head north. However, it is easy to miss since the area surrounding the parking lot is wooded, and the sign is brown. I suggest you instead park at the North Bay Trail Parking Lot. Pass by the first entrance, and take a left onto Kidd Lane shortly up the road. This road has a great view of the Catskills; so make sure to take a look as you travel about a quarter mile up the road. The parking lot will be on your left.


Throughout the winter and early spring, the internal roads that traverse the park are closed. During these times, you will need to park on the outer edges of the area. Throughout the rest of the year, however, you will be able to navigate the interior and make use of the various parking areas within.


After you park, take some time to look at the information kiosk next to the parking area. There is a very helpful map, and some great information about the park and its wildlife. Once you are done here, head up the gravel road into the park. You will see a field on your right as you walk along the road.


Follow the road as it winds along until you see a small parking area on your left. If the gate is open, you can park here to save yourself some walking. Across from the parking lot, you will see two large boulders that mark the start of a trail. Walk through the rocks and you will be on the North Bay Trail. This trail is a mile long, and runs North to South from Kidd Lane to the parking area North of Cruger Island Road. You will follow wooded bluffs as you wind along beside Stony Creek and the North Bay shoreline.


A short ways up this trail, you will see a path leading off to the left. This takes you out into the nearby field. Head straight and you will pass by a number of old ruins as you walk towards the edge of a roadway. Before you reach the road, the trail will curve around to the left. You will see a white bridge, and below a beautiful waterfall. Take some time to enjoy the soothing sight and sound of the rushing water before continuing on.


The trail is mostly level in this section and easy to follow due to the frequent trail-markers. You will shadow Stony Creek as it makes its way through rapids towards North Bay and the Hudson River. After about a half mile, you'll come to the Canoe Launch. There is a parking lot to the left and up the hill for those wishing to go canoeing.


The last half mile of this trail changes drastically, with more strenuous climbs up and down hills. A little ways up the trail from the launch you will cross a wooden bridge over a small stream. You will now be headed uphill, and towards another bridge. You will head uphill again, and then back downhill as the trail veers slightly to the right towards a third bridge. You'll go up and over one more hill to a fourth bridge.


Head up the hill once more and the trail will split. Going left will take you to Overlook Trail, which you will see later, so head straight towards Cruger Island and Hogback trails. You will head downhill to yet another bridge, but thankfully, the trail now levels out. You'll cross two more bridges before you reach the end of North Bay Trail. (That's a total of seven bridges, if you want to count your progress that way.)


The trail splits off again, with the left fork going to Hogback Trail, and the right towards the North Bay Overlook and Cruger Island. Head to your right and you'll soon reach a parking lot. Keep going straight until you see the North Bay Overlook off to your right. Take your time here as you gaze out upon North Bay, the Hudson River, and the Catskills.


Now follow the gravel road back behind you. A short ways down the road you will reach Cruger Island Road. To your right is another parking lot and the Cruger Island Trail. This trail is half a mile long and goes from east to west as you trek through the tidal swamp on a deteriorated lane to the Railroad. This land floods during high tide and is wet during low tide.


A short distance up the trail you will have a distant view of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge off to your left. Continue on down the path until you reach the railroad tracks. If you cross them here, the trail will head in a circular path around the island. However, the path is closed to visitors from January 1 to August 15 in order to protect endangered wildlife.

Head back to the trail and continue straight down Cruger Island Road. This road is accessible by car through Bard College off Annandale Road. After walking a ways, you will see a trail on your left. This trail heads along the South Bay on its way to Bard.


After a little while you will cross a small flat bridge. Once you cross, you will be headed uphill to a field. If you head along the path to the left of the field, you will reach the Bard track and will circle back around. If you do not wish to take this trail, go to your right and then take another right into the woods. As the trail winds down the hill you will head towards a small island. Take the right towards the island and you will reach a Y. Head either way, since the trail circles around the island. The trail is very narrow, steep, and slippery so walk with care through here. At the edge of the island, you will be have some great views of the Hudson River, South Bay, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and Catskills.


Back at the main trail, take a right. You will cross another small flat bridge and head uphill. The trail will break out of the woods onto the grounds of Bard College. There is a beautiful mansion here (Blithewood Mansion), a walled rose garden, and some extraordinary vistas.


Once you are done here, you will need to retrace your steps all the way back to North Bay Trail. From here, take a right onto Hogback Trail. This is a half mile climb through the woods connecting Cruger Lane with the Overlook Trail. After you have been on this trail a while, you will come to a short raised wooden path. Beyond this, you will begin to some buildings owned by Bard College off to your right. You'll cross two small ravines before you reach a field.


You are now at Overlook Trail. If you go to your right, you will follow the trail through the woods for .6 miles to the parking area off Route 9G. Head to your left and you'll travel down the trail through the rolling woods and fields back to North Bay Trail. Nearby is Manor Road, which you can also follow back to the parking lot off Kidd Lane.


Once you reach North Bay Trail, take a right and you'll be headed back to Kidd Lane. The path from here to the canoe launch will be slightly easier in this direction because it heads downhill more than up.


Although you are retracing your steps from the start of the day, if you time it right you will be able to see this area as the sun sets. It is a pleasant walk with the sun at your back and long shadows stretching out before you.



If you have time, I encourage you to explore Bard College. The grounds and buildings of the college are very lovely, and worth a drive through the property.


For more information and a map of Tivoli Bays, please go to http://www.ulster.net/~hrmm/tivolibays/tivolibays.html. If you would like to learn more about the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) please go to http://www.dec.state.ny.us/index.html. And if you are interested in exploring Bard further, you can go to http://www.bard.edu/. Glorious Gallivanting!

Clermont State Historic Park

Clermont was the home of the Livingston family from 1728 to 1962. The mansion lies amidst 500 acres of estate, with over 8 miles of trails. It has some fantastic views of both the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.


To get to the park from Dutchess County, head north on Route 9G. The park is at the edge of Dutchess and Colombia counties. You will see brown signs directing you to take a left onto Colombia County Route 6. Follow this road until it ends in front of the side park entrance, which is for authorized vehicles only. The road will curve to the left and become Woods Road. Follow this for about a quarter mile and the park entrance will be on your right.


On the weekends and on Monday holidays, between April 1 and October 31, there is a $5 vehicle grounds fee. During the week, grounds are free to use. The grounds are open year-round from 8:30 am to sunset. Follow the access road past the pay booth all the way to the parking lot up the road.


After you park, follow the sign pointing you to the Visitor's Center. It is open April 1 to October 31, Tuesday through Sunday and on Monday holidays, from 10:30 am to 5 pm. From November 1 through March 31, it is only open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. The Visitor's Center was once the Carriage Barn, but it has been converted into a small museum where you can buy both tour tickets to the house and souvenirs. The mansion has a fee of $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and $1 for children 5 to 12. Children under 5 are free. Tours of the house are available April 1 through October 31, from 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, as well as Monday holidays. From November 1 through March 31, tours are only given Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.


On your way to the Visitor's Center, you will pass an information plaque which gives you an overview map of the grounds. It lists various trails that you will come across as you wander the park. However, it is very poorly done, and in some details appears to me to be incorrect. It is missing many connecting trails and gives only a rough idea of the paths, but it does give a general idea of the layout of the park.


Once you have finished exploring the Carriage Barn, continue through to the other side. You'll pick up a trail here that heads toward the house. Take the second trail headed to your left (the first left will head back to the parking lot) and down some steps. You are now in the South Spring Garden. There are more stairs headed up to your right, which you can take, or you can head through the garden. You'll soon come upon a trail arching up and to the right. Head along this trail, past the ruins of what appear to be a root cellar or ice house, all the way to the fence, or take an immediate left to explore the bottom of the sloping hills.


Once you are at the fence, you'll have a great view of the River and Catskills. You will notice that a trail heads down to the bottom of the hill to your left, towards the tracks. This goes down next to the old Clermont Dock. It is no longer accessible and is gated off, but there are gaps in the fence which can get you through to the tracks. As always, if you choose to cross the tracks, I caution you to take care, but I suggest you take a pass on this one. The tracks are very wide here, and the view from the area where the dock once stood offers nothing special besides a distant view of the Kingston Bridge off to the south.


Continue along the path as it heads around the back of the house. Circle around and over to the other gardens. You will first reach the Walled Garden, named for obvious reasons. Go through this garden and you'll reach the Wilderness Garden, which has a lovely pond. The gardens here are quaint, and lack the grandeur that you would find at Vanderbilt, but they are still worth a stroll.


Beyond the Wilderness Garden, you will see a wooden bridge. Cross this carefully, since the boards have large spaces between them, and you'll be headed up the hill to the Upper Garden and the Greenhouse ruins. Beyond these you will see the Children's Playhouse.


To the right of the Playhouse is a trail posted with yellow markers. This is a Taconic Region horse trail. If you take the trail here, it will be headed uphill. You will soon pass a short trail on your left, which heads into a field and to the Ice Pond beyond. Further up the hill, the trail breaks off to the left again. Straight ahead is a small shed, and beyond that the access road heading back to the parking lot. Take the left trail and you'll continue up the hill for a ways. You will pass by a secluded picnic table at the top of the hill. Beyond you'll soon join up with the Farm Road Trail.


Instead of taking the trail to the right, take the trail that heads around the Playhouse and beyond. Continue straight on this trail and you'll approach the Clermont Cottage. (If you so choose, you can also take the trail heading to the left towards the gravel road, and follow this road as it approaches the Cottage.) The park intends to change the house into an administrative building, but it is currently in disrepair. Beyond the cottage you will see the Cow Barn off in the distance.


You should now be on a gravel road, known as The Avenue. Head right for a few yards and then angle right, following Farm Road Trail, as it heads towards Ice Pond. If you head through the short track of woods, you will reach the other side of the pond and a picnic table. With the Ice Pond on your left, head towards the woods. You'll see an area where trees have been thinned as it heads up the hill. If you can find a way up this rise, you'll get a nice view of the Catskills behind. This is also a short cut to Sylvan Cottage. If you can't find a comfortable way up the rise, then head back around the pond and get back on the gravel road. This road will approach Sylvan Cottage as well, which will be on your left.


Sylvan Cottage was built to house valued farm workers of the Livingston's, and is still maintained as a private residence. Across from the house you will see a wide, sloping trail heading back towards the Ice Pond. If you weren't able to take this trail up the rise and towards the cottage, I encourage you to walk along it for a short distance to enjoy a nice view of the mountains.


Continue along the gravel path until it comes to a stone gate. You should now recognize the road you are on as the side entrance you passed on your way towards Clermont. Take a right through the stone gate and continue along the trail. You will soon approach a trail heading off to your right. This is the other end of the horse trail that began by the Playhouse.


Further along the trail you will cross the road. Shortly beyond here you will see a trail heading off to the left. This is a part of the Rose Alba Trail, labeled with red markers, which is a circular trail. Stay on the trail you are on as it heads over a small rise. The trail forks here, with the left fork also being a part of the Rose Alba Trail. If you take the trail to the right, it will take you to the site access road. A left on this road will take you back to the parking lot.


Take the trail to the left, and follow the Rose Alba Trail until it splits. Off to the left, the trail continues up over the hill and circles back around. There are a number of other trails around here: one leading back and to the right towards the parking lot, one leading forward and to the left as it heads towards the Chancellor's Trail, and one leading more or less straight ahead. Take the last of these, and head straight along one of the Bridle Trails, which are labeled with blue markers.


You'll soon see an opening to your right heading across a wide path and beyond. Take this trail across two other trails as it heads into the woods. Off to your right will be a trail that slopes backward and to the second trail you crossed. Ahead is a trail with the marker 6. This trail heads to the right and back to the rolling hills by the parking lot. I suggest you avoid this trail completely, because it leads through bramble which is haven for ticks. I walked off with 10 of the little buggers; my dog with no less than 20.


Instead, head to your left over a flat wooden bridge. You are now on Riverside Trail. Follow the trail as it branches to the right, close to the edge of the woods. There are two places where you can break out to the railroad tracks. However, the tracks, like those over by the dock, are very wide. You will also not be able to see very much through the bramble.


As the trail curves towards the left, you'll come to a T. Head to the right over another small bridge. The trail now forks, but since the trail circles back around you can choose either path. At the edge of the property, you will see a field. Although this may be the property of a nearby home, there is a great view from the top of the hill to the left of the field. There are even better views from the field further sodefinitelyhis is definately private property: a fact I realized too late.


Take the trail as it circles back around and head over the bridge. Head straight until you see the path curve to the right and towards the trail running next to the woods. Take a right onto this trail, and follow it as it curves to the left and over a small bridge. You will then come upon the wide trail you passed over earlier. Take a right and follow the path around a bend. You will see a trail running to the left and right. If you go left, you'll end up back at the Rose Alba Trail. Take a right, and the trail will lead through the woods to another crossroads. From here, a left takes you back to the wide trail; a right heads toward private property. Head straight and you will come out onto Woods Road. Head up the road to the right a slight ways, continuationo the contination of the trail. From here, the Bridle Trails span many miles through woods and fields, between Woods Road and Route 9G. These are mainly horse trails, and I found them very difficult to follow and was unable to stay on the path.


Return to the wide path and head right, continuing on. You will notice an old stone wall off to your right; a remnant left by captured soldiers in the Civil War. Follow the trail until it reaches the road next to the entrance. Take the trail that veers off to the left into the woods. You will shortly come to a Y. If you head to the right, you'll wind up back at Farm Road Trail. Go left and you will be on the Rose Alba Trail. You'll notice a picnic table to your right, which is a great place to relax before continuing on.


The trail will soon split, with the Rose Alba Trail heading off to the right. Head straight until you see another trail off to your left. If you continued straight along this trail, you'd wind up back at the wide trail you were on earlier. Take the right, and you'll pass by another picnic table as you wind down the hill back and to the right. Take your first available left onto the wide trail. This area should be familiar to you. Head to you right down the wide trail all the way to the ruins of Argyll House. The path running past Argyll, and behind, is known as Chancellor's Trail.


You have now seen most of the trail system at Clermont. Due to its grid-like system, it is hard to follow, and even harder to explain. Hopefully I have not made it more confusing than it already is. But quite frankly, I would discourage you from even bothering with it. The trails are, for the most part, rather boring and poorly marked. The beauty of Clermont rests mainly on the views right next to the parking lot. I would therefore suggest that you use the park as most people do: as a gorgeous picnicking location. There are better places in the region to hike.


If you are interested in learning more about Clermont, you can go to http://www.friendsofclermont.org/ or http://nysparks.state.ny.us/sites/info.asp?siteID=3. Pleasant Picnicking!

Poets’ Walk Romantic Landscape Park

Poets’ Walk is a 120-acre park maintained by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust. The park has over two miles of trails with views of the Catskills and the nearby Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. The park is designed to “celebrate the connection between art and nature, to reveal the inspiring role of landscape in the evolution of American culture and to explore the continuing relevance of the natural world in our lives.” It is open year-round from 9 am to dusk.


To get to the park from Hyde Park, take Route 9G North. Take a left onto Route 199 towards the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Turn right onto River Road at the next traffic light. The park will be about a half mile up River Road on your left. River Road is a half mile east of the bridge.


Start up the trail, and you’ll see a kiosk with information about Scenic Hudson and its various holdings. Further up the trail you’ll come to a rustic arbor. There is some great information here about the history of the park and surrounding area, as well as a large trail map. Look for a large wooden box inside the arbor, and open it to find a pamphlet about the park and another about Scenic Hudson. You can also register here if you’re worried about possibly getting lost or wounded on the trail.


Follow the trail, known as the Stone Dust Path, for about a half a mile as it winds through open fields and wooded lots on an easy slope. You’ll see rustic benches along this path and throughout the park to allow for comfortable rests. About halfway down the path you will see a large viewing pavilion. From here you will get your first look at the Catskills.


Continue down the path and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge will come into full view on your left. The trail will soon split into two, one path leading straight ahead and one to your left. Head straight onto the Poets’ Walk Path, which will take you to Summerhouse. This path has frequent, but small, changes in elevation throughout its quarter mile trek through the woods.



A wooden bridge will shortly come into view. This, and the other wooden bridge you will come to later, was made from cedars taken from nearby Olana. The stream that you cross over here will now follow you on your left as you snake along this path. You will soon cross a Stone Bridge as the path curves around to the left.


Further along the path you will come to a sign pointing you to Summerhouse. Head straight along this short dead-end path. At the end is a Gazebo with a nice view of the Hudson and the Kingston Bridge. Off to your right you’ll notice what appears to be a trail heading down and to your right. This is a non-park trail that winds through the woods close to the Hudson. It is more strenuous and narrow than the park trails, and appears to end abruptly near a small rocky island. The path offers no real additional views, but if you are in the mood for something a bit more difficult you may wish to take a short sojourn along it.


Head back to the main path and head right. You’ll pass the second wooden bridge and then start heading back uphill, soon reaching some stairs. At the top of the steps is a bench with a nice view of the Catskills and Hudson. Once finished here, continue up to the crest of the hill to Flagpole Lot. This spot gives a nice view of the bridge. You are now on the Mowed Path, which is a circle trail totaling about a half mile. In order to do the whole trail, you will have to do some backtracking.


If you’re tired, I recommend taking the upper, and more scenic, part of the path which will take you back to the viewing pavilion. Otherwise, head forward towards the footbridge over the railroad. This was built in 1912 and is no longer safe to traverse. They have gotten more insistent about this over the last few months and added additional safeguards. It’s unfortunate, because it does have a clear view looking north up the River. But due to their increasing notices about danger, I wouldn’t risk getting on it.


The path circles around and heads back towards the pavilion on a lower plane than the trail above. The two trails will meet up shortly and you can then walk back towards the river along the upper portion of the path. Once back at Flagpole Lot, you will need to head back once again towards the pavilion.


Or you may be interested to try another path in this vicinity, which isn't on the trail guide. From the footbridge, head left towards the woods. This path appears to be a deer trail, and is therefore very narrow with thorns often reaching across the path. If you have any reservations about getting dirty, being jabbed by plants, or walking through tall grass, DO NOT TAKE THIS TRAIL. During the winter it is easier to traverse, but it becomes very overgrown during the spring and summer. Be prepared for rough going if you choose to take this trail during the warmer months.


The trail will come out of the woods for a bit, and then head back in. Follow the trail with the Hudson on your right until you can’t go straight anymore. The trail now makes almost a 180 as it snakes around. There is also a branch of the trail headed down and further into the woods, which I think will also get you to the main path. However I suggest you take the upper of the two. Shortly along this trail you’ll break out of the woods.


You should now see a "trail" in front of you, formed by park staff that use this as an access road. It is easy to follow in the winter, when the grass is mowed, but during the summer tall grasses grow here and you will only be able to make out the depression the wheels have made in the vegetation. It will head straight and along the boundary all the way past the Viewing Pavilion and towards the entrance. It is along this path that I think the best views in the park reside. Make sure to turn often to catch some sweeping views of the Catskills and the bridge.


After about half a mile, you will see the path you came in on off to your left. Once you reach the tree-line, you should see a pathway that cuts over to the main trail. Head left down this trail, then take a right onto the main trail to head back toward the entrance. (If you attempt to continue on this path straight ahead, you will come to private property.)


Although the park does not vary much in its views, it is a mostly leisurely walk through the fields and woods, which offers an opportunity to really immerse yourself in nature. You can also choose how much walking you want to do, or how difficult a walk you desire. If you want a short walk, you can just go to the Pavilion. If you want a longer, easy walk, you can continue on the flat Mowed Grass Path out to Flagpole Lot and back. Or if you’re interested in a mild hike through the woods, you can go through the whole park. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to see how Washington Irving found inspiration within this landscape.

If you’d like to learn more about this park, and other Scenic Hudson holdings, please visit http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/shparks/poetswalk/index.html. Wondrous wanderings!