Outdoors
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
November 20th, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanStroll the grounds and formal garden. Located in Pelham Bay Park. Open daily, 8:30 am til dusk.
895 Shore Road, Bronx, NY 10464
718-885-1461
Visit BPMM on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Brace Mountain Area at Taconic State Park in Millerton, NY
March 6th, 2021 by Kristen Hergenhan“A 3.6-mile trail will take you to the highest point in Dutchess County, at 2,311 feet. And you will work hard for the opportunity to see spectacular views of three states! This hike is not recommended for small children since it can get very steep and rocky. Part of the Taconic State Park, multiple trails branch off after reaching the summit to the East, North, and South. Also, the summit is close to the tri-point intersection of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. A waterfall will greet you part of the way up to the grassy top, a nice area to rest, picnic and enjoy the view. There are no facilities at this trail head, and limited parking.”
Scenic Hudson on Brace Mountain
Brace Mountain on Hike the Hudson Valley
South Taconic Trail
Millerton, NY 12546
Denning’s Point in Hudson Highlands State Park
November 20th, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanDoherty Park Nature Trail in Hopewell Junction, NY
February 20th, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanThe Doherty Park Nature Trail, just over 1.5 miles, is supported by The Town of Beekman Recreation Department. This trail encompasses several soccer fields, parking places and, “a variety of ecosystems including old fields, new forests, streams and ponds.” In the warmer months, collect wildflowers and watch the birds around you enjoy the berries and the protected land.
(845) 227-5783
839 Beekman Road
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Dover Stone Church Preserve in Dover Plains, NY
February 3rd, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanOpen Daily, Sunrise to Sunset, Weather Permitting
Features ponds, tributay, rugged terrain, cathedral – like window made of large metamorphic rocks
Dover Stone Church Visiting Guide PDF
845-832-6111
3128 NY-22
Dover Plains, NY 12522
Parking:
Dover Elementary School, 9 School St, Dover Plains, NY 12522 (when school is not in session); Freshco 22 Plaza,3156 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522 (when school is in session)
Visit Dover Stone Church Preserve on Facebook & Instagram
Fishkill Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park
February 20th, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanOpen daily, sunrise to sunset
Fishkill ridge offers challenging hiking over 600 acres and about 6 miles of trails with scenic views (if you plan & persevere!), and the best of birding (eagles, hawks & more!). Bring your dogs and keep an eye out for mountain bikers in the spring and deep snow in the winter. The potential for precarious footing and steep topography mean that this trail is not for the novice hiker. Located near Mount Beacon State Park, Fishkill Ridge is protected by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in order to preserve natural habitats and to allow for community enjoyment. You may even spot the 1945 airplane wreck on your trek where 6 Navy veterans lost their lives. As always print out or take along a map in the case that you lose cell reception.
GPS Address:
36 Sunnyside Rd.
Beacon, NY 12508
NYS Park Police: (845) 889-8866
Learn more at:
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
December 31st, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanPanoramic views on over 7,000 acres spanning Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties.
With trails to suit the novice and experienced hikers, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers many activities, both passive and active, as well as scenic views and spans of the Hudson Valley. While most of the land is undeveloped, there are designated areas to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, birdwatching & more. AllTrails lays out 49 trails at this State Park Preserve.
3011 Route 9D
Cold Spring, NY 10516
845-265-3175

Montgomery Place Campus at Bard College
November 20th, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanClosed due to COVID as of November 2020
GROUNDS ONLY Re-opened December 21, 2020
With 380-acres of rolling lawns, woodlands, and gardens, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, The Montgomery Place Campus at Bard College boasts opportunities for learning and exercise as architecture, art, & history converge to delight people of all ages.
26 Gardener Way, River Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571
1-800-BARDCOL (227-3265)
Visit Bard College’s Montgomery Place Campus on Facebook
Visit Bard College on Facebook & Instagram, Twitter & YouTube

Mount Beacon Park
December 31st, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanDon’t let the word, “park,” fool you. Every daunting and ever-rewarding – the notorious Mt. Beacon is for the the experienced hiker – or at least the moderately fit adult. You’ll want your hands to be free so that you can support your climb and catch your fall, but most of all to take photos overlooking the Hudson River.
Visit Scenic Hudson and NY/ NJ Trail Conference for trail maps and more information.
Nellie Hill Preserve in Dover Plains, NY
February 3rd, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanNellie Hill Preserve in Dutchess County boasts scenic views and ponds with trials to walk and birds to watch. protected by The Nature Conservancy
The Red Trail is 1.3 miles. Follow the path up the hill to the preserve’s entrance onto the Red Trail. The Blue Trail spouts off of the Red Trail and is .11 miles.
“Nellie Hill is famous for its globally rare plants, animals, and regionally rare calcareous cliffs, all of which attract a wide variety of birds. The Red Trail loop is a level and short trail that boasts wild flowers, nature views and bird watching through woods and meadows. The trails are good for walking, hiking, running and snowshoeing in the winter. Pets are not allowed at this facility. In recognition of its rare flora and fauna, the Nature Conservancy recently donated Nellie Hill Preserve to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as the first parcel establishing the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge.” – DC Parks & Trails
195 S. Nellie Hill Rd.
Dover Plains, NY 12522
Nearby Towns: Millbrook, Pawling
Visit The Town of Dover on Facebook
Plum Point, Kowawese Unique Area in New Windsor, NY
January 28th, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanPlum Point offers gorgeous views of the Hudson River including Bannerman Island and features water-side seating and photo opps with benches and a gazebo. The sandy landing allows for boat launching, fishing, chilling and wading. Explore the hiking trails with your pooch. While no swimming is allowed, locals will tell you to check the times of the tides so that you can walk out towards the center of the river at low tide. (I do not condone this.)
Learn more at orangecounty.gov
90 Plum Point Lane
New Windsor, NY 12553

Stissing Mountain Multiple Use Area in Pine Plains, NY
February 20th, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanFeatures a short but rigourous trail to a fire tower landmark with scenic views. Allowed activities include hiking, fishking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Learn More at NYNJ Trail Conference
Hike the Hudson Valley Information

Unification Theological Seminary
November 20th, 2020 by Kristen HergenhanUTS is home to three named trails: Father’s Trail, Mother’s Trail and the Theodore Roosevelt Trail. Hiking trails wind through forests, fields, along a pond and down to the lagoon at the southernmost end of Tivoli Bay. An eleven-circuit Labyrinth and Peace Garden that is open to the public can also be found on the property.
30 Seminary Dr, Barrytown, NY 12507
Visit UTS on Facebook & Instagram

Vanderbilt Riverfront Trail at Vanderbilt Mansion NHS in Hyde Park, NY
February 23rd, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanOpen daily, dawn til dusk
If you’re looking for a beautiful, easy walk, with educational opportunities, The Riverfront Trail at Vanderbilt Mansion is a great choice. Reward your walk around the 2.5 mile loop and pack a picnic to bring to Bard Rock, a large, flat rock on the water where you can marvel at the history and ecology of the Hudson River. There is an access road that brings you to a small parking lot that is close to Bard Rock however the access is seasonal.
Visit Vanderbilt State Historic Site on Facebook
119 Vanderbilt Park Road
Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-7770

Whitlock Preserve in Clinton Corners, NY
February 3rd, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanWhitlock Preserve in Dutchess County offers two, short trails for walking and leisure – The Waterman Bird Club recommends this site for bird watching. In addition to walking trails, there is a pond and picnic tables and an interpretive kiosk at the trailhead’s parking lot.
Orange Trail: Easy, .31 miles
Blue trail: More difficult, .63 miles
Rt. 82 & Knight Road
Clinton Corners, NY 12514
(845) 868-1310
Visit Town of Stanford Recreation on Facebook & Instagram
Winnakee Nature Preserve in Hyde Park, NY
March 6th, 2021 by Kristen HergenhanVan Dam Road
Hyde Park, NY
Another entrance on Terwilliger Road
(845) 876-4213
