Putnam County: Hiking, Biking, and Kayaking

HIKE THE HUDSON VALLEY

Fahnestock State Park has the most developed trail system in the county. A section of the Appalachian Trail meanders throughout the park. The Appalachian Trail now stretches from Maine to Georgia.

Hudson Highlands State Park, Rte. 9D in Cold Spring, is an undeveloped wilderness preserve of 4000 acres offering two sections with many miles of hiking trails. There are spectacular views of the Hudson Highlands from Sugarloaf, Bull Hill and Breakneck Ridge.

Preserves Operated by the Putnam County Land Trust
845.228.4520
Putnam County Land Trust Web Site
Putnam County Land Trust is dedicated to preserving unique environmentally significant parcels of land as open spaces in perpetuity for the purposes of conservation, education and passive recreation. PCLT has over 450 acres under protection in Putnam County.

Clear Lake Boy Scout Reservation is a 1,423-acre parcel which adjoins Fahnestock State Park to the south. Several miles of hiking trails on the site are now open to the public.

Further south along Route 9D near Garrison is the tract known as North Redoubt. The remains of a Revolutionary War fortress can be seen on this strategically located hill overlooking the Hudson and West Point.

Walter G. Merritt County Park, Haviland Hollow Road, Patterson, is a 600-acre park with spectacular gorges and waterfalls and is open for hiking.

Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Stagecoach Road, Patterson, (adjacent to Walter G. Merrit County Park) is a state facility of 453 acres offering hiking trails.

Constitution Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Indian Brook Road
Garrison, NY 10524
For a unique glimpse of nature, visit the vast 200-acre wildlife sanctuary operated by the National Audubon Society. Canoe the marsh or enjoy it from the boardwalk or Visitors’ Center. Open daily.

The Russel Wright Design Center - Manitoga
Route 9D
Garrison, NY 10524
Website: http://www.russelwrightcenter.org
845.424.3812

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Offers over four miles of artfully designed trails for hiking and picnicking.

Guided Hikes, Corporate Adventures
Hudson Valley Outfitter’s guided hikes and adventure outings are led by our friendly and experienced guides. Hikes range from easy walking to advanced ascents.

Hudson Valley Outfitters
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Ph: 845.265.0221
www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com

BIKING
Bicycling is popular throughout the County. For information phone Putnam Rail Trail Association (845) 278-5990 or click on the Rail Trail website at www.geocities.com/yosemite/forest/6817

For mountain bikers, there are two trails in Fahnestock Park (845) 225-7207.
Detailed maps of the many miles of trails in the County are available from the New York-New Jersey Trail Center, 212-685-9699, and at camping goods stores.

Preserves Operated by the Putnam Land Trust
845.228.4520
Information: Putnam Land Trust
Red Tail Bicycle Tours
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
Ph: 845.216.8109,

KAYAKING
Explore the splendor of the majestic Hudson Valley in a kayak. Go solo or tandem with a friend.

Call us for reservations.
Hudson Valley Outfitters
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Ph: 845.265.0221
www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com

Guided Kayak Tours

Constitution Marsh (Beginner)
Estimated 4 hours
Paddle through a beautiful nature preserve, home to a variety of wildlife. A great introduction to kayaking, this tour includes a stop at the Visitors Center for a picnic lunch.

Bannerman’s Castle (Intermediate)
Estimated 6 hours
Kayak north to Pollepel Island and the ruins of Bannerman’s Castle for a hardhat tour of this arsenal built in the early 1900’s.

Kayak Camping (Intermediate) Overnight
Kayak to remote spots on the Hudson for an overnight excursion. HVO supplies the tents, food and kayaks.