Poet’s Walk and Ferncliff Forest (Rhinebeck & Red Hook)

Just south of the Bard College area are two lovely spots for running, in the Red Hook and Rhinebeck areas:

Poet’s Walk Park. Grounds of former estates, designed by renowned landscape architect Jacon Ehlers, are now a park with 2 miles of trails meandering through meadows and woods. The signature run is Poet’s Walk, a shaded, streamside path, named in honor of numerous literary figures who reputedly strolled here. Sweeping views of the Hudson River and the dramatic, cascading Catskill Mountains. Park info.

Ferncliff Forest. Located 1.5 miles south of Poet’s Walk Park, this 200-acre forest preserve & game refuge has trails for hiking & biking. We’ve mapped a 2.3 mile, somewhat hilly, perimeter route, but there are some additional trails in the park as well. Be sure to climb the fire tower, located in the middle of the park. Great views!  Trail Map

Longer Run/Rt. 103: Can combine Poet’s Walk with Ferncliff Forest via 1.5 miles on Rt. 103. You can also do more miles on Rt. 103/River Rd., a scenic road that runs between Rhinebeck and Bard College. Nice views of farms, mountains, and the river. Note: No shoulder but the traffic is not too bad.