Hike of the Week 8/5/2004

Esopus Meadows Point Preserve

Location:  west shore of Hudson River, south of Kingston

Length:  1.5-2 miles, 1 hour or less

Rating:  Easy, Woods, gentle climbs and generally easy walking, with some rugged, rocky zones

Dogs:  Allowed on leash

Map:  maps available on site

Features: Hudson River, Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, stream, wetlands.

Watch out for: Deer ticks

Background:

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Hike Description:

Esopus Meadows Point Preserve includes 93 acres of forest and 2,000 feet of Hudson River shoreline. Three well-maintained, clearly marked and connecting trails meander a total of 1.75 miles through delightful woods, offering views and access to the river. A pleasant loop hike of less than an hour can be enjoyed by turning right at every trail junction. This will take you on portions of the blue and red trails, and the entirety of the yellow trail. When the yellow trail connects with the blue trail, turn right. A short spur on the trail leads to a bench that offers a leaf-framed view of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. Return to the blue trail and continue back down to the water and along the shore to the parking area.

How to get there: 

From the Mid-Hudson Bridge, take Route 9W north. After about 10.4 miles, turn right on River Road. Drive 1.2 miles to the preserve entrance, which is on the right (east side). Immediately north of the preserve is the Town of Esopus Lighthouse Park.

About the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference : The NY-NJ Trail Conference is a federation of hiking clubs, environmental organizations and individual members who volunteer their time and resources to build and maintain hiking trails and protect related open space in the bi-state region.

Information : For a more detailed description of this hike including a map, visit www.nynjtc.org and click on Hike of the Week. For information on NYNJTC activities, call 201-512-9348 or email info@nynjtc.org.

Hike of the Week is a regular feature in the Poughkeepsie Journal Players section, call 845-437-4848. This hike is contributed by Georgette Weir, a NYNJTC member.

V3 Last updated: August 7, 2004   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.