Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck NY

Ferncliff Forest
Rhinebeck, NY

All photography done by Eilis Petrosino

Ferncliff Forest has some great qualities for a quick hike, or a hike you might want to linger through. The website gives you great history of the fire tower and the land preserve. If you can get to Rhinebeck, NY you can find this hike very easily. Ferncliff Forest Game Refuge and Forest Preserve is between Mount Rutsen and River Roads in Rhinecliff. At the stoplight in Rhinebeck, take Route 9 north. Go about a half-mile; turn left onto Montgomery Street, which becomes Mount Rutsen Road. The parking lot for Ferncliff Forest is on the left (nytimes.com). This hike is on an old farm, and is one of the oldest old growth forests in the Hudson valley. The shade of this hike makes it a great summer destination for the eager who would rather not bake in the summer sun. After parking your car you head straight into the 200 acres of preserve. After a short uphill walk you come to south pond and the small cabin you can rent and camp out in, or the lean-to (one of two in the preserve). This would make a really nice weekend: camping, hiking, and heading into area towns like Redhook, Tivoli, and Rhinebeck. After passing this area you continue on toward the tower (green and white signs will guide you). You will see another hike to your right that says "Church trail", this is another trail you can pick up later if you wish, there are many different trails on this preserve and I would recommend grabbing a map at the beginning to help you map out your hike. Continue on toward tower and in about 5 minutes you will see it in all its glory! 

Climb to the top of the newly constructed fire tower and grab a hold of some awesome Hudson river valley views. Water towers, bridges, farm land, the Catskill mountains all within view. You really get an outstanding chance to be in the clouds! Be careful on your way down, very sad plaque at the bottom of the fire tower explaining a death of a dog in 2008 whom fell from tower. I would leave pets at the bottom, and always be careful on your ascent and descent of any fire tower, they can be especially dangerous during windy days. After seeing such beautiful views head back to your car same way you came in, or start toward your left after you walk off the tower and continue following the green and white trail. There are many others as well that will bring you in a loop back to south pond (scout trail), or find your own way through this old forest. Be aware of wildlife, we were able to see a prehistoric looking snapping turtle and many beautiful hearings getting an afternoon drink. Speaking of a drink, its time to talk about where I had one after this great hike. 

  

 

Heading back toward Rhinebeck, Ny (right out of preserve parking lot) you can find a ton of really great spots. A few that I would say are more functional for breakfast/lunch would be Terrapin Restaurant, or Breadalone. Terrepin you will pass on 9 on your way south, and Breadalone you will have to take a left on East Market and park in parking lot to your left. I've eaten at both spots, I would recommend the falafel sandwich with lemon tahini dressing at Terrepin, or  the Hummus with Coach Farm goat cheese, olive tapenade,and frisee lettuce on Organic 9 Mixed Grain at Breadalone. Walk around Rhinebeck while you are at it. There are some really great shops that hold an array of great gifts.  This makes for a really nice day, beautiful hike followed by a beautiful meal doesn't get better then this!