The best walks and hikes around Red Hook
4.8
(10)
151
hikers
16
hikes
Hiking around Red Hook is characterized by its location in the Hudson Valley, offering routes through curated parklands, meadows, and wooded areas. The terrain is generally composed of gentle hills and riverside paths, with many trails providing views of the Catskill Mountains. The area's trail network is well-suited for walking and accessible hiking.
Best hiking trails around Red Hook
- The most popular hiking route is the North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop, a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This easy hike explores the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Poets Park loop from Red Hook, an easy 2.1 mile (3.4 km) path. The route circles through the landscaped grounds of Poets' Walk Park, a 19th-century park with open fields and wooded sections.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Mount Rutsen loop from Mount Rutsen, a 1.7 mile (2.7 km) trail leading through woodland, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Red Hook is defined by gentle riverside paths, walks through historic parklands, and trails in wildlife management areas. The network consists of easy, family-friendly hikes suitable for all fitness levels.
- The routes in Red Hook are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from a number of reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Red Hook's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
1
hikers
2.47km
00:43
70m
70m
The Turkey Point from Ulster Landing trail offers a charming and accessible outdoor experience, perfect for a quick nature fix. This easy 1.5-mile (2.5 km) hike, with a modest 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 43 minutes to complete. You'll wander through diverse habitats, from quiet woodlands to open fields, all while enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River and discovering the historical remains of an old ice house along the bank.
Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is easily accessed from Ulster Landing County Park. The park provides convenient parking, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely stroll or a dedicated birdwatching excursion, offering a convenient and rewarding outdoor experience.
What makes this trail particularly special is its blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Beyond the picturesque Hudson River frontage, the area is a significant natural feature, serving as a unique marsh bird breeding ground and an important staging area for migrating waterfowl. The historical ice house remains add a layer of interest, connecting you to the region's past.
3.40km
00:54
40m
30m
The Ferncliff Red Trail offers a serene escape into the heart of an old-growth forest, winding through diverse plant life on a flowy singletrack path. You'll navigate packed dirt and leaves, occasionally encountering small roots and rock wall crossings that add to the natural feel of the route. It's a wonderful place for nature study, bird watching, and simply enjoying the quiet beauty of large deciduous trees, especially vibrant with wildflowers in the spring.
This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking trail, with a gentle 134 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in under an hour, typically around 54 minutes. Ferncliff Forest is free to access, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a quick outdoor adventure. It's a great choice for families or beginners looking for a straightforward and enjoyable walk.
Part of the historic Astor family estate, Ferncliff Forest is notable for its significant old-growth trees and remnants of its past, like old foundations and root cellars. While the Red Trail itself doesn't lead directly to the fire tower, it's part of a network that allows access to this 80-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.
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1.10km
00:17
10m
0m
Enjoy an easy 0.7-mile hike through the active Greig Farm, offering scenic views of the Catskill Mountains and farm landscapes.
1
hikers
4.72km
01:15
50m
50m
The North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through diverse terrain that includes mulched paths, natural dirt trails, and sections right along the water's edge. You'll experience a mix of peaceful wooded areas and expansive open meadows, with highlights like a charming boardwalk and a beautiful waterfall. This easy 2.9 miles (4.7 km) route, with its gentle 157 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain, provides picturesque views of the Hudson River and distant Catskill Mountains, making it a perfect outing for about 1 hours and 15 minutes.
Planning your visit to this trail is straightforward, as it's known for its accessibility and suitability for all skill levels, including families. While the North Bay Overlook Tivoli Meadow Trail is generally easy, be mindful that sections can become muddy and slippery after rain, so check conditions before you go. There are no specific permits or fees required, and the trail is generally open year-round, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions.
This trail stands out for its rich natural diversity, showcasing various wetland habitats like intertidal marshes and tidal swamps. It's an excellent spot for wildlife spotting, offering a chance to observe local flora and fauna in a serene setting. The combination of wooded areas, open meadows, and river views creates a varied and engaging hiking experience, making it one of the more notable natural features in the region.
4.7
(3)
34
hikers
4.56km
01:13
50m
50m
The Poets Park loop from Barrytown offers a delightful and easy hiking experience through 120 acres of beautifully designed landscape. You'll stroll along well-maintained paths of mown grass and crushed stone, winding through rolling meadows and serene forests. The highlight for many is the panoramic vista of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, particularly from the Overlook Pavilion, which frames the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge perfectly.
This 2.8-mile (4.6 km) route features a gentle 179 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy hike that takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes. It's an ideal choice for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a leisurely walk. The park is popular, especially for fall foliage, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to find parking and enjoy a more peaceful visit.
Poets' Walk is steeped in history, designed in 1849 to celebrate the connection between landscape and poetry, and was a favored spot for literary figures like Washington Irving. The park's design incorporates
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Popular around Red Hook
Tips from the Community
Great walk bottom end is rough. Hike down to the river and back out.
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This boardwalk provides access down to the bay and also connects to another service road in the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area. This a beautiful wooded section of trail that is surrounded by a swampy wetland environment.
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There is a cool waterfall here just off the side of the trail. The water levels in the creek obviously vary depending on the time of year and how much recent rainfall there has been, but there is always some sort of cascade going.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guide for Red Hook, Brooklyn or Red Hook, New York?
This guide focuses on Red Hook in Dutchess County, New York. It's a town in the scenic Hudson Valley known for its parks and trails with views of the Catskill Mountains, not the neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Red Hook area?
Yes, the area is well-suited for families. All the featured routes are rated as easy. A great option is the Poets Park loop from Red Hook. It's a gentle walk through a historic park with wide paths, open meadows, and interesting features that can keep younger hikers engaged.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Red Hook?
Many trails in the Red Hook area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary and dogs are generally expected to be on a leash. Parks like Poets' Walk Park are popular spots for dog walkers. Always check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit before you go.
What are the best trails for seeing the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains?
For iconic views, Poets' Walk Park is a top choice. The park was specifically designed in the 19th century to frame vistas of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, which you can enjoy from various overlooks and the main pavilion.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the area are loops. For a pleasant woodland walk, consider the Mount Rutsen loop from Mount Rutsen. It's a relatively short circular trail that offers a quiet escape into nature.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The hiking around Red Hook is generally not strenuous. You'll mostly find gentle hills, riverside paths, and trails through meadows and woodlands. The routes are typically well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a great destination for accessible hiking.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Red Hook?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful scenery, especially the views of the Catskills, and the peaceful atmosphere of the parks and nature preserves.
Where can I find hikes in a wildlife management area?
The Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area is an excellent choice for this. It offers a chance to see local flora and fauna. The North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop is a popular route that explores this protected habitat.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls near Red Hook?
While the immediate Red Hook area is known more for its rolling hills and river views, the broader Hudson Valley region is famous for its waterfalls. Reaching them typically requires a short drive, with popular spots like Kaaterskill Falls located in the nearby Catskill Mountains.
What should I pack for a day hike in this area?
For a day hike around Red Hook, comfortable walking shoes are a must. It's also wise to bring water, snacks, and a fully charged phone. Since the weather can change, packing a light rain jacket or an extra layer is always a good idea, even on a sunny day.
Is there parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, major trailheads typically have designated parking areas. For example, Poets' Walk Park has a dedicated parking lot near the entrance on River Road. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a space, especially on weekends.
Where can I find more information on local trail development?
The Red Hook Greenway and Trails Committee is actively involved in developing and maintaining trails in the area. For official updates on trail projects and local initiatives, you can visit their page on the town's official website: Red Hook Greenway & Trails Committee.
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