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An easy, delightful lollipop route.
Trailhead info at bottom of this post.
Poets’ Walk near Rhinebeck, New York, is an enchanting park and loop trail, a serene landscape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Welcome to Poets’ Walk, near Rhinebeck and Red Hook in Dutchess County, a scenic sanctuary on the Hudson River. As you stroll paths bordered by lush woods and sweeping river vistas, you’be walking in the footsteps of literary giants who once sought inspiration here.
Poets’ Walk is a tribute to the romantic era of literature. In 1849, the Astors and the Delanos commissioned German-born landscape gardener Hans Jacob Ehlers to improve the grounds. Ehlers constructed a woodland path in honor of Washington Irving and Fitz-Greene Halleck who are said to have strolled there.
The trail’s gentle undulations lead you through varied scenes: wooded nooks, open fields that stretch towards the Hudson River, and views of the Catskills High Peaks across the river.
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Poets’ Walk Hiking Trail
The Poets’ Walk hiking trail includes…
- Easy walking trails
- A wide meadow
- Several wooden benches
- Delightful Hudson River and Catskills Mountains views
- Glorious gazebos
- Free and open year-round
- Gates open every day at 8:30 a.m. Closing hours vary according to the season.
- For more information, here’s the official website for Poets’ Walk.
A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 11 breathtaking photos.
Poets’ Walk Hike Time
Allow 1 hour for this hike — it’s more of a stroll, really.
Poets’ Walk Elevation Gain
The elevation gain for this hike is 275 feet (apx 85 meters).
Poets’ Walk Trail Notes & Gallery
Start at the large parking area loop and walk west, following the trail signage. Soon, you’ll see the wonderful Overlook Pavilion…
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Sean
Carry with you the sense of peace and inspiration found here, and remember that the tranquil beauty of Poets’ Walk is a timeless muse, always waiting to welcome you back to its inspiring trails.
Similar Hikes
Try Falling Waters Preserve on the western bank of the Hudson River provides easy trail access to the shore.
And you’ll probably love this list of easy nature trails.
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Poets’ Walk Park on the Hudson River Trailhead
Large lot for a popular spot.
Google Maps Location: 41.981958, -73.918312
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good service throughout. My network is Verizon. YMMV.