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Easy peasy out-and-back.
Hiking Trail Description
The super sweet and very short walk along the Saugerties Lighthouse trail is a huge hit with all ages.
I can’t imagine anyone not absolutely loving this delightful and super easy walk out to such a fun destination. The half-mile trail is lovely and interesting the whole way, with multiple boardwalks, a variety of river flora, driftwood, marsh, and flocks of waterbirds all around. Oh, and a functioning lighthouse!
On the way back, enjoy views of The Catskills Escarpment with some of the most beloved Catskills High Peaks in clear view.
The preserve consists of 15 acres of wooded grounds and tidal wetlands located at the confluence of the Espous Creek with the Hudson River. Home to nearly 100 species of flora, the trail’s unique plant life includes trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, sedges, grasses and ferns. Keep an eye out for nesting bald eagles, great blue herons, gulls, geese, ducks and more.
This might be the most wholesome hike on the Hudson River.
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Saugerties Lighthouse Trail
The short hiking trail to Saugerties Lighthouse includes…
- Good parking
- Easy strolling
- Sand, marsh, shoreline access
- Multiple boardwalks
- A fully functioning lighthouse
Allow 1 hour for this hike.
Saugerties Lighthouse Trail Notes & Gallery
Park in the small lot just off of Lighthouse Drive in Saugerties. (You’ll pass the US Coast Guard docking area on the way in.) The trail, which runs through the Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve, is flat and very easy and only half-a-mile long but, at high tide, you may need waterproof footwear.
You’ll definitely want a camera…
On the way out there are ample bird spotting opportunities…
The Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy maintains the Lighthouse and adjacent lands for the enjoyment of the public.
Saugerties Lighthouse Tours
Guided tours of the lighthouse are offered on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend from noon to 3pm. (Full details on the Saugerties Lighthouse website.)
Stay Here
Yes, you can actually stay here! The lighthouse is rented out as a complete unit, and has two bedrooms to enjoy during your stay.
“The restored, red-brick Lighthouse offers overnight Bed & Breakfast accommodations, public tours and special events. Furnished as it may have looked in the early 20th century, the Lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers’ quarters, and two guest bedrooms. The operational light-tower offers a panoramic view of the Hudson River Valley and Catskill Mountains.”
You’ll need to book this location well ahead, as it’s a very popular place. Full details on the website.
On this day, the view of the Catskill Mountains was fogged out. I’ll go back this year to take more photos.
Similar Hikes
See this list of short easy family-friendly Nature Trails.
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Trailhead Info for this Hike
Smallish lot.
Google Maps Location: 42.072211, -73.936726
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Good signal and service here. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
