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Guided Hikes

Saturday, May 14, 2022, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, July 9, 2022, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, October 8, 2022, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hike Putnam, 2022

ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW FULL!

ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW FULL!

Enjoy Putnam’s natural beauty on these free guided hikes!

Here in Putnam County there are so many beautiful natural places to explore. Numerous studies link walking in nature with improved mental and physical health, as well as stress relief. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s Master Gardener Volunteers will guide hikes on trails throughout the County beginning in May and running through October. Come learn more about our natural heritage and discover the beauty of Putnam County.

These free, guided hikes will explore land-use patterns, local history, and invasive plants. Hikes will take place on a Saturday of each month (rain date the immediately-following Sunday) and leave promptly at 10 am. Hike duration and difficulty levels are described below. Master Gardener and Master Naturalist tour guides will point out highlights along the way—describing the vegetation, invasive species, land-use patterns, as well as historical significance of the area—in addition to answering questions from the hikers.

PLEASE - NO PETS ALLOWED

Each hike requires a complete Waiver Form. Participants must complete one online waiver form PER HIKE

Below is our 2022 Schedule. You can register by clicking the name of the location.

MAY 14 - Difficulty Level:Strenuous
Granite Mountain, Hudson Highland Land Trust. A steep, 600-foot ascent takes you through hardwood forests to Lookout Rock, one of Granite Mountain preserve’s three peaks. 5hrs, 5 miles (BYO lunch & ample water)

JUN 11 - Difficulty Level:Moderate-Strenuous
Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area A more challenging hike with waterfalls, overlook, and hemlock forest affected by the 2018 tornado. We’ll discuss the land use & local history from the 1600s-present. 4 hrs, 3.5 miles

JUL 9 - Difficulty Level:Moderate - REGISTRATION IS FULL
Manitoga*, Russel Wright Design Center In this moderate hike we will explore the sculpted landscape of Manitoga, Russel Wright’s home. Some steep inclines and rocky, uneven ground, and an overlook.3hrs, 3 miles

AUG 13 - Difficulty Level:Moderate-Strenuous - REGISTRATION IS FULL
Fahnestock - Dennytown Visit a reforested mining area, Civilian Conservation Corps lakes and public works, and a vista. This hike has a 400-foot ascent, but also follows level dirt roads, through a shady forest.4 hrs, 3 miles

SEPT 10 - Difficulty Level:Moderate - REGISTRATION IS FULL
Tentative Ice Pond with Friends of the Great Swamp This hike follows mostly level terrain with some rock scrambles and spectacular boulders. Learn about the local brick making industry and how railways shaped local land use.3 hrs, 2 miles (tentative)

OCT 8 - Difficulty Level:Easy - REGISTRATION IS FULL
Boscobel For this easy hike we’ll visit the ground of historic Boscobel. Overlooking the Hudson River Canyon, Boscobel is a perfect location to understand how the river shaped local history and land use patterns. 2 hrs, 2 miles

* Grounds fees for these historic locations are covered by a generous grant through the Hudson River Valley Greenway Conservancy. This does not cover the fees for tours of the historic homes, which must be scheduled and purchased separately. All hike duration times are approximate.