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Breakneck Ridge

Breakneck Ridge Rock Scramble Trail will stay open until at least sometime in April, 2018

During 2017, over 100,000 people climbed the steep, rocky scramble that separates Putnam and Dutchess counties, a trail that's been named the most popular hiking destination in North America.

All come for the spectacular Hudson River views atop the 1,250-foot summit. Due high volume of hikers, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference will be closing the trail at some point after 2018 to begin a series of stabilization projects, without which the trail will soon be damaged beyond repair and have to be closed forever.

Pawling Appalachian Trail

Pawling Appalachian Trail Dutchess CountyThe Appalachian Trail is one of Dutchess County’s largest park with 30+ miles of trails within a protective corridor of 4,000+ acres.

The trail enters via Southern Dutchess County (north end of Fahnestock State Park) through the towns of East Fishkill, Beekman, Pawling, and Dover before entering Connecticut.

There is Free Parking in Pawling, NY off Route 22. The free parking is located at Pawling's Metro-North Appalachian Trail Train Station

Pawling Nature Reserve

Pawling Nature ReserveThe Pawling Nature Reserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy and maintained by local volunteers from Pawling and Dover.

Both The Nature Conservancy and the Pawling Nature Reserve Committee are dedicated to preserving ecologically valuable land in its natural state. These lands are available to the public for enjoyment and nature study.

Ferncliff Forest Preserve

Ferncliff Forest Preserve Dutchess County NYFerncliff Forest Preserve is located on Mt. Rutsen Road near Rhinecliff north of Rhinebeck.

Ferncliff Forest Game Refuge and Forest Preserve is a 200 acre forest known as the second-best old growth forest in the Hudson Valley. The forest is available for hiking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and picnics at no charge. Along the 4 miles of trials are the remains of hand-dug wells, cisterns, root cellars and old foundations.