Ferncliff Forest Preserve

Ferncliff 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.

Mike from local hiking website Hike The Hudson Valley says "This must be one of the best sunset spots in the Hudson Valley, with the Catskills, Hudson River and Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge all visible to the west. Also, pack some bug stuff. Otherwise, if you’ve never visited the new tower at Ferncliff Forest, you need to put this spot on your list. Investing an hour of your time (with more hiking trails optional) over some relatively flat trails yields some unforgettable views.

Photo by Karl Barth - Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge over the Hudson River with the Catskill Mountains in the background from Ferncliff Forest observation tower. Karl, captures this breathtaking photo of New York's Fall Foliage facing Ulster County, NY.