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Enjoying the great outdoors is such a big part of the Dutchess County culture. With numerous hiking trails, beautiful gardens, Hudson River activities and nature paths, it provides individuals of all different athletic abilities to get out and move! We have a wonderful running community here, and today we’re sharing our Top 10 places to run in the area. Lace up and get out there!
Set in the eastern portion of the county, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail provides gorgeous sweeping views of the bucolic landscape. There are currently 26 miles of paved trail, with a gorgeous Dutchess portion stretching from the trailhead in Wassaic to Orphan Farm Road in Copake. This path runs through several communities worth a visit, including Amenia and Millerton. After clocking in the miles, stroll into one of these towns for a well-earned lunch.
Accessible from the Beacon train station, the Long Dock Park / Dennings Point area is an incredibly peaceful for a jog. A wide dirt path leads you out to Dennings Point, where you can then dip into a wooded trail. Not too hilly and not too long, this trail is a great option for all runners! Plus, cool breezes and magnificent views make running along the Hudson River an unforgettable experience.
Yup, that’s right, you can run right through a working Hudson Valley farm! Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve offers great variety for runners, including miles of cross-country trails frequented by local college atheletes. Runners breeze past wetlands, forests, streams, ponds, colorful wildflowers and towering Appalachian oak-hickory trees. For seasoned runners seeking a bit of a challenge, some trails offer difficult elevation and have rough terrain. However, novices can stick to the equally beautiful wide, flat paths. We’d highly recommend this spot for your next run!
There are several stretches of the Appalachian Trail that pass through Dutchess County, and they'd make for ultra-memorable runs. Jog on a boardwalk through the Great Swamp in Pawling, enjoy the fresh air of Lakeside Park, and just a few miles away run around a shimmering body of water at Nuclear Lake. For more on opportunities to experience AT in Dutchess, click here.
This county park is home of many high school cross country meets, and one that local runners love too. Part of the allure is that this hilly course is great for working some variety into your runs. In addition, some of the higher sections of the park offer lovely views of the Hudson River in the distance. Depending on when you plan your trip to Dutchess County, this Wappingers Falls destination is an excellent spot to observe the changing of the seasons, from lush greens in summer through the deep reds of autumn.
Related: Easy Walking Trails in Dutchess County
This happens to be the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, and we’re lucky enough to have it right here in Dutchess. It may be one of our largest tourist attractions, but there's no doubt runners adore this flat path for panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley and beyond! Be sure to stop for photos, as the Walkway Over the Hudson is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in all of New York State—and beyond.
Continuing east on the Walkway leads you right into the Dutchess County Rail Trail. The trail spans 13-miles, and has several access points. It starts at the former Hopewell Depot Train Station, which remains a fun place to visit for families. A comfortable sand path stretches alongside the paved path, making this trail perfect for runners, bikers and walkers. Enjoy a diverse landscape featuring shady woods, charming horse ranches, peaceful bodies of water and a few short bridges.
Enjoy the outdoors and history at this National Historic Landmark, where telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse once lived. With gardens and views of the Hudson, the miles will tick by in no time as you admire the pristine grounds. The site sits right off Route 9, but you would never know it as you zone out on these peaceful trails that burst with color throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
Doesn't running through history sound fun? The Hyde Park Trail system traverses 34 miles of breathtaking Hudson Valley scenery and famous state and national parks. Start at the majestic Gilded Age Vanderbilt Mansion and jog to the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, former home of the nation's only four-term president. Then, history buffs can speed along the Farm Lane trail to reach Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill cottage from FDR's Springwood estate. For more trail highlights, click here.
One of the largest state forests in Dutchess County, the ‘909’ is technically known as the Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area. It sits right off the Taconic State Parkway, and provides more than 27 glorious miles of trails. If you like to explore natural spaces while you run, this is surely the path for you. Keep an eye open for native wildlife in 909's 917 acres, as white tail deer, pheasants, turkeys, waterfowl, rabbits and squirrels are all known to live here.
Red Hook's Greig Farm recently invited the running community to use their vast network of farm trails. Start behind the adorable goat pen and run through berry patches, hillside apple orchards and quaint ponds. Three loops total around 4 miles, making this a great spot for anyone seeking a workout. Plus, earn incredible views of the Catskill Mountains. For more information on the experience at Greig Farm, click here.
Related: Plan to Pick-Your-Own This Summer at These Dutchess Farms
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