Are you looking for a relaxing and rewarding way to connect with nature? Do you want to explore one of the oldest preserved forests in the Hudson Valley? If so, you should visit Ferncliff Forest, a 200-acre forest preserve in Rhinebeck, NY. Ferncliff Forest has a rich history and a variety of activities for all ages and abilities. You can hike, bike, fish, camp, picnic, or just enjoy the scenery at this hidden gem.

A Brief History of Ferncliff Forest

Ferncliff Forest was once part of the vast estate of the Astor family, who bought several farms in the area in the mid-1800s. John Jacob Astor IV, who died on the Titanic in 1912, inherited the property and expanded it to 2,800 acres by 1940. His son, Vincent Astor, donated part of the land to the Methodist Church as a retreat for clergy members. This became known as the Mount Rutsen farm colony.

In 1964, Vincent’s widow, Brooke Astor, donated 200 acres of the Mount Rutsen land to the Rhinebeck Rotary Club as a forest preserve and game refuge specifying that the land must remain “forever wild” and be open to the public for free. The Rhinebeck Rotary Club formed a nonprofit organization called Ferncliff Forest, Inc. to manage and protect the forest. Today, Ferncliff Forest relies on donations from visitors and supporters to keep this natural treasure alive.

What to Do at Ferncliff Forest

You can access the forest from the parking lot on Mount Rutsen Road, where you will find a kiosk with a trail map and information. The trails are well-marked and color-coded according to their difficulty level. Some of the trails are shared with mountain bikers, so be alert and courteous.

One of the main attractions of Ferncliff Forest is the fire tower. It is the most popular hike in Ferncliff Forest and the trail is about 1.4 miles round-trip and is rated as easy. The trail starts out as a gravel road, but soon becomes a dirt trail that climbs gradually through the woods. Along the way, you’ll pass a pond, a cabin, and a few lean-tos. which is 80 feet tall and has 109 steps to reach the top. The fire tower is located at the highest point in the forest. The views from the top are amazing. You can see the Hudson River, the Catskills, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and on a clear day, you can even see the Manhattan skyline. The fire tower is not for the faint-hearted or those with vertigo or fear of heights. However, if you are adventurous enough, you will not regret climbing up to see the amazing panorama.

Here are some of the other popular trails in Ferncliff Forest:

• The Orange Trail: This is a 1.8-mile loop trail that is rated as easy. The trail passes through a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and a pond.
• The Blue Trail: This is a 2.2-mile loop trail that is rated as moderate. The trail climbs to the top of Mount Rutsen, which offers stunning views of the Hudson Valley.
• The Yellow Trail: This is a 1.6-mile loop trail that is rated as easy. The trail passes through a hemlock forest and a pond.

Another feature of Ferncliff Forest is the pond, which is inhabited by various wildlife such as turtles, frogs, fish, ducks, and geese. You can fish at the pond with a New York State fishing license, or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There are also picnic tables and benches around the pond where you can have a snack or a meal.

Conclusion

Ferncliff Forest is a wonderful place to visit in Rhinebeck, NY that offers a range of activities for all levels and interests. You can experience the beauty and history of nature, as well as the stunning views from the fire tower and the pond. Ferncliff Forest is a great place to visit any time of the year, whether you are looking for a solo adventure or a family outing. If you want to support Ferncliff Forest, you can make a donation online or at the donation box near the entrance. You can also follow them on social media to stay updated on their events and news.