1 - Andrew Haight Road (Haight Marsh) - CE, MOF Key to Codes
Town of Washington.  Year-round.  Varied habitat.  Sparrows, pipits, Horned Lark, Snipe, Killdeer, warblers, ducks, shorebirds.
Directions:  From US 44 in Mabbettsville, turn north on North Mabbettsville Road and drive approximately one mile and take Andrew Haight Road to the right.  Drive past the barns and the marsh to the top of the hill and park.  Walking distance:  1.5 miles (easy to moderate).
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2 - Bowdoin Park - ED, HMOF Key to Codes
A 300-acre county park on the Hudson River in the Town of Poughkeepsie.  Varied habitat.  Year-round but best in spring.  Nature trails (easy to moderate).  Warblers and woodland species, hawks, herons, sparrows, Eastern Screech-Owl.  Ducks on the river late fall through early spring; eagles in late winter.
Directions:  From Poughkeepsie, go south on US 9 to Old Post Road.  Take Old Post Road west to Sheafe Road and go south about 2 miles to the park entrance.  From NY 9D in Wappingers Falls, take DeLavergne Road to Sheafe Road; go left on Sheafe Road to the park entrance.  Allow 1-3 hours.
More information:  Dutchess County Online
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4 - Buttercup Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (National Audubon Society) - E, SMOF
Town of Stanford.  553 acres of woodlands, fields, pastures, wooded swamp.  Best in spring and fall.  Raptors, waterfowl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Bluebird, and many resident nesting species.  
Directions:   Midway between Stanfordville and Pine Plains on NY 82.  Entrance to the east side is indicated by a small sign leading to a parking area.  To get to the western entrance, take Route 82 and take Stissing Road, which goes off to the west about 1.5 miles north of Cold Spring Road (CR 53).  Then continue onto Mountain Road; entrance will be on your right.  Allow 2-3 hours to cover either the western or eastern part.  Easy to moderate.  More information:  Audubon New York
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6 - Clove Road, Verbank to Sylvan Lake - C, LOF Key to Codes
Towns of Union Vale and Beekman.  A driving trip with many stops.  Open country, swamps, spruce plantings, wooded areas.  Best in spring and fall, with waterfowl on the lakes most plentiful in late fall and early spring.  
Directions:  Start in Verbank on NY 82.  Turn southeast on Clove Road (CR 9), stop at Abel's Pond on the left, and continue until you come to a T-intersection.  Go right and makes stops whenever you see birds.  Look for Clove Cemetery on your left and proceed in to Christie Pond, a duck breeding pond.  Continue down Clove Road to NY 55 (traffic light).  Cross NY 55; you are now on Beekman Road.  Drive several miles and take Sylvan Lake Road (CR 10) to the right.  Drive to the lake and stop.  Continue on Sylvan Lake Road to NY 82.  Driving distance:  20 miles.  Allow 2-3 hours.  
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7 - Cruger Island (Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve) - E, HMF
60 acres on the Hudson River in the Town of Red Hook.  Bay, estuary, tidal marsh, mudflats, tidal swamp, woodlands.  An excellent area for all kinds of birds, with waterfowl and shorebirds most plentiful.  Osprey, Northern Harrier, Marsh Wren, Least Bittern, Virginia Rail.  Best in early spring and late summer; also excellent for observing ducks on the river in late fall.  
Directions:  Take NY.  9G north toward Annandale and Tivoli.  Turn left onto CR 103 (Annandale Road) about 5 miles north of the Rhinebeck intersection of US 9 and NY 9G.  Where CR 103 takes a sharp turn to the left, go down Cruger Island Road.  Park your car at one of the state MUA lots (you will pass some Bard College dorm lots; do not park in these).  Walk the road.  Cross the railroad tracks carefully to get over to the island and be aware of the tides so that you don't get stranded.  Walking distance:  2 miles (moderate).  Allow 4-6 hours.
More Information:  See Tivoli Bays WMA below.
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8 - Deep Hollow Road - CE, SF Key to Codes
A 3-mile stretch along a public road in the Towns of Washington and Amenia.  The road follows a section of the Wassaic Creek through wooded areas.  Good in all seasons except winter.  Acadian Flycatcher, Winter Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue-headed Vireo, Black-throated Green Warbler, and many others.  
Directions:  (a) From Millbrook, drive east on US 44 for about 4.5 miles to Lithgow and turn right onto Deep Hollow Road.  (b) Alternatively, take NY 22 to Wassaic and turn west onto Deep Hollow Road.  Park your car just off Rte. 22 and walk the roadsides. Walking or driving distance:  3 miles (easy).  Allow 2-4 hours.  
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9 - Denning's Point Park - E, HF Key to Codes
100 acres on the Hudson River in the City of Beacon, Dennings Point was added to Hudson Highlands State Park in 1988.  Trail (an old woods road) through heavily wooded grounds.  Woodpeckers, warblers, vireos.  Waterfowl can be seen from several vantage points.  
Directions:  Dennings Point is at the southernmost end of the city, at the mouth of the Fishkill Creek.  Take Route 9D into Beacon.  Turn south on South Ave.  and then immediately make a right onto Dennings Ave.  Park across from the Beacon Water Treatment Plant and take the bridge across the Metro North tracks to Dennings Point.  Walking distance:  1.2 mile (easy).  Allow 3 hours.  
Photo Tour:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Hudson Valley Photos    More information:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Trail Info
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10 - Depot Hill Multiple Use Area - ED, SBF Key to Codes
260 acres in the Town of Beekman.  Heavily wooded with some brushy areas and streams.  Hawks, Ruffed Grouse, Hermit Thrush, warblers (including Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded and Canada), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  Also bird along Depot Hill Road in the nearby vicinity.  Appalachian Trail crosses Depot Hill Road just to the north of the MUA.  
Directions:   Take NY 55 to traffic light at NY 216 and then take NY 216 one mile to Depot Hill Road.  Turn left onto Depot Hill Road and drive about 2.5 miles, passing the Appalachian Trail parking area and the communication towers.  Look for the MUA parking lot on your left.  It is suggested that you return by the same route as Depot Hill Road is extremely rugged beyond the MUA.  Walking distance:   1-2 miles (easy to moderate).  Allow 3-4 hours.   Trail Map :  NYSDEC Depot Hill Trail Map   More information:  NYSDEC Depot Hill MUA page
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11 - Edward R.  Murrow Park - E, OBF Key to Codes
82 acres in the Town of Pawling.  Pond and varied habitat with nature trails.  Best September-May.  Bluebirds, kinglets, thrushes, warblers, flycatchers, pheasants, grouse, hawks, and possibly shorebirds at pond edges.  
Directions:  From the center of Pawling, take West Main Street.  The park is at the intersection with Lakeside Drive.  Walking distance:   1-2 miles (easy).  Allow 1-2 hours.  There may be a fee for individual use.
More information:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Trail Info 
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12 - Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Valkill) - E, LOBF Key to Codes
190 acres in the Town of Hyde Park.  Lake, marsh, forest; varied habitat.  Best in spring and summer.  Herons, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, swallows, warblers, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Snipe.  
Directions:  Take NY 9G north from Poughkeepsie.  Look for the entrance to Valkill about 1/2 mile north of the traffic light for the St. Andrews Rd. cutover to US9.  Alternatively, continue beyond this entrance and take the next right, Franklin Road.  Then take a left onto Roosevelt Road and drive about 1/2 mile to the back entrance.  Walking distance:  1 mile.  Allow 2-3 hours.   More information:  National Park Service
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13 - Ferncliff Forest (Mount Rutsen) - ED, MF Key to Codes
192-acre game and forest preserve in the Town of Rhinebeck.  Pond and mixed forest with trail to top of Mt.  Rutsen.  Best in spring.  Flycatchers and warblers, including Cerulean, Parula, and American Redstart.  Tower at the summit a good place to watch for migrating hawks over the Hudson River.  
Directions:  Take US 9 north from the traffic light in the center of Rhinebeck.  Turn left on Montgomery Street (just before Northern Dutchess Hospital) and cross a stone bridge (you will now be on Old Post Road).  Take a left onto Mt.  Rutsen Road and look for a sign for the Preserve on the left.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy except for the moderate climb to the tower).  Allow 4 hours.     More information:  Ferncliff Forest
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14 - Flint Hill / Cascade Mountain Roads - CE, OBF Key to Codes
A drive in the Town of Amenia with stops for birding.  Fields, marshy areas, hedgerows.  Late spring, early summer, fall.  Hawks, geese, ducks, sparrows, Whip-poor-will.  
Directions:  From Millbrook, take US 44 east 6 miles to CR 83.  Take CR 83 north 2 miles and then take a right onto Flint Hill Road.  Make stops on Flint Hill Road and then take a left onto Cascade Mtn. Road.  At the end of
Cascade Mtn.  Road, make a right onto Morse Hill Road and continue to Perry's Corners and on to NY 22.
Driving distance:  2 miles.  Allow 2 hours.  
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16 - Franklin D.  Roosevelt National Historic Site - E, HOF Key to Codes
290 acres in the Town of Hyde Park along the Hudson River.  Lawns, woodland, orchard, meadowland, hemlock grove, pond, stream, tidal area.  Nature trail; trail map.  Best in spring and fall.  Winter specialties include Red-breasted Nuthatch, redpolls, and Winter Wren.  Many species during migration seasons.  
Directions:  Take US 9 south from Hyde Park or north from Poughkeepsie.  The site is well marked on the west side of US 9.  Ample parking.  Walking distance:   2 miles (easy to moderate).  Allow 3 hours.
Photo Tour:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Hudson Valley Photos      More information:  National Park Service
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17 - Harlem Valley Rail Trail Sections 1, 2 and 3 - E, MOBF Key to Codes
Towns of Amenia and North East.  The Harlem Valley Rail Tail is a 10-foot wide paved trail that will eventually offer 43 miles of uninterrupted travel connecting Wassaic and Chatham, NY.  Birds seen have included Red-headed Woodpecker, Virginia Rail (was the trail named after this bird?), Marsh Wren, sparrows (including Swamp and Vesper), warblers, flycatchers, Northern Harrier, Raven.  Section 1, opened in 2005, goes north from the Metro North station in Wassaic to Mechanic Street in Amenia.  This is the southern terminus of the entire HVRT. Section 2, opened in 1996, goes north from Mechanic Street in Amenia north to Coleman Station in the Town of North East.  Woodland and open areas, wetland halfway between Amenia and Coleman Station.  Section 3, opened in 2000, extends from Coleman Station northward to Millerton.  Picturesque rock cuts, Webutuck Creek, Ten Mile River.  
Directions:  In Amenia, take NY 343 east from the intersection of NY 22, US 44, and NY 343. Go 1/4 mile and make a right onto Mechanic Street (across from Cumberland Farms).  The parking lot is 1/4 mile down the street on the left; if this lot is full, turn back and park at the town hall closer to NY 343.  There is also a parking lot at Coleman Station (take Coleman Station Road, CR 58, east from NY 22).  In Millerton, park at the Eugene L.  Brooks Rail Trail Station behind the North East Community Center on South Center Street.   At the Wassaic train station, park your car and cross the tracks where you drove in; the trailhead is on your right.  See a complete MAP showing all sections of the HVRT (click on the link above the map for descriptions of individual sections).
Walking distance:  The total distance from Millerton to Amenia is 8.2 miles (one way); Section 1 is 2.6 miles, Section 2 is 4.5 miles and Section 3 is 3.6 miles.  Parking at the Wassaic train station is free on weekends and holidays; parking at the other trailheads is free every day.  The trail is open from dawn to dusk.  Allow at least 3 hours for each Section.  More information:  Harlem Valley Rail Trail
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18 - Hudson Highlands State Park (Breakneck Ridge) - ED, HF Key to Codes
500 acres, partly in the Town of Fishkill.  One of National Audubon's Important Bird Areas.  Oak/birch/aspen forest with some grassy and swampy areas.  Best in spring and fall.  Raptors including eagles and Peregrine Falcon, warblers, Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Carolina Wren.  
Directions:  From Beacon, take NY 9D south and park about 500 feet north of the tunnel.  Walk the abandoned road (yellow trail markers) from the east side of NY 9D.  Alternatively, use the steep trail (white markers) at the northern end of the tunnel, but be prepared for a strenuous and sometimes hazardous climb.
Walking distance:   2 miles on the abandoned road (easy to moderate).  Allow 3-4 hours.
More information:  1 - National Audubon Important Bird Areas       2 - New York State Parks
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19 - Innisfree Garden - ED, LMOF Key to Codes
188 acres in the Towns of Washington and Pleasant Valley.  Lake and well-maintained grounds and gardens, deciduous and coniferous woodland with trail.  Best in spring.  Geese, Mallards, warblers, woodland species, Ruffed Grouse.  Open 10am - 5pm Wednesday - Sunday from May through October. 
Directions:  From US 44 just east of the trooper barracks at the NY 82 traffic light, take Tyrell Road south 1 mile to the stone gate and follow the narrow road to the parking lot.  Walking distance:  1 mile (easy to moderate). Allow 3-4 hours.  More information & beautiful photos:  Innisfree Garden
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20 - Institute of Ecosystem Studies (Cary Arboretum) - CE, SOF Key to Codes
2000 acres in the Towns of Washington and Pleasant Valley.  Open to the public between April 1 and October 31.  Monday – Saturday:  9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m..  Varied habitat.  Owls, thrushes, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird, American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, warblers, and the usual resident birds.  Other attractions include Gardens and Greenhouse.  Good handicapped access.  
Directions:   Drive west from Millbrook on US 44 to Sharon Turnpike (NY 44A, Truck Rte. 44) and turn east (right).  Proceed to Gifford House on the left and park and register there.  Walking distance:  2.5 miles on the trails (easy to moderate).  Allow 2-4 hours.   More information:  Institute of Ecosystem Studies  

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21 - James Baird State Park - CED, LOF Key to Codes
590 acres in the Town of LaGrange.  Golf course, woodland.  Roads and trails.  Best in winter and spring.  Green Heron, shorebirds, Horned Larks, Snow Buntings, hawks, Great Horned Owl, Ruffed Grouse, vireos, warblers, kinglets, sparrows, finches.  Directions:  Main entrance is from the Taconic Parkway one mile north of NY 55 and is well marked.  Walking distance: 2 miles (easy).  Allow 3-4 hours.  
More information:  1 - NY/NJ/CT Botany      2 - New York State Parks
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22 - Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area (Wilbur Flats Road) - CE, LMOF Key to Codes
715 acres in the Town of Milan.  Varied habitat including open fields, swamp, a pine plantation, woodlands, and rocky ledges.  Best in spring, also good in summer and fall.  Pheasants, grouse, owls, thrushes, wrens, warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, ducks.  The area is used by hunters in season.  
Directions:   Drive to the MUA either via the Taconic Parkway northbound or via NY 199 from Lafayetteville.  It is well marked with a wooden MUA sign.  Park at the intersection of NY 199 and Wilbur Flats Road.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy).  
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23 - Lake Oniad - C, L Key to Codes
A privately owned 10-acre lake in a residential area of Wappingers Falls.  Best in spring and fall.  Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, grebes, Spotted Sandpiper, Belted Kingfisher.  
Directions:  From US 9, take Myers Corners Road east for one mile and take a right onto Kent Road.  Follow Kent Road to the sign for Lake Oniad and follow Lake Oniad Road around the lake.  Drive along the shoreline and make quick stops to view the lake from your car.  
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24 - Lakeside Park (Holiday Hills) - E, LOBF Key to Codes

Hiking trails and lake in Pawling.  Directions:   From the center of Pawling, take Charles Colman Boulevard north about one mile to 4-way stop sign.  The park is on your left.  There may be a fee for individual use.
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25 - Locust Grove / Samuel Morse Historic Site - E, HSOF Key to Codes
150 acres in the Town of Poughkeepsie.  Former home of Samuel F.  B.  Morse.  Mostly woodland between the museum and the Hudson River.  Carriage roads serve as trails.  Woodland and urban birds, gulls, warblers.  
Directions:  Take US 9 south from Poughkeepsie to the traffic light at Beechwood Avenue.  Locust Grove is on the right and has ample parking.  Walking distance:   2 miles (easy to moderate).  Allow 3 hours.  
More information:  Locust Grove website
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26 - Mack Road - ED, F Key to Codes
Mack Road is a dead end narrow road in the Clove Valley in the Town of Union Vale.  It passes through a deep hemlock ravine, a mixed hardwood forest, open and brushy areas, and pine plantations.  This is a roadside birding area with several places to pull one or two cars off the road.  The best parking area is at the right-angle turn about 1 mile in.  Permission is not required to bird along the road.  The area should be avoided during deer season.  Best in spring and summer.  Species observed include Great Horned Owl, Goshawk, and warblers (Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded, Prairie, and others).  
Directions:  From NY 82, take NY 55 east to the first traffic light.  Turn left (north) onto Bruzgul Road and proceed to the traffic circle.  At the traffic circle, turn left onto Clove Valley Road (CR 9).  Mack Road is approximately 3 miles up Clove Valley Road on the right.  Walking distance:  1.5 miles (easy except for the first 1/2 mile, which is rather steep).   Allow 1-2 hours.  
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27 - Madam Brett Park - ED, SMBF Key to Codes
12 acres in the City of Beacon, at the confluence of Fishkill Creek with the Hudson River. Waterfowl, Fish Crow, warblers, sparrows.  Trail along Fishkill Creek and waterfront marshland.  Raised boardwalk.  
Directions:  Take NY 9D into Beacon, to South Ave. (toward the river).  Turn right (south) onto Tioronda Ave. past old warehouses and then turn left and go under the railroad trestle bridge.  Parking lot is on left.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy).  Allow 2 hours.   More information:  Scenic Hudson
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28 - Millbrook School - E, SMOF Key to Codes
A private school in the Town of Washington.  The campus includes a large marsh with boardwalk, deciduous woodland, and open fields.  A cross-country ski trail can be hiked through the woods and open fields, starting near the ski tow just north of the marsh.  Good any time of year but best in spring.  Eastern Screech-Owl, Woodcock, Common Snipe, Virginia and King Rails, White-eyed Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, many warbler species. Over 160 species have been recorded.  
Directions:   Drive west from Amenia for 4 miles (or east from Millbrook for 5 miles) on US 44 and take Millbrook School Road to the north.  Park near the marsh or in the zoo parking lot. Walking distance:  3 miles (easy to moderate).   Allow 3 hours.   More information on the zoo:  Trevor Zoo
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29 - Montgomery Place - E, HSOF Key to Codes
A Hudson River estate of 434 acres just south of Bard College in the Town of Red Hook.  Orchard, gardens, lawns, deciduous and hemlock woods, and a view of the Hudson.  Trails.  Wheelchairs can use the roads.  Winter Wren, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, Pileated Woodpecker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  
Directions: Take NY 9G north to the intersection with NY 199.  Turn left (west) onto NY 199.  CR 103 crosses NY 199 before the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.  Turn right onto CR 103 north.  Montgomery Place is 2-3 miles up the road on the left.  Park at the Visitors' Center.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy).   Allow 2-3 hours.
More information:  Poughkeepsie Journal
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30 - Nellie Hill Preserve (The Nature Conservancy) - D, OBF Key to Codes
144 acres in the town of Dover.  Habitat includes pocket grasslands, rich oak forest, and a previously-grazed, sloping meadow, with several springs and two ponds.  Great Horned Owl, Ruffed Grouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, warblers (including Prairie and Hooded), vireos (including nesting White-eyed), Brown Thrasher, orioles, sparrows, thrushes.  
Directions:  NY 22 north toward Dover Plains.  Pass CR 6 and proceed another 1/4 mile.  Parking area is on right; preserve sign is set back from road.  Follow path up the hill to a wide steel gate at the preserve entrance.   Walking distance:  2 miles (easy to moderate).  Allow 3 hours.  
More information:  1 - The Nature Conservancy 2 - FWS Harlem Valley Habitat Description
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31 - Norrie State Park (Norrie Point, Mills-Norrie State Park) - CEK, HSOF
About 400 acres on the Hudson River south of and adjacent to Mills State Park in the Town of Hyde Park. Roads, boat basin, river access, Dutchess Community College Environmental Museum.  Waterfowl and gulls on the river, woodland birds, wrens, thrushes, sparrows.  
Directions:   Take US 9 north from Hyde Park 3 miles to the entrance of Norrie State Park on the left.  
Walking distance:   2 miles (easy).  Allow 2 hours.  Photo Tour:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Hudson Valley Photos
More information:        1 - New York State Parks2 - NY/NJ/CT Botany
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32 - Nuclear Lake - ED, LMF Key to Codes
This property in the Town of Pawling is now owned by the National Forest Service and flanks the Appalachian Trail corridor.  Mostly mixed woodland with a swampy area and a lake.  Many years ago a nuclear accident in a small lab here resulted in closure of the area (and the lab) as well as re-routing of the Appalachian Trail.  The area has long been declared safe and the lake is again rich with wildlife; the Appalachian Trail has once again resumed its old route close to the lake.  The area is especially productive during spring migration, when many warblers and other songbirds are seen.  
Directions:   Take NY 55 east to Poughquag.  Drive 1.7 miles beyond the NY 216 traffic light (at the Texaco station) and then take Old Rte.  55 left.  The small parking lot for Nuclear Lake is unsigned and is only about 300 feet north of the intersection.  
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33 - Ogden Mills State Park (Staatsburgh/Mills Mansion) - ED, HMOF Key to Codes
About 500 acres on the Hudson River north of and adjacent to Norrie State Park in the Town of Hyde Park.  Trail through mixed woodland along the river and carriage roads through the old estate.  Waterfowl and gulls on the river, woodland birds, wrens, thrushes, sparrows.  
Directions:  Take US 9 north from Hyde Park 3 miles to the entrance of Norrie State Park on the left.  Go left onto Old Post Road and continue past Norrie Park through Staatsburg.  The entrance to Staatsburgh/Mills Mansion is just north of the village and across from the golf course.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy to moderate).   Allow 2 hours.    Photo Tour:  NY/NJ/CT Botany Hudson Valley Photos
More information:   Staatsburgh.org website
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34 - Oriole Mills Road / Norton Road / Yantz Road - CE, SMOBF Key to Codes
Roadside birding in the Town of Red Hook.  Varied habitat including woods, farmland, brushy areas, and marshes. Best in spring and summer (but avoid Sunday afternoons in summer).  Swamp Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, orioles, warblers.  
Directions:   Take NY 199 west from the Taconic Parkway.  At Rock City, take NY 308 and then take the third right off NY 308 onto Old Rock City Road.  Take the first right onto Oriole Mills Road.  Bird this road and then turn right onto Yantz Road.  At the end of Yantz Road, turn left onto Ohrlich Road and then left onto Norton Road, which will take you back to Oriole Mills Road.  Make stops and walk along the way wherever it looks interesting. Driving/walking distance:   5 miles.
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35 - Pawling Nature Reserve (The Nature Conservancy) - CED, LMF Key to Codes
1060 acres in the Town of Pawling.  Mostly upland forest; also includes a hemlock gorge and swampy areas.  Good in all seasons, especially during migration.  Deer hunting is allowed in season.  Nesting birds include Hermit Thrush, Black-throated Blue, Hooded, and Canada Warblers, Winter Wren, Acadian Flycatcher, Brown Creeper, and Barred Owl.  Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, and Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks are also seen here.  
Directions:  From Pawling, take NY 22 north for 2 miles to North Quaker HillRoad (CR 68).  Go right on CR 68 and follow this road about 1.5 miles to Quaker Lake Road.  Take Quaker Lake Road to the left (north) and drive past Quaker Lake on the left.  Continue until you come to the Nature Conservancy parking lot on the left.  
Walking distance:  3 miles (easy on the road; easy to strenuous on the trails).  Allow 3-4 hours.
More information:   1 - The Nature Conservancy    2 - NY/NJ/CT Botany 3 - Berkshire Hiking
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36 - Peach Hill Park - ED, OBF Key to Codes
158 acres at the highest elevation in the Town of Poughkeepsie.  Apple orchards and beautiful views.
Directions:  From the south or southeast, drive to Arlington, and take Rte. 44/55 west toward the river.  Take Innis Avenue north (right turn) to Salt Point Turnpike (CR 115).  Turn right, go past the Bedell Rd. intersection, and take the next right onto Edgewood Drive. The park is at the intersection of Edgewood Drive and Patricia Road. From Pleasant Valley or the northeast, take Salt Point Turnpike (CR 115) west (toward Poughkeepsie). Take the third left after Cream Street onto Edgewood Drive and proceed as above.  From the north, take SR 9G to East Dorsey Lane.  Turn left (east) onto East Dorsey Lane and go straight at the intersection with Creek Road.  Take the next right, which is the continuation of East Dorsey Lane, and continue to the "T" intersection with Cream Street.  Turn right on Cream Street, and then right onto Salt Point Turnpike (CR 115).  Take the third left onto Edgewood Drive and proceed as above.   More information and photos:  Peach Hill Park
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37 - Poet's Walk Romantic Landscape Park - E, HOF Key to Codes
120 acres in the Town of Red Hook with varied habitat and great views of the Hudson River.  Grassland and woodland birds, including Bobolink and Orchard Oriole.  
Directions:  Take NY 9G to NY 199 (toward the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge).  Make a right (north) onto River Road and watch for the park entrance on the left. Walking distance:  2 miles.  Allow 3 hours.  
More information (including trail maps):    1 - Scenic Hudson        2 -HV/net
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38 - Pond Gut (Susie Quinn's) - ED, MFKey to Codes
A part of the Taconic-Hereford MUA with separate access in the Town of LaGrange west of Verbank.  Varied habitat with a pond, stream, and trails.  Good year-round but best in spring.  Warblers, Willow and Acadian Flycatchers, hummingbirds, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Indigo Bunting, thrushes, owls, nesting Goshawk.  Used by hunters in season and snowmobilers in winter.  
Directions: 1.5 miles south of Verbank, drive west from NY 82 onto Skidmore Road.  Make a right onto Gidley Road and then another right onto Pond Gut Road, which has a parking lot at its dead end.  Alternatively, from NY 55 in Freedom Plains or the Taconic Parkway, take Skidmore Road 2 miles east to Gidley Road and then go left to Pond Gut Road.  Walking distance:  2 miles (easy to moderate).  Allow 2-4 hours.  
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39 - Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery - CE, HLOF Key to Codes
30 acres in the Town of Poughkeepsie with many trees, a lake, and a view of the Hudson River.  Woodland and urban birds, gulls, ducks, warblers, thrushes.  Good year-round but best in spring.  Roadways and trails.  
Directions:  Just south of the City of Poughkeepsie (on the west side of US 9).  Take the Academy Street exit from US 9.  Drive south to the entrance to the cemetery.   If going to the lake once inside, keep left down the hill.  Walking distance:   1 mile (easy to moderate).  Allow 2 hours.  
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40 - Reese Park - DK, LF Key to Codes
38 wooded acres in the Town of Wappinger.  This park is the focal point/junction for the Town of Wappinger Greenway Trail Network.  It is a key segment in the Hudson River Valley Greenway System.  The Wappinger Greenway Trail is a 10.7 mile figure 8 loop of on and off-road trails encircling the lower Wappinger Creek and the Wappinger Lake. 
Directions:  From 9D take New Hamburg Road (CR28, the continuation of Old Hopewell Road).  Before you get to the bridge that crosses the Wappingers Creek to New Hamburg, make a sharp right onto Creek Road.  Go about a mile down Creek Road towards Wappingers Falls and turn right into Reese Park.
More information:   NY/NJ/CT Botany
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41 - Reese Sanctuary (Putnam Highlands Audubon Society) - D, LFKey to Codes
98 acres in the Town of Poughkeepsie (Hamlet of New Hamburg) along the Wappinger Creek with marked trails. Deciduous woodland with small hemlock groves.  Waterfowl including Wood Duck, woodland birds, warblers.  
Directions:  From 9D take New Hamburg Road (CR28, the continuation of Old Hopewell Road) and cross the Wappingers Creek into New Hamburg.  Proceed north on Bridge Street and bear right onto Main Street.  A few hundred yards up the street is a small park on the right.  The trail begins at the far end of the parking lot by the tennis court.  Walking distance:  1+ mile (moderate).  Allow 2-3 hours.  
More information:   NY/NJ/CT Botany
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42 - Rockefeller Lane / Pitcher Lane (Greig's Farm) - CE, OKey to Codes
Roadside birding in the Town of Red Hook. Orchards and vast open fields of crop lands, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries.  Best in winter.  Snow Bunting, Horned Lark, Tree Sparrow, sometimes redpolls or Lapland Longspurs. In spring, look for Bobolink and Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows.  
Directions:  Take US 9 north from Red Hook about 2 miles.  Turn left on Rockefeller Lane.  Bird from your car along Rockefeller Lane, then turn right onto CR 79 and right again onto Pitcher Lane.  Take Pitcher Lane back to US 9 and go right to Rockefeller Lane.  This rectangular route surrounds Greig Farm.  Driving/walking distance:  5 miles.  Allow plenty of time to wait for birds to come to the roadsides from the back of the fields.  
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