CURRENT 2010 TAKE-A-HIKE! SCHEDULE
This year, HHLT is offering seven unforgettable outdoor experiences during the 2010 Take-A-Hike! season. There is no cost to join us on a hike. Family-friendly hikes are stroller accessible, except where indicated with "NS." Note: ALL hikes require pre-registration this year.
Surprise Hikes: HHLT members will get special email notifications of surprise hikes that are not listed in the schedule. Make sure we have your email address -- join HHLT for free today to be included in all that we offer!
We are also continuing the Highlands Adventure Passport: a fun way to chart your participation in Take-a-Hike! You can pick-up your passport at the Land Trust office or at the beginning of a hike. At each hike you complete, you’ll receive a stamp in your passport. Receive five stamps, visit the HHLT office for a prize. Your passport can also be used like a tiny nature journal to record your experiences and impressions, sketches, etc.
Please call the office or check our website home page to confirm that a hike has not been cancelled, particularly in cases of inclement weather.
Saturday, May 15th THE BIRDS OF LAKE ALICE — Join Putnam Highlands Audubon Society President Rich Anderson and longtime PHAS and HHLT board member Lew Kingsley for this birding hike around picturesque Lake Alice in Garrison, NY. A wide variety of species inhabit this privately conserved treasure, and seasoned birders Rich and Lew are just the folks you want along to share their knowledge. Bring binoculars for an up-close look. Hike takes place on privately conserved land, directions will be provided when you register. Meet: 8:30am Duration: 2 hrs. Level: Easy/Family-friendly
Saturday, July 10th CANYU CANOE? — A Take-a-Hike! first, come “take-a-paddle” at Constitution Marsh! Join Eric Lind and his expert staff for a canoe paddle around Constitution Marsh and discover the beauty and necessity of this fragile and breathtaking ecosystem. You’ll learn about the vital role the Marsh plays in the water quality chain while enjoying a summer morning on the Hudson water trail. Space is limited. Sorry, this activity is not appropriate for children under seven years old. Meet: 8:30am Constitution Marsh Audubon parking area, Garrison, NY Duration: 2.5 hrs. Level: Moderate
Saturday, July 17th BUTTERFLIES & BRIDGES — Hubbard Lodge in Fahnestock State Park is home to a beautiful secret treasure: the Ann O’Dell Memorial Butterfly Garden. Join HHLT staffer and President of Friends of Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands State Parks, Katrina Shindledecker for a tour through the garden and then a hike along part of the School Mountain Road trail featuring a series of bridges and interesting views. Meet: 10am Hubbard Lodge, Route 9, Cold Spring, NY Duration: 3 hrs. Level: Moderate/Difficult
Sunday, September 12th CASTLE TO CASTLE — Back by popular demand! Members of the Osborn family will lead us from Castle Rock, the first Osborn castle built by railroad magnate William H. Osborn in 1880, to Cat Rock, built in 1919 by Frederick H. Osborn. At Cat Rock, our hosts will welcome us with hot cider and a roaring fire. Hike takes place on privately conserved land, directions will be provided when you register. Space is limited. Meet: 2pm Park at Cat Rock, shuttle to Castle Rock will be provided. Duration: 3 hrs Level: Moderate/Difficult
Sunday, September 19th FAMILY ROPES CHALLENGE – Join John Stowell and the team at Taconic Outdoor Education Center to test your family’s teamwork skills on the TOEC’s low ropes course. Conquering this fifteen element ropes course together is sure to make for an exciting and unique autumn afternoon outing. Sorry, this activity is not appropriate for children under age nine. Space is limited. Meet: 1pm, Cold Spring, NY Duration: 3 hrs. Level: Moderate/Difficult/Family-friendly
Friday, October 15th SPOOKY -- NOT SCARY-- STORIES ON THE HUDSON — A Take-a-Hike! tradition! Gather your courage and meet us for an eerie evening walk through Little Stony Point Park in Cold Spring. Professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk will spin yarns of local mysteries and spooky area legends, perfect for putting families in the Halloween mood. Meet: 5:00pm Little Stony Point Park bridge Duration: 1 hr. Level: Easy/Tot & Family-friendly
Saturday, October 23rd FORTRESS WEST POINT HISTORIC WALK – Join Colonel Lance Betros, chair of the West Point Department of History, and Colonel (retired) Andrew Chmar, Executive Director of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, for an up-close look at the storied past of this major Revolutionary War fortress, now the prestigious United States Military Academy. We'll get a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the cadet area, including locations like the dining hall, cadet chapel, headquarters building, and cemetery. Due to increased base security, please allow ample time and bring a valid photo identification. Meet: 10am at Thayer Hall rooftop parking area, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY. Duration: 2.5 hrs. Level: Easy/Moderate/Family-friendly/NS.
DOWNLOADABLE TAKE-A-HIKE! BROCHURE/MAPS
Contact us to receive a paper copy of the 2010 Take-a-Hike! brochure/map.
Take-A-Hike! Schedule for 2009 
(775k pdf)
Take-A-Hike! Schedule for 2008 (190k pdf)
Take-A-Hike! Schedule for 2007 (405k pdf)
Other Hikes
22 Hikes in Philipstown, a map prepared by the Philipstown Greenway Committee, 2005. (335k pdf)