Looking for a great place to take a walk?  There are two wonderful places in Northern Dutchess County.  The first, Poet's Walk is in Red Hook.  The second, Burger Hill Park is in Rhinebeck.  This article will focus on Poet's Walk.

Poet's Walk, which is owned by Scenic Hudson, is a 120 acre landscape park.  The land was formerly part of the estates of The Astors and The Delanos.  In 1849 the families hired Hans Jacob Ehlers to create a very special place. Ehlers had beautiful stone walls built on the property and created unique areas that create a feeling of outdoor rooms. .  There are open mowed fields of green grass, fields of beautiful tall grasses, densely wooded areas where the trees create canopies, ravines and eventually you will come upon the Hudson River.

There are about 2 miles of trails in the park.  It is believed that Washington Irving strolled here and perhaps did some writing along the way. Some of the trails are gravel and some are just mown grass.   Along the way you will come upon a rustic pavilion where you can sit perched above the river and rest and take in the beautiful view of the Hudson River and the Catskill mountains.  Continuing on beyond the pavilion you will be able to choose from several paths.  The reward at the end is reaching the river where there is also benches to sit on and contemplate the beauty of the surroundings or anything else you might have on your mind!

Locals and visitors frequent the park which is open from dawn to dusk.  It is a tranquil place where people seem to stroll, often hand in hand, quietly talking or just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.  Dogs on leashes are welcome but owners are asked to clean up after their pets. 

I would not call the paths stroller friendly, so if you have little ones be sure they can walk themselves or be prepared to give piggy back rides back to the parking lot!  You are welcome to bring a picnic but you must carry out everything you bring into the park.  There are no refuse containers along the trails and no water or restrooms.

Poet's Walk is located on River Road in Annandale-On-Hudson, a hamlet of Red Hook.  It is just a 5 minute drive from the villages of Rhinebeck and Red Hook and the scenery on River Road is just beautiful.

I highly recommend Poets Walk as wonderful way to pass some time on a beautiful summer's day.  Maybe I will see you there!

Diana Corcoran is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) © and Associate Broker.  If you have an interest in homes in the Rhinebeck area Diana can help you find the perfect house.  She can be reached at (845)224-5238 or visit her website at http://www.realestaterhinebeckny.com