Red Hook, Dutchess County (120 acres)—Created in the 1840s and once part of neighboring estates, Poets' Walk is a superb example of Romantic landscape design. It features a series of outdoor "rooms," each intended to elicit a distinct emotional reaction — elation, foreboding, etc. Among the writers who enjoyed traversing these rolling meadows and forests (and hence gave name to today's park) was Washington Irving. It's said he came up with the idea for "Rip Van Winkle" here while gazing at the distant but very prominent Catskill Mountains, site of his protagonist's decades-long sleep.

Whether admired from the rustic Overlook Pavilion or along the windswept meadow trail, the views remain breathtaking, with the wall of blue-green peaks serving as a backdrop for the majestic Hudson River. Another trail follows an old farm road through the woods, skirting a dramatic ravine and crossing a stone bridge. Wherever you roam, bring binoculars — the woods and fields are full of wildlife. And to attract even more creatures, Scenic Hudson has implemented a rotational mowing regime to increase the diversity of grass species favorable for birds, butterflies, bees and beetles.

Poet's Walk Park

Trail Map

Poet Walk Quest

Directions to Poets' Walk Park

From the South:
Follow Route 9 North through Rhinebeck to 9G. Turn left onto 9G and follow to the intersection with Route 199. Turn left onto Route 199 (west) and follow to County Road 103, River Road. This is the last intersection before the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Turn right onto River Road. Poets' Walk Park is on the left side of the road.

From the North:
Follow Route 9G south through Tivoli. Continue past the intersection where 9G/199 join. Turn right at the light for 199 West to County Road 103, River Road. This is the last intersection before the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Turn right onto River Road and follow the signs to the entrance. Poets' Walk Park is on the left side of the road.

From the West:
Cross the Hudson at the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge (this is Route 199). Turn left onto River Road, County Route 103. Poet's Walk Park is on the left side of the road.