Esopus Meadows Preserve(Esopus, Ulster County)

I was quite surprised by the warm, dry(even sunny) conditions this afternoon so took advantage and headed down to Scenic Hudson's 96 acre Esopus Meadows Preserve, a quiet spot along the west shore of the Hudson River in Ulster County.  Only a few yards away from the parking area is a mileage sign...just in case you were wondering.

The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, originally built back in 1838 was damaged heavily by flood ice in 1867, so funds for a new lighthouse were appropriated by 1870.  The current lighthouse was completed in 1871 and is the only wooden lighthouse left on the Hudson River. Today, visitors to the preserve or the adjoining Lighthouse Park can enjoy nice views of the lighthouse.

I first took the blue marked trail, which hugs the shoreline down to Esopus Meadows Point, a scenic viewpoint on the river.  Looking north, upriver, with the mighty Catskills on the horizon.

Leaving the river, the blue trail climbs steadily uphill into a hardwood forest, criss-crossed with old stone walls.

 

The blue trail connects to a yellow trail, which connects to a white trail(a service road) that drops back down to another river view and pavilion.  A short distance away from here is a composting toilet, so if you gotta go, this is the spot.  Here is a dramatic river view south towards Norrie State Park, with some kind of black stones all along the shore.

Climbing back up away from the water on the service road, I soon met up with and followed the yellow trail, where a carpet of moss lay at my feet.

I was pleasantly surprised to find so many stone walls all over these woods.  Glad to see that these beautiful woods and their history are forever preserved from development. 

 Further along, a small gorge cut out by the Klyne Esopus Kill sits down below the red blazed trail.

Just a few short yards off the red trail, I was able to get down along the banks of the rock filled Klyne Esopus Kill.

Arrived back at the car feeling like spring has sprung.  Hard to believe it's still only the first week of February! Walked about 2 miles total at this gorgeous little gem of a preserve.