Visited 96 acre Esopus Meadows Preserve, which recently reopened in August 2015 with a new pavilion near the trail head. This park offers 2 miles of woodland trails and stunning Hudson River views. The park is found on River Road just south of Port Ewen, in the town of Esopus.
You are immediately rewarded with great views of the Hudson River just a few short steps from the parking lot.
In case you were curious how far away you are....
Just past the trail head and kiosk is a small footbridge crosses the Klyne Esopus Kill.
The blue trail starts by following the Hudson's shoreline, affording gorgeous views upriver.
To the right of the trail is a pleasant hardwood forest, aglow in fall foliage right now.
Near a bend in the blue trail, just before Esopus Point, is a break in the trees which provides a great view to the north.
Esopus Meadows Lighthouse standing proudly. The current lighthouse was built in 1871 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
After following the blue trail for a short distance, a yellow marked trail breaks away to the left(south) and eventually leads to a short(.2 mile) white trail, which drops back down to the Hudson River. From hereMills Mansion, one of the grand estates from the gilded age can be clearly seen on the far eastern shore.
A great spot to stop and listen to the waves crashing against the shore.
The blue, yellow, and red trails wind though a picturesque hardwood forest.
Stone walls remain in these woods as a reminder of the past.
A vernal pool.
The west side of the yellow and red trails provide pleasant glimpses at the babbling Klyne Esopus Kill.
A short walk off the trail provides a better look at the quiet little creek, which empties into the Hudson just downstream near the parking area.
Hiked 2 miles on a breezy, but pleasant late October afternoon.
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