High Banks Preserve(Hudson Valley)

Visited Scenic Hudson's 287 acre High Banks Preserve located in Ulster Park along the west shore of the Hudson River this afternoon.  The preserve was opened back in 2016 along River Road. Here is a link to Scenic Hudson's website.  https://www.scenichudson.org/parks/highbanks
From the parking area a red trail heads uphill on an old road, gaining nearly 200 feet through hardwoods.

 Arriving at a trail junction in a meadow, I found some wild berries.

 A right turn onto the white marked trail heads up towards the overlook area.

 Unfortunately the overlook is a bit grown in due to summer growth.  I'm sure this is a much better view in leaf off season.

 A zoom view of the Hudson River from the bench at the overlook location.

 I took a series of other trails that pass through mostly open fields and hardwoods as well as many stone walls.

 The red trail and yellow trail both make their way southwest through the woods, eventually dropping down to gorgeous Esopus Lake.

 Lilies and reflections on Esopus Lake.

 The west shore is private with the Lakeshore Villas community easily visible.

 A lake view with Hussey Hill rising above to the west.

 After enjoying the lake views, I continued a peaceful walk along the preserves multiple other trails.  A 110 foot boardwalk crosses through an expansive wetland, which was bone dry today.

Hiked about 2.5 easy miles on nearly all of the trails.  As always, Scenic Hudson has done another phenomenal job at this wonderful preserve.