Took advantage of a sunny and mild winter day by heading down to the 200 acre Ferncliff Forest, located in northern Dutchess County in the town of Rhinebeck. Parked at the trailhead along Mount Rutsen Road(Elevation 200 feet) and headed out on the yellow blazed Trail, which was well packed down and made for easy walking. I threw spikes on to be safe, but not sure if they were really needed.
I initially stayed on the yellow trail, which climbs up to the summit of Mount Rutsen, standing at a modest 350 feet. Although there are no views from the ground, there is an 80 foot steel observation tower at the summit, with very rewarding views at the top.
From the top of the tower, there are great 360 degree views, with the views northwest towards the Hudson River and Catskills being the most stunning!
South views into Dutchess County.
A closer zoom towards the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and Catskills.
From the tower, I took various trails, which wind their way through the woods, passing by stoic old stone walls along the way. There are literally a maze of trails throughout these woods, with most being well marked and color coded.
With temps climbing into the mid 40's, Mount Rutsen Pond is beginning to shows signs of thawing.
Of historical note, there are many old wells and root cellars that remain from a 19th century Church Colony that was located on these grounds.
Covered many of the trails in the Forest, enjoying the nice weather. Hiked a nice and easy 2.5 miles total with over 400 feet of combined ascent on a beautiful mid winter day!
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