Hudson River Valley

13th Annual

Hudson River Valley

September

8 |9

15 | 16

22 | 23 29 | 30

A month of guided landscape walks, hikes, paddles and biking adventures, Hudson River estuary explorations, heritage site tours and cultural events from the Capital Region to New York City and beyond.

A Celebration of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, and New York State Parks and Historic Sites www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

Don’t just go offline.

Go off the beaten path.

Reconnect with nature, with friends and family, with yourself, and get more smiles per gallon.

Cycle along the Hudson River, or climb Mount Beacon. Follow the wine trail, or try fishing for striped bass. Give yourself a few more days for picnics in formal gardens, biking across the Walkway Over the Hudson, or kayak excursions on the river.

Do wonders for your soul. Come to Dutchess County — less than two hours away in the Heart of the Hudson Valley, where a rejuvenating, nature-inspired getaway is about affordable pleasures.

Visit DutchessTourism.com to see all you can do on a tankful of gas, and how to enter our More Smiles Per Gallon Getaway Giveaway.

Simple and Sophisticated.

You Deserve Dutchess.

® NYSDED

DutchessTourism.com 800-445-3131

13th Annual Hudson River Valley

RAMBLE AT ONE OF OUR 10 PUBLIC CONSERVATION AREAS

P r e s e n t e d BY

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY

I N PARTNE R S H I P W I T H

FREE OF CHARGE OPEN DAWN-TO-DUSK

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Hudson River Estuary Program, The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Division of Tourism, and the National Park Service Barnabas McHenry, Co-Chair, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Sara Griffen, Acting Co-Chair, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Mark Castiglione, Acting Director, Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Joe Martens, Commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation With Fran Dunwell, Hudson River Estuary Coordinator Rose Harvey, Commissioner, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Kenneth Adams, President, CEO & Commissioner, Empire State Development Photos by participating organizations.

clctrust.org

The Hudson River Valley Ramble is a National Public Lands Day Partner.

National Public Lands Day, occurring this year on September 29th, is the nation’s largest annual one-day volunteer event to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy.

ALPINE ENDEAVORS

The Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area thank Congressman Maurice Hinchey for his leadership and tireless work toward the protection and promotion of the Hudson River Valley’s natural, historic and cultural resources. As an Assemblyman, he worked to create the Greenway, and, as a Congressman, he created the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Since the first Ramble in 2000, hundreds of thousands of people have attended Ramble events that connected them to the Hudson River Valley’s cultural landscape. All this would not have been possible without the support of Congressman Hinchey.

Experience the Hudson Valley

• Rock Climbing • Ice Climbing • Hiking

FOR M OR E I N FOR M AT I O N:

• Snowshoeing

Hudson River Valley Ramble (518) 473-3835 www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

• Backpacking

Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area/Hudson River Valley Greenway (518) 473-3835 www.hudsonrivervalley.com www.hudsongreenway.ny.gov NYSDEC Estuary Program (845) 256-3016 www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4920.html NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation www.nysparks.com New York State Division of Tourism (800) CALL NYS www.iloveny.com Hudson Valley Tourism (800) 232-4782 or (845) 615-3860 www.travelhudsonvalley.org Saratoga County Tourism www.saratoga.org Washington County Tourism www.washingtoncounty.org Custom Publishing services provided by Luminary Publishing, publishers of magazine 314 Wall Street, Kingston NY 12401 (845) 334-8600 http://info.chronogram.com On the cover (clockwise from top): Anthony's Nose, Apple Cider Ramble at Peach Hill Park, Esopus Meadows, Old Croton Aqueduct. Photos by Robert Goldwitz www.robertgoldwitz.com.

FEDERAL DISCLAIMER: The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the US Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the US Government.

-

Operating daily All ability levels All equipment provided Private & group lessons Credit cards accepted

AMGA Accredited Program AMGA Certified Guides

8 7 7 - 4 8 6 - 5 7 6 9 www.alpineendeavors.com H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

3

H UDS O N R I V E R V A LLE Y

N AT I O N A L H E R I TA G E A R E A

Discover an American Legacy 2012 HUDSON RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA EVENTS July 21 Robert Goldwitz www.robertgoldwitz.com.

Hudson River Day www.hudsonriverdayny.org July 31-August 5

Eighth Annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal www.ptny.org/hudsontour SeptEMBER 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

Thirteenth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com October 6

Twin Forts Day www.nysparks.com May 18-19, 2013

4th Annual New York Heritage Weekend Gomez Mill House and Historic Site, Marlboro, NY

T

raveling down the Hudson River, named by Native Americans as the river that flows both ways, you discover people, places, and events that made American history. The cultural, historic, and scenic resources of the Hudson Valley are so numerous, so varied, and so compelling that it’s no wonder Congress recognized the Hudson River Valley as a National Heritage Area in 1996. The National Park Service called the region the “Landscape that defined America.” Its political importance was demonstrated early in our history when the river played a critical role in the Revolutionary War. The many streams and waterfalls of the tributaries of the Hudson River powered early sawmills and gristmills. The river and its landscapes inspired the Hudson River School painters. Sublime and picturesque paintings by Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, and Asher Durand depicted this unique American landscape for the world to witness. Industrialists and commercial leaders like William and John D. Rockefeller, Frederick Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and Ogden Mills CONGRESSMAN built their great estates along the Hudson River.

Maurice Hinchey Extending from Waterford, just north of Albany, to the northern border of New York City, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area encompasses over 4 million acres. The region is home to 7 National "For each of past 12 years, the Hudson River Valley Historic Sites, 66 National Historic Landmarks, 128 historic districts, and Ramble has showcased the over 1,000 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. remarkable natural beauty, For a convenient and easy way to plan your visit to the Hudson River historic legacy, and cultural Valley National Heritage Area, visit: www.hudsonrivervalley.com. The richness of the region. This year's Ramble will website offers a wealth of information about the more than 100 designated be the best one yet! I encourage residents and heritage sites and upcoming events and celebrations throughout the visitors to explore the Hudson River Valley region. For a complete guide to the Heritage Sites of the Hudson River National Heritage Area during the Ramble in Valley National Heritage Area, buy our Heritage Site Guidebook. For more September and take advantage of the more information, check under “Explore the Heritage Area” on our website. than 160 guided hikes, bike tours, historic site The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is managed by the Hudson walks, paddles, festivals and river exploration events. I look forward to participating in the River Valley Greenway with technical and financial support from the 13th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble and National Park Service. will see you there!"

”

4

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

H UDS O N R I V E R VA LLE Y R A M B LE H E R I TA G E A R E A T H E M ED SE R I ES

From left to right: Crailo Harvest Faire, photo Robert Goldwitz; Clermont State Historic Site, photo Friends of Clermont; Hikers at Sunset Rock, photo Melissa Gavilanes.

Heritage Area Themed Series The event series listed below offer the opportunity to explore several Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area themes in depth.

HUDSON VALLEY GREAT ESTATES

REVOLUTIONARY WAR TRAIL

The Hudson River Valley was the centerpiece of the British strategy for victory in the American Revolution. One third of the war’s battles were fought on the banks of the Hudson River in the British attempt to conquer New York and split the colonies.

In 2012, of particular interest is the 234th Anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga on September 15-16 at Saratoga National Historical Park. (See event #134) The annual observance of “Twin Forts Day,” commemorating the battles at Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton in 1777, will be held at Fort Montgomery State Historic Site on October 6th. For more details: www.nysparks.com; 845-446-2134.

HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL ART TRAIL

The landscapes and vistas of the Hudson River Valley gave rise to America’s first school of art in the 19th century, the Hudson River School. You can see the same vistas immortalized by noted painters such as Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, Asher Durand, Jasper Cropsey and Sanford Gifford on the on the Vanderbilt’s Hyde Park Landscape Walk (#83), Authors hike to North Point (#122), Hudson River Art Trail Hike (#138), and at Olana State Historic Site (#154, #155). For more on the Hudson River School Art Trail, visit www.hudsonriverschool.org.

4th Annual New York Heritage Weekend May 18-19, 2013 www.heritageweekend.org Organizations from New York City to the Capital Region to Buffaloand everywhere in between, will be part of an exciting state-wide celebration of New York history and culture – New York Heritage Weekend. Now in its 4th year, NY Heritage Weekend will kick-off the 2013 summer tourism season on May 18th & 19th. Heritage Weekend offers New Yorkers and visitors alike special programs, discounted or free admission to sites and events that celebrate national, state or local heritage and celebrates the diversity of New York State history. Historic sites, museums, architecturally significant buildings, local historians and historical societies, battlefields, historic districts, community groups and any organizations that work to connect directly with New York State heritage are all invited to participate and get involved.

The Hudson River Valley was the birthplace of movements that helped shape our national identity. It was here that Andrew Jackson Downing, Calvert Vaux, Frederick Law Olmsted, Beatrix Farrand and others shaped landscapes to create something uniquely American. Splendid examples of these treasured landscapes can be seen at Olana (#155), Clermont (#140), Vanderbilt Mansion (#83), Bellefield (#51), Staatsburgh (#58), Lyndhurst (#8), and Sunnyside (#11) and other Great Estates.

GOVERNOR

Andrew M. Cuomo

”

“Welcome to the 2012 Hudson River Valley Ramble. This annual celebration provides New Yorkers and visitors a chance to experience the incredible landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and rich history of the Hudson River Valley. The Ramble combines the excitement of outdoor recreation and the beauty of nature with the richness of our shared history and culture. All this, while providing a big boost to the region’s tourism economy. Thanks to the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, the Hudson River Valley Greenway, NYSDEC, NYSOPRHP, I ‘Love’ NY, and the many partner organizations for the opportunity to explore and enjoy all that the Hudson River and its surrounding communities have to offer.”

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

5

H UDS O N R I V E R ESTU A R Y T H E M ED SE R I ES

Robert Goldwitz www.robertgoldwitz.com.

The Hudson River Estuary

Sunset Seining and Song, Esopus Meadows.

F

or nearly half its 315-mile length, the Hudson River is an estuary, an arm of the sea where fresh water from the river’s Adirondack headwaters and numerous tributaries meets and mixes with salty ocean water. From the dam at Troy, the Hudson River estuary ebbs and flows for 153 miles to New York harbor, creating a rich ecosystem pulsing with life vital for much of the Atlantic coast. Its waters and tidal marshes provide habitats for more than 200 species of fish, and nursery areas for key commercial and recreational species including striped bass, American shad, bluefish, and blue crab. Bald eagles, herons, and waterfowl feed on the Hudson’s bounty while nesting and migrating. Protected by surrounding forest lands, the streams of the estuary’s watershed supply drinking water to millions.

The Ramble roster features estuary-themed events sponsored by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program and are denoted by the Atlantic sturgeon logo . The Estuary Program leads a regional effort to ensure clean water, protect and restore fish, wildlife and their habitats, provide water recreation and river access, adapt to climate change, NYSDEC and conserve world-famous COMMISSIONER scenery. The program is guided Joe Martens by the Estuary Action Agenda, a “DEC is proud to partner forward-looking plan developed again this year in the through significant community Hudson River Valley participation up and down the river.

Ramble events. This area Partnerships with many agencies offers exceptional natural and local governments help it resources for both residents and visitors to enjoy. succeed. For information on the The Ramble events showcase the rich history of Hudson River estuary, the Estuary the Hudson Valley, along with its diverse wildlife.

Program and how to partner in this The Ramble is the perfect opportunity for everyone conservation effort, visit:www.dec. to go out and explore what this special region has ny.gov/lands/4920.html to offer both on land and in the water."

“

6

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY THEMED SERIES In celebration of National Estuaries Day on September 29, the Hudson River Valley Ramble highlights the wetlands, wildlife, and water resources that make the Hudson a world-famous estuary. The Hudson River Estuary Program, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, presents this series of land and water explorations that will open your eyes to the wonders of “the river that flows both ways.” Estuary events are marked with the sturgeon icon: Here are just a few of the ways you can explore the Hudson River Estuary during the Ramble: Experience the Hudson River Estuary close up through boating and paddling events! (Events #7, 62) Learn about life along the shore and in the marshes. (Event #45) Explore the far reaches of the Hudson River Estuary watershed. (Event #81) Get to know the estuary from every angle through tours, festivals, exhibits and educational programs. (Event #110) NATIONAL ESTUARIES DAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2012 The Ramble’s estuary-themed events mark National Estuaries Day. Each year in late September, people across the country celebrate these magical places where fresh water from rivers mixes with salt water from the ocean.

Estuaries connect rivers and oceans and are used as spawning grounds and nurseries by at least two-thirds of the nation’s commercial fish and shellfish. Tidal wetlands associated with estuaries protect uplands from coastal flooding and provide habitats for migratory birds.

Estuaries also offer recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating, and bird watching.

To learn more, go to www.estuaries.gov A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HUDSON RIVER ESTUARY OCTOBER 4, 2012 A Day in the Life of the Hudson River Estuary brings schools to the river to celebrate the Hudson and educate participants about our unique estuary. Part of National Estuaries Day, the event is coordinated by the Hudson River Estuary Program with assistance from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Each fall, environmental educators team with school classes to collect data that will create an ecological snapshot of the estuary from the Troy dam to New York Harbor. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at approximately 60 sites throughout the estuary. For more information, visit www.dec.ny.gov/lands/47285.html.

T H E NE W Y O R K STATE O F F I C E O F P A R KS

R E C R E AT I O N A ND H I ST O R I C P R ESE R VAT I O N

Explore State Parks and Historic Sites

Left: New Windsor Cantonment, Right: Bear Mountain State Park

T

he State Park System is one of New York’s greatest treasures, encompassing 214 diverse state parks and historic sites with 330,000 acres of protected land and water. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has recognized the importance of our park system by investing $89 million in New York Works funding, which leverages $143 million in total funding to rehabilitate dozens of parks and historic sites across the state. This fall we are proud to once again participate in the 2012 Hudson River Valley Ramble showcasing some of our flagship properties and hidden gems. Our Ramble lineup features a wide variety of engaging events and programs, from historic house tours, to battle reenactments, guided hikes, walks, nature education and adventures. New York's state parks and sites are always chock full of opportunities to explore and make one’s visit memorable. For information on New York State Parks and Historic Sites visit us at www.nysparks.com and follow us on www.facebook.com/nysparks.

Walkway Over the Hudson

“

NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner

Rose Harvey

“State Parks welcomes visitors to our historic sites, parks, trails and waterways for the 2012 Hudson River Valley Ramble. The Hudson River Valley cannot be beat for its combination of fascinating history and natural beauty.”

Photographs: © 2012 NY State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. All rights reserved.

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

7

From left to right: Niagara Falls, The Ausable River and Whiteface Mountain, New York City

T

he wonderful attractions, breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of New York State provide an everchanging backdrop for a delightful selection of things to do and places to stay. With 11 beautiful vacation regions, New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls to the wine trails of the Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. To find out more about New York State travel, including events, attractions and accommodations, visit www.iloveny.com or dial (800) CALL-NYS.

“

President, CEO & Commissioner Empire State Development

Kenneth Adams

“The Hudson River Valley Ramble is a wonderful celebration of the majestic beauty of the Hudson River Valley, as stirring today as it was to the great landscape painters who came here in the 19th century. Whether you’re hiking, biking, paddling or taking in historic or cultural attractions, the Ramble is the perfect way to discover the natural splendor and rich history of the land.”

Boats on the Hudson

8

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

9

UT RO

H UDS O N R I V E R V A LLE Y R A M B LE

E 7

90

MAP

UPPER HUDSON VALLEY

88

Troy

Note: We make every effort to ensure accuracy of event listings.

However, due to weather and other factors, information may change between the time of publication and the time of each event. We strongly encourage all participants to verify dates and times with the listed trip leader for each event.

Albany 90

87

Chatham

For detailed maps and directions

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

Hudson

Catskill

TRAIL TIPS

For public transportation information call:

Metro-North 212-532-4900 or 511 in the NY Metro-North Service Area www.mta.info/mnr/ Many Ramble events are accessible by Metro-North Railroad! Metro-North also has Deals and Getaways available for special events and featured destinations.

Visit http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways.htm for more information and to plan your Getaway today!

RKWAY

Germantown

1. Look for “Ramble” signs directing you to each trailhead.

2. Wear sturdy shoes: for hikes, an over-the-ankle boot.

No flimsy flats, flip-flops, sandals or bare feet.

3. Long pants are recommended for walks/hikes in rural terrain.

4. Carry a water bottle.

5. Bring snacks/lunch for hikes lasting several hours.

6. Bring a rain jacket.

7. Stay on the trail.

8. Never get out of sight of the guide.

9. If you have to leave a walk before it’s completed, notify the leader.

10. Don’t remove any foliage, flowers, rocks or other items.

11. Carry it in. Carry it out. Leave nothing behind but your footprints.

TACON IC PA

Woodstock

Kingston

Rhinebeck 90

New Paltz

WASSAIC

MID HUDSON VALLEY Newburgh

Poughkeepsie

ROUTE 22

87

NEW HAMBURG

BEACON

84

Cold Spring

Middletown

684

Amtrak (800) USA-RAIL www.amtrak.com Coach USA http://www.coachusa.com/ Trailways (800) 776-7548 http://www.trailwaysny.com/

Peekskill Warwick SLOATSBURG

LOWER HUDSON PHILIPSE MANOR VALLEY 287

Tarrytown ARDSLEY-ON-HUDSON DOBBS FERRY HARTSDALE NEW ROCHELLE

10

H U D S O N R I V E R R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Lower H U D S O N VA L L E Y Event Listings

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

We make every effort to ensure accuracy of event listings. However, due to weather and other factors, information may change between the time of publication and the time of each event. We strongly encourage all participants to verify dates and times with the listed trip leader for each event.

1. Bushwhack to Skunk Hollow on the Palisades 9|8 11:15 AM Raindate: 9|9 11:15 AM New York/New Jersey State Line Route 9W, Palisades 10964 201-768-3612 jf31@columbia.edu Bushwhack to Skunk Hollow, site of an historic 19th century black settlement, hike to the Women’s Federation Monument on the Palisades, then follow the Long Path back along the crest of the Palisades. This hike offers stunning views

across the Hudson River.

Note: Short steep descent and ascent, poison ivy.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 5 miles.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 8.

Bring your own lunch.

2. Annsville Short Tour 9|8 12:00 PM, 9|9 12:00 PM, 9|22 12:00 PM, 9|23 12:00 PM Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center 1 Annsville Circle, Cortlandt Manor 10566 914-739-2588 info@atlantickayaktours.com A two hour guided tour on the Hudson. We depart from the Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center after a brief paddle lesson and introductions.

We generally head north on the Hudson River towards the Bear Mountain Bridge. This is an abbreviated version of our Annsville Easy tour.

Note: Calm Water Metro-North Station: Peekskill Must register 3 days in advance. Call or e-mail: Annsville@AtlanticKayakTours.com Fee: $60 Difficulty: Easy Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Bring sunscreen and water

3. Annsville Sunset Tour 9|8 5:00 PM, 9|22 5:00 PM Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center 1 Annsville Circle, Cortlandt Manor 10566 914-739-2588 info@atlantickayaktours.com This is a good short introduction to kayaking and has been met with great enthusiasm, as the late

daylight on the Hudson River truly is magnificent on the water. Please arrive promptly at 5pm to be on the water by 5:30pm. Boats provided.

Note: Conditions are generally calm, but wind the waves may be encountered.

Metro-North Station: Peekskill Call or e-mail to register.

Fee: $35 if using your own kayak and equipment or $60 if you use ours.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 8. .

4. Hudson River Cruise 9|8 6:00 PM, 9|9 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM, 9|15 8:30 AM, 9|16 11:00 AM, 9|22 5:30 PM, 9|23 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM, 9|29 11:00 AM, 9|30 11:00 AM Historic Peekskill, NY RIverfront Green Park and Charles Point Marina, Peekskill 10566 914-589-7773 info@trinitycruises.com Enjoy a cruise through the scenic Hudson Highlands with historical commentary and points of interest aboard the tour boat 'Evening Star.’ The canopy-covered, open-deck vessel can accommodate up to 30 passengers. Saturday cruises and sunset cruises depart from Charles Point Marina. Sunday morning cruise departs from Riverfront Green Park near the Metro North Train Station.

Metro-North Station: Peekskill Please call or e-mail for reservations and details. www.trinitycruises.com Sightseeing Cruise: $25. adults, $20. seniors, $15, child 5-12, under 5 free.

Sunset Cruise: $20. adults, $15. seniors, $12. child 5-12, under 5 free Mention you are a ”Rambler” H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

11

LO W E R H U D S O N VA L L E Y

Old Croton Aqueduct, Meandering Among the Millionaires’ Historic Mansions. Photo by Robert Goldwitz www.robertgoldwitz.com.

and receive a $5 discount!

You are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch or snacks.

5. Brinton Brook Audubon Hike

LUOPPE W E RR H H UU D D SS O ON N VVAA LL LL EE YY

9|8 9:00 AM Brinton Brook Audubon Sanctuary Route 9, Croton-on-Hudson 10520 914-666-6503 office@sawmillriveraudubon.org Explore the 156-acres of Brinton Brook Audubon Sanctuary overlooking the Hudson River in Croton-on- Hudson with Saw Mill River Audubon.

Two-hour leisurely nature walk with optional 1.5 hour extension to the highest point in Croton on the Village’s Highland Trail. Please note: no restrooms on property.

Note: moderate slopes, some uneven rocky surfaces Registration deadline Friday, September 7 by phone or e-mail.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 5 miles.

Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Binoculars are helpful.

6. Highlands Bluegrass Festival at Harmony Hall 9|9 1:00 PM Harmony Hall ~ Jacob Sloat House 15 Liberty Rock Road, Sloatsburg 10974 845-712-5220 events@friendsofharmonyhall.org Celebrity radio DJ Carol Beaugard and her band Blue Express headline a list of regional artists bringing bluegrass music back to the Ramapo Highlands as part of a free, outdoor festival.

Located on the Great Lawn of Jacob Sloat’s 1848 mansion, the festival features local crafts, food, children’s amusements and historic talks in an Appalachian setting that mirrors those that gave birth to this original, American musical art form.

Rain or shine.

7. Paddle for a Cause 9|9 9:00 AM Dockside in Cold Spring 646-372-0500 president@hrwa.org Building on a fun and successful event last year, we’ll do a “Poker Paddle” down the 11 miles from Cold Spring to Peekskill (with the current).

Individuals and teams pick up playing cards at various points on this gorgeous stretch of the Hudson to assemble the winning “hand”. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Dr. Susan Love Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Note: The paddle is done with the current. Wind and weather is unpredictable.

Metro-North Station: Peekskill Registration preferred on line until September 7th.

Walk ins will be accepted www.hrwa.org Fee: $45.00 pre-registration ($55.00 day of event registration): includes t-shirts, bbq, and donation to the Dr Susan Love Breast Cancer Research Foundation Difficulty: Moderate Length: 11 miles.

Duration: 4 hours.

Not suitable for children under 14 unless they are in a double with an adult.

Participants should bring their own boats and equipment or they can rent from the local outfitter with reservations.

12

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 12

8. The Lyndhurst Landscape Ramble 9|9 9:00 AM, 9|16 9:00 AM Lyndhurst 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown 10591 914-631 4481 lisa_buckley@nthp.org To celebrate the 2012 Ramble, we will offer a complimentary tour of the historic grounds at Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival masterpiece overlooking the Hudson River. The site reflects nearly 175 years of life on the Hudson River contained in 67 park-like acres that include 16 structures, such as a Lord & Burnham steelframed greenhouse complex and the oldest regulation bowling alley in the United States.

Lyndhurst’s magnificent grounds contain an award-winning rose garden, fern garden, rock garden, specimen trees, the now-aged lindens for which the property was named…and spectacular views of the Hudson River. The guided tour will start from the visitor center. Public restrooms located in the visitor center.

Note: Uneven, hilly terrain Metro-North Station: Tarrytown Not suitable for children under 6.

Sturdy shoes and rain gear. Tour will be cancelled if storm conditions are forecast.

Additional Activities: Hourly guided tours of Lyndhurst mansion are available from 10am-5pm, Friday through Sunday. (Last tours leave at 4:00 pm.) Ticket price: $12 adults, children $6, students (age 16 and up with valid ID) $9.

9. Teatown - Kitchawan Trail Hike 9|9 9:30 AM Teatown Lake Reservation 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining 10562 914-762-2912x110 teatown@teatown.org This hike meanders through old farm fields and woodlands, and follows a dirt road along the reservoir before climbing to the summit of Bald Mountain with partial views of the Croton Reservoir. Enjoy the first colors of fall on this one-way hike. Meet at Teatown for carpool to Kitchawan County Park and hike back.

Note: Trail has one steep ascent and descent.

Some rocky and uneven terrain. Part of the hike may be muddy depending on weather conditions.

Hike includes a portion on a road.

Register by phone by 9/07/12 Fee: $5 per person, free for Teatown members Difficulty: Difficult Length: 6.5 miles.

Duration: 4 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring your own lunch.

10. Visit Historic Mead House 9|15 1:00 PM, 9|16 1:00 PM Dobbs Ferry Historical Society 12 Elm Street, Dobbs Ferry 10522 914-674-1007 dfhistory@optimum.net Visit the Historic Mead House, built in 1865 and home of the Dobbs Ferry Historical Society. View rare historic prints and posters by local artists Ralph Fasanella and Jon Nielson. Biographical information on the artists on display.

Metro-North Station: Dobbs Ferry

11. Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct: Meandering Among the Historic Millionaires’ Mansions 9|15 10:00 AM Mercy College 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 10522

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

646-303-1448 saraakelsey@gmail.com We will meet in the Mercy College parking lot at the border of Dobbs Ferry and Irvington on Broadway. We will walk north on the Old Croton Aqueduct trail (a state park) to Lyndhurst.

Sara Kelsey of the Friends will talk and answer questions about the aqueduct and the historic mansions along the trail. On the return trip, you may wish to stop at Irvington’s Main Street and admire the view of the Hudson as you walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Or you might stop to tour Jay Gould’s Lyndhurst or Washington Irving’s Sunnyside mansions. (Check with each venue for tour fees and times).

Note: Hike is on completely level hard-packed dirt surface Metro-North Station: Short walking distance southeast of the Ardsley-on-Hudson station on MTA’s Hudson Line Difficulty: Easy Length: 5.4 miles.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Water and snack recommended.

12. Annsville Easy Kayak Tour 9|15 10:30 AM, 9|29 10:30 AM Annsville Paddlesport Center 1 Annsville Circle, Cortlandt Manor 10566 914-739-2588 Info@AtlanticKayakTours.com This guided 3 hour tour is a great way to acquaint yourself with kayaking and the Hudson Valley.

After introductions and a brief paddle lesson, we might head north on the Hudson River toward the Bear Mountain Bridge, or explore the creek itself, depending on conditions. We return to the Paddlesport Center Park between 2:00 – 2:30pm.

Note: Launch from the kayak float at Annsville, an easy way onto the water. Paddle takes place in the protected waters of Annsville Bay and creek; possibly on the Hudson River if conditions are very calm.

Metro-North Station: Peekskill Register at least two days in advance by calling the Center at (914) 739-2588 or the main office at (845) 246-2187, or by e-mailing: Info@AtlanticKayakTours.com Fee: $85, including all equipment.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.

Boats provided.

”

“As a co-founder of the Hudson River Caucus in Congress, I congratulate the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area on their 13th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble! Through biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities, the Ramble provides the amazing opportunity for New Yorkers to celebrate and enjoy the unique historic and cultural resources of the Hudson River Valley. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation are integral to this effort, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure the Hudson River is preserved for current and future generations.”

—Congresswoman Nita Lowey

13. Hike into 1777 History

14. Ghost Town History Hiking Tour 9|22 10:30 AM Raindate: 9|29 10:30 AM Bear Mountain Bear Mountain State Park, 914-261-0987 hvdaytrips@comcast.net Tour the ”Ghost Town” Doodletown with “Friends of Doodletown” Chairperson Mark Jelley. See the cemeteries, sidewalks, walls and foundations, with photos to show how the homes once appeared In the vanished hamlet that was lived in for at least 203 years. Explore secret places such as an ancient Indian rock shelter, iron mines, and secluded waterfalls. The hike rambles along old roads and paths, past pretty streams and beautiful woods.

Note: 3 long steep hills. Please no pets Registration ongoing, deadline is Sept. 22.

Hvdaytrips@comcast.net 914-261-0987 Fee: $5 Donation Difficulty: Difficult Length: 6.5 miles.

Duration: 5.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 16.

9|22 11:00 AM Tallman Mountain State Park 450 Piermont Ave., Piermont 10968 845-519-4247 jurasek@optonline.net We will hike through the historical Tallman Mountain State Park and learn its interesting history as a former oil tank farm. Then it’s out the Piermont Pier to follow in the footsteps of the 40,000 US Troops per month who marched to the waiting ships to transport them to the Atlantic Theatre during WWII. Finally, we will learn of the historic transformation of Piermont, NY from a blue collar factory town to its present day status.

Note: There are limited facilities on the hike.

There is one steep descent on the way but it can be avoided if necessary. There are also some rough paths and short elevation gains.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 7 miles.

Duration: 5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 7.

Bring lunch and water.

The Pier is wheelchair accessible but the hiking trails in the park are not. Please contact the leader for more information.

16. Croton Dam Hike - Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct 9|22 11:00 AM Croton Gorge Park Rt. 129, Cortlandt Manor 10567 914-862-4207 Tom.Tarnowsky@gmail.com Hike along the beautiful Croton Dam. Hike leader will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam. The Aqueduct was constructed in 1842 to supply water to New York City. We are meeting on the corner of Tate and Piermont Aves. in Piermont NY in front of 450 Piermont Ave. Drivers should park across the street in municipal Lot D. There is a $5 fee for parking Note: Uneven hard-packed dirt surface, not level, but not difficult Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 5.

Water and snack recommended. Participants may wish to bring a lunch to eat at the Croton Gorge Park picnic area following the hike.

17. New Rochelle ArtsFest 9|22 12:30 PM, 9|23 12:30 PM City of New Rochelle New Rochelle 10801 914-235-9027 info@newrochellearts.org Once again the New Rochelle Council on the Arts is transforming the Queen City of the Sound into a multi-venue arts festival. Featuring art exhibits, music, tastings, workshops, dance, performances and activities for families. All events are free and open to the public. Sat 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm and Sun 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

Metro-North Station: New Rochelle

18. A Celebration of the Autumnal Equinox 9|22 2:00 PM Harmony Hall ~ Jacob Sloat House 15 Liberty Rock Road, Sloatsburg 10974 845-712-5220 events@friendsofharmonyhall.org

Composer and photographer Geoff Welch returns to the South Salon of Harmony Hall for a live performance of a multi-media composition capturing the environment and beauty of the Hudson Highland’s historic Ramapo Pass. This celebration of the coming of fall includes live indoor and outdoor music and displays, house tours, refreshments, and a special blessing by a Native Ramapough shaman.

Metro-North Station: Sloatsburg

19. Annsville Sunset Kayak Tour 9|22 5:30 PM Annsville Paddlesport Center 1 Annsville Circle, Cortlandt Manor 10566 914-739-2588 Info@atlantickayaktours.com This is a good short introduction to kayaking and has been met with great enthusiasm, as the late daylight on the Hudson River truly is magnificent when viewed from the water. Don’t be late, these programs promptly start at 6:00pm.

Note: Conditions are generally calm, but wind and waves may be encountered.

Metro-North Station: Peekskill Register at least 2 days in advance by calling the Center at (914) 739-2588 or the main office at (845) 246-2187, or by emailing info@atlantickayaktours.com Fee: $35 if using your own kayak and equipment or $60 if you use ours.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3-5 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring water, a flashlight or headlamp, and warm clothing as we will be getting off the water near or after sunset. Wear non-cotton (quick drying) clothing.

Boats provided.

20. Wilderness Survival Skills Program 9|22 9:00 AM Teatown Lake Reservation 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining 914-762-2912x110 teatown@teatown.org Ever want to learn wilderness survival skills?

Learn how to build a shelter, make fire, gather water, food and more. Here’s your chance to increase your self-confidence and greatly enhance your appreciation of the natural world by knowing you can take care of yourself in the woods.

Register by phone by 9/20/12.

Fee: $50 Teatown members, $60 non-members Duration: 7 hours Not suitable for children under 18.

Bring fixed blade knife, lunch and water bottle and wear suitable clothing for outdoor experience.

21. Westchester Wilderness Walk 9|23 12:00 PM Pound Ridge, New York Upper Shad Road, Pound Ridge 10536 914-241-6346x22 bobbe@westchesterlandtrust.org Enjoy a wilderness walk on nature trails that wind their way through wetlands and woodlands with rare plants, dramatic rock formations, soaring tulip trees and dozens of different species of birds.

Your guide from the Westchester Land Trust, which established the preserve, will describe the flora and fauna, and the grass-roots efforts that saved this beautiful area from development.

Upper Shad Rd. trailhead parking entrance.

Note: The short hike is easy; the longer hike requires some moderate ascents.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1.5 or 3.5 miles.

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

13

LO W E R H U D S O N VA L L E Y

9|22 10:00 AM Raindate: 9|23 10:00 AM Bear Mountain State Park Parking Lot #2, Bear Mountain 10911 845-496-3804 lmenchini@frontiernet.net Follow the “warpath” the British took in 1777 to attack Forts Clinton and Montgomery. This history hike at Bear Mountain. passes through the pre-Revolutionary hamlet of Doodletown, by a picturesque lake and up to a stunning Hudson River vista overlooking the Twin Forts. While you lunch at the overlook, your guide, local historian Larry Menchini of the Save Washington’s Lookout Committee and Bear Mountain State Park, will tell you about the British naval strategy. Hike includes the panorama offered from Perkins Peak.

Follow signs to parking lot 2, where you will meet your guide.

Note: some steep ascents.

Call to register.

Parking fee $8 Difficulty: Difficult Length: 7 miles.

Duration: 6 hours.

Not suitable for children under 11.

Please bring hiking boots, lunch and water.

15. Historic Tallman Mountain State Park Hike

Duration: 1 or 2.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 5.

Sturdy shoes are recommended for both.

22. Camp Smith Trail to Anthony’s Nose

LO W E R H U D S O N VA L L E Y

9|23 9:30 AM Bear Mountain Bridge Camp Smith Trail and Appalachian Trail, Garrison NY 914-471-5545 wjdhikes@gmail.com Running parallel to the Hudson River, the Camp Smith Trail to Anthony’s Nose offers spectacular views that make this strenuous hike, with its many elevation gains and losses, worth the work.

The view from Anthony’s Nose is as famous as its name. At each view point, you will learn about the history of the Hudson Valley from Jane and Walt Daniels, authors of Walkable Westchester and members of the NY-NJ Trail Conference.

From east side of Bear Mountain Bridge, go north on Rte 9D and park on the river side just north of the bridge Note: Rocky footpath with steep ascents and descents. Hike leader always shows.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 3.7 miles.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Wear hiking shoes or hiking boots; bring lunch and at least 1 quart of water per person.

first parking area on left.

Note: Dirt road trails could be muddy in spots.

Metro-North Station: Hartsdale Register by September 26 by phone or e-mail.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 4.

Bring water to drink and proper footwear for walking.

25. Riverfront Exploration 9|29 11:00 AM Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center 299 Palmer Ave, Sleepy Hollow 10591 914-377-1900x12 Vgarufi@beczak.org Come explore one of the newest gems on the Hudson River – the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center. Educators from Scenic Hudson, Beczak Environmental Education Center and Teatown Lake Reservation will be on hand with fun activities from 11am-3pm including seining in the river, creating art from nature, going on a scavenger hunt, and learning about the history of the Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center, a former bathhouse built in the 1920s, and the Kingsland Point Lighthouse.

All events are FREE. Metro-North Station: Philipse Manor Please bring your own picnic lunch or snacks.

The Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center is wheelchair accessible but portions of Kingsland Point Park are not.

23. The Rochambeau Ramble/W3R 9|29 1:30 PM The Odell House / Rochambeau HQ-1781 Ridge Road County Park, Hartsdale (Greenburgh) 10530 914-993-1641 fsjazz2004@yahoo.com Walk a wooded trail to the historic Odell House property, which served as headquarters for French General Rochambeau for 6 weeks in 1781, with Washington’s army camped nearby. Tour the grounds, and hear about the ongoing study of the Philipsburg Encampment, which preceded the famous Franco-American march to the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia. The NPS is developing the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route(W3R)as a National Historic Trail. I-287 to Exit 4 to Rt. 100A South towards Hartsdale in Greenburgh; R at Ridge Rd for approx. 1 mile to Ridge Road County Park. Meet in first parking lot near entrance.

Duration: 1.5 hours Metro-North Station: Hartsdale Please register by September 26 by phone or e-mail.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Bring water to drink and proper footwear for walking.

24. Hart’s Brook Park & Preserve Talk & Walk 9|29 10:00 AM Hart’s Brook Park & Preserve 156 Ridge Road, Hartsdale 10530 914-993-1641 fsjazz2004@yahoo.com Hear about the interesting history of the former Gaisman Estate and tour its unusual barn and its stable that has yet to house a single cow or horse. Then take a guided walk to the pond in the Preserve woodlands. In 1781, this property was part of Rochambeau’s French Army Encampment.

I-287 to Exit 4 to Rt. 100A South towards Hartsdale in Greenburgh; right at Ridge Rd for approx. 0.5 mi. to Preserve entrance on left; make immediate right; meet at information kiosk near 14

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

26. Tappantown Historical Society’s Annual Colonial Day 9|29 12:00 PM The DeWint House/Washington’s Headquarters 20 Livingston Street(corner of Oak Tree Rd. & Livingston St.), Tappan 10983 845-359-1923 clavalle46@yahoo.com Step back in time and visit Colonial America.

Tour the Carriage House Museum and the DeWint House with costumed guides. See Colonial Army reenactors, encampment soldiers, live farm animals and preparations for winter in the DeWint House kitchen. Watch spinners,lacemakers, quilters, embroiderers, woodcarvers, a sheepshearer, blacksmith and colonial singers and dancers. For the children there is apple pressing, stenciling, candle dipping, writing with quill pens, making tussie mussies, juggling and making a mob cap.

Refreshments available.

27. Town of Clarkstown Supervisor’s Walk 9|29 9:00 AM Raindate: 9|30 9:00 AM Rockland Lake State Park 299 Rockland Lake Rd., Valley Cottage 10989 845-639-6200 J.Pedersen@clarkstown.org Take a short walk on a Long Path or a long walk on a not-so-short cliff with Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack. The “Clarkstown Supervisor’s Walk” is three hikes in one, ranging from easy to difficult, for the whole family to the avid hiker. The Rockland Lake Stroll is a leisurely walk around beautiful Rockland Lake the whole family can enjoy. On the Short Long Path, a relatively short hike is rewarded with breathtaking views of the Palisades escarpment, the Hudson River and Westchester County. For the avid hiker, the Long Path/Greenway Trek takes you on a 6-mile trek along the top of the basaltic cliffs of the Palisades formation on the Long Path and alongside the Hudson River on the Greenway

”

“The 13th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble this September is an excellent opportunity to visit an historic birthplace of the United States. The Hudson River is one of the most majestic rivers in North America and the Palisades and Catskill Mountains are unequalled in beauty. George Washington left from here with his army to win the battle of Yorktown and assure our independence. Not only is this area a key to our country’s birth, it is also the home of Rip Van Winkle as well as West Point and where Fulton’s steamboat first sailed. Start your tour of America where America got started, at the Hudson River Valley Ramble.”

—Congressman Eliot Engel

Trail. All participants in the Supervisor’s Walk will be provided with T-shirts and light refreshments.

Note: Rockland Lake Walk: Paved fitness trail; Short Long Path: Steep hills; Long Path/Greenway Trek: Steep hills, some rocky surfaces Difficulty: Rockland Lake Walk: Easy; Short Long Path: Moderate; Long Path/Greenway Trek: Difficult Length: 1.7, 3.2 or 6 miles.

Duration: 1, 2 or 4 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10 for Short Long Path and Long Path/Greenway Trek. Rockland Lake Walk is suitable for all ages.

Ankle boots should be worn for the Short Long Path and Long Path/Greenway Trek.

Lunch should be brought for the Long Path/Greenway Trek.

The Rockland Lake Walk is paved and barrier free for wheelchairs. The Short Long Path and Long Path/Greenway Trek are not.

28. Iona Island Educational Canoe Trip 9|30 10:30 AM Iona Island State Park Stony Point 845-889-4745x109 jgherrin@gw.dec.state.ny.us Paddle through this marshy maze with Reserve naturalists. Nestled in the Hudson Highlands adjacent to Bear Mountain State park, this wetland features flowering marsh plants, sunning snapping turtles, and soaring vultures. Note: If weather conditions permit we will paddle out to Iona Island.

Register by Sept. 29 online at www.eventbrite.com/event/386439852 Difficulty: Moderate Duration: 3.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Please wear footwear that can get wet. Bring your own lunch.

Boats provided.

Middle H U D S O N VA L L E Y Event Listings

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

Sunset Reading at Poet's Walk. Photo by Robert Goldwitz www.robertgoldwitz.com.

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

We make every effort to ensure accuracy of event listings. However, due to weather and other factors, information may change between the time of publication and the time of each event. We strongly encourage all participants to verify dates and times with the listed trip leader for each event.

29. Pride of the Hudson Narrated Sightseeing Cruise 9|1 1:00PM & 4:00PM, 9|2 1:00PM & 4:00 PM, 9|8 1:00PM, 9|9 1:00PM, 9|15 1:00 PM, 9|16 1:00PM, 9|21 1:00PM, 9|22 1:00PM 9|23 1:00PM, 9|26 1:00PM 9|28 1:00PM, 9|30 1:00PM Newburgh Landing . Newburgh 845-220-2120 info@prideofthehudson.com Join us aboard the Pride of the Hudson for a cruise through the majestic Hudson Highlands!

Your captain will narrate the sights along the way, including: Washington’s Headquarters, Mount Beacon, Bannerman Island, and more.

Ticket pre-purchase is suggested as cruise may sell out. Tickets may be purchased online at www.prideofthehudson.com or through Zerve at 800-979-3370. Remaining tickets will be sold at the dock on a first come basis.

Fee: Adults $20, Seniors (65+) $18, Children (411) $18, 3 & under free

30. A Treasury of American Decorative Arts Tour Fridays and Saturdays, 11AM to 4PM Fred J. Johnston Museum 63 Main St., Kingston 12401 845-339-0720 fohk@verizon.net View a visual feast of 18th and early 19th century antique furnishings and decorative arts collected by noted antiques dealer Fred J. Johnston (19111993) and displayed in his c. 1812 Federal style home in Kingston’s Stockade National Historic District. Guided tours given approximately every 45 minutes to 4 p.m. closing.

Tour fee: $5 adult;$2 child under 16.

Not suitable for children under 8.

Second floor is not wheelchair accessible.

31. “Save The Best To Last: The Fred J. Johnston Story” Fridays and Saturdays, 11AM to 4PM Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery 63 Main St., Kingston 12401 845-339-0720 fohk@verizon.net Exhibit celebrates the 200th birthday of the c.1812 John Sudam House and the life of noted H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

15

antiques dealer Fred J. Johnston, who saved it from demolition and devoted his life to preserving.

Photo exhibit honors great “preservation stories” throughout Kingston.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Gallery is wheelchair accessible. Johnston House only accessible on first floor.

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

32. Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour aboard the Pollepel 9|1 12:00 PM, 9|2 12:00 PM, 9|8 12:00 PM, 9|9 12:00 PM, 9|15 12:00 PM, 9|22 12:00 PM, 9|23 12:00 PM, 9|29 12:00 PM, 9|30 12:00 PM Torches Landing, Newburgh 845-220-2120 info@prideofthehudson.com Experience a piece of Hudson River history during a Bannerman Island Cruise and Walking Tour.

Depart Torches Landing for a short boat ride over to the island. Your guided tour will include a lecture about the history of the island and plenty of opportunities for photographs, including Bannerman Castle, Bannerman Residence, and Bannerman Garden. During the winter of 2010, the southeasterly corner of Bannerman’s Arsenal collapsed. Now, more than ever, it is important to support the preservation efforts of this Hudson River Icon!

Advance ticket purchase is suggested as cruise/walking tour limited to 46 passengers.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.prideofthehudson.com or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370. Remaining tickets will be sold at dock 1 hour prior to cruise.

Ticket cost $30, Children 11 & under $25.

50% of the ticket price goes to the Bannerman Castle Trust for preservation efforts!

33. 1658 Stockade National Historic District Walking Tour 9|1 2:00 PM Friends of Historic Kingston Gallery 63 Main St., Kingston 12401 845-339-0720 fohk@verizon.net Walk the largest intact early Dutch settlement in New York State and the neighborhood where New York was born in 1777. View 18th century limestone houses, the site of the writing of New York’s Constitution and grave site of New York’s first governor, George Clinton. Includes interior tour of c. 1812 Fred J. Johnston House.

Note: Flat sidewalks Fee: Adult $10; child under 16, $5.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 0.5 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Second floor of Fred J. Johnston house is not wheelchair accessible.

34. Maple Grove House Tour 9|5 10:00 AM Maple Grove House on St. Simeon Property 24 Beechwood Ave., Poughkeepsie 12601 845-297-4245 bikpr5000@aol.com House tours are given from April through November on the first Wednesday of those months with a guide who will give pertinent and fascinating information about Maple Grove house and the people who lived there.

Not suitable for children under 6.

The grounds are wheelchair accessible but the house is not.

16

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

35. Historic Bicycle Tour of Olde Fishkill Self Guided Van Wyck Village Homestead Musem 504 Route 9, Fishkill 12524 845-896-8560 www.fishkillhistoricalsociety.org Self-guided bike tours of Olde Fishkill. Cycle the “high road!” passing by historic sites within the Village and Town of Fishkill and Beacon. View 8, 15 or 25 sites depending on the tour loop you choose. Ride along significant routes from the Revolutionary War era, view the site of the Fishkill encampment and supply depot, and visit the home of one of America’s first female entrepreneurs. Three tours accommodate all skill levels: Family 0.6 mi. Easy (flat); Medium 4 mi. (one hill). Extended 24 mi. (several hills, one challenging). Maps are available at the Van Wyck Homestead Museum. Download map at www.soundearth.com/BikeTour.html Difficulty: Moderate This is self-guided. Please provide your own equipment.

36. Bannerman Island Cruise and Walking Tour aboard the Pollepel 9|8 1:30 PM, 9|9 1:30 PM, 9|15 1:30 PM, 9|22 1:30 PM, 9|23 1:30 PM, 9|29 1:30 PM, 9|30 1:30 PM Beacon Ferry Dock Beacon 12508 845-220-2120 info@prideofthehudson.com Hudson River Adventures and the Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. in cooperation with The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation offer exclusive guided tours on Bannerman Island via the Pollepel. Your tour will include a lecture about the history of the island.

Please wear proper shoes and attire for a hike in the woods. Tick and bug repellent recommended.

Portable toilets will be available at the island and bottled water will be offered for sale on the boat.

Not wheelchair accessible.Due to safety issues we cannot go inside any of the buildings yet as they are in the process of being stabilized for our future use. Half of the ticket money generated by this event goes directly to benefit Bannerman Island.

Departs Beacon Landing 1:30 pm. Returns 4:10 pm.

Metro-North Station: Beacon Groups are limited to 46 persons Registration is suggested, as cruise may sell out.

Visit www.prideofthehudson.com or call 800-979-3370.

Fee: Adult $30 Adult, Child (11 & under) $25 Please wear comfortable shoes. There are 72 steps from the dock to the path where you start your walking tour.

37. Storm King Challenge 9|8 10:00 AM Storm King State Park 42 Bayview Ave. (Rte. 218) Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-424-3358 info@hhlt.org Storm King Adventure Tours’ Gary Curasi leads a challenging 4-mile loop hike in Cornwall. Join us on this climb to the peak of Crows Nest Mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River and East Highlands.

Note: A fairly steep ascent and descent.

Register by phone or e-mail by September 6, 2012.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing and

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com walking stick are recommended. Hikers should also bring water and snack.

38. Spinning & Weaving Wool Festival 9|8 10:00 AM Van Wyck Homestead Museum 504 Route 9, Fishkill 12524 845-896-8755 FHSinfo@Yahoo.com Spinners and weavers will be demonstrating Colonial era spinning and weaving. Crafts people and vendors will be displaying their wool-made crafts for sale. The historic Van Wyck Homestead will be open for tours during the day, 10 am to 4 pm. For more info log onto: www.FishkillHistoricalSociety.org

39. Moodna Marsh Kayak Tour 9|8 10:00 AM, 9|9 10:00 AM, 9|15 10:30 AM, 9|16 10:00 AM, 9|22 1:30 PM, 9|23 10:30 AM, 9|29 10:00 AM, 9|30 2:00 PM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Experience real Hudson River back country!

Moodna Creek Marsh provides beautiful calm waters, great scenery, wildlife and a sense of remoteness. This is the perfect trip for beginners or seasoned paddlers. Boats provided.

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear comfortable, quick-drying (non-cotton) clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

40. Guided Kayak Paddle on Rondout Creek 9|8 10:00 AM, 9|15 10:00 AM, 9|22 10:00 AM, 9|29 10:00 AM Sleightsburg Launch 109 Everson St., Kingston 12401 845-331-9321 ddintruff@yahoo.com The Kingston Paddle Pals kayak social network is offering Free Hudson River Lighthouse/Park Kayak Tours every Saturday during 2012. Paddle

”

“As the seasons change and we admire the beautiful foliage throughout the Hudson River Valley we are also all reminded of the natural beauty of the Hudson River. Here in the Hudson Valley, I have been working to develop new opportunities along the Hudson River for residents and tourists alike. Whether it be the Walkway Over the Hudson, a bike path from Cold Spring to Beacon, or sustainable waterfront development, the time is now to harness the power of the Hudson River. The Hudson River Valley Ramble is yet another opportunity to bring tourists to the region, offer exciting events for our neighbors and showcase everything the River and region has to offer. I will continue to work on preserving and promoting this event and the Hudson River and look forward working with all of you in the years to come.”

—US Senator Charles E. Schumer

41. Bannerman Castle Hard Hat Tour 9|8 10:00 AM, 9|23 10:00 AM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Receive an exclusive behind-the-ruins kayak and walking tour of Bannerman’s Castle. Includes a guided, hard-hat visit with a full narrated history of the island and castle. Proceeds go toward the preservation of this unique landmark.

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 4 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear comfortable, quick-drying (non-cotton) clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, lunch and camera.

Boats provided.

42. Ramble Through, Around, and From the Madam Brett sites 9|8 10:00 AM Madam Brett Homestead 50 Van Nydeck Avenue, Beacon 12508 845-831-6533 L.MacAulay@verizon.net Ramble through the Madam Brett Homestead built in 1709, with a tour of the 17 rooms of collections from seven generations of descendants, and ramble around outside in the garden and woods with the 300-year-old tree. At 11AM join DAR Regent Anne Thomas for a guided

43. Tour of Historic Gomez Mill House /Dard Hunter Mill All Ramble Weekends Gomez Mill House and Historic Site 11 Mill House Road, Marlboro 12542 845-236-3126 gomezmillhouse@juno.com An 18 minute video on the history of the Mill House is followed by a docent-led tour of the two-level, 298-year old Gomez Mill House. Three tours a day: 10:30am, 1:15pm and 2:45pm One day before preferred tour date and time. Call 845-236-3126 Wed-Sun, 10-4.

Not suitable for children under 5.

Only the grounds (which are uneven) visitor center/video presentation, and first floor of the Gomez Mill House are wheelchair accessible.

44. West Point Museum Free Admission All Ramble Weekends West Point Museum 2110 New South Post Road, USMA West Point 10996 845-938-3590 museum@usma.edu All visitors to the United States Military Academy are encouraged to tour the museum to view the oldest and largest diversified public collection of miltaria in the Western Hemisphere. Its collections include nearly all aspects of military history and encompass the history of West Point and the United States Military Academy, the evolution of warfare, and the development of the American Armed Forces. In 1854 the first public museum was opened and today it represents the culmination of more than two centuries of preserving our military heritage.

Museum hours: 10:30am to 4:15pm.

Photo ID required for tour on-post at West Point.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 4.

46. Norrie Point Kayak Tour 9|8 11:30 AM, 9|9 11:30 AM Norrie Point Paddlesport Center 1 Norrie Way, Staatsburg 12580 845-246-2187 Info@AtlanticKayakTours.com A tour of the Hudson River from Norrie Point and visiting nearby spots like Esopus Island, Bard Rock and Black Creek Preserve. Perfect for beginners, this trip includes use of a sea kayak and all gear.

Experienced guides will help participants improve their paddling skills. Wildlife, scenic vistas and historic sites along the paddle route will be featured. Boats provided.

Please register at least 2 days in advance by phone or e-mail.

Fee: $50 per person, including all equipment.

Note: Waters are usually calm, but wind, waves and boat wakes are possible.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 4 - 5 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 8.

Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. It’s best to wear non-cotton clothing like poly or nylon.

Boats provided.

47. Recreation on the Hudson River Past and Present; Hike the Greenway Trail at Carnwath Farm Self Guided Carnwath Farm Wheeler Hill Road, Wappingers Falls 12590 845-473-0903 bpexpress@juno.com View an ice boat, Hudson River sloop and other boats, and lectures on recreation on the Hudson. Additional displays by local fishermen and the Wappinger Greenway Committee.

Museum Hours: Sat 11-4pm and Sun 1-4pm. www.sportsmuseumdcny.org. Hike the trail: 1.5 mile trail open all weekends, great view of the Hudson and surrounding mountains. From Rt. 9D/Rt.28, go west on Rt. 28 for .25 mi.; where road splits, bear left onto Wheeler Hill Rd.; Carnwath Farm entrance is on right; follow signs to Sports Museum Note: Dress to protect against deer ticks.

Metro-North Station: New Hamburg Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1.5 miles.

48. Plum Point Kayak Tour 45. Esopus Meadows Walk and Wade 9|8 11:00 AM Esopus Meadows Preserve 257 River Road, Ulster Park 12487 845-797-2847 eli@clearwater.org Come to Esopus Meadows and follow the Kline-Esopus Kill from its mouth to near its source. Follow the trail of the creek and learn how over the last 20,000 years water has shaped the terrain. We will take a moderate one-mile hike followed by a beach seine program on the Hudson River beach. We will discuss native and invasive species, collect and identify fish, and get anyone interested in chest waders to help us catch fish.

Note: Moderate trail hike, and using a seine net to catch fish. Waders will be provided Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

9|8 2:00 PM, 9|16 1:30 PM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Paddle through historic Cornwall-on-Hudson Bay and stretch your legs on sandy Plum Point Beach.

Take in the views of the Hudson Highlands and maybe spot a bald eagle or two!

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear comfortable, quick-drying (non-cotton) clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Boats provided.

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

17

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

the Rondout Creek to Kingston/Rondout Light House (novice), or expert tours on the the Hudson South to Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, or North towards the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge pass Rotary Park, Kingston Point Park, Post Park, Rider Park depending on the tide. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KingstonPaddlePals, KingstonPaddlePals@yahoogroups.com Note: Boat wake within a 5 mph limit for those staying on the Rondout Creek. Paddle is expected to divide into 2 groups (experienced and novice) with a leader and sweep for each.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 6.5 miles.

Duration: 4 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Please bring kayaks/canoes, PFD, paddles, drinking water, sunscreen, snack or lunch and a swimsuit if you would like to swim

walking tour as you ramble a mile and a half down Teller Avenue to Sargent Avenue past the bust of George Washington, across Wolcott Avenue to Sargent Avenue and onto South Avenue past the Brett Family graveyard, continuing under the old train trestle to Scenic Hudson’s Madam Brett Mill Park to enjoy 12 acres with trails perfect for a picnic along the Fishkill Creek and waterfall.

Finish rambling a mile up Tioronda Avenue to the shops on Main Street, Beacon.

Metro-North Station: Beacon Fee: $5 for house tour The homestead has stairs not suitable for baby carriages.

Please bring water, suitable walking shoes

49. Bannerman Island Hudson Valley Chefs Dinner 9|8 3:00 PM Bannerman Island The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc., 845-631-6346 neilcaplan@aol.com Join the Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. for the Second Bannerman Island Hudson Valley Chef’s Dinner, served in the gardens at Bannerman Island next to the newly stabilized Bannerman Island Residence. Noted Hudson Valley Chef Noah Sheetz heads the event that features five top Hudson Valley chefs, preparing a delectable five course meal in the shadows of Bannerman Castle. All the ingredients are grown in the Hudson Valley. There is limited seating for the event. Includes a cruise on the Pollepel to the island a Guided Hard Hat Tour. The Pollepel departs Newburgh at 3:00pm and 4:00pm from Beacon.

Reservations are required by September 3, 2012 This is a fundraiser to presrve Bannerman Island.

The donation fee for the dinner is $150.

Not suitable for children under 7.

Walking shoes recommended.

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

50. Sunset Kayak Tour All Ramble Weekends Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com There are few better ways to end your day than out on the river enjoying a spectacular Hudson Valley sunset. This tour is a stress-free outing for all abilities. These trips are one of our most popular and usually sell out quickly, so reserve now. Launches at 4 or 5 pm, call for reservations and times.

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear comfortable, quick-drying (non-cotton) clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Boats provided.

51. Visit a Secret Garden Self Guided Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield, Home of FDR National Historic Site 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park 12538 845-229-9115x2023 info@beatrixfarrandgarden.org A self-guided stroll of the walled formal garden at Bellefield designed in 1912 by Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959), one of this nation’s finest landscape architects. A walk through these garden gates affords a glimpse of Farrand’s virtuosic talents and a view into the great country house-era of the turn of the 20th century. Garden open everyday from dawn to dusk. Cell phone tour available.

Donations to the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, the non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of this important garden, are gratefully appreciated.

There is a wheelchair ramp to the terrace overlooking the entire garden and the audio tour can be accessed from this point.

52. Guided Geology Hike 9|8 8:00 AM Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Outdoor Discovery Center 100 Muser Drive (across from 174 Angola Rd), 18

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Cornwall 12518 845-534-5506 jonufer@hhnaturemuseum.org The Hudson Valley has some of the most remarkable geology in all of North America! This guided hike will focus on the unique geology of our region and includes a visit to the site of a 19th century magnetite mine.

Fee: $7 adults, $5 children 5 and up Members $5 adults, $3 children Note: Moderate ascent on well marked trails, some rocky terrain.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 7.

Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, dress for the weather.

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

53. Heart of the Hudson Valley Farm Tour Self Guided 1801 Rt. 9W, Marlboro 12542 845-616-7824 meetmeinmarlborough@earthlink.net Explore the Heart of the Hudson River Valley’s Farming Heritage. Come “Meet Me in Marlborough” (MMiM) to taste, sip and discover the bounty that exists along the “Marlborough Farm Trail” voted #1 in the Hudson Valley. Just follow the Meet Me in Marlborough Farm Trail signs to enjoy a fun filled day at pick your own and specialty farms, farmers markets, wineries, entertainment, festivals, special events, historical sites, spas, antiques, eclectic shops and agri-cuisine served at restaurants, cafes and delis. You can extend your visit with overnight accommodations at our B&Bs and resorts.

Visit the MMiM website to download a MMiM brochure and map that will guide you along the way. www.meetmeinmarlborough.com

54. Hurds Family Farm Cornmaze 2012 Cornmaze Challenge Self Guided Hurds Family Farm 2187 State Route 32, Modena 12548 845-883-7825 susan@hurdsfamilyfarm.com Bring your group out to the farm for an adventure!

Hop on the Hurds Family Farm Express and enjoy a hayride through the picturesque orchard countryside with mountain views to the 4 acre corn maze site. Maze Master will greet you with an easy to follow map of the maze. Follow an EASY path through for families with youngsters, or a 12 station checkpoint CHALLENGE through the whole maze for everyone else! Wear comfortable shoes, grab a colorful flag, and you’re off for a great time.

The crop art design this year is WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT BEES that is fun and educational! Bees are responsible for many of the healthy 5-a-day fruits and vegetables we enjoy.

Note: Clear pathways wide enough for wheelchairs.

A small fee will cover the activities.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

55. Boscobel House & Gardens Woodland Trails Saturdays 8:30am - 4pm Garrison, NY 1601 Route 9D, Garrison 10524 845-265-3638 dblaney@boscobel.org Hike Boscobel’s scenic Woodland Trail and stroll the beautiful gardens and grounds overlooking

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com the Hudson River. Pack a picnic and spend the day.

Note: Path has wood chips and is not suitable for strollers. An optional portion of the path is steep.

Free Grounds/Trail Admission on Saturdays Only.

Difficulty: Moderate

56. Historic Revolutionary War Site Tour 9|9 1:00 PM Van Wyck Homestead 504 Route 9, Fishkill 12524 845-896-8755 FHSinfo@Yahoo.com Tours of the historic Van Wyck Homestead Museum (built in 1732). Farmhouse was used as an officers’ headquarters during the American Revolution (Oct. 1776 - Oct. 1783). General George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Marquis de LaFayette, John Jay and other Revolutionary War heroes were here at times during the Revolutionary War. Fishkill was the “Crossroads of the Colonies”. For more info log onto: www.FishkillHistoricalSociety.org

57. Hike FDR’s (Tree) Farm Lane 9|9 1:00 PM Home of FDR National Historic Site 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park 12538 845-229-5320 Allan_Dailey@nps.gov This moderate hike follows FDR’s original road system, now restored as a hiking trail, on which he traveled through his tree farms on the way to Val-Kill and beyond. Event participants will learn about the President’s forestry work while walking through stands of trees planted for the president as he experimented with ways of making Hudson Valley farm land more productive. This hike meets at the Roosevelt Forest Trailhead on Rt. 9.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

58. What You See and What You Don’t See 9|9 1:00 PM, 9|16 1:00 PM Staatsburgh State Historic Site (Mills Mansion) Old Post Road, Staatsburg 12580 845-889-8851x338 donald.fraser@parks.ny.gov In 1895, Staatsburgh’s landscape architect designed a glorious landscape that showcases the good life in the Gilded Age, while deliberately hiding the technology and labor that make a turn-

of-the-century estate run. Enjoy a leisurely guided stroll through the grounds as we explore what you see...and what you don’t see.

Not suitable for children under 8.

59. Bannerman Castle Kayak Tour 9|9 1:30 PM, 9|22 10:00 AM, 9|23 1:30 PM, 9|29 2:00 PM, 9|30 10:00 AM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Here is your opportunity to get a close-up look at the famous Bannerman’s Island Castle. Kayak beneath the mighty Storm King Mountain, crossing the river to Breakneck Ridge where we will head north toward the island. Then enjoy a leisurely paddle around our region’s most prominent landmarks while hearing the history behind the castle. Boats provided.

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear comfortable, quick-drying (non-cotton) clothes and shoes that can get wet.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Boats provided.

9|9 10:00 AM Long Dock Park Long Dock Rd, Beacon 12508 845-831-1997 katy@mountaintopsonline.com In the spring of 1781, with the American Revolution still raging, Alexander Hamilton stayed in his rented home on Denning’s Point and turned out thoughts for our future as an independent nation. His “Federalist Papers” would become part of the foundation of our nation. Today it is a beautiful and prominent feature along the Scenic Hudson Valley. We will tuck in behind the point and travel into the Fishkill Creek. Boats provided.

Metro-North Station: Beacon Please register by 6pm Friday 9/8/2012.

Fee: $50 per person includes kayak rental and guided tour.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 16.

Bring your own lunch.

61. John Burroughs Slabsides Ramble 9|9 10:00 AM, 9|23 10:00 AM John Burroughs Sanctuary at Slabsides John Burroughs Drive, West Park 12493 845-384-6320 keitert@animail.net An intermediate ramble through the woods starting at Naturalist John Burroughs’s rustic cabin in the woods, Slabsides. Join us for an interpretive walk with readings from John Burroughs’s works. Come be among some of the first to trek our newly completed trail system through the pristine woodlands of the sanctuary.

Note: Tallus piles and some rough terrain, but few steep ascents, and some brand new well developed trails.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

9|9 12:00 PM Beacon Sloop Club Red Flynn Drive, Beacon 12508 201-259-9634 jbirmingham@hvc.rr.com Ride the waves on the Hudson River on the 46-foot Woody Guthrie under full sail. This river adventure is offered by the Beacon Sloop Club, a non-profit, volunteer–membership environmental organization formed in 1969 to preserve and celebrate the Hudson River and its environs.

Guest must sign up at the Sloop Club. First come, first served. Approx. 1 hour sail time (weather permitting) Metro-North Station: Beacon

63. LaGrange Wappinger Creek Greenway Trail Walk 9|9 2:00 PM LaGrange, NY 87 Sleight Plass Road, Poughkeepsie 12603 845-473-0940 m2htoo@yahoo.com Enjoy a walk in a serene woodland setting on a beautiful nature trial that winds along the banks of the Wappinger Creek under a canopy of sycamore, oak, maple and other trees. Park at trail entrance marked by a split rail fence and a sign “Wappinger Creek Greenway Trail.”

Note: Mostly flat grassy foot path, some roots,possibly some muddy spots if it rained a few days before the event.

Register by September 8: Difficulty: Easy Length: 2.25 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Bring water and insect repellant. Wear long sleeve shirt, pant and study footwear.

64. Hudson Valley Rail Trail Volksswalk 9|9 9:00 AM The Gateway Diner (Start Point) 3579 US Highway 9W, Highland 12528 845-462-7539 volkssportclubofwestpoint@hotmail.com This event is a non-competitive walk sponsored by the Volkssport Club of West Point. It is open to everyone. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The walk is a selfguided 5 or 10 kilometer (3 or 6 mile) walk down the Hudson Valley Rail Trail from Route 9W entrance to Tony Williams Park and back.

Participants are provided with a trail guide and map pointing out various historic and scenic sites along the way. Walkers who are “Volkssporters” may obtain internationally valid walking credit.

If no credit is desired, the walk is free for all.

Register from 9 AM to noon; finish by 2 PM. Fee applies only to those walkers enrolled in the American Volkssport Association walking program; free to others.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 3.1 or 6.2 miles.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12 unless accompanied by an adult. Strollers welcome..

65. Millbrook Mountain Hike 9|9 9:30 AM Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center 3197 Route 44/55, Gardiner 12525 845-255-0919 gbryant@mohonkpreserve.org Millbrook Mountain hike is part of the Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables hikes and will be led by Gary Curasi (845-534-2886). Mohonk

Preserve Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required – just come to the location listed at the time indicated. Fees for the hikes will vary according to location. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets.

Free for Mohonk Preserve members; $12 hiking day pass required for non-members.

Note: Uneven rocky surface, steep ascents/descents.

Difficulty: Very Difficult Length: 8 miles.

Duration: 6.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 18.

Bring water, rain gear, lunch.

66. Mt.Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society Historical Hike 9|15 10:00 AM Scenic Hudson’s Mt. Beacon Park Intersection of Howland Ave and Route 9D, Beacon 12508 845-765-3262x21 cthompson@inclinerailway.org Join the interpretive staff of the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society for a challenging one mile long hike to the highest point in the Hudson Highlands. Learn about the history of Mt. Beacon, including the incline railway which operated on the mountain for 76 years.

Mt. Beacon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and offers the best views of the Hudson Valley. www.inclinerailway.org Note: Several steep ascents and descents; uneven rocky surfaces.

Suggested donation is $5 per person Difficulty: Difficult Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Bring water and snacks and/or lunch.

67. Revolutionary War Encampment Weekend 9|15 10:00 AM, 9|16 11:00 AM Van Wyck Homestead Museum 504 Route 9, Fishkill 12524 845-896-8755 FHSInfo@Yahoo.com Revolutionary War Reenactors Encampment.

Tours of the historic Van Wyck Homestead Museum, which served as Officers Headquarters during the American Revolution. The weekend will feature military drills, musketry, spinning, weaving, 18th Century cooking demonstrations, blacksmith demonstrations, broom making and children’s games. Van Wyck Homestead tours and tours to the Soldiers Burial Ground will be conducted. For more info: www.FishkillHistoricalSociety.org or www.FishkillSupplyDepot.org.

68. Val-Kill to Top Cottage Hiking the Roosevelt Retreats 9|15 12:30 PM Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site Rt 9G, Hyde Park 12538 845-229-9422 Allan_Dailey@nps.gov Take the same moderate 2 mile round trip hike between Val-Kill and FDR’s Top Cottage retreat that First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt liked to take whenever possible. When at Top Cottage, learn about the President's place built to “escape the mob” at the family home down on the Hudson River. This hike returns to Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site on Rt. 9G. H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

19

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

60. Denning’s Point Paddle

62. Sail on the Woody Guthrie

Note: Continual but gentle increase in elevation for the first half of the program.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 8.

This is a heavily wooded trail and insect repellent is highly suggested!

August 15th.

It is only $250 to register for this event with a $500 minimum fundraising requirement to participate.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 19 miles.

Not suitable for children under 18.

All gear, equipment, snacks and lunch will be provided.

Boats provided.

69. Science on the River

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

9|15 2:00 PM Norrie Point Environmental Center Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park, 156 Norrie Pt. Way, Staatsburg 12580 845-889-4745x109 jgherrin@gw.dec.state.ny.us Join the Hudson River Research Reserve 30th Anniversary Celebration. Dive into Hudson River research! Meet Hudson River scientists and learn how they work. Demos and activities for the whole family. Seine or angle for fish.

See a “Close Encounter With Birds of Prey” program. Enjoy spectacular river views. Weather permitting, join Research Reserve staff on short, guided tidal marsh paddle (numbers limited; all equipment provided).

Portions of the event are outdoors.

Dress accordingly.

Norrie Point Environmental Center and patio are wheelchair accessible. Fish seining and tidal marsh canoe (weather permitting) are not wheelchair accessible.

70. Sunset Seining and Song 9|15 5:00 PM Esopus Meadows Preserve 257 River Road, Ulster Park 12487 845-797-2847 eli@clearwater.org Clearwater Educators will take you into the water to catch fish in the “magic hour” of sunset. Enjoy the light, the coolness of the water, and find out what’s in the river at this time of year. Esopus Meadows beach is a great place to catch youngof-the-year fish, blue crabs, and maybe even an eel. We will discuss how the river gets ready for winter and why fishing at dusk is one of the best times of day. Bring a picnic for dinner afterwards and enjoy some music. Seining program 1 hour, music to follow.

Not suitable for children under 3.

71. Constitution Marsh Paddle Challenge 9|15 6:00 AM Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary 127 Warren Landing Road, Garrison 10524 845-896-8755 asheikh@audubon.org Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary is hosting its first ever Paddle Challenge to raise funds for the continued conservation and stewardship of this fragile wetland. Twenty lucky challengers will have an exclusive opportunity to conquer a 19 mile paddle through the Marsh and on the historic Hudson River. By paddling in or donating to the Marsh Paddle Challenge, you will help Audubon sustain the fragile marsh ecosystem and support efforts to provide nature-based community education. This is an exclusive, high-end event that is a once in a life-time opportunity for kayakers at any level to receive quality expert instruction, a 3 to 1 ratio of challengers to trainers, and first hand access to Center Director, Eric Lind, who will share his expertise on the Marsh’s remarkable natural and environmental history.

Please contact Ashia Sheikh at asheikh@audubon.org or 212-979-3034 by 20

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

72. Mutt Strut Across the Catwalk™ 9|15 7:00 PM Cunneen-Hackett Theatre 12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie 12601 845-454-3222 ncarroll@artsmidhudson.org A fashion forward fundraiser to benefit the Dutchess County Arts Council and the Dutchess County SPCA, who have teamed up to present the best in canine fashions and pet accessories. Local Hudson Valley Artists and Fashion Designers unleashed their creativity to design and make these canine fashions, and collars, leashes, bowls, beds, blankets, perches and toys for dogs and cats alike. Our dog models are all available for adoption or alums of the Dutchess County SPCA. Please join us for a doggone good time.

Metro-North Station: Poughkeepsie Registration preferred by September 14th, although OK at the door To purchase tickets in advance visit: www.dcspca.org Fee: $75 per person or $125 per pair VIP Passes are $100 per person or $150 per pair and include preferred seating and access to the Yappy Hour cocktail party and fashion preview.

73. Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Mushroom Walk 9|15 9:00 AM Esopus Bend Nature Preserve Saugerties Village Beach parking lot Saugerties 12477 845-246-5900 schorvas@verizon.net Autumn can be a very productive time of year for mushrooms, and the moist woodlands of Esopus Bend Nature Preserve often host more than 100 species of mycelium. The Esopus Creek Conservancy and John Burroughs Natural History Society are co-sponsoring a guided mushroom walk at Esopus Bend Nature Preserve. We will explore the woodlands of the preserve in search of ground and wood-dwelling mycelia. Just north of the Esopus Creek bridge, at the foot of Partition Street in the Village of Saugerties.

Pre-registration is not required, but recommended in the event of unforeseen changes or cancellation.

Note: Short steep descent/ascent, potentially wet and muddy trails, cool weather conditions, and light to moderate rain. Heavy rain cancels the walk. Children are welcome and encouraged, but please do not bring pets.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1.5 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Bring field guides and cameras if you have them.

74. Hike Fuller Mountain 9|15 9:00 AM Fuller Mountain Preserve 70 Bowen Road, Warwick 10990 845-343-0840x14 caroline@oclt.org This moderate 3-hour hike will ramble through a magnificent wooded ravine to fantastic vistas

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com overlooking the Warwick Valley. The 255-acre Fuller Mountain Nature Preserve is owned and managed by the Orange County Land Trust. It is home to several unusual plants, many species of mammals including black bear and the long tailed weasel, an abundance of bird life, and frogs, toads and salamanders who live in and around Fuller’s Brook.

Note: Areas of rough and steep terrain.

Registration is suggested but not required

by September 14 (845) 343-0840 x12 or info@oclt.org.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3-3.5miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 4.

Bring a lunch and plenty of water.

75. Farmland Cycling Tour 9|15 9:00 AM Poets’ Walk Park River Road, Red Hook 12571 845-473-4440x273 aconeski@scenichudson.org Energize with fresh donuts, cider and apples (courtesy of local farmers), then pedal through the beautiful, rolling countryside of Dutchess and Columbia counties. Besides catching glimpses of the Hudson River, you’ll pass working farms Scenic Hudson has helped to protect. Along the cycling routes you’ll find water stations offering healthy produce and plenty of water. After returning to Poets’ Walk, enjoy a fabulous lunch while listening to live music. If you don’t want to ride, join us anyway for a fun day in the park.

Note: The routes are moderately hilly and a few of the roads have narrow shoulders.

Registration is from 8:30 am - 10:00 am.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 10, 25, 45 miles.

Duration: 1-3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 18 unless accompanied by an adult.

Please bring a bike, helmet, clothing appropriate for cycling and plenty of water for your ride.

76. Bannerman Island Third Sunday Music Lunch Box Self Guided Tour 9|16 12:00 PM, 9|16 1:00 PM Bannerman Island Hudson River, Fishkill 12527 1-800-979-3370 info@prideofthehudson.com Enjoy the mystery of Bannerman Island on this special self-guided tour that includes a complementary box lunch prepared by one of the

”

“The Hudson River has been a destination for exploration and recreation, not just for New Yorkers, but for people from across the country. I call the Hudson River Valley my home, enjoying with my family all the miles of adventure and endless recreation the region has to offer. It fuels the economy with new jobs, development and tourism. The Hudson River Valley Ramble is a tradition that honors a resource that has been so important in defining who we are, and offers the opportunity to take advantage of all it has to offer. As the first Senator from upstate New York in nearly 40 years, I will always work to preserve the beauty and tradition of the Hudson River Valley.”

—US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

77. Bannerman Island Self-Guided Walking Tour with Music 9|16 12:00 PM Departs Torches Landing Newburgh 12550 845-220-2120 info@prideofthehudson.com Experience a piece of Hudson River history during a Bannerman Island Cruise and Self-Guided Walking Tour. Board the Pollepel at Torches Landing for a short boat ride to the island, where you will be given the opportunity to explore.

Bannerman Castle volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. A complimentary lunch will be provided for all passengers purchasing tickets by 9 pm 3 days prior to the tour. During the last 20 minutes of the tour, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy a mini concert by one of New York’s talented musicians. After your tour on the island, board the Pollepel for a short ride back to Newburgh.

Advance Registration suggested as cruise may sell out. Tickets must be purchased at least 3 days prior to guarantee complimentary lunch. Visit www.prideofthehudson.com or call 800-979-3370.

Fee: $42 Adult, $37 Child (11 & Under)

78. Historic Walking Tour of Wassaic 9|22 10:00 AM Gridley Chapel 36 Furnace Bank Road, Wassaic 12592

79. Audubon’s Buttercup Farm Nature Hike 9|22 10:00 AM Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary Mountain Road, Stanfordville 12581 518-678-3248 lfederman@audubon.org Join an Audubon New York naturalist on an easy walk along the old railroad bed to observe the flora and fauna that call this sanctuary home.

Note: Relatively flat, along an old railroad bed.

Please call or e-mail Larry Federman by Sept. 21st.

518-678-3248 or lfederman@audubon.org Difficulty: Easy Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 7.

Wheelchair should be an all-terrain model due to possible wet, soft ground conditions.

80. Great Newburgh 5 Mile Kayak Challenge 9|22 8:00 AM Newburgh Rowing Club 2 Renwick Street, Newburgh 12550 845-541-2313 coachedkennedy@yahoo.com The course starts at the Ward Brothers boat docks, heads north just beyond the NewburghBeacon Bridge, then finishes back at the Ward Brothers boat docks. This event is to support increased public access to the Newburgh Waterfront, the Ward Brothers Park Shoreline Restoration, and Newburgh Rowing Club’s Learn to Row Programs.

Note: Hudson River may be rough, depending on the weather and tides. Kayakers will stay close to shore.

8:00am Registration, 9:00am start .

To register by email.

Fee: $10 Registration and $50 Donation to the Newburgh Rowing Club for Inner City Rowing Programs Difficulty: Moderate Length: 5 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12 unless accompanied by an adult in a double kayak.

Please bring kayak, paddle and PFD. Some kayaks will be available for rental Docks will be available for Kayak entry

81. Cary Institute Forest Ecology Walk 9|23 10:00 AM Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies 2917 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook 12545 845-677-7600x121 freemanp@caryinstitute.org Cary Institute Forest Ecologist, Dr. Charles Canham will lead an interpretive walk along the Wappinger Creek Trail. The moderate 2-mile walk encompasses habitats ranging from young forests and fallow fields to streams and wetlands.

Dr. Canham will share the history of Dutchess County’s forests from the first settlers in 1750 to the current day—over 250 years of land use patterns that have transformed Hudson Valley landscapes. The stories told will include fascinating facts and folklore about the forest, as well as future changes likely under the many different current human impacts, including climate change, pests and pathogens, and air pollution. The walk will begin at the Cary East (Gifford House) parking area. For more information www.caryinstitute.org.

Note: Hiking trails through meadows and forest.

Some uneven terrain.

Call Pamela Freeman at 845-677-7600x121 or email freemanp@caryinstitute.org.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring drinking water. Long pants are recommended.

82. Palenville Overlook Traverse 9|23 10:00 AM Below North-South Lake Public Campground Route 18, Haines Falls 315-853-1070 ccswhite@juno.com Hike the spectacular Escarpment Trail from the Catskill Mountain House site, past Boulder Rock and Split Rock, and the Sleepy Hollow Horse Trail, to Palenville Overlook with beautiful views and the site of a popular 19th century boarding house.

Please register no later than Sept. 21st, preferably by e-mail or otherwise by phone.

Note: Trail involves steep ascents/descents, uneven rocky surface, rock scrambling and occasional sharp dropoffs.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 5.5 miles.

Duration: 6-7 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Bring lunch and water.

83. The Vanderbilt’s Hyde Park Landscape Walk and Free Concert 9|23 12:30 PM Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site 119 Vanderbilt Park Road, Hyde Park 12538 845-229-7770 Allan_Dailey@nps.gov During this ninety–minute, one mile hike, a ranger will chronicle 200 hundred years of landscape history at the Vanderbilt’s Hyde Park country place. Learn about earlier estate owners, the Vanderbilts' care of the property and the National Park Services, ongoing plans for the very important American landscape. For the last half hour volunteers from the Frederick W. Vanderbilt Garden Association will be conducting a walking tour of the formal gardens. As an added bonus, the group Mamalama will be performing in the gardens at 2:00pm when the tour concludes!

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

The Formal Gardens are accessible to cars with H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

21

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

Hudson Valley’s finest restaurants, and a mini concert by one of New York’s talented musicians.

Bannerman Castle Trust historians will answer questions about the castle and Bannerman history. Your Bannerman Adventure includes transportation on Hudson River Adventure’s vessel, The Pollepel, and a video by Bill Diamond Productions featuring stage and screen actress Jane Alexander. Please note: You will not be allowed inside the buildings and will need to stay on NYS approved paths for safety reasons.

Note: The Pollepel Departs from Torches Dock in Newburgh at 12 noon and the Beacon Ferry Dock at 1:30pm sharp Register by September 13, 9:00pm Call Zerve at 1-800-979-3370.Box lunches may not be available if you book later than the Thursday before the event.

Fee: $42 donation Not suitable for children under 7.

Please wear walking shoes

845-789-1051 vdoyle@ameniany.gov Enjoy a walking tour of this tiny 1704 hamlet located between Rattlesnake Mountain and Wassaic Creek, and bisected by the railroad.

Wassaic grew up around the Gridley Ironworks whose mining and pig iron productions were the mainstay of the 19th century local economy.

Local historians will describe the legendary Noah Gridley, who owned the ironworks and built two recently restored beehive charcoal kilns in 1825 (restored). Gridley also built Borden’s original condensed milk factory that supplied the Union Army during the Civil War, and the 1873 Victorian Gothic Gridley Chapel. Visit the nearby 10-story grain elevator and former livestock auction barns that served as an agricultural hub until recent times, and are now being renovated as art galleries and studios.

Note: There is one short, steep, paved ascent; otherwise relatively flat terrain.

Metro-North Station: Wassaic Fee: $5 for adults, children under 13 free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 0.5 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Portion wheelchair accessible, but, 3-4 steps are needed to enter 2 historic buildings.

handicap registration with a pass obtained at the Visitor Center

84. Hike to Lost Pond at Manitoga 9|23 2:00 PM Manitoga 584 Route 9D, Garrison 10524 845-424-3812 lmoss@russelwrightcenter.org A two-hour, moderate hike through the paths at Manitoga, site of iconic modern designer’s home, studio and 75-acre woodland gardens.

Hike begins at visitors’ guide house at 584 Route 9D in Garrison, goes to Lost Pond, and returns to starting point.

Note: Uneven rocky surfaces, stream crossing, narrow paths Register by e-mail bySept. 20.

Fee: $10 Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 3.

Sturdy, closed shoes a must. Insect repellant and sunscreen highly recommended.

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

85. Strange Medicine 9|22 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM 9|23 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site 84 Liberty Street, Newburgh, New York 12550 845-562-1195 kathleen.mitchell@parks.ny.gov Strange Medicine - Dental and Medical practices in the Age of Washington. Program is offered at 1:00 PM and again at 2:00 PM. House tours with museum admission Fee: Adults- $4.00 Seniors (62 and older) $3.00 Students - $3.00 Children 12 and under are free

86. Ramble Through Hurley’s Historic Burial Grounds 9|23 2:00 PM Hurley Heritage Society Museum 52 Main Street, Hurley 12443 845-331-8852 vandeusn@netzero.com Tour this unique piece of Hudson Valley history where the earliest graves date back to the 1600s when Hurley was the Dutch settlement of Nieu Dorp. Hurley’s 350 year history will be told through the stories of its prominent citizens, an axe murderer, and a witch who are (and in one strange case not) buried here.

Admission: $5, children under 12 free This event is on uneven, unpaved terrain.

Please wear appropriate shoes and dress for the weather.

87. Gran Fondo Gunks 9|23 8:00 AM New Paltz, NY Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz 845-256-8073 gunter@wildcatepicevents.com Join us for the first annual Gran Fondo Gunks fundraising ride with proceeds benefitting the Family of Woodstock organization. Choose your level of competition from four main course options. While this is not a race, top finishers will be recognized. Enjoy the event’s Family Friendly atmosphere featuring a Harvest Festival at the Ulster County Fairgrounds. All course options will begin at 8am with the start and finish at the Harvest Festival. Online registration closes Friday, September 21, 2012 at noon. www.granfondogunks.com 22

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Gran Fondo (108 miles) - $145 Medio Fondo (68 miles) - $125 Piccolo Fondo (38 miles) - $75 Mini Fondo (18 miles) - $45 Difficulty: Moderate Length: 18, 38, 68 or 108 miles.

Duration: 4-8 hours.

Not suitable for children under 18.

Please bring bikes and cycling gear.

88. Jennie Bell Pie Festival 9|28 6:00 PM, 9|29 12:00 PM Kelder’s Farm and Homegrown Mini-Golf 5755 Rt 209, Kerhonkson 12446 855-PIE-FEST JBPieFest@gmail.com The pie festival will include a judged bake-off, a pie auction, a talent show, arts and crafts vendors, live music, hay rides, amusement rides, games and more. The event will wrap up with a fireworks display. Jennie Depuy Bell (1915 2004), whose family was among the first settlers of what is now the Town of Rochester, was well known for her splendid home–baked pies. Jennie often donated her time and energy to bake many pies for the Rochester Reformed Church dinners, community events, and of course, her family.

Friday 6-10pm and Saturday 12noon - 9pm

89. Harvest Moon Walk 9|28 7:00 PM Hudson Valley Rail Trail 101 New Paltz Road, Highland 12528 845-691-8842 sualv@optonline.net The Harvest Moon Walk event provides an opportunity to hear tall tales told along the moonlit trail and around the bon fire. Enjoy complimentary cider, donuts, popcorn. Please do not bring skates, skateboards, bicycles, or scooters. No pets.

Fee: Free for children 6 years of age and under. $5 for those 7 years of age and older. $20 maximum for families of 4 or more.

Difficulty: Easy Please bring flashlight, weather appropriate clothing.

90. The Officer’s Pride 9|29 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site 84 Liberty St., Newburgh 12550 845-562-1195 kathleen.mitchell@parks.ny.gov Hear who and what were involved when officers were invited to dine with General Washington.

Was it only what was being served or what business was being discussed? Ramble over and find out.

Additional Activities: Tours of Washington's Headquarters are free with Museum admission.

91. Popolopen History and Ecology Hike 9|29 10:00 AM Fort Montgomery State Historic Site 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery 10922 845-446-2134 peter.cutul@parks.ny.gov Come discover 1.3 billion years of history as we hike from Fort Montgomery State Historic Site to Trailside Museums and Zoo, talking history, geology, and botany along the ever popular twin forts hiking trail! On this history/ecology hike we will see one of only three visible shipwrecks in the Hudson, walk on the original 18th century roadbed that connected Revolutionary War Forts Montgomery and Clinton, pass an ancient Native

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

American Campsite, and identify plants, animals, and rocks along the way. Registration Required Note: Steep ascents/descents.

Call to register by Friday, September 28th.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Please wear appropriate footwear. Bring water, packable lunch.

92. Denning’s Point Walk and Talk 9|29 10:00 AM Denning’s Point 199 Dennings Avenue, Beacon 12508 845-765-2721 mheintzman@bire.org Based on historian Jim Heron’s popular book, Denning’s Point: A Hudson River History, this educational and enlightening walk will reveal a brilliant history which includes Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, on the very grounds where founding principals were created, Denning’s Point. The walk will visit the site of the former Denning’s Point Brick Works, Denning’s Mansion, Washington’s Landing, and other historical landmarks, as well as pre-historical sites. Hear why this small piece of land is one of the most famous peninsulas in America! I-84 to Exit 11 (Beacon) to 9D south to right at fourth traffic light after light at exit ramp; bear right to stop sign; left to dead end at recycling plant.

Public Trans: Metro-North line to Beacon. Take Riverside Trail on west side of tracks at end of parking lot; wait at end of trail.

Metro-North Station: Beacon Limit 25 people.

Note: Wide trail but steep descent to beach.

Register online at www.bire.org/events or contact by phone or e-mail.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1.2 miles.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Please bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes.

93. Bonticou Crag Hike 9|29 10:00 AM Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead Upper 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls 845-255-0919 gbryant@mohonkpreserve.org Bonticou Crag hike is part of the Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables hikes and will

”

“Our Hudson River flows through the heart of a beautiful state, and the Hudson River Valley Ramble is a great opportunity to celebrate the river and the glorious hills, mountains, trails, and communities that surround it. As a proud supporter of the Highlands Conservation Act, which matches federal investment with funds raised by land trusts and New York State, I've helped to provide tax incentives to landowners who voluntarily donate land for conservation purposes. This will assure that Ramblers today and for generations to come will continue to enjoy the treasures of the Hudson Valley.”

New York’s hidden gem. Come visit!

West Point . Dia:Beacon . Boscobel . Storm King Art Center

—Congresswoman Nan Hayworth

Tel. (845) 424-3604 M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

be led by Sherry Runk (845-687-7679). Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required – just come to the location listed at the time indicated. Fees for the hikes will vary according to location. New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets.

Free for Mohonk Preserve members, $12 day use hiking fee for non-members.

Note: Steep ascents/descents, uneven rocky surface, rock scrambling Difficulty: Difficult Length: 6 miles.

Duration: 4.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 18.

Bring water, lunch and rain gear

thegarrison.com 2015 Route 9, Garrison, NY

94. Hyde Park Trail Annual Seth Lyon Volunteer Day 9|29 10:00 AM Hyde Park Trail Hyde Park 12538 845-229-8086x5 recdirector@hydeparkny.us Join us for a rewarding trail work party! Hyde Park Trail will be sponsoring its “Annual Seth Lyon Volunteer Work Day”. Volunteers will be performing trail maintenance. Location on the trail TBA. Call for details and exact location. Lunch break at noon. Work half day or full day work until 4:00 pm. Snacks and drinks provided by Trail Committee.

Note: Work along easy trails.

Registration- preferred, especially for school and work groups. Please call 845-229-8086, ext. 5.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 6 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Bring gloves and a hand tool, and boots for trail maintenance work. Bring your own lunch.

95. Sterling Forest Fire Tower Ramble 9|29 11:00 AM Sterling Forest State Park 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo 10987 845-351-5907 This hike will start at 11:00 A.M. sharp at the Sterling Forest Visitor Center. This hike is designed to be an enjoyable yet challenging to the casual

Iyengar Yoga is perfect for beginners and all levels.

A safe supportive exercise that builds, strength, flexibility and peace of mind so you can move better and feel better

c l e a r y o g a r h i n e b e c k . c o m H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

23

M I D D L E H U D S O N VA L L E Y

hiker. Along the first part of the journey, you will see historic ruins of an iron mining venture that existed between 1735 and 1923. The hike picks up the west bank of Sterling Lake for a brief segment which leads to the Fire Tower Connector Trail.

During this phase the hiker will experience a 300 foot rise in elevation eventually merging onto the Fire Tower Trail. This old wood road progresses a further 350 feet in elevation reaching the historic Sterling Tower. Hikers will be able to enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding area from the 60 foot lookout. Leaving the Fire Tower hikers will travel northbound on the Sterling Ridge Trail to the Bare Rock Trail. The Bare Rock Trail will provide an enjoyable descent back to Sterling Lake, where hikers will complete the loop back to the Visitors Center. Led by Sterling Park Staff.

Note: This hike includes 650 feet in elevation changes. Wear hiking boots and weather appropriate attire.

To register, contact: Sterling Forest Visitor Center (845) 351 5907. There is a limit of 30 people.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 4 miles.

Total Rise: 650 feet Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Be sure to bring any camera, walking sticks or binoculars to augment the experience.

Bring a lunch.

96. Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour 9|29 11:00 AM Ulster County Heritage Area Visitors Center 20 Broadway, Kingston 12401 845-339-0720 fohk@verizon.net Hear how Kingston’s historic waterfront district mushroomed from farmland into a prosperous maritime village and major Hudson River port during the heyday of the Delaware and Hudson Canal (1828-1898). View the legacy of residential, commercial and ecclesiastical architecture built by the “melting pot” of nationalities that emigrated to Rondout in the nineteenth century.

Note: Sidewalks with one gravel surface path.

Some uphill walking.

Fee: $5 adult; $2 child under 16 Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Gravel uphill path is not wheelchair accessible.

97. Newburgh Open Studios 9|29 9|30 Self Guided 5 Grand Street, Newburgh 12550 845-561-5552 michael@newburghartsupply.com The City of Newburgh’s 2nd Annual Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to see the work of some of the artists in Newburgh’s growing arts community. The studios are located in some amazing historic buildings, most of which are rarely open to the public. This will be a selfguided tour, a good part of which will be walkable.

Maps will be available starting on Saturday, September 29 at 10:00am at Newburgh Art Supply, 5 Grand Street.

Portion Wheelchair Accessible: Some locations are at street level, others are up stairs.

98. A Blast from the Past 9|29 2:00 PM New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor 12553 845-561-1765x22 24

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

michael.mcgurty@parks.ny.gov A Blast from the Past. In celebration of Museum Day & the Hudson River Valley Ramble, New Windsor Cantonment staff perform a military demonstration and fire a cannon at 2:00 PM. A gallery tour follows the demonstration. From 3:30 to 4:30 PM tour the nearby 1754 Ellison House, Knox’s Headquarters.

Additional Activities: The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the New Windsor Cantonment Visitor Center are open. A picnic grove is available and there is plenty of free parking.

99. Full Moon Kayak Tour 9|29 6:00 PM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Begin your leisurely paddle as the sun sets below the horizon. Then once the light fades, out come the glow sticks and headlamps to explore the river in the dark! Lean back and put your feet up as we the moon slowly rises up over the mountains to finish off the evening. Boats provided.

Register by phone.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Please wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and comfortable clothing. Everything else is provided.

Bring a sweater for once the sun sets.

Boats provided.

100. 12th Annual Tivoli Street Painting Festival 9|29 9:00 AM Raindate: 9|30 9:00 AM Broadway (from Montgomery to Pine) Broadway, Tivoli 12583 845-757-2021 sezrati@hvc.rr.com Artists of all ages and experience meet annually on Broadway in the Village of Tivoli to create chalk drawings on 8’x8’ palettes. On registration each artist receives a box of 24 pastels and 12 black and white pieces of chalk and is assigned a square. The rest is pure magic. In a tradition of street art that dates back to the 16th century, the art is created in a day and gone with the next rain.

The enjoyment is in the present, on a beautiful fall day, with music and laughter all around. Squares are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Come early.

Not suitable for children under 2.

All materials are provided without charge .

101. Apple Cider Ramble 9|30 1:00 PM Peach Hill Park 34 Edgewood Dr, Poughkeepsie 12603 845-485-3628 tmeyering@townofpoughkeepsie-ny.gov Collect apples on your hike through an old orchard.

At the end of the hike help press your apples into apple cider. Along the way explore and enjoy this unique 160 acre park and the highest point in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

Note: Moderate climbs, uneven terrain Register by phone by Sept, 24.

Fee: $5.00 donation per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

102. One River, Many Streams Folk Festival 9|30 1:00 PM Main Street (at Cedar Street) Main and Cedar Streets, Beacon 12508 845-454-3222 info@artsmidhudson.org The only festival of its kind in the Mid-Hudson Valley, One River, Many Streams Folk Arts Festival showcases traditional artisans, musicians and dancers living in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Included will be Ukrainian, South Asian, Japanese, and Chinese traditional arts. Interactive traditional craft stations. Festival is part of Spirit of Beacon community festivities.

Metro-North Station: Beacon

103. The Newburgh Addresses 9|30 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site 84 Liberty St., Newburgh 12550 845-562-1195 kathleen.mitchell@parks.ny.gov This is a legendary address General Washington made to his officers on March 15, 1783. Find out more about this critical juncture in our nation’s early military history.

Additional Activities: Tours of the historic Headquarters are free with Museum admission.

104. Hike, History and Flower/Tree ID 9|30 10:00 AM Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center 79 Farmstead Lane, Wappingers Falls 12590 845-831-1617 foundation@stonykill.org Join us for a user–friendly walk/hike, learn about the history of Stony Kill and learn how to identify flowers and trees. Meet at the Manor House Register by phone or email bySeptember 28.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Not suitable for children under 5.

Please bring hat, bug spray, bottle of water.

105. “Almost” Full Moon Kayak Tour 9|30 6:00 PM Storm King Adventure Tours 178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson 12520 845-534-7800 info@stormkingadventuretours.com Begin your leisurely paddle as the sun sets below the horizon. Then once the light fades, out come the glow sticks and headlamps to explore the river in the dark! Lean back and put your feet up as we the moon slowly rises up over the mountains to finish off the evening. Boats provided.

Please call to make your reservation.

Fee: $60 per person Difficulty: Easy Length: 3-4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Paddlers should wear water shoes (sandals, old sneakers etc) and comfortable, quickdrying (non-cotton) clothes. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera.

Boats provided.

Ferncliff Forest Rhinebeck’s number one free attraction offers an amazing view of Hudson Valley from our Observation Tower.

Enjoy hiking, picnics, camping or just walk your dog in our wonderful 200 acre Forest Preserve.

Open all year 68 Mount Rutsen Rd. Rhinebeck, NY

DEALS save 50% to 90% with your favorite local merchants

845-876-3196 for additional information

see all our featured deals at chronogramdeals.com H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

25

Upper

H U D S O N VA L L E Y

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

Event Listings

Indian Ladder Trail, John Boyd Thacher State Park

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

We make every effort to ensure accuracy of event listings. However, due to weather and other factors, information may change between the time of publication and the time of each event. We strongly encourage all participants to verify dates and times with the listed trip leader for each event.

106. Woods Walk-Tree Identification 9|8 10:00 AM Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area 1462 Plank Rd., Petersburgh 12138 518-283-3652 walterkersch@aol.com Walk with a Master Forest Owner and learn to identify the 12 most common trees of the Plateau forests. Examine and appreciate the value of our forests to our environment.

Suggested adult donation $10. Children free Difficulty: Easy Length: 1.5 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6.

Wear hiking boots to fit the weather conditions 26

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

107. Hawk Migration Watch 9|8 10:00 AM John Boyd Thacher State Park Upper Overlook Rt. 157, Voorheesville 12186 518-872-1237 joy.scism@parks.ny.gov View migrating raptors in flight over Thacher Park’s escarpment. The hundreds of migrating birds make this event exciting and magical.

Veteran hawk watch leader Will Aubrey brings enthusiasm and wonder as he shares his knowledge of these spectacular birds.

Additional Activities: Wildlife rehabilitator with live birds of prey, monarch butterfly tent and activities, dragonfly educational tent, hawk educational activities such as wingspan, silhouette ID, mask making, face painting, music, food and refreshments.

108. 18th Century Green 9|8 10:00 AM Bronck Museum 90 County Route 42, Coxsackie 12051 518-731-6490 jbarnhart.gchs@yahoo.com Special content tours at the Bronck Museum discussing the environmental impact of the early American lifestyle.

The tours will be held from 10am-4pm, Tickets are $5 for adults and $2.50 for GCHS Members & Children.

Not suitable for children under 6.

109. Changes of the 20th Century in Albany’s South End 9|8 10:00 AM, 9|29 10:00 AM Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site 32 Catherine Street, Albany 12202 518-434-0834 Michelle.Mavigliano@parks.ny.gov Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site and the John A. Howe Branch of the Albany Public Library invites you to join us for a virtual ramble

of Albany’s historic South End, presented by City Historian Tony Opalka. Using seldom seen images, some dating back a century, Mr. Opalka’s presentation will discuss the physical development of the South End and how its oncecontinuous urban fabric has been broken up into smaller enclaves by urban renewal and highway projects of the mid- 20th century. Discover what ethnic groups called the South End home over its more than 200-year history. A short walk in the South End to explore some of the changes will follow. Sign-in at Schuyler Mansion; presentation will be held at the John A. Howe Branch of the Albany Public Library, 105 Schuyler Street.

Register for either date by phone. Deadline for both dates is September 3, 2012.Program limited to 30 people.

Not suitable for children under 10.

110. USS SLATER Open for Tours All Ramble Weekends Broadway & Quay Streets, Albany 12202 518-431-1943 info@ussslater.org USS SLATER is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm Admission: Adults - $7 Senior Citizens - $6 Children ages 6-14 - $5 Not suitable for children under 3.

111. Explore the History of the Methodists in Cohoes 9|8 10:00 AM Vineyard Community Church 121 Remsen St, Cohoes 12047 518-237-8381 vccalbany@gmail.com In 1820, the first Methodist meetings in Cohoes were held in homes. They came together to form a congregation and soon erected the First church building of any kind in Cohoes. Join us September 8th to learn more about the history of the Methodists in Cohoes, tour the historic

church at 121 Remsen St, and peer into the lives of the “little company of followers of John Wesley.”

1820 - Present 10am - 2pm.

The first level of the church is wheelchair accessible. The second level is not.

In The Heart Of The Hudson Valley

112. History Walk of Green Island Bridge 9|8 10:30 AM Green Island Bridge River & Second Street, Troy 12180 518-272-7232 ilenefrank@rchsonline.org Join us as we tour the Green Island bridge. Learn about this historic Hudson River crossing point, and the various bridges that have been built at this site.

Note: Urban environment, on sidewalks Fee: $5 per person, FREE for RCHS members Difficulty: Easy Length: 1.5 miles.

Duration: 1 hour.

Not suitable for children under 10.

113. Nature’s Bounty

Enjoy casual elegance in a spec-

114. Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival 9|8 12:00 PM Albany Riverfront Park Corning Preserve, Albany 12207 518-434-2032 specialevents@ci.albany.ny.us Since beginning in 2001, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival has featured a veritable “who’s who” of jazz greats, critically acclaimed up-andcoming artists and local favorites at one of the area’s most spectacular venues. Be sure to visit downtown Albany’s fantastic live music venues on Friday, September 7 for the 2nd Annual Downtown Albany Jazz Festival Competition!

Catch great local jazz groups throughout downtown and vote for your favorite to open the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival! Rainsite: Palace Theatre. FREE. Noon - 8:30 pm

115. Hart-Cluett House Tour 9|8 2:00 PM Rensselaer County Historical Society 57 Second Street, Troy 12180 518-272-7232 ilenefrank@rchsonline.org Tour the grand Federal-style Hart-Cluett House, known for its marble facade and the rich stories

tacular mountain setting. Just 75 miles from NYC, Minnewaska Lodge is tucked away at the base of the Shawangunk Cliffs and adjacent to the 25,000+ acres of the Mohonk and Minnewaska State Park Preserves.

Perfect for romantic getaways, small events and retreats

Simple country elegance awaits you at the Inn at Silver Maple Farm. Eleven guest rooms, air-conditioning, internet, cable TV, and full breakfast daily. Conveniently located in the Berkshire foothills of the upper Hudson Valley.

1871 STATE ROUTE 295, EAST CHATHAM, NY WWW.SILVERMAPLEFARM.COM • (518) 781-3600

ALTAMURA ARTS CENTER Theater & Music, Round Top, NY (518) 622-0070 altocanto.org Saturday, August 25, 7:30pm Ibsen’s AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Sunday, August 26, 2pm Bel Canto: CHOPIN AND “I PAGLIACCI” Saturday, October 7, 2pm TRIBUTE TO MAESTRO ANTON COPPOLA

Private decks Dramatic cliff views High-speed internet Home-baked breakfast Adventure Concierge

Selected “Best B&B” Hudson Valley Magazine Readers Poll

Minnewaska Lodge 845-255-1110 MinnewaskaLodge.com 3116 US Rte 44/55 Gardiner, NY 12525 H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

27

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

9|8 11:00 AM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 518-456-0655 info@albanypinebush.org Where would we be without seeds? Seeds are an important part of our life as well as the life in the Pine Bush. The seeds from these globally rare plants are used at our restoration sites. If you would like to learn more about these plants and participate in collecting some of these seeds to be used for habitat restoration in the Pine Bush, join me rain or shine. Along our 1 mile hike over rolling terrain we will also learn how this rare ecosystem is maintained.

Note: Sandy trails with rolling sand dunes.

Please register by phone or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on "Events Calendar”.

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 years free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Please dress for the weather, wear long pants, long socks and bring plenty of water.

of the three families who lived in the house from 1827-1952.

Fee: $10 per person, $5 for RCHS members Not suitable for children under 10.

Wheelchair access to main floor and basement of house, not to 2nd floor.

116. Local Legends Live 9|8 2:00 PM Empire State Plaza Albany 12242 518-473-2982 jason.rumpf@ogs.ny.gov Come enjoy this free event with the area’s top bands and a headlining performance by Mike Doughty. Food and craft vendors will be on site.

Rain or shine.

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

117. 3rd Annual Rensselaer Plateau Traverse Hike 9|8 8:00 AM, 9|9 8:00 AM Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area 1463 Plank Road, Petersburgh 12138 518-794-9160 jim@rensselaerplateau.org Join us for one or both days of our 2 day Plateau Traverse Hike. Become an "end-to-ender." We will meet at Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area at 8am on Saturday and take shuttle busses to our starting point just below the plateau escarpment in the Pittstown State Forest and will spend the day hiking back to Pineridge. Participants are welcome to pitch a tent and spend the night. We will have a BBQ and campfire and breakfast. We will leave Pineridge by 8:30 on Sunday to hike to the southern escarpment in Stephentown. Shuttle busses will bring participants back to Pineridge at the end of the day. Parents: We hope to have a children’s camp both Saturday and Sunday with fun activities for the kids, allowing parents to hike. Please check the events page of our website, www.rensselaerplateau.org in the coming month for details. This event is cosponsored by the Rensselaer Land Trust, the Friends of the Dyken Pond Center, Pineridge Cross Country Ski Area and SKYHIGH Adventures.

Note: A mix of trail conditions (flat, rocky, etc), logging roads and bushwhacking. Bushwhacking will be easy to moderate difficulty, with a few short difficult areas. Trails may be muddy or wet.

Deadline to register: Sept 7th by phone or email.

Fee: $5/day suggested donation to offset the fuel costs of shuttle buses.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: About 15 miles each day, 31 miles total.

Duration: 8+ hours each day.

Not suitable for children under 14.

Bring day pack, water bottles, sturdy footwear, and lunch.

118. Concert: James Keeleghan at Sand Lake Center for the Arts 9|8 8:00 PM Sand Lake Center for the Arts 2880 NY 43, Averill Park 12018 518-674-2007 info@slca-ctp.org James Keeleghan–called Canada’s finest singer/ songwriter. A man for all seasons, received a Juno award (Canada’s Grammy) and others. Acclaimed from Australia to England and Scandinavia.

Masterful storytelling, nine recordings, lilting baritone—driving rhythmic guitar.

Register by phone by September 8.

Fee: $16 per person Not suitable for children under 12.

28

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

119. Papscanee Island Nature Preserve Walk 9|8 9:30 AM Papscanee Island Nature Preserve Staats Island Road, Castleton 12033 518-270-2888 ashaughnessy@rensco.com Led by David Chinery from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, enjoy a 1-hour walk though the Papscanee Island Nature Preserve and discover the various species of plants and animals that make the 156-acre Preserve and Hudson River shoreline their home. Cottonwood trees, buckthorn shrub, and bittersweet vine reflect the history of the land farmed by the Mohican Indians for thousands of years. The preserve also boasts a variety of habitats, including marsh, river bank, and floodplain. This riparian setting is a pristine example of nature reinventing itself. Over 30 acres of the preserve are still farmed today, giving the land the distinction of being under active agriculture (corn) longer than any other lands in the U.S. Over six miles of hiking trails offer public access to over 2 miles of Hudson River shoreline.

From 9J, turn Right at Preserve South Entrance sign onto Staats Island Rd.; go .25 mi. cross Amtrak tracks, Right into Preserve parking lot.

Note: Some uneven surface and slight ascents/ descents, exposed tree roots and limbs.

Pre-registration by phone not required but appreciated by Sept. 7.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

120. Prickly Porcupines 9|9 1:00 PM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 518-456-0655 info@albanypinebush.org Porcupines, also known as quill pigs are the only mammal in North America with quills, and they live here in the pine bush. Join us for a talk and a short walk to learn more about these interesting and elusive animals.

Note: Sandy trails with rolling sand dunes.

Please call to sign up or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on "Events Calendar”.

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family Children under 5 years free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Please dress for the weather, wear long pants, long socks and bring plenty of water.

121. Guided tour of Watervliet Arsenal Musuem 9|9 1:00 PM, 9|16 1:00 PM, 9|23 1:00 PM, 9|30 1:00 PM Watervliet Arsenal Building 38, Watervliet 12189 518-266-4772 usarmy.watervliet.tacom.list.wvacurator@mail.mil The nation’s oldest continuously operating arsenal, the Watervliet Arsenal was founded in 1813 to provide powder horns, cartridge boxes, and other equipment needed to fight Great Britain in the War of 1812. Today, the Watervliet Arsenal is the Army’s primary gun-tube maker.

The arsenal’s museum is housed in the landmark Iron Building, built in 1859 and constructed of prefabricated cast iron plates, and features weaponry dating back to the 16th century. Adults are required to show photo identification to guards at the South Gate. Pictures may be taken inside the museum. Open 10am - 3pm.

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

122. Catskill Day Hikes Guidebook Authors Hike to North Point.

9|9 10:00 AM North-South Lake Public Campground County Route 18, Haines Falls 12436 315-853-1070 ccswhite@juno.com Hike along the spectacular Escarpment Trail, visiting Artists Rock, Sunset Rock, and Bad Man’s Cave to North Point, with a sweeping vista of the Hudson Valley, North-South Lakes and Kaaterskill High Peak.

Note: Steep ascents/descents, rock scrambling, uneven rocky trails, wet sections.

Please register by phone or email by Sept. 7.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 4.7 miles.

Duration: 5-6 hours Not suitable for children under 10.

Hiking boots suggested. Short car shuttle required. Bring your own lunch.

123. Old Erie Canal Bicycle Tour 9|9 10:15 AM Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center 25 Quackenbush Square (corner Broadway and Clinton Ave), Albany 12207 518-225-4209 hardworkinjohn@aol.com or kquandt@albany.org Join us for a casual ride and visit the wonders of the legendary Erie Canal from its historic eastern terminus, the Albany Basin, to the giant modern locks of the New York State Canal System. The former limestone structures of the 1800’s are still accessible, which we will explore. Your host and guide for the tour is John Vendetti, American Heritage Bicycle Tours. The tour begins at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center with a viewing of an orientation film about the history of Albany and a self-guide through the history gallery.

Note: Flat terrain Reservations are appreciated, but not required, through September 8th by phone or email.

Fee: $10 per cyclist (includes snacks and water) Difficulty: Moderate Length: 25 miles.

Duration: 5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring bicycle, helmet, water and proper clothing

124. Monarch Butterfly Conservation 9|9 2:00 PM Greenport Conservation Area

”

“New York State is blessed with a richness in history and heritage. The Hudson River Valley Ramble is one chance for us to interpret that history and utilize our heritage sites. Last year, hundreds of thousands of people explored and visited these sites along the Hudson River. I hope you all return, and bring your family, friends and neighbors as we rediscover America’s First River and what it means to be a New Yorker.”

—Congressman Paul Tonko

125. Bronck Family in the Wilderness: Beavers & Other Beasts 9|9 2:30 PM Bronck Museum 90 County Route 42, Coxsackie 12051 518-731-6490 jbarnhart.gchs@yahoo.com Special content tour on the significance of native animals to the settlement of the Bronck farmstead.

Tours will also be given of the Bronck house.

Fee: Adults $6, GCHS Members & Children $3.

Not suitable for children under 6.

126. Harvest Day at Lindenwald 9|15 1:00 PM Martin Van Buren national Historic Site 1013 Old Post Road, Kinderhook 12106 518-758-9689 mava_info@nps.gov Celebrate the importance of agriculture to Martin Van Buren. The day’s activities will run from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. See special presentations, learn gardening techniques, observe farm crafts and skills and explore the agricultural history of President Van Buren’s residence. There will be master gardener talks, demonstrations, butter churning and other special treats as well as musical entertainment.

127. A Walk in Albany Rural Cemetery: Urban Anxieties in the City of Dead 9|15 1:00 PM Raindate: 9|22 1:00 PM Albany Rural Cemetery Cemetery Avenue, Menands 12204 518-442-4777 jpipkin@albany.edu Albany Rural Cemetery is a jewel among

128. LarkFEST 9|15 10:00 AM Lark Street between Madison & Washington Avenues , Albany 12210 518-434-3861 bid@larkstreet.org LarkFEST is Upstate New York’s largest one-day street festival celebrating the Heart of Albany. The event hosts hundreds of vendors, 2 stages of music with both local and national headlining music acts.

With an estimated 80,000 people descending upon Lark Street, this is the event to not miss!

LarkFEST was voted in the top 3 “Best Arts Events” in both 2009 and 2010. 2012 promises to be as exciting as ever, as we celebrate the 31st Annual LarkFEST with fantastic music, more than a hundred unique vendors, great food, and more!

129. Historic Post Card Show at the U&D Train Station 9|15 10:00 AM Mountain Top Historical Society 5132 NYS Route 23A, Haines Falls 12436 518-589-6657 director@mths.org Five postcard dealers will display their wares in our 1913 Ulster and Delaware Train Station offering antique postcards with a concentration on the Catskill Mountains and the railroads. John Duda of the Kaaterskill Postcard Club will give a presentation about postcard collecting illustrated with local examples.

Fee: $3.00 admission Not suitable for children under 5.

130. Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival 9|15 10:00 AM, 9|16 10:00 AM Altamont Fair Grounds Main Street, Altamont 12009 518-861-6515 altamontorchard@aol.com The 18th annual Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival will again be held at the Altamont Fair Grounds, Route 146, Altamont. Activities include a farmers market and bakery, a variety of entertainment, car show, haunted house, children’s rides, wine tasting and cooking demonstrations.

Adults $8, children under 15 free.

131. Uncle Sam History Walk 9|15 10:30 AM Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market 290 River Street, Troy 12180 518-272-7232 ilenefrank@rchsonline.org Who was the man behind our nation’s icon of Uncle Sam? Tour around Troy, to visit sites associated with Samuel Wilson. Tour leaves from the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market. Sponsored

by Rensselaer County Historical Society Fee: $5 per person, FREE for RCHS members.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1.5 miles.

Duration: 1 hour.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Portion Wheelchair Accessible: Most sidewalks have curb cuts

132. Hudson River Overlooks 9|15 11:00 AM Melville House 2 114th St., Troy 12182 518-272-1539 russellziemba2004@yahoo.com.

In conjunction with the 2012 Hudson River Valley Ramble, Lansingburgh Historical Society Trustee Russell Ziemba will lead a hiking and driving tour of six urban and rural locations where one can view the Hudson River, from south of Lansingburgh to the clay banks on the east side of Champlain Lock I in Schaghticoke. The tour is open to the public and beverages will be available.

Difficulty: Easy Duration: 2.5 hours.

Attendees should be prepared to car pool.

Additional Activities: The Melville House will be open to attendees before and after the outing.

Walking/hiking shoes suggested but not required.

133. Crailo Harvest Faire 9|15 11:00 AM Raindate: 9|16 11:00 AM Crailo State Historic Site 9 1/2 Riverside Avenue, Rensselaer 12144 518-463-8738 erica.nuckles@parks.ny.gov An old fashioned agricultural festival devoted to all aspects of harvest time in the colonial-era Hudson Valley, Harvest Faire offers seventeenthand eighteenth-century music, historical reenactors, vendors, Native American and colonial demonstrations, games and activities.

Harvest Faire is a free outdoor event. A nominal fee is charged for entry to the museum exhibit inside Crailo State Historic Site.

Our grounds are largely wheelchair accessible as is the first floor of the museum. Please call for available accommodations.

134. Anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga 9|15 11:00 AM, 9|16 11:00 AM Saratoga National Historical Park 648 Route 32, Stillwater 12170 518-670-2982 gina_johnson@nps.gov 18th century American and British soldiers set the scene with tents, campfires, horses, musket and cannon firings. Discuss strategy with officers, judge a court-martial, go on a “reconnaissance” party, learn about period recipes, sewing and cooking techniques.

Event is free, but tour road entrance fees still apply: $5 per vehicle, $3 per adult to hike/bike/ horseback ride, $10 annual pass.

Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible; camp sites along the tour road are accessible, but require navigation across flat, grassy terrain.

135. Five Rivers Fall Festival 9|15 12:00 PM Fiver Rivers Environmental Education Center 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar 12054 518-475-0295 FRLTD@juno.com Get into nature at the ever-popular Five Rivers Fall Festival. Lots of free fun for families, including insect safari, meet-and greet reptiles H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

29

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

54 Daisy Hill Road, Greenport 12534 518-392-5252x210 jenny@clctrust.org Every fall Monarch butterflies head south to spend the winter at roosting sites. Following a talk about Monarch butterflies, we will capture, tag, and release the butterflies during peak migration.

Tagging monarchs helps researchers gather data to answers questions about monarch butterfly migration. Children will get to decorate their own butterfly wings to take home.

Registration deadline: Friday, September 7th by phone or e-mail.

the landscapes of the Capital District, an exceptionally large and well-preserved example of the rural cemetery landscape ideal. On this walking tour we will outline the history and growth of the cemetery, note some of its more impressive features, visit some of its well- and less-known inhabitants, and exhume some of the urban anxieties that lie beneath the surface of this beautiful place. Starting at the Chapel, off Broadway Entrance Fee: $5 per person Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 5.

and amphibians, hands-on ecocrafts, green tech display and GPS scavenger hunt. Shop for bargains at the bake, book and plant sales. Enjoy jugglers, puppets and local musicians, and take time to appreciate the wonderful landscape and wildlife of Five Rivers - where nature always steals the show. Hosted by DEC and Friends of Five Rivers. Noon-4pm. Free entry and parking.

136. Rams Horn- Livingston Sanctuary Paddle

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

9|15 12:00 PM Dutchmen’s Landing Main Street, Catskill 12414 845-473-440 ext 273 aconeski@scenichudson.org Join Audubon New York and Scenic Hudson on a trip by kayak or canoe through the primeval landscape in this largest tidal swamp in the Hudson River estuary. While paddling along RamsHorn Creek, you’ll discover creatures great and small, from bald eagles and great blue herons to beaver, otter and muskrat.

Note: Calm waters Register by phone or email.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 4 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring your own boat (12 foot or longer), PFD, extra paddle, spray skirt (kayaks), snack and water.

137. The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company presents: Dance Inspired

by Children’s Stories 9|15 4:00 PM Raindate: 9|16 2:00 PM Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site 5720 Route 9G, Hudson 12534 518-828-1872x109 shasbrook@olana.org The Olana Partnership joins with The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (www.sinopolidances.org) to bring a special afternoon of modern dance that incorporates visual and narrative delights inspired by children’s book authors and illustrators including Maurice Sendak, Thomas Locker and Hudson Talbott. Dive into the world of fantasy and imagination as the dancers delight the audience with movement that celebrates rhythm, energy and musicality.

Fee: $5/person, children under 12 are free. *$5 Vehicle use fee applies before 4pm.

Additional Activities: Olana will be open for House Tours the day of the performance. The last house tour is at 4pm. Additional fees for tours are available on our website, www.olana.org.

138. Hudson River Art Trail Hike 9|15 9:00 AM Thomas Cole National Historic Site 218 Spring Street, Catskill 12414 518-943-7465 info@thomascole.org The Thomas Cole Historic Site is pleased to present a series of guided hikes on the Hudson River School Art Trail, which brings you into the magnificent landscapes that inspired Thomas Cole and other luminaries of 19th-century landscape painting. All hikes depart promptly from the Thomas Cole NHS and begin with a 30-minute drive into the nearby mountains.

Participants may carpool. Please arrive at 9 am. If you have not arrived by 9:15 am the hike will begin without you and there is no way for you to rejoin the program. Please, no pets.

To register go to: www.thomascole.org/hike-reservation-form, or call: 518-943-7465 x 5 30

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Fee: $16, or $12 for members. Includes a copy of the Hudson River School Art Trail Guidebook and guided tour of the Thomas Cole Historic Site at the end of your hike.

Note: Temperatures on the Mountaintop are 10 to 15 degrees cooler.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 6. Parent or guardian must accompany all hikers under 18.

Moderate hikes are for children 12 or older.

Please wear sturdy footwear. Bring water, snacks, lunch, sunblock, rain gear. Wear long pants tucked into socks.

139. Huckleberry Point Hike 9|15 9:00 AM Catskills, 6 miles SW of Tannersville Platte Clove Road, Elka Park 12427 845-586-2611x102 jmogelever@catskillcenter.org Join the Catskill Center for a wonderful hike to a beautiful view of the Hudson Valley. Afterward we can visit Platte Clove Preserve and enjoy a stunning waterfall-just a short walk from the trailhead.

Note: Good trail with only a moderate elevation gain.

Please register by Friday, September 15. Contact Jonathan at jmogelever@catskillcenter.org or call 845-586-2611 Difficulty: Moderate Length: 5 miles.

Duration: 4 hours.

140. Honoria Livingston McVitty Annual Croquet Tournament 9|15 9:00 AM, 9|16 11:00 AM Clermont State Historic Site 400 Woods Rd, Germantown 12526 518-537-6622 fofc@valstar.net This two-day tournament is situated on the mansion’s historic Croquet courts overlooking the Hudson River. Compete with local public and collegiate croquet teams. Back-yard novices are welcome! Advanced participants are welcome to provide their own mallet if desired. Novices are required to use the mallets provided by Clermont.

Please register at (518) 537-4240. This game is played with partners, but singles are welcome to register and find a partner on that day by Sept 15th at 9:00AM. Entry is $22 per person and includes a delightful boxed lunch on Saturday. Spectators are also welcome for a $5 parking fee.

Additional Activities: House tours will be available from 11am to 4pm. An exhibition game will be played by costumed players at 1pm.

Not suitable for children under 10.

141. Brilliant and Bristly Buckmoths 9|16 1:00 PM, 9|23 1:00 PM, 9|29 11:00 AM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 518-456-0655 info@albanypinebush.org Join us for a short walk to discover the amazing world of buckmoths. The buckmoth is a large beautiful moth with bold black and white wings that flies for only a brief window of time in the early fall. A species of special concern in New York State, the buckmoth is uniquely dependent on the scrub oak that thrives in this sandy firedependent ecosystem. Please remember to bring your binoculars!

Note: Sandy trails with rolling sand dunes.

Please call to sign up or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on "Events Calendar”.

KEY TO RAMBLE EVENTS Hudson River Estuary

Greenway Trail

Great Estates

Hudson River Artists Trail

Revolutionary War Trail

Family Friendly

Hiking Boots/Shoes required or recommended Wheelchair Accessible (for details, contact the trip leader)

Public Transportation Bicycle

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family Children under 5 years free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Please dress for the weather, wear long pants, long socks and bring plenty of water.

142. Hike the Old Overlook Road from Woodstock to Platte Clove 9|16 11:00 AM Old Overlook Road Trail Platte Clove Rd., Palenville 12463 315-853-1070 ccswhite@juno.com Hike the Old Overlook Road between Platte Clove and Woodstock to a large quarry overlooking the Hudson Valley, known as Codfish Point, where workers were stranded for days during an extended snowstorm and subsisted on canned codfish!

Note: A moderate ascent that features typical Catskill rocky trail.

Please register by phone or email by Sept. 14th.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3.8 miles.

Duration: 5 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Bring your own lunch.

143. Hidden Valley Ramble 9|22 1:00 PM Raindate: 9|23 1:00 PM Taconic State Park 257 Route 344, Copake Falls 12517 518-966-2730 info@FriendsofTSP.org Hidden deep within the 14,000 acre Taconic State Park is a privately owned farm surrounded on four sides by public lands. The farm owner has kindly invited Friends of Taconic State Park to host a “Hidden Valley Ramble.” Hikers will have access to a property that is rarely open to the public.

Note: Some steep ascents/descents, uneven rocky surface, rock scrambling.

Participation strictly limited to 12 hikers; advance registration required.

Register by September 21st. 518-329-3993 or info@FriendsofTSP.org Difficulty: Difficult Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Water bottles, binoculars and cameras are strongly recommended.

”

“Throughout my 24 year career in the Army, my family and I lived in many different places.

However, no matter how far my travels in the military took me away from the Hudson Valley, and my hometown of Kinderhook, I always knew this was home. Like other native residents of the Hudson Valley, I grew up with a deep love and respect for the beauty of our landscape and the rich history that surrounds us. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to our region during the Hudson River Valley Ramble and I know that they will enjoy the opportunity to explore the region and attend the special events that are planned.”

—Congressman Chris Gibson

144. Kayaking 4 a Cure

145. Devil’s Chimney Walk 9|22 10:00 AM, 9|23 10:00 AM Knickerbocker Mansion 132 Knickerbocker Road, Schaghticoke 12154 518-664-1700 knickinfo@aol.com The Devil’s Chimney Walk is a 4.2 mile roundtrip hike through Schaghticoke’s historic Vale of Peace (the site of an historic Native American village and first Schaghticoke settlement) then along the Hoosick River to a Native American shrine named Devil’s Chimney. During the hike the guide will point out important historic sites and geographic features.

Note: Uneven surfaces; some uneven walking in fields and some rock scrambling along Hoosick River.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 4.2miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Additional Activities: Knickerbocker Harvest Festival 8:00am-4:00pm. Pancake Breakfast $6 8:00am-11:00am Chicken and Biscuit Dinner $10 - Noon-4:00pm. 14th Albany Militia Re-enactors (Col. Knickerbocker's unit), Knickerbocker Mansion and Cemetery Tours, Bake Sale, Harvest Produce for sale, Flea Market and Snack Bar open.

Not suitable for children under 5.

Bring water and wear hiking boots.

9|22 10:00 AM, 9|23 12:00 PM, 9|29 10:00 AM, 9|30 12:00 PM Spring Street Gallery 110 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs 12866 518-587-5554 maria@saratogaplan.org The “Thousand Fibers” Art Show is a curated exhibit featuring international, local and student artists using fibers from local farms for their works. It is part of a year-long campaign of events called “Three Bags Full,” introducing the world of fibers and raising funds to conserve the Foster Sheep Farm, located on the bank of the Hudson River in the Town of Northumberland in Saratoga County. All proceeds from art sales will be donated to conserve the farm.

147. Martin Van Buren’s Native Town 9|22 10:00 AM Raindate: 9|29 10:00 AM Kinderhook Village Village Green, Kinderhook 12106 518-758-7605 rpiwonka@nycap.rr.com Walk streets and lanes known to President Martin Van Buren and see buildings familiar to him.

Kinderhook is an architecturally well-preserved village with a long history, and the tour will highlight this history and architecture.

Register by phone or e-mail.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 2.5 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring water.

148. HistoryWalk Amazing Architecture 9|22 10:30 AM Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market 290 River Street, Troy 12180 518-272-7232 ilenefrank@rchsonline.org Stroll downtown Troy and you’ll find a rich built environment. This 1 hour walking tour showcases Troy’s architectural gems and range of styles.

Tour leaves from the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market. Sponsored by Rensselaer County Historical Society.

Note: Tour takes place in downtown Troy an urban environment. Tour is mostly on sidewalks, with some slight inclines.

Fee: $5 for non-members, FREE for RCHS members.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 1 hour.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Most sidewalks have curb cuts.

149. Autumn Equinox 9|22 11:00 AM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 518-456-0655 info@albanypinebush.org Equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”. From here on out the temperatures begin to drop and daylight begins to wane. Join us for a 1 mile hike to celebrate this once a year event.

Note: Sandy trails with rolling sand dunes.

Please sign up by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on “Events Calendar”.

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family/Children under 5 years are free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Please dress for the weather, wear long pants, long socks and bring plenty of water.

150. Future Now 9|22 2:00 PM Hudson Crossing Park Schuylerville 12871 518-695-3104 valerie@blueelmclothing.com A fun destination for the whole family on the first day of Fall. Explore the wonder of how what we do “now” affects the future. “Fall” in love with nature at Hudson Crossing Park. Plant bulbs, hike, bike, kayak, play in the garden. Learn about the climate solutions. Be entertained by an eco-friendly fashion show sponsored by the new lifestyle brand Blue Elm Clothing, created by Turning Point Design, Inc. Come Ramble with us!

Bring your own kayak

151. Hannaford Hispanic Heritage Festival 9|22 3:00 PM Empire State Plaza Albany 12242 518-473-2982 jason.rumpf@ogs.ny.gov Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Attractions include performances by La Exelencia Salsa Band with Amarfis y la Banda de Atakke.

Latin arts, crafts and food vendors. For more information call (518) 474-0460 or go to www.empirestateplaza.org

152. Troy’s Tiffany Treasures 9|22 9:30 AM Downtown Troy 518-274-5267 info@hudsonmohawkgateway.org Troy may well have more Tiffany windows per square mile than any other city in the nation.

We will briefly describe the life’s work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and then guide you on a walking and driving tour of the abundant Tiffany windows and interior designs in downtown Troy. Advance registration required. This always sells out, so be sure to register early by phone or e-mail.

Registration deadline is September 20th, 4 pm.

Fee: $20 per person, cash or check at door, charge available if called in or sent in advance.

Under 12 free; must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Cameras are permitted

153. Cycle the Rensselaer Plateau 9|22 9:30 AM Miller Hill Elementary School 8439 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park 12018 518-283-0155 sdgibbs@nycap.rr.com Climb the hills of the 100,000 acre Rensselaer Plateau. Shari will lead a challenging 50 mile loop passing natural and historic sites: Taborton’s Bowman Ponds, the Old Dutch Church, Dyken Pond Dam, Grafton Peace Pagoda, Dickinson Hill Fire Tower, Grafton Lakes State Park, and the Barbersville Falls. Info on the Rensselaer Plateau can be found at www.rensselaerplateau.org.

Note: Starts at Miller Hill School on Rte 66 just north of stoplight at intersection of Rte 43 and 66 in Sand Lake.

Difficulty: Very Difficult Length: 50 miles.

Duration: 6 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12. Seasoned riders 13-16 must have parent sign and accompany.

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

31

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

9|22 8:00AM, 9|22 12:00PM Mechanicville Boat Dock 10 Terminal Street, Mechanicville 12118 518-495-6099 markwells@Kayaking4aCure.org This first annual kayak event will raise awareness about asbestos-caused mesothelioma and raise money for research to fight this cancer.

Participants will paddle down the Hudson River from Schuylerville through Stillwater and land in Mechanicville. Participate either by paddling with us down the Hudson River or joining us at the end at the Mechanicville boat dock on Terminal Street.

Note: Paddling with the current and we go through 2 locks.

Please register by August 31st. You can register thru Kayaking4aCure.org Please register in advance to be sure to get a t-shirt, which is $20.00. All proceeds to mesothelioma research.

Difficulty: Moderate Paddlers under age 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Please bring kayak, paddle, life vest.

146. A Thousand Fibers

Bike and helmet required, bring food/energy drinks as store stop is late in ride. Minors must be accompanied by parent.

154. The Appealing Apple: Apple Festival at Olana 9|22 9:30 AM Wagon House Education Center, Olana State Historic Site 5720 Route 9G, Hudson 12534 518-828-1872x109 shasbrook@olana.org The Olana Partnership and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties invite you to celebrate the first day of autumn at Olana. Make homemade applesauce, listen to lectures about apple varieties and uses, enjoy an apple taste sampling and watch a children’s puppet show. Create old fashioned crafts, and engage in old fashioned games. Rain or shine.

Pre-registration is requested but not required.

Fee: $5/person, Families of 4: $15. *Vehicle use fee applies after 10am.

Additional Actvities: House Tours will be available the day of the event. Please visit our website www.olana.org for more information.

U PPE R H U D S O N V A L L E Y

155. A Tour of Olana’s Geological Landscape 9|23 1:00 PM Raindate: 9|30 1:00 PM Olana State Historic Site 5720 Route 9G, Hudson 12534 518-828-1872x109 shasbrook@olana.org Join Robert Titus, Hartwick College geology professor in an exploratory walking tour of the Ice Age forces that shaped the 19th Century artists’ landscape. Learn about the bedrock geological history of Olana. Participants will meet at the East Lawn of Olana. Space is limited, please preregister.

Please contact Sarah Hasbrook to reserve your spot by phone or e-mail.

Fee: $5.00 vehicle use fee applied.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: Less than 1 mile.

Duration: 2 hours.

Additional Activities: House Tours of Olana are available on that day, at an additional fee.

Not suitable for children under 15.

156. Historic Mansions of Albany Bicycle Tour 9|23 10:15 AM Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center 25 Quackenbush Square (corner Broadway and Clinton Ave), Albany 12207 518-225-4209 or 518-434-0405 hardworkinjohn@aol.com or kquandt@albany.org Join us for a casual ride and visit the last of the 18th century homes built by the wealthy and powerful Dutch families of Rensselaerwyck including Van Rensselaer’s Historic Cherry Hill, Revolutionary War hero Philip Schuyler’s Pastures and General Abraham Ten Broeck’s Arbor Hill. Ride back in time and learn the fascinating stories these houses have within them. Prior to departure, view the Albany Visitor Center orientation film and self-guide through the history gallery. Your host and guide for the tour is John Vendetti, American Heritage Bicycle Tours.

Note: Mostly flat with 3 small uphills.

Reservations appreciated but not required.

Reserve by September 22nd by phone or e-mail.

Fee: $10 per cyclist Difficulty: Moderate Length: 7 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

32

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Not suitable for children under 12.

Bring bike, helmet, water and proper clothing.

157. Audubon’s Rheinstrom Hill Sanctuary Hike 9|29 10:00 AM Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Sanctuary and Center 225 Cambridge Road, Craryville 12521 518-678-3248 lfederman@audubon.org Join Sanctuary staff on this woodland hike over impeccably maintained, moss-covered trails as we discover what makes this 1,000+ acre sanctuary a special and unique gem. Rheinstrom Hill is the largest privately-owned forest in the county and supports a suite of forest birds - come see what makes it so special!

Note: Parts of the trail include steep ascents/ descents, uneven rocky surface.

Register by Sept. 28th by calling Larry Federman at 518-678-3248 or e-mailing lfederman@ audubon.org Difficulty: Moderate Length: 2 miles.

Duration: 3 hours.

Not suitable for children under 12.

Make sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy after the hike.

158. HistoryWalk - Lafayette in Troy 9|29 10:30 AM Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market 290 River Street, Troy 12180 518-272-7232 ilenefrank@rchsonline.org In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, America’s Hero, toured Troy with great fanfare. Walk to the sites he visited and learn about the people he met.

Tour leaves from the Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market. Sponsored by Rensselaer County Historical Society Note: Tour is mostly on sidewalks with some slight inclines.

Fee: $5 per person, FREE for RCHS members.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Most sidewalks have curb cuts.

159. Fall Foliage Hike to Dickinson Fire Tower 9|29 10:30 AM Raindate: 9|30 10:30 AM Parking Lot at end of Long Pond Road Grafton State Park, Grafton 12082 518-279-1155 elizabeth.wagner@parks.ny.gov Enjoy fall foliage on the Rensselaer Plateau and a view to the Adirondacks, Green Mountains of Vermont, and the Berkshires of Massachusetts from atop the recently restored Dickinson Fire Tower. The trail has some fine areas for spotting animal tracks and massive boulders that children will enjoy perusing. Participants are welcome to enjoy their lunch by the Fire Tower before returning along the trail in the afternoon.

Please register by Thursday, September 27 by phone or email.

Note: Mostly over moderate terrain with brief steep climb along trail. Fire Tower has 80 steps to view at the top.

Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3 miles.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Hiking boots recommended. Bring a lunch.

160. Almost Full Moon Walk 9|29 6:00 PM Greenport Conservation Area 54 Daisy Hill Road, Greenport 12534 518-392-5252 heidi@clctrust.org Things look different in the dark! Generally, our Public Conservation Areas are only open dawn to dusk, so this is a rare opportunity to experience the Greenport Conservation Area on a guided tour. Views of the Hudson River and Catskills along the way.

Note: Wheelchair-accessible trail meanders through open fields and into deciduous forests.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 1-2 miles.

Duration: 2 hours.

CLC does have three wheelchairs available.

Please contact ahead of time to reserve.

161. Nature Games 9|30 1:00 PM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, Albany 12205 518-456-0655 info@albanypinebush.org There’s no better way to learn about nature than through games. Join us for an hour of fun with Nature Games! All games are participatory and will be geared toward a family audience.

Note: Paved sidewalks and exhibit spaces (inside and outside) Please call to sign up or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org and click on "Events Calendar”.

Fee: $3 per person/$5 per family Children under 5 years free.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 0.2 mile.

Duration: 1 hour.

Please dress for the weather, wear long pants, long socks and bring plenty of water.

162. Heritage Craft Fair 9|30 12:00 PM Bronck Museum 90 County Route 42, Coxsackie 12051 518-731-6490 jbarnhart.gchs@yahoo.com Exhibit and sale of traditional American crafts, live music, wagon rides, food, silent auction Some displays will be in the c. 1663 house which is not wheelchair accessible.

163. Windham High Peak Traverse 9|30 9:30 AM South of Windham, NY Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest 12454 315-853-1070 ccswhite@juno.com Hike with Catskill guidebook authors over 3,524-foot Windham High Peak and enjoy many excellent views in all directions along the northern Escarpment Trail.

Note: Moderately steep ascents, uneven rocky surface and some rock scrambling Please register by Sept. 27th by phone or e-mail.

Difficulty: Difficult Length: 7 miles.

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Not suitable for children under 10.

Bring your own lunch.

TH E

DORSKY COME SEE WHAT’S NEW...

DETAIL: RUSSEL WRIGHT: THE NATURE OF DESIGN

SHINOHARA POPS! THE AVANT-GARDE ROAD, TOKYO/ NEW YORK Aug 29 – Dec 16, 2012 RUSSEL WRIGHT: THE NATURE OF DESIGN Aug 29 – Mar 10, 2013 Opening Reception Saturday, Sept 8 5 - 7 pm

SAMUEL DORSKY MUSEUM OF ART STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT NEW PALTZ

WWW.NEWPALTZ.EDU/MUSEUM

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 1

33

H UDS O N R I V E R VA LLE Y R A M B LE

S P O NS O R I N G S I TES & O R G A N I Z A T I O NS Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center and American Heritage Bicycle Tours Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Altamont Orchards, Inc. Atlantic Kayak Tours Audubon New York Beacon Sloop Club Beatrix Farrand Garden Association Boscobel House & Gardens Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Catskill 3500 Club Catskill Center for Conservation and Development Clermont State Historic Site and Friends of Clermont Columbia Land Conservancy Crailo State Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Crailo DEC Hudson River Research Reserve Destroyer Escort Historical Museum Dobbs Ferry Historical Society Dutchess County Arts Council and Dutchess County SPCA Dutchess County Arts Council Folk Arts Program Esopus Creek Conservancy Family of Woodstock and Wildcat Epic Events Fishkill Historical Society Fort Montgomery State Historic Site Friends of Doodletown Friends of Fishkill Supply Depot Friends of Five Rivers Friends of Harmony Hall ~ Jacob Sloat House Town of Ramapo Friends of Historic Kingston Friends of Peach Hill Park Friends of Taconic State Park Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct Village of Irvington Gomez Mill House Grafton Lakes State Park & Friends Group Greene County Historical Society Hudson Crossing Park Hudson Highlands Land Trust Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway Hudson River Adventures Hudson River Sloop Clearwater 34

H U D S O N R I V E R VA L L E Y R A MB L E 2 0 1 2

Hudson River Watertrail Association (HRWA) Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association, Inc. Hurds Family Farm Hurley Heritage Society Hyde Park Trail Committee John Boyd Thacher State Park Knickerbocker Historical Society, Inc. Lansingburgh Historical Society Lyndhurst, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center Martin Van Buren National Historic Site Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany Marlborough Agricultural Alliance Meet Me in Marlborough Melzingah Chapter, DAR Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Mohonk Preserve Mountain Top Historical Society Mountain Tops Outfitters Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society National Audubon Society National Park Service Frederick W Vanderbilt Garden Association New Rochelle Council on the Arts New York State Office of General Services New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation New York/New Jersey Trail Conference Newburgh Art Supply New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Orange County Land Trust Palisades Interstate Park Commission Papscanee Island Preserve Rensselaer County Historical Society Rensselaer Plateau Alliance & Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club Pineridge XC Ski Area Rondout Valley Business Association Sand Lake Center for the Arts Saratoga National Historical Park Saratoga P.L.A.N. Save Washington's Lookout Committee Saw Mill River Audubon Scenic Hudson

Beczak Environmental Education Center and Teatown Lake Reservation John A. Howe Branch of the Albany Public Library New York Audubon Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter St. Simeon Foundation Sterling Forest State Park Stony Kill Foundation Storm King Adventure Tours Tappantown Historical Society The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. The Beacon Institute The John Burroughs Association The Lark Street BID The Newburgh Rowing Club Orange County The Olana Partnership Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company Thomas Cole National Historic Site Town of Amenia Town of Clarkstown Town of Esopus Town of Greenburgh GreenwayW3R Committee Town of Greenburgh Dept. of Parks & Recreation Town of LaGrange Conservation Advisory Council Town of Poughkeepsie Recreation Department Trinity Cruises Trustees and Friends of Albany Rural Cemetery Village of Kinderhook Village of Tivoli Vineyard Community Church Volkssport Club of West Point Wappingers Greenway Committee Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site Watervliet Arsenal Museum West Point Museum Westchester Land Trust

13th Annual Hudson River Valley

625 Broadway – 4th Floor Albany, NY 12207 518-473-3835 www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

Get to the fun faster.

Fly into Stewart.

The quickest way to Hudson Valley mountain views, historic attractions and wineries is through Stewart International Airport.

Besides boating, fishing, hiking, winter sports and world-class restaurants, we offer on-time performance, stress-free boarding, convenient access to baggage and affordable fares all less than an hour from New York City. Next time you come to the Hudson Valley, land at Stewart, just like Delta, JetBlue and U.S. Airways do.

Then, let the fun begin.

Stewart International Airport.

Your Gateway to New York.