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A great “outdoor classroom” for introducing kids to nature.

ESOPUS, Ulster County (130 acres) — For a family-friendly hike, you can’t beat Black Creek Preserve. Yes, the steep uphill climb at the start may make the under-10 contingent groan, but they’ll love crossing the suspension bridge that spans the creek and skipping stones on the Hudson River shoreline. In between, have them watch out for wildlife — from blueback herring, which journey from the ocean to deposit their eggs in Black Creek, to bald eagles.

Free and open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES

The safety of our park visitors is our top priority. Due to COVID-19, we continue to require that all group visits be pre-approved and limited to 25 people or fewer (please fill out this form and email Anthony Coneski to coordinate a group visit).

Starting Monday, May 24, Scenic Hudson is adopting outdoor safety guidelines that align with the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State:

• Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in most settings, but we do recommend that everyone wear masks in large public groups. 
• Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and NYS guidance, must wear masks in all public settings.

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More to explore

John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in West Park features hiking trails and the renowned writer’s rustic cabin. Kingston’s historic Rondout District is home to shops, restaurants and the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which offers illuminating exhibits as well as boat trips to the Rondout Lighthouse.