Poets’ Walk Park
Inspiring poets and non-writers alike since 1850.
RED HOOK, Dutchess County (120 acres) — Believe it or not, you’re walking through a designed landscape — a series of “outdoor rooms” separated by stands of trees and stone walls — created for the owners of two neighboring estates around 1850. It got its name because writers like Washington Irving loved rambling here; legend has it he came up with the idea for “Rip Van Winkle” while gazing toward the Catskill Mountains, site of his protagonist’s long sleep. Don’t be surprised if your own creativity gets a boost from spotting colorful (and mellifluous) songbirds in the meadow, strolling through the shadows in the wooded ravine or enjoying majestic vistas that haven’t changed a whit in 170 years.
Free and open year-round. Gates open every day at 8:30 a.m. Closing hours vary according to the season:
| Nov. 1–March 13 | 6:00 p.m. |
| March 14–April 30 | 7:30 p.m. |
| May 1–Sept. 30 | 8:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 1–Oct. 31 | 7:30 p.m. |
Discovering Poets’ Walk Park
A short film by Jon Bowermaster/Oceans 8 films, music by Meena Ysanne.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health and safety of park visitors remains one of our top priorities. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 endemic, all special events and group outings must be pre-approved. To coordinate one, please fill out this form and email Anthony Coneski.
Thanks for doing your part to protect yourself and others so we can continue to make Scenic Hudson parks and preserves available for all.
Activities
- Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
- Bike rack
“Share the Love” Community Scrapbook
We love when park visitors share their photos! EXPLORE what others have shared from Poets’ Walk, and CLICK below to share your own!
Share Your Poets’ Walk Park Photos (click here)
Share the Love
More to Explore
Explore the nearby Bard College campus, including the Hessel Museum (which displays contemporary art), Frank Gehry’s swooping Fisher Center and Montgomery Place, a historic 380-acre estate. Stock up on apples and other fresh produce by visiting one of the area’s u-pick operations or farm stands.
