Our interpretive canoe programs focus on the nearshore environments of the tidal Hudson River, especially the natural history of Constitution Marsh and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. It's easily the best deal around, as our own expert Audubon naturalists lead you through winding channels lined with tall, elegant marsh grasses, searching for hidden wildlife. Enjoy the physical activity and beautiful scenery, and learn the secrets of the Sanctuary.

Reservations are required for all canoe trips. We provide the canoes, paddles, and life jackets, and a safety lesson precedes the trip. At least one adult with paddling experience must accompany each canoe. Trips are tide and weather dependent, and normally last between two and three hours.

If you are planning a kayak or canoe trip through the marsh on your own, public water access is provided at the Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring and not at the Audubon Center.

Press blue button for reservations, fees, and more information about the Guided Canoe Trips at Constitution Marsh, and to view the Public Canoe Program schedule.

Things To Do on Guided Canoe Trips
Birding
Boating
Nature Trails
Scenic Views

Click Historic Cold Spring on the Hudson.

History of Cold Spring, New York The Village of Cold Spring resides on the east bank of the Hudson River in Putnam County, New York in the Historic Hudson River Valley. "Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sidewalks and the waterfront of historic Cold Spring, and it is easy to envision why a village was established here on the banks of the Hudson River. The abundance of natural resources and the ingenuity of Cold Spring’s first settlers put it on the map nearly 200 years ago.

"As early as the 1600s, the Hudson River was used as a major watercourse by Native Americans and continued to be a main mode of travel and transport until the nineteenth century. In addition, Cold Spring’s proximity to what is now Fahnestock State Park provided a cheap source of lumber and iron ore. Margaret’s Brook, a small creek located to the west of Route 9D which runs into the Hudson River, supplied hydro-power to the West Point Foundry, which helped propel Cold Spring from a tiny hamlet into a bustling village. Even the name of Cold Spring is linked to a natural resource. Myth has it that George Washington drank from a local spring and declared it to be refreshingly cold.

"The first settler of Cold Spring was Thomas Davenport in 1730. A small trading hamlet grew alongside the river by the early 1800s, and in 1818, Gouverneur Kemble and others established the West Point Foundry. It became one of the major industrial sites in the United States and provided munitions (including the famed Parrott gun) for the Union Army during the Civil War. With the influx of workers at the Foundry, local housing, businesses and churches increased, and Cold Spring was incorporated as a village in 1846. During the last half of the nineteenth century, Cold Spring was a magnet for artists, writers and prominent families, all attracted to the extraordinary beauty of the Highlands. Great mansions were built along Morris Avenue, including Undercliff, the home of George Pope Morris, and Craigside, the home of Julia and Daniel Butterfield. After the Foundry closed in 1911, Cold Spring’s prominence faded; however, following World II, a rebirth began with an influx of businesses into the Hudson River Valley and commuters to New York City. In 1973, the Village was designated a Federal Historic District, and tourists have been visiting Cold Spring’s historic sites, shops, restaurants and hiking trails ever since.

"Through the changing times since 1973, the Village of Cold Spring has been unique among the Hudson River communities in retaining its fundamental character. This is largely due to the steadfast loyalty of Cold Spring residents and their ingenuity in adapting to the needs of the present while carefully preserving their heritage and way of life."

Find attractions, activities, places to stay, including the best Things to do in Cold Spring, New York. When it time to eat, look here for excellent Restaurants in Cold Spring, New York.

Foundry Dock Park officially opened in June 2006. This riverfront park is enjoyed by many who come to relax, enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson or launch a kayak.

Before Scenic Hudson purchased this riverfront property for public access, it was sorely neglected but enjoyed as a favorite put-in for small boats. Scenic Hudson and volunteers cleared the property and the popularity of the site increased as the interest in kayaking on the river and into Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary grew. Scenic Hudson is pleased to ensure that this magnificent property, with its history and easy access to the river, connects people with the power and spirit of the river.

If you live in Manhattan, take a scenic drive or take Metro North to Cold Spring; and visit Foundry Dock Park.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Boat Launch (available for small boats)
Kayaking
Scenic views

Directions
From intersection of Route 9 and Route 301, take Route 301 west for 2.6 miles to intersection of Route 9D at traffic light. Proceed west on Route 301/Main Street for four blocks; turn left on Lunn Terrace to end; turn left on Market Street. Park entrance on right. Free weekend parking adjacent to the train station. By train, exit Cold Spring station.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Foundry Dock Park.

After a day of kayaking, fishing, or relaxing at this beautiful spot in Cold Springs, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Cold Spring and nearby areas in Putnam County.

The word is Wonderful handicapped-accessible park overlooking the beautiful Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Little Stony Point Park
Little Stony Point is a Hudson Highlands State Park located at 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County, just north of Cold Spring. Little Stony Point offers an unofficial swimming beach, as well as recreational boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Although Little Stony Point is a state owned recreational resource, its upkeep is dependent on the work of volunteers (LSPCA), who operate through a cooperative management agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to keep the park clean and make needed improvements, such as weed abatement, grading trails, and trash pick-up. 100% of donations to the LSPCA are used directly for park and structural upkeep. Source: Little Stony Point Park

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park."
Source: Department of Environmental Conservation

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park."
Source: Department of Environmental Conservation

Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed at Hiking Trails in Philipstown, Putnam County.

From 1818 to 1911, the West Point Foundry was a technological powerhouse, manufacturing Parrott guns, the rifled cannon credited with winning the Civil War, and the steam engines, water wheels and mill equipment that sparked America’s burgeoning industrial economy.

Today, this 87-acre preserve is a peaceful park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The preparation of a Public Access and Interpretation Plan for the West Point Foundry Preserve is supported in part by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Putnam County is the recipient of the grant. The study and stabilization of masonry ruins at the preserve is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund managed by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Plans for park improvements are in progress. In the meantime, the property is open to the public with nearly a mile of footpaths that wind near ruins and along both banks of a stream. The adjacent Foundry Cove, once a U.S. EPA Superfund cleanup site, now boasts tidal wetlands that provide habitat for Hudson River bird and fish species.

Things To Do at West Point Foundry Preserve
Birding | Bird Watching
Footpaths winding near ruins
Hiking
Nature Study

Directions
In Cold Spring, go west on Main Street, then left on Rock Street and right on Kemble Avenue Park entrance is at the end of Kemble Avenue

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring, New York.

Important Note
Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve is a sensitive archaeological site. Please stay on marked trails and do not move, remove or destroy any historical archaeological elements. Please keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Bikes are not permitted.

After a day of nature study, birding, and hiking at West Point Foundry Preserve, dine out at one of many excellent Restaurants in Putnam County, New York offering natural food and healthy options.

The Hudson Highlands includes several state parks and protected areas where you can hike, go on nature walks and enjoy birding. In addition to hiking, several parks offer outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of the Hudson Highlands. Find attractions and activities in the Hudson Highlands including boating, skiing, nature walks and birding, and hiking.

Hiking Bear Mountain
Hiking Black Rock Forest
Hiking Harriman State Park
Hiking Highland Lakes State Park
Hiking Manitoga / Tours of Wright's Home
Hiking Sterling Forest State Park
Hiking Storm King Park

Press blue button for directions to Boscobel, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, and more things to do in Garrison and Cold Spring, New York.

Manitou Point property surrounds the historic home of the Livingston Family and features four miles of trails. Scenic Hudson owns this 144-acre property in partnership with the Open Space Institute. The restored Livingston family mansion at the center of the property is the national headquarters for Outward Bound.

Listen to the frogs and wildlife in the pond. Enjoy one of many scenic views in Putnam County.

Things To Do
Hiking / Walking Trails
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
From the Bear Mountain Bridge head 2 miles north on Route 9D, turn left at Mystery Point Road, Parking area and trailhead are on the left.

After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, pack a picnic from the produce at a local farm in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Putnam County.

Click to enlarge photo of Pond at the Manitou Train Station.

If you are waiting for a train at the Manitou Train Station, or have just arrived at Manitou, look around at this scenic spot. Can a train station get any prettier than this? Look into the pond and you may see frogs jumping and the sounds of a bullfrog. Look up from the pond and you can see the Bear Mountain Bridge in the distance. Walk over the train tracks toward the river; you can sit on a rock and put your feet into the Hudson River. Or, gaze up at the rolling hills facing north.

Click to enlarge photo of MTA Train Station at Manitou.

The Manitou Train Station is located at 1 Manitou Road in the hamlet of Manitou, Philipstown in Putnam County, New York. Metro North has limited train service to Manitou. Check the MTA Train Schedule.

A Bit of History
The Manitou Point Nature Preserve is a former estate on the Hudson renovated and revived by The Open Space Institute and Scenic Hudson. The mansion, once owned by Edward Livingston whose great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence, is now the headquarters of Outward Bound. Although the mansion is not open to the public, four miles of scenic winding trails and surrounding carriage roads, are open.

Note: Edward Livingston purchased the property in 1894 and turned it into an elaborate estate with buildings to house his livestock. In 1897, he finished a two-story mansion; now the afore mentioned national headquarters for Outward Bound.

Hiking the Manitou Point Nature Preserve
The Manitou Point Nature Preserve is 135-acres on a peninsula jutting into the Hudson River. This area offers six short but different hikes, appealing to hikers with different skills and interests.

The following is credited to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: "For an exciting and adventurous hike, the River Loop Trail is tailor-made. Beginning 400 feet to the north of the mansion, the trail offers the hiker a spectacular view of North Sugar Loaf Mountain on the east bank and West Point on the west. Heading south, the trail merges briefly with a carriage road and then literally hugs the edge of the Hudson River: there are no guard rails between you and the river 10 feet below. Note: This trail may be closed in icy weather. For your safety, respect a closed trail sign. The trail is paved with fallen pine needles and acorns and spongy moss, which makes for a cushioned feeling underfoot. A colonnade of closely-spaced tall trees flanks the narrow trail and gives the appearance of a royal promenade."

After a day of birding or hiking at Manitou, eat out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Putnam County, New York offering natural foods and healthy options.

Things To Do at Manitou Point Nature Preserve
Birding
Hiking / Walking
Nature Walks