This Awe-Inspiring New York Park Has A Trail That's A Favorite Among Artists With Hidden Benches And Meadows

Traveling up the Hudson River, you'll find no shortage of spectacular stops — from supposedly haunted castle ruins to serene state parks along the shoreline — but few are as enchanting as Poets' Walk Park. Nestled between the scenic, cultural town of Rhinebeck and the quiet charm of Red Hook, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat just two hours from New York City.

Spanning 120 acres, Poets' Walk Park features 2 miles of gently winding trails that lead through wooded ravines, sunlit meadows, and picture-perfect river overlooks. It's a favorite among hikers, day-trippers, and especially artists drawn to its quiet beauty and thoughtfully placed benches. What sets Poets' Walk apart is its connection to literature and the arts. Established in 1849 by members of the Astor and Delano families, the park was designed by landscape architect Hans Jacob Ehlers to have a series of picturesque spots framed by natural elements such as stone walls and low shrubs. Whether you're sketching, journaling, or simply strolling, every step offers a chance to slow down and reconnect with your creative side.

True to its name, Poets' Walk Park has long been a haven for those in search of inspiration. The park's most famous visitor, Washington Irving, is said to have dreamed up the tale of "Rip Van Winkle" while admiring a view of the Catskill Mountains from the trail. Alongside fellow writer Fitz-Greene Halleck, Irving was among the many creatives who are rumored to have wandered these paths, drawn to its quiet magic.

Today, the park invites a new generation of dreamers. Open from 8:30 a.m. to mid-evening, it offers mostly paved paths, so you can focus more on the scenery rather than the challenge of a hike. The trail's gentle lollipop loop requires just enough of a climb (280 feet total) to feel like a real hike, without losing the sense of calm and accessibility that makes this a go-to destination for all ages. Your dog can even enjoy the open air — so long as they stay on a leash. Along the path you'll find a few impressive wooden structures, such as the Overlook Pavilion and Summerhouse gazebo, which give visitors a convenient place to rest and relax. With its easy layout and well-maintained trails, Poets' Walk is just as inviting in crisp autumn air or after a gentle snowfall as it is on a sunny summer afternoon.

If you're looking for a getaway that's rich in natural beauty and creative energy, Poets' Walk delivers. One moment you're crossing a shaded stream, and the next you're standing in a sunlit field facing the Hudson River, with hidden benches perfectly placed for sketching or daydreaming. These quiet corners are what make the park a standout — not just for casual visitors, but for painters, photographers, and poets who return again and again.

Thanks to conservation efforts, over 780 acres of land surrounding the park are protected, preserving the peaceful views and forested charm that have remained unchanged for more than 170 years. It's a rare example of a landscape that feels truly timeless. Poets' Walk Park is open year-round, so whether you're chasing fall foliage, early spring blooms, or just a mental reset, Poets' Walk invites you to unplug, wander, and see the world like an artist — even if only for an afternoon. It's the kind of place you'll want to return to, with each season offering a new verse in nature's poem.

It's easy to get to Poets' Walk from NYC. You can take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station — a scenic ride lasting about one hour and 45 minutes. From there, it's just a 10-minute taxi ride to the park entrance at 776 River Road in Red Hook. Alternatively, by car, it's roughly a two-hour drive north on the Taconic Parkway.