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An easy, delightful lollipop route. Trailhead info at bottom of this post.

Poets’ Walk near Rhinebeck, New York, is an enchanting park and loop trail, a serene landscape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.

Welcome to Poets’ Walk, near Rhinebeck and Red Hook in Dutchess County, a scenic sanctuary on the Hudson River. As you stroll paths bordered by lush woods and sweeping river vistas, you’be walking in the footsteps of literary giants who once sought inspiration here.

Poets’ Walk is a tribute to the romantic era of literature. In 1849, the Astors and the Delanos commissioned German-born landscape gardener Hans Jacob Ehlers to improve the grounds. Ehlers constructed a woodland path in honor of Washington Irving and Fitz-Greene Halleck who are said to have strolled there.

The trail’s gentle undulations lead you through varied scenes: wooded nooks, open fields that stretch towards the Hudson River, and views of the Catskills High Peaks across the river.

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Table of Contents

Poets’ Walk Hike Time

Poets’ Walk Elevation Gain

Poets’ Walk Trail Notes & Gallery

Similar Hikes

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Poets’ Walk Hiking Trail

The Poets’ Walk hiking trail includes…

Easy walking trails

A wide meadow

Several wooden benches

Delightful Hudson River and Catskills Mountains views

Glorious gazebos

Free and open year-round

Gates open every day at 8:30 a.m. Closing hours vary according to the season.

For more information, here’s the official website for Poets’ Walk .

A full breakdown is provided in the hike notes below, with 11 breathtaking photos .

Poets’ Walk Hike Time

Allow 1 hour for this hike — it’s more of a stroll, really.

Poets’ Walk Elevation Gain

The elevation gain for this hike is 275 feet (apx 85 meters).

Poets’ Walk Trail Notes & Gallery

Start at the large parking area loop and walk west, following the trail signage. Soon, you’ll see the wonderful Overlook Pavilion…

You’ve got the basic details, but there’s so much more…

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Carry with you the sense of peace and inspiration found here, and remember that the tranquil beauty of Poets’ Walk is a timeless muse, always waiting to welcome you back to its inspiring trails.

Similar Hikes

Try Falling Waters Preserve on the western bank of the Hudson River provides easy trail access to the shore.

And you’ll probably love this list of easy nature trails .

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Poets’ Walk Park on the Hudson River Trailhead

Large lot for a popular spot.

Google Maps Location: 41.981958, -73.918312

The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead

Cell Service

Good service throughout. My network is Verizon. YMMV.

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