Hiking the Hudson Valley – Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary
March 3rd, 2016 by Mr. C
Where do you go for a casual nature hike if you want to visit a scenic yet very unique destination while strapped for time & energy? I’d say go to Constitution Marsh in Garrison, NY. It’s about 50 miles north of NYC close to the Bear Mountain area in the lower Hudson Valley. The hike is less than 2 miles roundtrip in a relatively easy terrain to navigate minus a few rocky areas of flight. The final destination yields some stunning views overlooking the marshes in the foreground and the hudson river in the back.
It took me about 1 hr to drive to the Marsh from Northern NJ & about 1 hr of hiking. Crossing over the Bear Mountain Bridge ($1.50 toll) from the Palisades Parkway into the East side of the Hudson was amazing! Majestic views of the Hudson River – all points north & south! The only drawback I can see coming to Constitution Marsh is that the parking area only holds 8 cars at any one time. It was no issue for me as winter temps are still holding on like Richard Marx or Wilson Phillips – whatever your preference. Getting creative with the parking outside these 8 designated spots is not recommended! There are tons of No Parking signs everywhere outside of the skinny Eight! Be prepared to wait or make backup plans if you come here just in case the parking is full.
(Warning – only 8 parking spots!)
Constitution Marsh is a tidal wetland on the east shore of the Hudson River. They say there are over 200 species of birds and 30 species of fish, plus other vertebrate and invertebrate species living on this land. Shoot, if they told me the boogey man or big foot lives in these parts, I might believe them too because the marshes, the plant life, the cattails that thrive here provide so much cover for anything living or dead for that matter! I guess I feel secure knowing that West Point Militiary Academy is just across the other side of the Hudson from the Marshes. I’ll have to comeback when the weather is warmer and when things are in bloom for further investigations! I’m looking forward to seeing some wildlife. Maybe I’ll see you on the trails!
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary
127 Warren Landing Road
Garrison, NY 10524
(Before I hit the trails – I went looking for Indian Brook Falls)
(Supposedly up & around this fence somewhere)
(Unfortunately, I fumbled & stumbled around like Mr. Magoo and missed the falls. Ended up at a creepy creek)
(The little bridge up top at 12’o clock, I think I should of walked over that and continued on to the Indian Brook Falls. Next time for sure!)
(The Visitor center & trails – that away!)
(Let the games begin to the right of the kiosk!)
(cross the little bridge – follow the blue!)
(Things start to get a little rocky – just a little)
(If things get too rocky for you, take a break)
(just a little more elevation and you’ll start seeing these views)
(Now climb down some more rock faces and you’ll be greeted with this)
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