Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop

April 26, 2026 – Philipstown, NY

Issue: Straightforward – Average (Rocky terrain)

Size: Roughly 3 miles

Max elevation: 139 ft. – whole elevation acquire roughly 251 ft.

Route sort: Circuit

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101

Trailhead parking: Glenclyffe Trailhead – 8 Glenclyffe, Garrison, NY 10524

Dust car parking zone for about 12 automobiles – No restrooms on website

Hours: Open Every day, Dawn – Sundown

Overview:

The Glenclyffe and Arden Level Loop combines two distinct however seamlessly related landscapes alongside the Hudson River right into a single rewarding hike. Spanning wooded ridges, rocky bluffs, and quiet riverfront stretches, the path affords a gradual mixture of terrain with frequent views throughout the water towards the Hudson Highlands and West Level.

At roughly 3 miles in size, this easy-to-moderate loop delivers a satisfying stability of pure magnificence, historic character, and scenic overlooks with out requiring a strenuous climb, making it a super exploration of one of many Hudson Valley’s most picturesque riverfront preserves.

Glenclyffe is a scenic Hudson River property in Garrison, New York, identified for its mixture of wooded hillsides, rocky outcrops, and river overlooks. The panorama blends pure magnificence with layers of historical past, from its Indigenous Wappinger heritage to its connections with Revolutionary Warfare occasions. Immediately, it affords a community of interconnected trails that wind by way of forested terrain and alongside dramatic viewpoints above the Hudson, making a peaceable but rugged setting simply throughout the water from West Level.

Arden Level is a rugged, scenic promontory that juts into the Hudson River, providing a mixture of rocky shoreline, wooded slopes, and elevated viewpoints. The realm is outlined by its uncovered ledges, scattered boulders, and moss-covered hillsides, giving it a distinctly wild and pure character. Trails loop across the level, resulting in quiet coves and open rock outcrops the place the forest provides approach to sweeping views of the river and the encircling Hudson Highlands, together with West Level throughout the water.

Historical past:

The Glenclyffe space lies throughout the ancestral homeland of the Wappinger individuals, a Munsee-speaking Indigenous nation who lived all through the Hudson Valley lengthy earlier than European settlement. The location additionally carries Revolutionary Warfare historical past, as it’s related to the route taken by Benedict Arnold throughout his escape after his plot to give up West Level to the British was uncovered, including a layer of historic significance to the panorama.

In 2001, OSI acquired the 93-acre property to guard the land from a controversial proposal that might have resulted in intensive residential and business improvement. Over time, OSI transferred parts of the property to the City of Philipstown, the Lostand Basis, and the Garrison Institute, whereas sustaining conservation easements on the land for everlasting safety. In 2019, OSI transferred a northern parcel of the land to New York State Parks as an addition to Hudson Highlands State Park Protect.

Trails Overview:

The Glenclyffe and Arden Level Loop weaves collectively a assorted community of riverside paths, forested footpaths, and rocky ridge sections right into a cohesive 3-mile hike. The route is usually straightforward to reasonable, with about 251 toes of elevation acquire unfold regularly throughout rolling terrain and quick, light climbs. Alongside the best way, hikers cross by way of shaded hardwood forest, traverse mossy stone outcrops, and comply with stretches of path that open onto dramatic overlooks of the Hudson River and the encircling Highlands.

The paths are nicely marked and usually straightforward to comply with, with clear signage and a structure that makes navigation simple all through a lot of the loop.

General upkeep is sweet, although just a few sections cross by way of dense bamboo groves the place the tread can really feel barely narrowed or overgrown. Throughout our go to, we encountered a single important blowdown that required climbing over, however in any other case the path was freed from obstructions.

Current rainfall left a few of the lower-lying areas muddy and gentle underfoot, so situations can range relying on climate. Just a few minor reroutes are additionally in place, making an up-to-date path map particularly useful for staying on target.

Marcia’s Mile Path is a scenic, easy-to-moderate 1-mile section, forming a part of the bigger Glenclyffe Loop Path close to the Hudson River. This co-aligned part of path options distinctive pink fox blazes, initially designed by Marcia Favrot, including a singular and memorable character to the route because it winds by way of the panorama. Initially of the hike, Marcia’s Mile is co-aligned with the white-blazed Citadel Rock Path for 0.4 mile. The remaining 0.6 mile runs is co-aligned with the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Path.

The blue-blazed Arden Level Path kinds a 0.8-mile loop across the perimeter of the rocky, however scenic promontory that juts into the Hudson River. There are two sorts of spherical plastic discs which might be used. The older Taconic Area and the newer NY State Parks plastic discs, adorned with a leaf.

The red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Path, mixed with the co-aligned Citadel Rock/Marcia’s Mile trails, kinds a roughly 2-mile loop across the property, making a well-connected route that hyperlinks collectively its assorted terrain and scenic viewpoints.

Parking:

The parking space for the trailhead could be straightforward to overlook when driving alongside Route 9D. It sits simply past the doorway to the Garrison Institute, tucked discreetly off the highway. Maintain an eye fixed out for the posted signage (see beneath) alongside the highway.

Proper after the doorway, simply previous the stone columns, there’s a inexperienced signal which alerts the turnoff into the small filth car parking zone.

The 12-vehicle trailhead parking space is a small, compact filth lot that serves as the first entry level for the Glenclyffe Loop Path. Whereas modest in dimension, it offers direct entry to the path system, serving to focus customer entry in a chosen space. The unpaved floor blends naturally with the encircling panorama, sustaining a low-profile presence that matches the character of the protect whereas accommodating a restricted variety of vehicles.

Hike Overview:

I first hiked an analogous route again in 2016, ranging from the Garrison Metro-North Station, the place weekend parking was out there without charge. At the moment, there was no devoted Glenclyffe trailhead parking, which wasn’t added till the 2021 enhancements established a extra formal and handy entry level. The brand new parking space and rerouted path segments have since reshaped the expertise, giving the hike a barely totally different circulation and really feel in comparison with my earlier go to. Whereas components of the route run near the railroad tracks, and passing trains are often audible, the setting stays peaceable total. It’s nonetheless an exquisite space to spend just a few hours immersed within the assorted landscapes and sweeping Hudson River views.

This hike is rated straightforward to reasonable, although it leans extra towards straightforward total. The rocky terrain and occasional tree roots alongside the tread could make footing uneven in just a few spots, so a little bit of consideration is useful whereas climbing. It’s a superb alternative for individuals who take pleasure in Hudson River views and quieter, less-traveled trails. Throughout our go to, we solely encountered a small group of runners and canine walkers, together with a few different hikers. Except for the occasional practice passing close by, the world remained peaceable all through, making for a really satisfying outing.

We started on the Glenclyffe Trailhead and headed west towards the river, following a counterclockwise loop round Arden Level earlier than reconnecting with the Glenclyffe Loop Path and persevering with south. From there, the path circles the southern portion of the property, then turns north and returns to the parking space.

The elevation profile beneath reveals the light, rolling sample of small ascents and descents you’ll encounter all through the hike.

The Hike:

Earlier than setting out, take a second to evaluation the path map on the kiosk—snapping a fast picture is a great backup for those who don’t have already got one. There’s additionally a QR code out there to obtain a GPS-enabled map for those who want digital navigation. Whilst you’re there, it’s value spending a minute studying up on the historical past of the land you’ll be exploring.

Marcia’s Mile Path is a scenic, easy-to-moderate 1-mile section that kinds a part of the bigger Glenclyffe Loop Path close to the Hudson River. This co-aligned part options distinctive pink fox blazes, initially designed by Marcia Favrot, giving the route a singular and memorable character because it winds by way of the panorama. Initially of the hike, Marcia’s Mile runs co-aligned with the white-blazed Citadel Rock Path for about 0.4 mile, earlier than persevering with for the remaining 0.6 mile in alignment with the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Path.

Start the hike heading west alongside the co-aligned Citadel Rock and Marcia’s Mile Trails, marked with white and pink fox blazes, respectively. The route descends a grassy knoll and follows a woods highway, passing a small pond on the fitting earlier than crossing an open meadow and reentering the forest. From there, the path strikes throughout gently rolling terrain, turning proper onto a narrower footpath that regularly descends. Simply earlier than reaching a stone wall, it turns left once more, persevering with downhill alongside the wall for a brief stretch.

After a brief degree stretch, the path arrives at a T-intersection the place Marcia’s Mile continues left and the Citadel Rock Path turns proper. TURN RIGHT HERE onto the woods highway, staying with the white blazes of the Citadel Rock Path. After a quick distance, it ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Arden Level Path.

The white-blazed Citadel Rock Path ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Arden Level Path close to a one-lane metal truss bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks. From right here, flip left and cross the bridge towards Arden Level. Instantly after crossing, the blue-blazed path reaches a T-intersection; flip proper onto a woods highway that rapidly narrows right into a footpath. This 0.8-mile loop circles Arden Level earlier than returning to the bridge, finishing the loop.

Flip left right here. Persevering with straight on the Arden Level Path for a couple of half mile will deliver you to the Garrison Metro-North Station.

Comply with the blue-blazed path because it winds by way of the scenic panorama. After roughly 0.4 mile, it passes by way of a break in an previous stone wall and descends to the shoreline on the northern tip of Arden Level. From right here, expansive views confide in the north alongside the Hudson River, with the U.S. Navy Academy at West Level seen on the west financial institution to the left and Bull Hill rising within the East Hudson Highlands past.

After taking within the view, proceed south on the blue-blazed path. Shortly forward, a brief spur on the fitting results in a west-facing overlook of the Hudson River. Immediately throughout the water stands the massive red-brick Lodge Thayer at West Level, whereas the West Shore Railroad—constructed in 1883—follows the river’s edge beneath. Now operated by CSX for freight service, the road is usually lively, and it’s not unusual to see lengthy freight trains winding alongside the shoreline as they transfer by way of the valley.

Proceed south on the blue-blazed Arden Level Path. Close to the southern finish of the purpose, the path makes a pointy left flip—at this junction, bear proper and comply with a path out to a rocky outcrop on the tip of the peninsula. From right here, a broad south-facing panorama opens throughout the Hudson River, with the Bear Mountain Bridge seen within the distance. On the west shore, the yellow brick buildings home the West Level Museum and Customer Middle, established in 1989 on the previous website of Ladycliff Faculty.

Wanting west throughout the Hudson River, the view opens towards the rolling, forested panorama of West Level, the place steep hills and historic grounds rise above the shoreline in a sweeping Hudson Highlands backdrop.

Wanting northwest throughout the Hudson River, the view takes within the rugged shoreline and wooded heights main as much as West Level, the place the river narrows and the encircling hills rise in a collection of inexperienced, rolling layers.

The view south from Arden Level opens extensive over the Hudson River, the place the water winds towards the Bear Mountain Bridge. Rolling, forested hills rise on each side of the river, making a layered panorama of inexperienced ridgelines that fade into the space and body the sweeping river hall.

After taking a while to take pleasure in this view, retrace your steps to the blue-blazed path and bear proper, now heading north on the path, which ends on the bridge over the tracks. Bear proper, recross the bridge, and switch proper (south) onto the white-blazed Citadel Rock Path, which follows a woods highway.

Simply forward, the Citadel Rock Path turns left off the woods highway, however proceed straight forward on the identical woods highway, marked with strong pink round blazes.

In a couple of quarter mile, you’ll arrive at a junction marked by a bench and a signpost. From right here, flip proper and climb the stone steps uphill to remain on the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Path, which circles the Glenclyffe property. Simply forward, a big gazebo comes into view, providing a scenic overlook of the Hudson River.

From the gazebo, views stretch throughout the Hudson River to Highland Falls.

A view of Buttermilk Falls in Highland Falls, NY. It’s a historic cascade that when helped give the village its early identify earlier than it grew to become Highland Falls. It’s a small, steep drop on an area stream descending towards the Hudson River close to present-day West Level.

The path passes to the left of the gazebo and continues south, working parallel to the Hudson River. Shortly forward, it opens into a large, scenic overlook with expansive river views, the place two benches sit on the fringe of the clearing. Beneath, a stone patio with a wood bench provides a country gathering spot tucked into the slope beneath the perspective.

Quickly the path bears left and begins a mild descent. Simply forward, it swings proper and continues south, working parallel to the river with views of the river by way of the bushes. It passes over a small grassy space and a water remedy facility earlier than bending proper once more at a dense bamboo thicket. On this stretch the trail can really feel a bit overgrown, and it’s possible you’ll must duck to navigate by way of the thick bamboo grove.

Shortly, the red-blazed path reaches the rim of a ravine. It bears proper and descends earlier than persevering with ahead, working parallel to the river.

After a brief climb adopted by one other descent, the path turns sharply left and drops into the ravine, the place it follows an previous woods highway that has narrowed right into a footpath. This historic route, often called Beverly Dock Highway, is historically related to Benedict Arnold’s 1780 flight after his treason was uncovered.

The path crosses a stream on a big steel culvert and climbs gently, with the stream on the left. After bearing proper at a small dam and bamboo thicket, the path passes to the fitting of a small pond (largely obscured by the bamboo thicket).

This was the one impediment we encountered that required us to climb over.

Simply past, the path turns left, recrossing the stream on one other culvert and passing a cinder-block constructing. An interpretive panel on the fitting relates the story of the escape of Benedict Arnold alongside this highway throughout the Revolutionary Warfare. It instantly turns proper, passing to the left of a second pond.

The Glenclyffe Loop Path quickly passes by way of one other bamboo thicket, and because it approaches Route 9D, it climbs steeply earlier than rising onto a large open grassy subject.

The path runs alongside a tree line parallel to the highway, with Citadel Rock rising into view on the hilltop to the east.

Citadel Rock aka Osborn Citadel, is a historic stone mansion perched excessive above the Hudson River within the Hudson Highlands. Constructed within the early twentieth century for railroad government William Henry Osborn, it was designed to resemble a European-style fort, full with turrets and sweeping river views. Although now in ruins, its dramatic perch nonetheless affords one of the crucial hanging overlooks within the area.

On the signal for the Claudio Marzollo Group Middle of Philipstown, flip left onto the paved entrance highway. Simply forward on the fitting, past the Glenclyffe Trailhead parking signal, you’ll discover the car parking zone the place the hike started.

Overview:

The roughly three-mile loop at Glenclyffe is an easy-to-moderate hike that packs loads into a brief distance. The path winds by way of quiet woods and open areas with numerous Hudson River views, whereas light climbs add simply sufficient problem with out feeling strenuous. With its peaceable setting and refined historic character, it’s a rewarding, well-rounded hike that’s good for a fast escape. I might positively advocate this hike.

Execs:

Scenic Hudson River views, quiet wooded trails, scenic panorama, peaceable environment, nicely marked trails.

Cons:

N/A

Take a hike!

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