New trail to open in Hyde Park

Guided walk this weekend to offer first look

This weekend, after years of planning and maintenance, over 200 acres of forest and wetland in the Town of Hyde Park will open to the public.

Robert’s Refuge, named in honor of the local landowner who donated the land to the Winnakee Land Trust, is located off North Quaker Lane in Hyde Park.

The site – a rare unfragmented parcel in this part of Dutchess County – was used agriculturally over 60 years ago as a red pine plantation, evidenced by the many aging red pines across the forest. The New York State DEC has ranked the site in the top 5-percent for local connectivity of Core Forest in a Forest Linkage Zone. It is also designated as a Significant Biodiversity Area and includes the headwaters of the Fall Kill, a 38-mile long tributary of the Hudson River.

The first hiking loop at Robert’s Refuge is approximately one mile, and passes by vernal pools, rock formations before leading up to a robust hemlock forest that has a view of the Shawangunk Mountains. The land trust plans to add additional hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the preserve after the summer season.

According to the Winnakee Land Trust, “The trails are being designed to reflect the vision of donating landowners for the site to be a sanctuary for wildlife as well as a quiet place for human visitors to enjoy.”

To help maintain the area’s rich biodiversity, the property will be closed to the public during hunting season as licensed hunters help reduce the local deer population.

Guided Hike at Robert’s Refuge

Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 9 to 10:30am
Meet at the trailhead off North Quaker Lane

Register

UPDATE: This event is currently at capacity, please email uri@winnakee.org to be added to the waiting list.





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