Dutchess County: Two Fire Tower Hikes

Below are brief recaps of two short, but fun hikes in the northeastern part of the Hudson Valley that aren’t Mount Beacon! (As much as I love that trail…it was time to explore others!)

You can complete both in a single day, or enjoy them each on their own. Also note that Rhinebeck village is nearby to walk around and explore or grab a bite to eat.

Please remember to carry out everything you carry in!
Despite the shorter lengths of these trails, it’s vital to still prepare and plan, especially during the winter months when you will most likely encounter ice and snow on the trails.

Ferncliff Forest (Mount Rutsen Loop)

Rhinebeck, NY

Getting there: A 5-minute car ride from Rhinebeck village: head north on Montgomery Street, which will turn into Old Post Road; then, veer left to Mount Rutsen Road. After 1.2 miles, the parking lot will be on your left. If there are no spots in the lot, you can park on the road (as long as it’s not a spot that says no parking.) AT&T cell service was in and out, so plan your driving route ahead of time, just in case. My Jetta did just fine on the road.

The hike: The Mount Rutsen loop is an easy, 2-ish mile loop, featuring a pond, lean-to’s, and a fire tower! Follow the trail markers to the tower, where you will have views of the Hudson River and Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge after climbing the tower. The cabin is open, where you’ll have the best unobstructed views of the area.
The trail is easy to follow for the most part, with a few other trails around the forest. Most of these paths will lead you back to the trailhead loop, and no section is technical nor steep. All in all: a pleasant day ambling through the woods!
In addition to spending a day hiking, it also appears you can get a permit to camp in the forest after filling out an application on the site.

Mount Stissing

Pine Plains, NY

Getting there: From Rhinebeck, it’s about a 25 minute car ride. Head east on route 308 to 199 for about 16 miles. Then, make a right onto Lake Road, where the parking area will be on your left in about 1.4 miles.

The hike: Mount Stissing is about a 2 mile hike, looped or out and back; but don’t be fooled by the short mileage- you will be gaining elevation! The trailhead begins across the street from the parking area, where you’ll immediately start your ascent. There are two approaches you can take. We chose to complete the loop, clockwise: yellow up (steeper) and blue back down, less steep, but slightly longer.

The yellow trail is steep, but not technically challenging. You’ll be covered by trees most of the route, with the ability to see pockets of Pine Plains and the surrounding area on your ascent.
After putting in some work to reach the treed-in summit, you’ll see it- the fire tower! The cab is open at the top, where you’ll have gorgeous, sprawling views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills in the distance once making the climb up.
You can descend the same way, or complete the loop. The blue trail markers will bring you down a more mild, but beautiful trail. I loved this hike and can’t wait to visit in the summer!

For more information and how you can donate to the tower, visit stissingfiretower.org to learn more.