Show All Answers

1. When are the trails open? It’s a weekend and the Facebook page says it’s closed.

All trails are open free to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. The “closed” notice on the Hyde Park Trails Facebook page refers to only the offices of Hyde Park Recreation Dept., our home base for Hyde Park Trails.

2. Where are there restrooms on the trails?

At the national park sites, restrooms are available at the NPS visitor centers. At Mills-Norrie State Park, restrooms are available at the Norrie Point Environmental Center and seasonally at the Campground. At Town parks, porta-johns are available year-round at Pinewoods and Hackett Hill, and seasonally at Riverfront Park.

3. Where can I get trail maps?

We try to keep our trailhead kiosks stocked with trail map/brochures. Trail map/ brochures are also available at the NPS visitor centers (open weekdays and weekends), at the Town of Hyde Park Recreation Department offices at Hackett Hill (weekdays), and as downloads from our Maps page.

4. Is there hunting?

Hunting is not allowed on the parks that host the Hyde Park Trails, but there may be hunting on neighboring lands. It's a good idea to wear blaze orange in the woods during the fall hunting season: a hat, vest, sweatshirt, pack cover, or whatever.

5. Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Dogs are welcome on leash on all of our parks and preserves. IMPORTANT: Be sure to clean up after your pet.

We discourage dogs on our organized walks and hikes, however, since we are generally interested in seeing and hearing wildlife undisturbed.

6. What is the weather in Hyde Park?

We recommend checking the National Weather Service website before planning your trip here or heading out on the trail. If you are on the trail right now and the weather looks ominous, you can check the NWS website for storm radar and special alerts.

7. Where can I get a Walkabout trail patch?

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3, but it DOES require doing some walking & hiking:

(1) Pick up a Hyde Park Trails Walkabout map/guide at a trailhead kiosk, any National Park Service visitor center, Town of Hyde Park Recreation offices at Hackett Hill, or download one.

(2) Walk at least 5 of the trails listed on the Walkabout map/guide. You’ve totally got this part, right? Check them off your list.

(3) Return your completed trail checklist to receive a free patch at any of the National Park visitor centers in Hyde Park, or at Hyde Park Recreation offices.

For more information, see our Walkabout page.

8. How can I report a problem on the trail?

Leave a message at Town of Hyde Park Recreation office, 845-229-8086, or email us. Try to describe the problem and its location (which park, which trail, etc.) We will relay your information to the appropriate park manager.

9. How can I find out about more trails in our area?

Dutchess County has more than 76 trail systems totaling more than 350 miles. Visit the Dutchess County Healthy Communities trail map series.

Since 1920, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has been the premier source of maps and hiking information in our area, and a major sponsor of trail stewardship.

10. How can I get involved in Hyde Park Trails?

We welcome scouting organizations, educational institutions, and others, including just plain interested individuals. Are you interested in becoming a trail monitor or maintainer? Or helping with events or special projects? Email Hyde Park Recreation to find out about our upcoming projects, plans, events and wish lists.

11. How can I protect myself and family from Lyme disease if we go on the trails?

Ticks that carry diseases are common in our area. Taking some basic precautions can help keep you safe.

See our Be Tick Smart page for information and links.

12. What’s with those green and white trail markers with the maple leaf?

The leaf is actually a tulip-tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, and it is the logo of Hyde Park Trails. The tulip-tree was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite tree species. FDR was a leader in forestry and conservation, and planted over 500,000 trees on his land, including thousands of tulip-trees. While the logo is used to brand the entire Hyde Park Trail system, its use on trail markers is limited to the trunkline through-route of the Hyde Park Trail, which extends for about 9 miles between Top Cottage and the Vanderbilt Mansion.