Sarah WallockWhen I lived in the Hudson Valley, I fully embraced my passion for trail running. I’ve been using MapMyRun to map my runs and create a collection of my favorite trail runs from the area. I thought this would be a good resource for others to have and for me to look back on. Additionally, as the Hudson Valley becomes an up-and-coming tourism destination, I’m sure the trails will get more crowded. The MapMyRun software is really cool and it was fun to map out the trails. The runs I will discuss are: Bard College, Bard to Montgomery Place, Tivoli Bays to Blithewood, Tivoli Bays to Bard College, Poet’s Walk, Ferncliff Forest, and Tivoli to the Hudson River.
The first run I will write out was my (almost) daily routine. It is a 3.2-mile run and usually takes 30 minutes to complete at a pace of 6 mph. I love this run because of the varied scenery and pathways throughout it. You begin at the Stevenson Athletic Center (gym) and wind around Annadale Road, passing under the castle (Center for Civic Engagement) and over to Robbins dorm. Next, my favorite part is running from the Fisher Center along Manor Ave. The views of the Hudson Valley are dramatic and sweeping from this vantage point and there is a slight uphill, but it’s a relatively flat section. Sometimes I like to sprint the first section and jog on this scenic part. Below Manor Ave is a beautiful green field and the Parliament of Reality, an art installation on top of a koi pond. From the end of Manor Ave, you run along Campus Road back down to Annadale Road. This part has another slight uphill, until the last bit. From here, you run downhill and then uphill along Blithewood Ave to Blithewood. The is the most rewarding part, as it feels like you earned this stunning view from all that exercise! From Blithewood, you run downhill back where you came from and make a left to circle the Hessel Museum and then make another left to continue on the path behind the dorms. Lastly, you run on a path through a forest and you’re back at the gym. There’s even a stream flowing under the path, which is relaxing to hear.
Parliament of Reality 
The forested path leading back to the gym 
Even the landfill is beautiful in Fall! 
The second run is from Bard to Montgomery Place. It is a 3.2-mile run and usually takes a little over 30 minutes to complete at a pace of 6 mph. Montgomery Place is a national historic landmark that is, as of recent, part of Bard’s campus. This run follows the road at most points and is pretty straightforward. You run along Annadale Road to Montgomery Place, turn right and run all the way to the monument. There is also a stunning view at the back porch of Montgomery Place. There is an ongoing debate of whether Blithewood or Montgomery Place’s porch has a more beautiful view. It’s a close call!
The third run is from Tivoli Bays to Blithewood. It is a 1.7 mile hike/trail run and usually takes between 30-40 minutes one way. I did this hike upon arriving at Bard for the first time and fell in love with the Hudson Valley. This path is tricky as a trail run and a bit mentally challenging- you run along a varied-trail and have to be careful of your footing. It is invigorating and rewarding. It is the perfect trail to have in your backyard! Beware: lots of mud and tall grasses, tic-checks are necessary after heading into the Bays.
The fourth run is from Tivoli to Bard through Tivoli Bays. It is a 2.7-mile hike/trail run and takes around 45-55 minutes. This trail follows a variety of gravel paths and crosses an abandoned house. You begin at the center of Tivoli and follow Montgomery Road down to the small sign on the right for the trail. Follow the trail and make a right towards the Hudson at the fork. Eventually, as you approach Bard’s campus, this trail merges with the one behind the campus circulating back to Blithewood. You can connect these if you want. Or you can walk all the way up to campus following Cruger Road.
The fifth run is Poet’s Walk, my all-time favorite trail run. It is only 2.2 miles and can be finished under 30 minutes with a pace of 6mph. It is super mild, incredibly gorgeous and has very well-maintained paths. Poet’s Walk has sweeping views of the Hudson River and the dramatic, cascading Catskill Mountains. It is a medium-trafficked trail. Note: Be sure to follow the direction of the circuit I’ve attached for trail running because the opposite direction is steep, muddy and uneven to run down, which is why I run up that section. Shout out to Scenic Hudson for maintaining this beautiful walk.
The sixth run is through the Ferncliff Forest. It is a 2.3-mile loop with plenty of variations and takes around 30 minutes. Due to the shade and dense forest cover at this location, it is a bit chillier than the other. But, in the middle of the park is the incredible Ferncliff Firetower with panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. It’s like Hudson’s mini Eiffel tower.
The seventh run is from Tivoli to the Hudson River. At a short 1.6 miles and a basic downhill there and uphill back, this run can be completed in around 20 minutes. This run came more out of a necessity to get out of the house and moving periodically. But this spot at the river and the base of the train tracks is always worth heading over to. Other streets and routes in Tivoli can easily be tacked onto this short run.
The Hudson Valley is gorgeous and a great place for anyone to begin running or continue their passion.
