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Fern Tor Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 9 Google reviews · Running trail in Poughkeepsie, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Fern Tor Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Fern Tor Nature Preserve
“Instead, park at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park and take the short 8-minute walk to the entrance.”
Nice little park with short trails and a tiny pond. On Marist College's campus north end. Nice view of the Hudson River on one of the trails. I include it as a spur on my bike ride down to Longview Park which is then right on the river...
You can't park at the preserve because the large parking lot is reserved for authorized vehicles only. Instead, park at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park and take the short 8-minute walk to the entrance. Once you're inside, it feels like you've entered a completely different world.
4/12/14: Located at the north end of Marist, past Gartland, Fern Tor is a truly beautiful piece of land. It is such a great place to walk around and relax. You'll often hear (and maybe see) birds and other animals, especially by the pond that is in the middle of Fern Tor. Go and visit this great place!
Very nice, but small. Worth the trip, but don't consider it a place for a long hike.
Trail conditions & character
“4/12/14: Located at the north end of Marist, past Gartland, Fern Tor is a truly beautiful piece of land.”
“Instead, park at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park and take the short 8-minute walk to the entrance.”
Plan your run at Fern Tor Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Poughkeepsie
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 359 reviews
Clean, tranquil locale with picnic areas, trails and decks that overlook the Hudson River.
Poughkeepsie Urban Rail Trail
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Poughkeepsie Urban Rail Trail
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Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
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Originally built in 1889, this bridge provides a scenic pedestrian walkway over the Hudson River.
Upper Landing Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 306 reviews
Urban riverfront space with a seasonal, 21-story glass elevator leading to a walkway over the water.
Victor C. Waryas Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 882 reviews
Green picnic spot at the river's edge featuring slides and swings, plus a play area.