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Thompson Pond Preserve
4.3 ★★★★☆ 26 Google reviews · Running trail in Pine Plains, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Thompson Pond Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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 Thompson Pond Preserve
“If you're looking for a peaceful day out, Thompson Pond should be on your list of places to visit.”
Thompson Pond is a hidden gem situated in the Hudson Valley, perfect for bird watching and hiking. Maintained by The Nature Conservancy, it provides visitors with an easy 2.7 mile hike that can be completed in less than two hours.
Love this hike! Mostly flat with a few inclines and declines, nothing crazy. My kids (4 &6) loved it as well. Be prepared for mud in the wet season.
Had a very enjoyable walk. Only saw 1 person on my loop around the pond. Trail is easy to follow and definitely coming back in the spring for bird photography 🐦
Hours of Visitation The preserve is open dawn to dusk for passive recreational and educational uses, such as cross-country skiing, hiking and bird study. What to See Plants: More than 245 species of land plants and 142 wetland plant species have been identified at the preserve.
Trail conditions & character
“For stunning views of the area, take the steep trail leading to a historic fire tower on the top of Stissing Mountain.”
“As you arrive at Thompson Pond Preserve, there are two handicap parking spaces and one van accessible space in the parking lot.”
“Accessibility A new wheelchair-accessible trail was recently installed at Thompson Pond Preserve.”
“If you're looking for a peaceful day out, Thompson Pond should be on your list of places to visit.”
“The fine crushed stone trail is approximately a half mile and concludes at a viewing point overlooking Thompson Pond.”
Plan your run at Thompson Pond Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(212) 997-1880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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