Attractions and Places To See in Putnam County - Top 17

Putnam County offers a variety of popular hiking trails. The Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Summit is a favorite, known for its views of the Hudson Valley. Another popular spot is the View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge, which involves a steep scramble but rewards with stunning vistas. For a multi-use path, the Maybrook Trailway offers open skies and passes by a lake. You can find more options, including the challenging Bull Hill Short Loop or the longer Cold Spring to Beacon route, in the Hiking in Putnam County guide.

Yes, Putnam County is rich in history. You can visit the evocative Cornish Estate Ruins (North Gate) within Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, which are the remains of a stately property from the early 1900s. Other notable historical sites include Boscobel House and Gardens, a beautifully restored 19th-century Federal-style mansion, and the West Point Foundry Preserve, an outdoor museum detailing its role in the Industrial Revolution and Civil War. The Putnam History Museum in Cold Spring also preserves and presents the county's past.

Putnam County is known for its natural beauty. The Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Summit provides expansive views, with the New York City skyline visible on clear days. The View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge and the Breakneck Ridge Lookout offer breathtaking river views. Clarence Fahnestock State Park is a sprawling 14,000-acre park featuring Canopus Lake for swimming and fishing, and Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary is excellent for birdwatching. You can also discover the Small Waterfall along some trails.

Absolutely. The Maybrook Trailway is a multi-use path suitable for families. Tilly Foster Farm in Brewster offers an educational institute and working farm with resident animals, gardening workshops, and seasonal festivals. Clarence Fahnestock State Park provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming at Canopus Lake, and easy walks. The Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary is another great option for exploring nature with children.

Putnam County has several unique cultural sites. The Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent features the largest indoor Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere and is open to the public seasonally. Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring is an art warehouse dedicated to Postwar and Contemporary Italian Art. You can also visit Stonecrop Gardens, a 12-acre horticultural oasis, or the Garrison Art Center, which showcases regional artists.

Putnam County is beautiful year-round, but the best time for outdoor activities largely depends on your preference. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and stunning foliage, making them ideal for hiking. Fall, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant autumn colors. Summer is perfect for water activities at Canopus Lake. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in parks like Clarence Fahnestock State Park, though some trails may be more challenging.

Yes, Putnam County offers several easy hiking options. The Nelsonville Trail is a family-friendly forest trail. You can also explore routes like Anthony's Nose via Camp Smith Trail or the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary Trail, which are generally considered easy. For more details, refer to the Easy hikes in Putnam County guide.

Yes, the Maybrook Trailway is a multi-use recreational trail perfect for walking, biking, and jogging. It's a scenic 20-mile paved path through the Hudson Valley countryside. Additionally, there are gravel biking routes available, such as the Indian Brook Road loops, which you can explore in the Gravel biking in Putnam County guide.

Many trails in Putnam County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, trails within Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and Clarence Fahnestock State Park allow leashed dogs. The Nelsonville Trail is a good option for a walk with your canine companion.

The Old Albany Post Road is a historically significant, unpaved 6.6-mile section of the original Albany Post Road. Dating back to the mid-17th century, it is considered one of the oldest dirt roads still in use in the U.S., offering a unique glimpse into colonial transportation and history.

Yes, some attractions are accessible by public transportation. The Railway Station Cold Spring is a Metro-North stop, making it convenient to access Cold Spring and nearby attractions like the West Point Foundry Preserve, Putnam History Museum, and the start of some Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve trails. It's advisable to check specific schedules and routes for your destination.

Beyond the well-known sites, Putnam County offers unique points of interest like Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, the former home of industrial designer Russel Wright, showcasing a Modern house integrated with its natural landscape. The Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park not only has walking trails and memorials but also hosts events and features a Veterans' Museum. The region is also known for its mysterious stone chambers and stone walls, adding historical intrigue.