The best running trails around Marist College

There are over 20 running routes available for jogging around Marist College, offering a variety of terrain and distances for all skill levels.

Yes, several easy running options are available. The campus itself features paths like those in Quiet Cove with soft surfaces, ideal for warm-ups or gentle jogs. Additionally, paved rail trails such as the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Dutchess Rail Trail offer accessible, flat terrain perfect for beginners.

For a more challenging run, consider routes that incorporate natural park paths with varied elevation. Franny Reese State Park, for example, offers rocky bluffs and wooded trails. For dedicated runners seeking even greater challenges, areas like Illinois Mountain, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, and Overlook Mountain are within an hour's drive and provide diverse, more strenuous terrain.

Many running routes offer stunning views of the Hudson River. The Walkway Over the Hudson provides expansive panoramic views. Routes like the Franny Reese Park and Mid-Hudson Bridge Loop take you through Franny Reese State Park, known for its rocky bluffs and river vistas. The Marist campus itself, with its waterfront location and Fern Tor Nature Preserve, also offers beautiful natural scenery.

Yes, several popular routes are loops. A great option is the Mid-Hudson Bridge & Walkway Over the Hudson loop, which combines two iconic bridges for a scenic circular run. Another is the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Poughkeepsie, offering a circular path over the elevated pedestrian bridge.

Yes, many routes are family-friendly, especially the paved rail trails. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Dutchess Rail Trail are flat, well-maintained, and suitable for all ages, including those with strollers. The Walkway Over the Hudson is also a popular choice for families due to its accessibility and views.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning Hudson River views, the variety of terrain from paved rail trails to natural park paths, and the well-maintained routes that cater to different ability levels.

Many of the outdoor trails in the Hudson Valley are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson are popular choices where dogs are welcome. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.

Yes, the city of Poughkeepsie, where Marist College is located, has public transport options. Routes like the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Poughkeepsie are easily accessible from the city center, which is served by local buses and Metro-North Railroad.

Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails. For instance, there are parking lots near the entrances to the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie and Highland. Many state parks and rail trail access points also provide designated parking areas.

The running trails vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter loops around 3.7 miles (5.9 km), such as the Mid-Hudson Bridge & Walkway Over the Hudson loop, up to longer options like the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Fairview at 6.7 miles (10.7 km), and even longer sections of the Dutchess Rail Trail which extends for 13 miles.

Yes, for warmer days, consider routes that pass through wooded areas. The Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail in Hyde Park, for example, is a 3.5-mile gravel woods road that offers a shaded path. Parts of Franny Reese State Park also provide good tree cover.