Situated on nearly 2,000 acres in New York's mid-Hudson Valley, the Cary Institute offers visitors a range of recreational and learning experiences. While most of the Institute's grounds are set aside for field studies, parts of the campus have been reserved for public education and enjoyment. These areas include our hiking trails, the Fern Glen, and our internal roadways.

A PDF version of our Campus Trail Guide is available.

Summer is the perfect time to observe butterfly activity on our region. The Cary Institute's photo-rich Butterfly Guide and Butterfly Checklist provide visitors with the information needed to identify resident butterfly life.

Hiking Trails

The Cary Institute's hiking trails immerse visitors in a range of ecosystems, from old fields and upland forests to wetlands. These varied habitats are great for nature observation. Look for signs of ecosystem disturbance, examine the lichens on a fallen tree, or just relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of bird song.

For insight on trail conditions and the plants and animals you can expect to encounter, visit Barry Haydasz' On the Trails of the Cary Institute webpage.

Cary Pines Trail (2.1 km/1.3 mi.) This trail offers lush little bluestem grass meadows, a wooded meadow perfect for spring bird watching, and a stand of white pines for which the trail was named. About halfway through, the trail divides, with one path leading to our internal roadways and the Fern Glen.

Wappinger Creek Trail (2 km/1.25 mi.) This is characterized by cool dark forest and the gentle sounds of the creek. Walk through a distinctive sugar maple stand and an old field that provides food for avian wildlife.

EdVenture Trail (branching off the Wappinger Creek and Cary Pines trails) Part of our Fantastic Forests program for school groups, this trail enables students and visitors alike to investigate the forces that disturb our forests, such as deer browse, farming, glaciers, and lightning.

Sedge Meadow Trail (off the Wappinger Creek trail) Take a stroll on a small boardwalk that cuts through a young stand of red maples in a sedge-hummock wetland.

Visitors may also tour our Internal Road System by car, bicycle or foot.

When planning your visit, please refer to our hours and our campus rules page.

For the safety of visitors, hiking trails and roadways are closed from November 1 - March 31.