Plans are being made for a new Scenic Hudson property
Back on November 21, about a dozen community residents took a leisurely stroll that included incredible Hudson River views. They loved it.
Where were they?
Right in Highland Falls at a location that will soon be open to all community residents to walk.
The location is the new 3.18 acre Scenic Hudson property that’s nestled between Walgreens and the Peregrine Hall Apartments. For decades it was owned by the Aloe Family, but was purchased by Scenic Hudson for the purpose of a passive recreation area.
Mayor Joe D’Onofrio and members of the new ‘Trail Committee’ — Kathy Pace, Cindy Modlin, Stella Bailey, John Willis, Marty Aylward, Ronnie Coffey and Joe DeWitt — were among those who walked on Nov. 21 with Scenic Hudson’s Emily Hague.
“We had a great time on our walk, and the only way to describe the area is wow!” D’Onofrio said. “This area, with it’s gorgeous vistas, will be a wonderful addition for Highland Falls. I think most people will be able to use it — you won’t have to be a billy goat to enjoy the area.”
The Trails Committee will meet again this month to put together a ‘wish list’ of improvements for Scenic Hudson, before meeting again with the agency early in the new year.
The property does not provide riverfront access, just views, the mayor said. While there will be no specific parking area for it, he said that residents wanting to stroll around the property will be able to use area side streets to park, the municipal parking lot behind Town Hall, or just walk from home.
“This really will be something just for those of us who live here,” the mayor said.
Earlier this year, Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan described the property as a “place to connect with the Hudson Highlands’ majesty and wildlife”.
He added: “It’s topographical, bedrock and access constraints make it unsuitable for development but ideal for short hikes, picnicking and bird watching. In addition to its direct benefits to residents of Highland Falls, the acquisition ensures that visitors to popular trails and parks in Putnam County, as well as boaters on the Hudson River, will continue to enjoy magnificent, unspoiled vistas of the Hudson Highlands. The protected property spans 2000 feet of riverfront.”
