Papscanee Island Nature Preserve - Castleton-On-Hudson, NY
Papscanee Island Nature Preserve – Dog-Friendly Trails in Castleton-On-Hudson, NY
Located along Staats Island Road in Castleton-On-Hudson, New York, Papscanee Island Nature Preserve is a local gem for nature lovers and pet owners alike. This scenic destination features short, easy trails under a dense forest canopy that create a serene escape just outside of Albany. With accessible paths that wind along the Hudson River, the preserve is perfect for dog-friendly hiking and offers beautiful views, abundant birdlife, and plenty of natural exploration year-round.
While not a traditional fenced dog park, Papscanee Island is cherished by dog owners for leashed walks where dogs can enjoy new scents and sights. The trails, while mostly flat and easy, can be muddy—so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Shady trees line most routes, providing cool walks even on sunny days. Ample parking is available, and you’ll enjoy relative solitude even on weekends, making it ideal for peaceful dog adventures. As one visitor notes, it’s a wonderful spot for pets to “sniff the sniffs and smell the smells.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve offers several easy walking and hiking trails, providing scenic and dog-friendly exploration along the Hudson River.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trails are mostly under a dense canopy of trees, providing plenty of natural shade.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? While there is access to the Hudson River, please be aware that shoreline areas can be muddy and are not designated as swimming areas for dogs.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Not specifically mentioned, so seating may be limited or natural (logs, rocks, etc.).
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trails can be muddy in places after rain—be prepared with the right footwear.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is parking near the entrance to the preserve on Staats Island Road.
Reviews
We are regular visitors here because it’s perfect for a short walk. It’s also beautiful along the Hudson at low tide. The view over the river is so pretty. High tide today was at 4.30pm. The trails were a little muddy here and there but then we walked along the side, we were fine. The Amtrak came by at around 4.45, always fun to watch, we love it. Then all the red winged black birds were back at the swamp/pond and they were all sitting in the top of the trees, singing. There were two other cars parked but we didn’t see any people. It was another beautiful afternoon visit!
We are regular visitors here because it’s perfect for a short walk. It’s also beautiful along the Hudson at low tide. The view over the river is so pretty. High tide today was at 4.30pm. The trails were a little muddy here and there but then we walked along the side, we were fine. The Amtrak came by at around 4.45, always fun to watch, we love it. Then all the red winged black birds were back at the swamp/pond and they were all sitting in the top of the trees, singing. There were two other cars parked but we didn’t see any people. It was another beautiful afternoon visit!
We are regular visitors here because it’s perfect for a short walk. It’s also beautiful along the Hudson at low tide. The view over the river is so pretty. High tide today was at 4.30pm. The trails were a little muddy here and there but then we walked along the side, we were fine. The Amtrak came by at around 4.45, always fun to watch, we love it. Then all the red winged black birds were back at the swamp/pond and they were all sitting in the top of the trees, singing. There were two other cars parked but we didn’t see any people. It was another beautiful afternoon visit!
Great place for my dog to sniff the sniffs and smell the smells. Needs a couple people w a chainsaw for lots of down trees on white trail. Help!
Great place for my dog to sniff the sniffs and smell the smells. Needs a couple people w a chainsaw for lots of down trees on white trail. Help!
Great place for my dog to sniff the sniffs and smell the smells. Needs a couple people w a chainsaw for lots of down trees on white trail. Help!
You often don’t have to look very far to enjoy the mystery and intrigue of nature, and this place is a perfect example of that. It’s not hard to see why this place is considered sacred to the natives who live here. Walking under the dense canopy of towering trees approximates your place in this world; just a blip on the map. As your eyes follow the grapevines twisting and turning about and between the age old trunks, you begin to get lost in them. You know where you are physically (the trails are short), but the maze of life in front of you beckons you to abandon your plans and intentions; it pleads with you to lose yourself in the world around you and live in the present. As you begin to heed its calls, you will look and listen closer. When you take these moments to listen instead of speak, the forest and all of its friends will begin to welcome you to their home.
You often don’t have to look very far to enjoy the mystery and intrigue of nature, and this place is a perfect example of that. It’s not hard to see why this place is considered sacred to the natives who live here. Walking under the dense canopy of towering trees approximates your place in this world; just a blip on the map. As your eyes follow the grapevines twisting and turning about and between the age old trunks, you begin to get lost in them. You know where you are physically (the trails are short), but the maze of life in front of you beckons you to abandon your plans and intentions; it pleads with you to lose yourself in the world around you and live in the present. As you begin to heed its calls, you will look and listen closer. When you take these moments to listen instead of speak, the forest and all of its friends will begin to welcome you to their home.
You often don’t have to look very far to enjoy the mystery and intrigue of nature, and this place is a perfect example of that. It’s not hard to see why this place is considered sacred to the natives who live here. Walking under the dense canopy of towering trees approximates your place in this world; just a blip on the map. As your eyes follow the grapevines twisting and turning about and between the age old trunks, you begin to get lost in them. You know where you are physically (the trails are short), but the maze of life in front of you beckons you to abandon your plans and intentions; it pleads with you to lose yourself in the world around you and live in the present. As you begin to heed its calls, you will look and listen closer. When you take these moments to listen instead of speak, the forest and all of its friends will begin to welcome you to their home.
A shirt hike into a paradise for birds. The songs of so many birds can be heard loud and clear (when the train isn’t flying at 80 mph down the tracks). The shoreline is accessible from the red trail or near the end of the main trail. The shoreline is pretty muddy so bring the right kind of shoes or boots to have the best time ever. I saw a family fishing on the lake while boaters anchored near the shoreline. This is a great escape when you can’t go far. Also, as you’re driving down the road to the entrance, you get this amazing view of Corning Tower in Albany. It’s pretty cool!