Are you looking for information about the Saugerties Lighthouse trail?
When we visited the Catskills, one of the things on our list of things we had to do was visit the Saugerties Lighthouse. It’s a beautiful 150-year-old building with an equally gorgeous walk.
Even better, we visited on a day when they were giving exterior tours.
The trail to the Saugerties Lighthouse is an easy way to get some amazing views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains in the distance while enjoying the flora and fauna of the area.
If you’re thinking about walking the Saugerties Lighthouse nature walk, then you’ve come to the right place. The guide below shares everything you need to know, including some other fun things to do nearby.
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Saugerties Lighthouse and Nature Walk
When visiting the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley, you’ll want to take the time to enjoy the nature trail at the Saugerties Lighthouse. The 1/2-mile trail leads to the beautiful historic lighthouse on the Hudson River. It’s a great activity, especially in the summer.
History of the Saugerties Lighthouse
The Saugerties Lighthouse was built in 1869, replacing the previously built lighthouse. The lighthouse became automated in 1954, no longer requiring lighthouse keepers. However, the structure fell into disrepair, and ten years later, the Coast Guard announced plans to demolish the building.
1979 the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. And then, in 1986, the lighthouse was sold to the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy. After years of restoration, the lighthouse reopened in 1990 with a solar-powered light.
Parking For Saugerties Lighthouse
Located at 168 Lighthouse Drive, the parking area for the Saugerties Lighthouse is very small and holds about a dozen cars. The lighthouse asks that you not park along the road due to the US Coast Guard’s presence and private properties.
Since the nature trail at the Saugerties Lighthouse is short, you might have a brief wait for a spot to become available. Otherwise, they ask to return at a different time.
Nature Trail at Saugerties Lighthouse
Nature Trail Hours
The nature walk is open daily, from sunrise to sunset.
Getting to the Trail
Once parked, walk towards the back of the parking lot. There, you’ll find a gate that leads to the Saugerties Lighthouse and the Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve.
Trail Accessibility
The nature trail at the Saugerties Lighthouse is partially accessible. The first half of the trail is either paved or made up of a boardwalk. However, sand, branches, and water chestnut pods may be along the path.
About halfway along the trail, you’ll encounter a sand path about 300 feet long before transitioning back to a boardwalk. There were families ahead of us with strollers that were having difficulty navigating the path. It’s best to leave the stroller in the car if you can!
Nature Trail Length
It’s about 4/10 miles from the parking area to the lighthouse, so the total trail is less than one mile out and back. It’s an easy trail, but not accessible the entire way.
During hide tide, the sand portion of the trail may become impassable, as it can flood if the tide is four feet or higher. If you do not have appropriate footwear, you’ll want to determine the best time to visit using the tide tables.
Along the Trail
The nature trail cuts through the 15-acre nature preserve. You’ll find trees, wetlands, and various plants and flowers along the way. One of the most common things to find along the trail is the water chestnut pod, a black, spiky pod that hurts when stepped on.
You can also access the Hudson River and a small, sandy beach. Kayakers along the river can pull up on the shore to rest and take in some sun. However, you cannot launch your kayak from the trail.
Riverside Deck at Saugerties Lighthouse
The Saugerties Lighthouse has a large deck that sits above the Hudson River. Access to the deck is available from Monday to Thursday from 9 am until sunset and Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm. The riverside deck is closed on weekends.
The deck has multiple picnic tables and benches, making it a perfect place for lunch or early dinner during the week.
Saugerties Lighthouse Tour
If you’re visiting the Saugerties Lighthouse nature trail on a Sunday between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, you can visit with a guide who will give you the lighthouse’s history and share some fun and exciting stories.
Depending on which day you attend, tours may only include the exterior portion of the lighthouse. The day we visited, we could not tour the inside but were offered seats on the riverside deck while a docent answered any questions and shared some insider information.
Saugerties Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
If you want a guaranteed look at the inside of the Saugerties Lighthouse, you’ll want to stay overnight or for the weekend.
Two rooms are available for rent Thursday-Sunday nights at the Saugerties Lighthouse, year-round. The bookings fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, you might have to plan your stay 9-12 months in advance.
Remember that the only access to the lighthouse is either the 1/2-mile nature trail or by personal boat, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when planning what to pack for your stay.
Things to Do Near the Saugerties Lighthouse
There are so many fun things to do in Catskills and nearby the Saugerties Lighthouse. We loved exploring Saugerties’ downtown and grabbing a treat at Alleyway Ice Cream.
We combined our visit to the lighthouse with Opus40, a unique sculpture park built entirely from bluestone slate. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the lighthouse.
Common Questions About the Saugerties Lighthouse Trail
How long is the Saugerties Lighthouse trail?
The Saugerties Lighthouse trail is just a half-mile from the parking area to the lighthouse. In total, it’s just under a mile out and back.
Can you bring dogs to the Saugerties Lighthouse?
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Saugerties Lighthouse nature trail. Dogs are not allowed inside the lighthouse.
Saugerties Lighthouse Nature Walk Wrap-Up
We loved walking along the nature trail at the Saugerties Lighthouse and learning about the property’s history. It’s such a beautiful piece of land that showcases the beauty of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains in the distance.
The trail was easy to walk along, although some parts were sandy. We didn’t visit during hide tide, so we had no issues with water covering the path. But, I could see how a high tide could make visiting difficult.
The next time you visit the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley, you’ll definitely want to stop by the Saugerties Lighthouse and walk the trail.
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