Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/332450
34 Hudson Valley Parent ■ July 2014 acre park features almost two miles of gently meandering trails, numer- ous scenic overlooks of the river, and plenty of wooden pavilions and benches to rest on along the way. For a hike that brings you right up to the river itself, the Tivoli Bay Trails wind alongside the ecologically vital wetlands and marshes of Tivoli Bay next to Bard College. Tivoli North Bay also features a canoe launch, where the Department of Environ- mental Conservation (DEC) runs free canoe trips throughout the summer. Free canoe trips? Read on . . . Come sail away There are numerous ways to turn a trip on the river into an education- al experience for the whole family. The aforementioned Public Canoe Program offers free canoe trips led by DEC naturalists in North Tivoli Bay and other Hudson River estuar- ies throughout the summer. The program is open to anyone 6 years old and up, and reservations must be made in advance. Call 845- 889-4745, x106 for more info and visit dec.ny.gov for a schedule. The legendary sloop Clearwater, a fl oating environmental classroom, also offers educational public sails throughout the summer in addition to its many area appearances; go to clearwater.org/come-sailing/pub- lic-sail-schedule for a schedule and more information. Over at the Beacon Sloop Club, the sloop Woody Guthrie makes free sails weeknights during the summer; visit beaconsloopclub.org to learn more. But one of the best ways for kids to learn about the river is to learn how to sail it; the Beacon Sloop Club runs sailing classes throughout the spring and the Ophira out of Sauger- ties runs a Youth Sailing School that includes a "Little Puffs" program for 8-11 year olds. (ophirasailing.com) Ride the rails It's easy for daily commuters who ride the Metro-North to take the Hudson Line's river views for grant- ed. But for kids who are obsessed with trains (you probably know a regularly check the water quality before taking a dip, but the river that inspired America's fi rst painters, poets and writers is now inspiring the next generation of Hudson Val- ley residents. But only if you get out and enjoy it — and fi ght to protect it. Here are just a few of the ways that you and your family can make the most out of the fact that you're lucky enough to call this beautiful, messed-up, productive, ignored and surprising piece of water your home. Take a hike For a bird's eye view of the river, head to either Poughkeepsie or Highland for the 1.28 mile long Walkway Over The Hudson. Origi- nally a railroad bridge, and the fi rst bridge that spanned the Hudson Riv- er, the Walkway is now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world and offers unparalleled views. If the kids are a little iffy about heights, consider a hike at Poet's Walk in Red Hook instead. This 128 EXPLORE THE HUDSON (Continued from Page 33) For kids obsessed with trains, taking a ride is a treat and the scenic views of the Hudson rushing by are a bonus. The Saugerties Lighthouse is one of seven lighthouses along the Hudson River.