Region
Most climbed route
Highlights
- The current observation tower is the fourth to sit on the summit of Mount Rutsen. It was relocated from Orangeburg, South Carolina in 2007. It is 80 feet tall and provides excellent views of the Hudson River Valley and Catskills.
- The first tower was stone and was built by the Astors. The second was an aid to map making. The third was a strategic watch tower, especially over Roosevelt's home and to warn of planes headed for NYC.
Routes
1 summit • 1.6 mi • 115 ft gain • 1 hr 5 min
Latest summits
"Gradual, short climb until summit. I scrambled to what looked like highest point near observation tower, then climbed tower to at least the 65 foot level. Views of Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, Hudson River, and Catskills were very nice. I met fewer people than expected considering this was a beautiful day, which will be followed by a bunch of rainy, cool ones. I saw one family which pushed a baby in a stroller to just below the last pitch to the tower. The dad carried the baby to the top and the rest of the family scrambled up just fine. Wildflowers (trout lilies? and others) were lovely. I had read warnings that bugs would be a nuisance, but fortunately didn't see any." — barbaratraver • May 12, 2017
"Hank, Steve and I out doing some road biking from Hyde Park to Staatsburg, Rhinebeck and Rhinecliff on a rather brisk day visiting the Vanderbilt Estate, Mills Norris state park, Wilderstein and the Amtrack station/waterfront. Eventually we got over to Mount Rutsen road to visit the Ferncliff Forest. Walking the trails to the tower was a nice way to stretch the legs. The view over the Hudson River improved dramatically as you climb the tower.
" — Nimblefoot • Apr 7, 2012