constitution marsh audubon center and sanctuary

This is a small area with limited space for parking and the assent down is very steep but not long maybe a half mile and it is a beautiful area. A paved steep slope leads to the visitor center and to the right of the center is a blue marked trail that will send you through a wooded area and then up some rocky terrain. They have some benches to sit at up top to see the sweeping views of the river nestled in between the mountains. The marsh has long decks to walk out on and you can pack a lunch if you like. Some have had eagle sightings here but I have seen red tail hawks and cranes. It's normally quiet and is a great solo, friends, couple or family hikes. They have a restroom but only in the visitor center during regular hours.

This is a superb marsh to canoe/kayak in. The only thing one must remember is that you very well may get stuck in low tide, so plan carefully!

I believe this place has a beautiful view - unfortunately the hiking was too difficult and we had to come back after 10 minutes into the hike!To reach the visitor center you need to walk down a very steep slope for about 10 minutes. The visitor center is very well maintained, and has a few exhibits - it offers a small boat launch into the marsh and a hiking trail - its very nice and peaceful and you would feel close to nature. However about 10 minutes into the trail, there is a moderately steep rock climb - which we could not do, and had to come back. Maybe one day, when my son is older and I have more experience in hiking we would try this place again. My wife was confident that she could make it but she did not venture alone without us.As a consolation, the balcony of the visitor center, and the trail (before it changes to a rocky climb) offers some views. I feel bad to give it an average review, because others were definitely enjoying the hike, while it was our bad we could not do the hike. Maybe a short boat ride for types like us would be helpful! This attraction is free!

The views from the boardwalk are spectacular. It is the place that I most love to bring visitors from out of town. They are never disappointed. A moderate hike so wear appropriate shoes.

Peaceful and well maintained. My family loves to come and look for birds they can't find elsewhere.

Fantastic place to kayak or canoe. Bring a camera for sure!!

When visitors come to Cold Spring, the Audubon Marsh is sometimes missed in the rush to shop and dine. But if you have time, this stop is a wonderful chance to take a little hike and see some nature. The marsh is accessible several ways. If you want to come in the main entrance, drive not quite two miles south of the center of Cold Spring Village and turn down Indian Brook Roard, right after Boscobel. You will come to an intersection with signs for parking. Park, and walk down the hill towards the river. There you will see a visitor center with a large aquarium. Continue past to the right before or after the building and pick up the trail to the boardwalk. You will first hike up a short hill to an overlook. Sit and watch for eagles. Then continue down the other side of the hill to the board walk. Here you can watch redwing blackbirds or muskrats, but mostly its just wonderful looking towards the north gate of the Hudson Highlands. if you come by train to Cold Spring, and don't want to walk all the way to the boardwalk, you can also see the marsh by visiting the West Point Foundry accesible at the end of Kemble Ave. Either walk the trail along the side of the hill behind the old large brick building, or just go out to the water before you get into the Foundry interpretive area. That location, where you are looking at the marsh as well as the Foundry Cove, is an excellent birding spot (and muddy at high tide).A third way to visit is by canoe or kayak into the marsh itself. You can rent a kayak from the outfitter on Main Street in the village. You are asked not to go in at low tide. Also, its usually closed for boaters during hunting season, so that the ducks have a place to hide out. Whichever way you visit, its a nice little trip any time of the year, and children love the hike to the board walk. The walk to and from the parking lot is a bit steep, so its not really handicapped accessible. I have not seen anyone with a stroller try it either. Its wonderful to visit anytime of the day. although for birdwatchers the best times to visit are dawn and dusk, especially in migratory seasons.