Discovering the Autumnal Secrets of Constitution Marsh

PHOTOS BY STEVEN MATTSON Constitution Marsh, her response was “Sounds buggy!”—which meant “no.” In all fairness, she makes a good point because she has a way of attracting the worst nature has to offer. I will never forget one of our first nature walks as a married couple—we were in Florida on a trail where the brush formed a tunnel through the dunes. I got up ahead of her and I could hear her behind me complaining about the bugs. There was not a single bug around me, but when I turned around to look at her there was a swarm of flying insects all around her, with her swatting them with both arms and declaring, “Nature stinks!”

My wife had the flu recently, so I wanted to take the kids out to give her a chance to rest. The marsh was a logical choice. And, it being November, I knew we wouldn’t have to worry about those pesky bugs. We picked up the grandparents and were on our way.

To get to Constitution Marsh from the intersection of Routes 301 and 9D in Cold Spring, head south on 9D for 1.3 miles. Make a slight right onto a dirt road called Indian Brook Road and go .40 miles. The parking area will be where the road curves to the left. There is a wooden sign to mark the parking area, and there is enough parking for 5 to 10 cars. From the parking area there are two basic trails— the path to Constitution Marsh and a path to a ravine and waterfall called Indian Brook Falls (look for a future article).

We took the Blue Diamond Trail to the Marsh. From the parking area, the dirt road to the marsh heads downhill— it will feel a little like you are walking into someone’s driveway. As you start walking down the hill, there will be a few houses on your right. On the left is a steep drop-off to a ravine with a stream, so hold on to the kids. There are quite a few large, dead trees on the left, complete with woodpecker holes.

At the bottom of the hill, there are two buildings. One of the buildings is the James P. Rod Audubon Center—named after the sanctuary warden from 1982 until 1998—complete with aquariums and educational info. Unfortunately, it was closed when we were there.

To get to the marsh, go between the two buildings to the outdoor kiosk that will give you some info on the marsh’s history and bird population. The trail will head into the woods and cross a small, 6-foot bridge made from two split logs with a guardrail on one side. After going through a stone wall, the trail will turn to the left and be relatively flat for a few hundred feet. Take a look at the tree on the right side of the path that grew over and around a boulder.

As you get close to the water, the trail will make a right turn and start to climb a steep rocky area. The climb is not long, but not easy. Rough stone steps will help you up some steep areas. The views get better as you ascend the hill, and there is a bench at the top where you can stop to catch your breath and take in the view. After the bench, the trail leads down the other side of the hill. Take notice of the bright green moss that is abundant at the bottom of the hill.

Then—the boardwalk! As we descended the hill and could see how extensive the boardwalk system was, my son asked me if I was jealous—because he knows there is something I love about boardwalks. I’ve even started one in the woods in my backyard.

Named “Jim’s Walk,” also after Mr. Rod, the walkway lets you explore an area normally only accessible by boat or with waders. As you walk, you alternate between private areas surrounded with tall grass, and incredible wide-angle views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. There are a number of benches if you want to relax and take in the scenery, bird-watch, or have lunch or a snack.

The layout of the boardwalk is basically a bridge to a loop. The loop has a few offshoots with benches and educational placards. The tall grass and the multiple offshoots give the boardwalk a maze-like feel. It is impressive.

After we had our lunch and did some exploring, we headed back the way we came in. The hill from the interpretive center back to the parking lot was a good workout.

Visiting the marsh this time of year was perfect. The lack of leaves offered us wonderful views of the Hudson, and we didn’t have to worry about bugs.

Constitution Marsh is owned by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and managed by Audubon New York. For more info, go to constitutionmarsh.org.

Steven Mattson has been a resident of Brewster for 10 years. He is currently writing a family-oriented book about the sights and adventures in and around Putnam County. He can be reached at dutchess92@comcast.net.