Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley near Garrison, New York sits
Manitoga–the historic, modernist house that was once owned by
Russel Wright (1904–1976) and his wife
Mary Small Einstein Wright (1904–1952).
While touring and exploring the outside of Manitoga is strictly for paid tour groups only, the property has plenty of free-access trails that the public can use to escape into nature. This short hike through the Manitoga forest follows several named trails to make-up a short and easy 0.9-mile loop hike.
Note: Again, you
cannot explore the outside of the modernist home,
Manitoga, without paying for a guided tour. To learn more, visit their
official website.
Trails
This hike follows the Killalemy Trail, Deer Run, Upper Laurel Field Trail, Wickopee Trail, and the Morning Path.
Hiking the Manitoga Loop
This hike begins at the main parking lot located near the Visitor Guide House on the property and heads into the forest by following the Killalemy Trail to reach the Deer Run Trail, passing through Mary's Meadow.
Mary's Meadow to Four Corners - Mile 0 to 0.37
Starting at the trailhead kiosk, the hike leads up the stone steps to reach Mary's Meadow. Hike through the meadow via the Killalemy Trail to find its continuation, located on your left-hand side, that leads into the forest. Here, you'll have two choices once you reach a fork in the Killalemy Trail - either take a left or right-hand turn. This route takes a right-hand turn to follow a counter-clockwise loop. Hike up through the forest as it follows an easy grade to reach Four Corners trail junction near mile 0.37.
Four Corners to Sunset Osio - Mile 0.37 to 0.56
At Four Corners, take a right-hand turn onto the Wickopee Trail and follow the Wickopee Trail downhill. The trail eventually crosses a creek by way of a halved tree. On the far side of the creek crossing sits the Fern Steps, a small pathway that leads through a fern-filled section of forest, near mile 0.48. Following the Morning Path westward from the Fern Steps leads hikers to an offshoot path that leads to the Sunset Osio - a viewpoint that sits on the edge of the Manitoga property. Here, during warmer months, hikers will find large boulders enclosed in a shaded forest. During colder months, when no leaves are on the trees, you'll find an obstructed view of the Hudson Valley area.
Sunset Osio to Parking - Mile 0.56 to 0.9
From the Sunset Osio path, hikers will head back to the Morning Path where you'll find the opposite end of the Killalemy Trail that you started on. Take the left-hand turn (almost immediately across from the Sunset Osio trail terminus) to follow the Killalemy Trail back to parking. The trail crosses the same creek one last time by following a wooden footbridge before it winds slightly uphill through the forest. Pass the first trail junction you initially came across before walking through Mary's Meadow to end the hike back at the trailhead at mile 0.9.
Hours
Trails at Manitoga, via their public parking lot, are open from Dawn to Dusk. The property has a gate at the public entrance and as such, the gate may be closed outside of these hours.
Pets
Dogs are
not allowed on the Manitoga Trails.
Warning
Poison ivy: This route passes sections of poison ivy, mainly in Mary's Meadow. Hikers should be aware of what poison ivy looks like in its various stages of growth to avoid stepping on or touching the plant.
