Open Space secures easement for Wright footpaths
Manitoga has reached an agreement with the Open Space Institute to provide permanent public access to its trails, providing an access point to the Appalachian Trail through Hudson Highlands State Park.
Designed by Russel Wright, the 2.1-mile woodland trail network passes by forest, rocky outcroppings, woodland streams and a pond and has stunning views of the Hudson Valley. The easement, secured by OSI for $120,000, includes a 15-car parking area for visitors.
The trail network joins a stretch of land conserved by OSI near Hudson Highlands State Park, including Philipstown Park, Philipse Brook Gorge and the Garrison Institute.
A Hudson Valley cultural landmark, Manitoga consists of Wright’s former home, studio and 75 acres of woodland garden. Wright (1904-1976) and his wife Mary acquired the site, then an abandoned quarry, in the 1940s and transformed it. He designed its trails to begin adjacent the house; the footpaths offer moderate loop hikes on the west-facing slopes as well as access to extended hiking on the Osborn Loop Trail and Appalachian Trail in the Hudson Highlands State Park.
Under the terms of the easement, Manitoga will continue to own, manage and maintain the trails, which will be open during daylight hours.
