Enjoy the great outdoors at Clermont!
- Friends of Clermont
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Whether you're exploring scenic hiking trails, enjoying a guided tour, relaxing with a picnic, or being mesmerized by our iconic sunsets, Clermont has something unforgettable to offer this season.
Have you heard about New York State Parks' Wellness Challenge? Throughout the year, immerse yourself in a variety of wellness activities at state parks and historic sites across the Empire State. All of the activities listed below count toward your goal of completing 25 activities.
1. Picnics
What better way to spend a spring day than enjoying a picnic with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley? At Clermont, we have picnic tables scattered throughout the site, most of which are conveniently located just off our visitor parking lot.
No table? No problem! Check out our Clermont picnic blankets!
2. Sunsets
Clermont is known for its stunning views of the majestic Catskill Mountains and the mighty Hudson River. These views grow more intense as the sun goes down!
This year, Clermont is nominated for Chronogram's 2025 Reader's Choice Awards: Best Sunset Spot. Don't forget to vote for us! Voting is open April 1 - May 15.
Check out this year's Harmonies on the Hudson concert line-up and enjoy views like this.
3. Hiking trails
From river and mountain views to vibrant flowers, no matter where you are at Clermont, you are sure to have a stunning view.
Clermont has five miles of marked hiking trails and three miles of bridle paths to explore. These trails wind through Clermont's 500 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens and is home to many species of plants and animals. When enjoying our trails, please stay on the path, carry out your litter, and remember to take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.
Download our free trail map.
Did you know that Clermont is part of the New York State Birding Trail? Learn more about bird watching at Clermont.
4. Gardens
Clermont is home to three historic gardens: the Walled Garden (near the mansion), and the Wilderness Garden and Cutting Garden (near the Children's Playhouse). Did you know we also have a Teaching Garden (near Sylvan Cottage)? The Teaching Garden is used for our Harvesting History program. All of our gardens are cared for by a team of state staff and Friends of Clermont volunteers. Be sure to stop by this spring to see our famed Lilac Walk in full bloom!
Want to enjoy the spring scent of our historic lilacs in your home? Check out our new Lilac Walk at Clermont candle, here for a limited time.
5. New exhibit and guided tour
Did you know that there is an updated guided tour at Clermont? With the launch of New York State's Whole History Initiative, historic sites across the state are looking to "expand and deepen public understanding of state history" by filling the gaps that were previously ignored. At Clermont, everyone is welcome, and we hope that our updated tour allows "people of all backgrounds to learn more and to see themselves in our collective history." While on your tour, be sure to stop by our new exhibit: Richard Montgomery and the Failed Campaign to Conquer Canada.
Have you had a chance to visit our Redefining the Family exhibit in the Visitor Center? Be sure to stop by before the exhibit closes at the end of June.
Want to learn more about Clermont's history and the Livingston family? Check out our books!
