Public farms and farmland in the Hudson Valley may be few, but you don’t need to travel far to visit one of the best ones around: Stony Kill Farm. This working farm housing chickens and full of animals and wonderful volunteers is also a teaching farm and is part of the State Education Department.

This neighborhood gem, part of the National Register of Historic Places, is full in rich history and so much fun to visit that it is no wonder that this farm property is a favorite of many.

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HOURS:
Grounds & trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset
ADMISSION:
Free
GENERAL INFORMATION:
https://stonykill.org/

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Visiting Stony Kill Farm:

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Things to know before visiting Stony Kill Farm:

• Check their website and Facebook Page for updated information.
• Open Barn takes place on Saturday & Sunday, from February through the end of November.
  • Open Barn hours are 11am – 1pm
  • Open every weekend with the exception of days, like major holidays.
• Pets are not allowed at Stony Kill Farm

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What Is Stony Kill Farm?

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Stony Kill Farm is an educational center with a impressive variety of programs. From school educational programs to family programs, the Stony Kill Foundation takes pride in its appreciation of the natural world and its ability to teach others. The foundation owns this over 1,000 acres farm with rolling country side scenic areas, farmland, ponds, woodlands, meadows, and a variety of fields.

In addition to hosting workshops and events, Stony Kill Farm has a community garden and leases the plots in this garden to avid gardeners.

About Stony Kill Farm:

Stony Kill Farm typically has education programs offered to both children and adults. These unique programs are taught by retired teachers and local crafters and often require registration that can be found on the drop-down menu on the ‘Education’ tab on their website.

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Where Is Stony Kill Farm located? 

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Route 9D cuts through part of Stony Kill Farm. Because of this some of Stony Kill Farm’s hiking trails are on the main property (where the visitor’s center is located) while other trails are on the larger part of the property.

Right off of Interstate 84 at Exit 11, Stony Kill Farm is close enough to Beacon, NY, that a visit to this great little city would complete any outing to Stony Kill Farm.

Things to Do in Beacon, NY
Reference my article all about 15+ Fun Things to do in Beacon, NY for a full list of things to do during a visit to Beacon, NY. Make sure to read the article before making any plans.

Stony Kill Farm is located in Dutchess County, NY. Close to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the farm is easily accessible and is several minutes East of the Orange County, NY border and the Hudson River.

ADDRESS:
79 Farmstead Lane
Wappingers Falls, New York

If you’re looking for a list of locations in Dutchess County, head here. I put together a list of the best spots in the county to visit.

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Things to do at Stony Kill Farm:

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With 1,000 acres of land, there is a lot you can do at Stony Kill Farm.

Some activities include:

• Hiking
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Participate in watchable wildlife
• Visiting the farm animals during Open Barn
• Relaxing on the grounds and in the Verplanck Garden

Stony Kill Farm Hiking Trails

The grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. With over 8 miles of trails and 1,000 acres of land, Stony Kill Farm offers the perfect location for visitors to stay local and, more importantly, stay safe.

You can download a map of the hiking trails here.

The following trails are found at Stony Kill Farm:

• Woodland Trail (0.5 miles) – This trail is wheelchair accessible and is near the visitors center. It is fairly level and offers an opportunity to see woodpeckers, squirrels, chipmunks and other small wildlife.
• Verplanck Ridge (1.5 miles) – This trail has a moderate climb that leads visitors through a wooded area and open meadow. In the open meadow area, you could possibly see eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, red-tailed hawks and more. This trail is mostly hard dirt and mowed grass.
• Sierra Trail (1 mile inner loop/2 mile outer loop) – This trail is a double-looped trail that takes you through forests, wetlands and an open meadow. This is a great area to see wildlife. The trail is mostly hard dirt with some areas of mowed grass.
• Muller Pond Trail (1 mile) – Circling the beautiful Muller Pond, this trail takes you through some forests and open meadow. This trail is mostly hard dirt and mowed grass.
• Freedom Trail (2.5 miles) – This trail is more secluded than the others as it’s on the furthest area of the property. This trail takes you through various terrain, such as rock walls, hills, wetland, a field and a forest. This is a wonderful area to see an abundance of wildlife, including geat horned owls and wood frogs.
• Farm Trail (0.75 mile) – This trail follows the edge in between a cornfield and woodland from the Manor House to The Farmstead. Bluebird boxes lined the paved portion of the trail. The trail consists of pavement and mowed grass.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Stony Kill Farm

In order to fully enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, there must be at least 6 inches of snow on the ground. Ski and snowshoe rentals are not available and you must bring your own.

Watch Wildlife at Stony Kill Farm

If watching wildlife is what you prefer, then Stony Kill Farm is a great place for you to visit. Besides watching deer grazing in the field, you can also get a glimpse of:

• Bluebirds
• Woodpeckers
• Wild turkeys
• Owls
• Hawks
• and more…

Stony Kill Farm Open Barn

The main focal point of Stony Kill Farm is the 19th century barn and farmhouse, an 18th century Dutch stone house and the greenhouse located on the premises.

Open from February through the end of November, you can visit the animals at the barn on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 1pm.

The barn and farmhouse contribute to the overall charm of the barn and is host to their seasonal ‘Open Barn’.

The barn houses:

• beef cattle
• pigs
• cows
• sheep
• chickens

The animals at Stony Kill Farm are used for education programs and a teaching mechanism for all who visit the farm.

Verplanck Garden at Stony Kill Farm

The Verplanck Memorial Perennial Garden was created in 1997 and is a wonderful place to sit back and relax. The flowers and plants in the garden were chosen to attract butterflies and birds.

This is the ideal location to enjoy the outdoors and also serves as a place for education, as well as, a place to admire nature.

Stony Kill Farm Events

Typically, Stony Kill Farm hosts four major events during the year. These events are free to the public and raise donations vital to the operation of Stony Kill Farm.

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More things to do near Stony Kill Farm:

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• THE BEST FREE THINGS TO DO IN DUTCHESS COUNTY
• SPEND AN AFTERNOON EXPLORING BEACON, NY
• A VISIT TO DIA:BEACON THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET

Things to know before visiting Stony Kill Farm:

• Although hiking trails are open year-round, you should use caution, as some of the terrain is uneven.
• Please take out what you bring in and leave no trace.
• Please wear a mask and keep a safe distance from others that are not immediately in your party.
• Open Barn takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from February to late November only.
• The following items are not permitted on the property:
  • Bikes
  • Skateboards
  • Motorized Vehicles
  • Pets
  • Alcoholic beverages and glass containers
  • Camping equipment/Hunting equipment/Trapping equipment and Fishing equipment

Until the Next Adventure…

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