A juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbird hovers in front of the orange, cone-shaped flower of a Jewelweed plant, dipping its beak inside.
Constitution Marsh

Plan Your Visit to Constitution Marsh

The essential information you need before you arrive.
Discover adventure, birds, and how to make a difference at an Audubon center.

P.O. Box 174, Cold Spring, NY 10516

Center (By appointment only):

Open Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Trails:

Open Hours: Sunrise - Sunset

Parking and Directions
Paddling the Marsh
Explore Constitution Marsh
View Upcoming Events

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is wildlife preserve with a focus to maintain and restore the natural ecology and to protect the site's native plants and wildlife. 

Visitor Center and Trails

The Constitution Marsh visitor center is open seasonally. Please visit our Facebook for hours of operation. The trails at Constitution Marsh are open to the public every day, unless noted, from sunrise to sunset.  There is currently no on-site parking for general visitation to our center or trails. Foot traffic and registered program vehicles only. 

Learn more about visiting our trails.

The trail to the marsh is less than a mile in length, and has some moderately steep and rocky sections, so sturdy footwear is required. The hiking trail leads to a boardwalk, built in memory of the late sanctuary biologist and Warden, James P. Rod. There are benches to take in the marsh habitat, its wildlife, and an unmatched view of the surrounding Hudson River Highlands.

Trail Rules 

  • Constitution Marsh is a wildlife sanctuary and no dogs are allowed on the site EXCEPT for ADA service dogs that provide a specific task that is directly related to a person's disability.  Service animals are working animals, not pets. 

  • Hunting and fishing are not allowed. 

  • Stay on the trails. 

  • No alcohol or smoking on the property. 

  • Leave no trace behind. Please pack out all trash. 

  • While this is a quiet and safe space for birds and other wildlife, please be respectful of the local neighbors with whom we all share this beautiful area. 

Your Guide to Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Visitor FAQs

Please go to this page to view information about parking and accessing Constitution Marsh by car.

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is 270-acre New York State Park wildlife sanctuary, a protected area dedicated to bird and wildlife conservation.

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, access is limited due to parking constraints. The trail may also be closed during the winter, depending on icy conditions.

Current parking information will be updated on this page and through our Facebook and Instagram.

We are a small facility, with a round-trip hike of about 1 mile. The terrain here is typical of the Hudson Highlands, and there are sections of the trail that are steep and rocky. Sturdy footwear is important, and flip-flops and glass containers are not allowed on the trail. Drinking water in a reusable water bottle is highly recommended. Hazards may include ticks, inclement weather, stinging insects, poison ivy and the occasional copperhead, so please plan accordingly.

No. The marsh is a wildlife preserve and our activities are focused on the study and protection of the natural world. Please be aware that hunting may take place nearby the Marsh during the appropriate season. More extensive hiking and other outdoor recreational opportunities can be found in the area's excellent New York State Park system. 

No dogs or other pets are allowed. Only ADA Service dogs that provide a specific task for a disability are allowed on site. Emotional support and therapy animals that provide comfort just by being with a person are not considered service animals because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task.  Therefore, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and shall not be permitted on-site.  

Pets can foul the trails, disturb other visitors and wildlife. Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve in the village of Cold Spring is nearby, and allows leashed dogs. 

Yes. Sections of the trail are steep and rocky. Please call ahead if you have a disability and would like to visit, so we can provide some helpful information. 

No, they are not for rent. We do offer guided tours of the Marsh at certain times in spring, summer, and fall. To learn more about our canoe programs, including fees and age requirements, please visit our events page or call us at 845-265-2601. 

You may, but please note public access is NOT at the Audubon Center, but is provided at Scenic Hudson's Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring. Considerable planning is necessary, please visit our Paddling the Marsh page for important safety and other information. 

Yes, but please pack out your trash and recyclables. Please note that glass bottles or containers are not allowed on the trails. 

We cannot take any sick or injured wildlife. Please visit the NYS DEC website for appropriate information. 

A blue male Indigo Bunting perched on a twig.
Hours
Birds of Constitution Marsh
Keep an eye out for these birds around the Marsh!
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A beige Northern Cardinal female stands on a bare branch
Northern Cardinal. Photo: Brady Linkous/Audubon Photography Awards
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