Buttercup Farm Loop

This route begins from the parking area off Route 82 and heads south on the main trail network through the eastern section of the Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary. The route follows a wide path along the edge of open fields before entering shaded woods and crossing a boardwalk through wetland habitat. Multiple short connectors create options to shorten or extend the route within this interlocking loop system. After circling back to the parking area, cross the road to access a less-maintained connector trail leading west into another section of the sanctuary. On the west side, the trail passes through light forest and open meadow at the base of Dolphin Hill, curving around a small pond before rejoining near the original crossing point. The western trails are narrower and may be overgrown in late summer, but offer more solitude and chances to spot wildlife. This route is best suited for easy day hikes in the Hudson Valley, especially during spring and fall bird migration