Ferncliff Forest

Observation towers on the property were used for map-making, surveillance for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's home during World War II, and recreational sight-seeing.

In 1942, during World War II, the observation towers in Ferncliff Forest were manned by soldiers from the United States Army Air Forces 24 hours a day.

The newest tower was constructed as a gift to the community for recreational purposes including hiking and mountain biking with an intricate trail system.

[4] Before the establishment of Ferncliff Forest, individual farms made up the landscape of the Hudson River's east bank.

When the farm colony was failing in 1900, 106 acres (43 ha) were sold to John Jacob Astor IV for $5,500, adding to the property that he already owned.

This nonprofit organization is controlled by a board of directors and relies completely on donations for funding, which was a wish of its founder, Homer Staley Sr. At the highest point of Ferncliff Forest, 350 feet (107 m) above sea level, an old stone observation tower[2] was built by the Astors.

[3] Ferncliff Forest was featured in The New York Times in a 2008 article about scenic views of the Hudson Valley, along with four other locations along the river.