Enjoy Summer at Clermont
- Friends of Clermont
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Looking to plan your summer adventure? Between historic gardens, America 250 celebrations, outdoor concerts and more, Clermont is the perfect place to make your summer unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Gardens and Grounds
Our gardens and grounds are open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to dusk.
Historic Gardens
Clermont is home to five historic gardens: the Walled Garden, the South Spring Garden, the Wilderness Garden, the Children's Garden, and the Cutting Garden, plus the famous Lilac Walk. We also have a sixth garden, the Harvesting History Teaching Garden, tucked behind Sylvan Cottage. All of our gardens are cared for by a team of state staff and Friends of Clermont volunteers.
Learn more about our historic gardens.
Hiking Trails
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. Clermont is home to a wide array of wildlife, including birds, chipmunks, frogs, turtles, foxes, and deer. 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. Our hiking trails are accessible year-round from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Download our free trail map.
Did you know that Clermont is part of the New York State Birding Trail? Learn more about the New York State Bird Challenge!
Picnics and Sunsets
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a warm summer day than a picnic at Clermont! Enjoy your picnic with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains or surrounded by flowers in our historic gardens. Picnic tables are conveniently scattered throughout the site, most of which are located just off our visitor parking lot.
Clermont is known for its stunning views, which become even more breathtaking as the sun goes down!
Guided tours
Our mansion is open year-round for guided tours. This year, we are adding more Revolutionary War-era history to the tour in honor of the Semiquincentennial. Mansion tours leave on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Tours are also offered on Monday holidays. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center.
Group tours are also available by reservation. We welcome groups with 10-60 guests. Tours of the gardens can also be added upon request. Please note that a reservation must be made at least two weeks in advance. For more information, please call 518-537-4240.
Plan your visit.
Want to learn more about Clermont's history and the Livingston family? Check out our books!
America 250 Celebration
This year marks the Semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, of the United States. In celebration, Clermont will be hosting various America 250 events throughout the year, including history lectures, book talks, and more! Stop by our Visitor Center and check out our interactive kiosk to learn more about New York’s role in the American Revolution.
Events
Our events calendar is bursting at the seams with endless summer fun you don't want to miss!
Events will continue to be added throughout the summer!
June
Bird Walk with the Alan Devoe Bird Club
Saturday, June 6
8 - 10 a.m.
Grab your binoculars and field guides and join us for a spring stroll around Clermont State Historic Site with the Alan Devoe Bird Club! We’ll keep our eyes and ears open as we look and listen for spring migrant birds throughout the grounds. We may even spot bright and colorful, forest-loving Magnolia Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Black-throated Blue Warblers who migrate up to Clermont from Central and Southern United States.
Comfortable shoes are suggested. Fun for all ages! This program is free, but registration is required. We will meet in the visitor parking lot at 8 a.m.
Thank you to the Alan Devoe Bird Club for partnering with us on this program.
Gardens and Grounds: The Evolving Landscape of Clermont
Saturday, June 6
1 - 3 p.m.
In partnership with The Cultural Landscape Foundation, join us at Clermont State Historic Site for a guided gardens walking tour and talk that brings centuries of history to life. As we explore the grounds, we’ll highlight the legacy of Alice Delafield Clarkson Livingston (1872–1964), whose travels in Italy inspired a deep appreciation for classical garden design. Upon returning to Clermont, she blended Italian formality with the natural charm of English-style gardens, creating in the 1930s the Walled, Wilderness, and Cutting Gardens—each reflecting a distinct character within the historic landscape.
Note: The walking tour will start and finish at our Visitor Center. After the walking tour, there will be a slide show presentation. We recommend comfortable footwear, as the walking tour will take place outdoors on grassy and uneven surfaces.
This What's Out There Weekend Upper Hudson Valley program is presented in partnership with The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
America 250: The Livingston's Landscape Walking Tour
Sunday, June 7
2 p.m.
Join us at Clermont State Historic Site for a guided landscape walking tour. On this tour we will look back through generations of the Livingston family and explore how their role as landowners shaped the land and local communities. From the questionable land purchases from Indigenous tribes to enslaved men and tenant farmers tilling the soil, to the Livingston’s own gentleman farmers, the relationship with the land and those who worked it changed many times over the past 300 years.
Please note: This event is free of charge. Reservations are not required but appreciated. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. In the event of severe weather this tour will be postponed.
America 250: Lafayette Trail Sign Dedication
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m.
Join us for a dedication of a new historical sign, commemorating General Lafayette’s September 1824 visit to Arryl House. The dedication ceremony for this new marker will take place as part of a Lafayette250 function, honoring Lafayette's contributions to American freedom as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Lafayette250 is the first nationwide effort celebrating the Semiquincentennial of Lafayette's historic participation in the American Revolution. The ceremony will include remarks from all stakeholders involved in the preparation of this marker, the formal unveiling of the new sign, and photo opportunities for attendees.
Yoga at Clermont
Sunday, June 14
10 - 11 a.m.
Join instructor Jai Sugrim for a morning of relaxing yoga at Clermont! Yoga helps to promote a healthy lifestyle, improves cognitive function, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you are a beginner or a yoga aficionado, we invite you to join us for our summer wellness series.
Jai Sugrim has been teaching yoga, both locally and abroad, for 29 years. His vast career spans a diverse client list, including his work with the New York Yankees, which earned him a World Series Championship Ring in 2000. Today, Jai owns Jai Yoga Shala in Germantown, a place where diverse individuals can come together in unity through the practice of yoga.
It is recommended that participants bring their own yoga mats, as these will not be provided and classes are held outdoors. Due to potentially high summer temperatures, we also recommend that participants bring their own water or sports drink.
This event is free, but registration is required. In the event of severe weather, classes will be held off-site at Jai Yoga Shala at 224 Main Street in Germantown. Parking is available at the Germantown Municipal Lot at 200 Main Street. If the event is moved off-site, all registrants will receive email notification prior to the event.
This program is in partnership with Jai Yoga Shala.
America 250: The Livingstons of Clermont in 1776
Saturday, June 20
3 p.m.
We’re continuing Clermont’s celebration of the Semiquincentennial with a series of presentations about Clermont at the brink of revolution. Join Interpretive Programs Assistant, Emily Robinson, for a talk about the Livingstons of Clermont in 1776 and the events that spurred them towards independence. Enjoy some liberty-tea punch and spice cake as we follow the international incidents and familial circumstances that eventually brought the British to our doorstep.
Harmonies on the Hudson: Cosby Gibson & Tom Staudle Duo
Thursday, June 25
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Our free concert series returns, generously presented by Fix Bros. Fruit Farm.
Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle are award-winning singer-songwriters from the Adirondacks. The folk duo has been delighting audiences for over fifteen years with their guitar, fiddle, banjo, dulcimer, and harmonica melodies.
Cosby is twice Grammy-balloted and has been awarded the Best Folk Album (2017, 2018) from the Capital District Original Music Awards; Best Folk Album (2021), Outstanding Folk Artist (2023), and Outstanding Music Video (2025) from Dorn Space Arts Center; and was a nominee for the Thomas Edison Music Awards (2023, 2025).
Tom’s awards include Best Folk Lyrics (2018) from the Capital District Original Music Awards; Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2021), Outstanding Americana Artist (2023), and Outstanding Music Performance (2025) from Dorn Space Arts Center; Favorite Solo Male Artist (2025) from Listen Up Awards, was a nominee for the Thomas Edison Music Awards (2023), and was a grant recipient of Saratoga Arts for Individual Artists (2024).
Together, they are recipients of Dorn Space Arts Center Award for Music Outreach (2019); Listen Up Awards for Favorite Folk Duo (2025); Saratoga Arts mini-grant (2024); and Saratoga Arts Community Grant (2025).
All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. It is recommended that attendees bring their own seating. Picnics are encouraged!
Thank you to our sponsors.
_________________________________
Platinum Sponsors
__________________________________
Community Partners
July
Yoga at Clermont
Sunday, July 19
10 - 11 a.m.
Join instructor Jai Sugrim for a morning of relaxing yoga at Clermont! Yoga helps to promote a healthy lifestyle, improves cognitive function, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you are a beginner or a yoga aficionado, we invite you to join us for our summer wellness series.
Jai Sugrim has been teaching yoga, both locally and abroad, for 29 years. His vast career spans a diverse client list, including his work with the New York Yankees, which earned him a World Series Championship Ring in 2000. Today, Jai owns Jai Yoga Shala in Germantown, a place where diverse individuals can come together in unity through the practice of yoga.
It is recommended that participants bring their own yoga mats, as these will not be provided and classes are held outdoors. Due to potentially high summer temperatures, we also recommend that participants bring their own water or sports drink.
This event is free, but registration is required. In the event of severe weather, classes will be held off-site at Jai Yoga Shala at 224 Main Street in Germantown. Parking is available at the Germantown Municipal Lot at 200 Main Street. If the event is moved off-site, all registrants will receive email notification prior to the event.
This program is in partnership with Jai Yoga Shala.
Harmonies on the Hudson: Will Proper
Thursday, July 23
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Our free concert series returns, generously presented by Fix Bros. Fruit Farm.
From the driving rhythms of bluegrass to breezy island melodies, Will Proper plays what he loves. Growing up along the Hudson River in Athens NY, Will always had the company of a guitar since he started playing at 14. He fell in love with music and got addicted to the craft of songwriting. He started singing for the first time in a high school southern rock band. These days, Will's set is packed full of musical curve balls. Not concerned with conforming to the limits of genre, you'll hear Doc Watson inspired country and bluegrass flat picking, James Taylor-esque acoustic finger style, Bob Marley flavored reggae rhythms, and everything in between; you're sure to hear something you'll enjoy.
All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. It is recommended that attendees bring their own seating. Picnics are encouraged!
Thank you to our sponsors.
_________________________________
Platinum Sponsors
__________________________________
Community Partners
August
Yoga at Clermont
Sunday, August 9
10 - 11 a.m.
Join instructor Jai Sugrim for a morning of relaxing yoga at Clermont! Yoga helps to promote a healthy lifestyle, improves cognitive function, and gives you peace of mind. Whether you are a beginner or a yoga aficionado, we invite you to join us for our summer wellness series.
Jai Sugrim has been teaching yoga, both locally and abroad, for 29 years. His vast career spans a diverse client list, including his work with the New York Yankees, which earned him a World Series Championship Ring in 2000. Today, Jai owns Jai Yoga Shala in Germantown, a place where diverse individuals can come together in unity through the practice of yoga.
It is recommended that participants bring their own yoga mats, as these will not be provided and classes are held outdoors. Due to potentially high summer temperatures, we also recommend that participants bring their own water or sports drink.
This event is free, but registration is required. In the event of severe weather, classes will be held off-site at Jai Yoga Shala at 224 Main Street in Germantown. Parking is available at the Germantown Municipal Lot at 200 Main Street. If the event is moved off-site, all registrants will receive email notification prior to the event.
This program is in partnership with Jai Yoga Shala.
A Revolutionary Garden Party
Saturday, August 22
4 - 6 p.m.
Enjoy savory sandwiches and sweet confections, sway to live music, and revel in the beauty of our blooming formal gardens. And yes, we're bringing back croquet—because who doesn't enjoy a bit of friendly competition!
Our annual fundraiser raises money to support Friends of Clermont’s ongoing garden restoration work. Your gift is 100% tax-deductible!
Children 12 and under are welcome free of charge (just let us know they will be joining you).
Registration will open soon!
Harmonies on the Hudson: Nancy Donnelly
Thursday, August 27
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Our free concert series returns, generously presented by Fix Bros. Fruit Farm.
Nancy Donnelly, a Crane School of Music Alumni, is a classically trained jazz and soul vocalist. Nancy further her musical studies in Boston, and eventually settled in New York City, where she performed in many of the city’s famous jazz clubs, such as the Blue Note, The Village Gate, Iridium, and Birdland. Her captivating voice effortlessly blends classic jazz and contemporary soul, creating an unforgettable experience for her listeners. The Jazz Journal writes: “Nancy Donnelly is a vocalist well worth getting to know.”
All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. It is recommended that attendees bring their own seating. Picnics are encouraged!
Thank you to our sponsors.
_________________________________
Platinum Sponsors
__________________________________
Community Partners
