Whether you’re rambling through rolling foothills, exploring secluded waterfalls, or sunbathing on a mountain summit, the Hudson Valley offers its wilderness as a retreat for those seeking time away from the noise and chaos of modern life. When getting out isn’t enough, it’s time to get lost.
Sam’s Point Preserve: The highest, southern-most point of the Shawangunk Ridge spans 5,000 acres and is home to a rare community of high-altitude pitch pines. Hike a few miles along the bluffs and you’ll come to a beautiful 187-foot high waterfall located near the trail. The area includes glacial Lake Maratanza, scenic cliffs, and ice caves that are cool even in August.
Slide Mountain: With an elevation of over 4,182 feet, Slide Mountain’s peak is the highest in the Catskills. A rigorous 6.8-mile trail brings hikers 1,700 feet above the parking lot’s elevation and, just before the summit, opens onto a striking view of the valley. Be sure to set aside at least four hours for the hike and an extra thirty minutes for vista gawking.
Taconic State Park (Brace Mountain): The mountain’s steep, rocky path winds through three states—New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts—and arrives at a grassy plateau summit where hikers enjoy the view from the highest point in Dutchess County. After heavy rain, this trail offers cascading waterfalls braiding over slick rocks. On a clear day, the Gunks and the Catskills are visible in the distance.
Bear Mountain: This state park rises up from the western bank of the Hudson River and encompasses 4,900 acres of preserved woodland, complete with a bird sanctuary just on Iona Island. The Bear Mountain Loop Trail is a 4.4-mile moderate hike along the beautiful Hessian Lake. Hike far enough, and you’ll cross the county border into Rockland’s Harriman State Park.
Blue Mountain Reservation: This park offers trails for mountain biking and hiking with panoramic Hudson River views. Situated in the northwest quadrant of Westchester, the 1,358-acre park features two large peaks: Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. It also features the Sportsman Center, a recreation area offering target ranges. Lodging is available for group rentals.
10 Best Hudson Valley Hikes
There’s no shortage of hikes to be found throughout the Hudson Valley. Many of these hikes have soaring views and hidden swimming holes, and are nearby plenty of small mountain towns where you can quench your post-hike appetite. Here are a few of our favorite Hudson Valley hikes.
1. Overlook Mountain, Woodstock
2. Stissing Mountain, Pine Plains
3. Burger Hill, Rhinebeck
4. Kaaterskills Falls, Catskills
5. Huckleberry Point, Catskills
6. MillBrook Mountain, Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz
7. Slide Mountain, Catskills
8. Schunemunk Mountain,Blooming Grove
9. Storm Mountain Hike, Cornwall-On-Hudson
10. West Kill Mountain, Catskills
This article appears in Spring/Summer 2016.
