61 places 47 towns $16 one-time
The Hudson Valley spreads across 47 towns and offers nearly everything you can do on foot, bike, or water. We've organized 61 places here, from the Ashokan Reservoir's flat rail trail in West Hurley and its southern promenade in Shokan to the technical singletrack at Blue Mountain Reservation near Peekskill and the mountain-biking network at Depot Hill in Beekman. You'll find easy walks to waterfalls: Awosting Falls in Kerhonkson reaches a 60-foot plunge in thirty minutes. There are more demanding hikes too, through Black Rock Forest near Cornwall and the 1,500-acre preserves that dot the region. Many trails are free, dog-friendly, and manageable for families. We've flagged the places we return to most, marked the worthy detours, and organized everything by difficulty and season.
What we thought of each of these 61 places is in the guide. $16 for all 460 places.
Ashokan Rail Trail in West Hurley: an 11.5-mile crushed-stone trail along the reservoir's north shore with Catskill views and wetland boardwalk.
Read more about Ashokan Rail Trail Website for Ashokan Rail Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Ashokan Rail Trail (opens in a new tab)
A 2.8-mile paved path along Ashokan Reservoir in Shokan offers flat views of the Catskills and a pair of bald eagles nested since 1999.
Read more about Ashokan Reservoir Promenade Website for Ashokan Reservoir Promenade (opens in a new tab) Map of Ashokan Reservoir Promenade (opens in a new tab)
Awosting Falls in Kerhonkson drops 60 feet into a pool reachable in half an hour on a flat, stroller-friendly trail at Minnewaska State Park.
Read more about Awosting Falls Website for Awosting Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Awosting Falls (opens in a new tab)
Black Rock Forest in Cornwall spans 3,920 acres with 26 miles of trail, from stroller-friendly walks to scrambles past waterfalls and mine cuts.
Read more about Black Rock Forest Website for Black Rock Forest (opens in a new tab) Map of Black Rock Forest (opens in a new tab)
Bonticou Crag in New Paltz is a 20-minute scramble to a knife-edge summit with the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskills dropping away on each side.
Read more about Bonticou Crag & Table Rocks Website for Bonticou Crag & Table Rocks (opens in a new tab) Map of Bonticou Crag & Table Rocks (opens in a new tab)
Cornish Estate Ruins Trail in Cold Spring: a 1.8-mile walk to Northgate, a Gilded Age mansion burned in 1958, its ruins slowly disappearing into forest.
Read more about Cornish Estate Ruins Trail Website for Cornish Estate Ruins Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Cornish Estate Ruins Trail (opens in a new tab)
Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt sits below the New Croton Dam, where water drops over 200 feet down a 1907 masonry spillway without a hiking trail.
Read more about Croton Gorge Park Website for Croton Gorge Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Croton Gorge Park (opens in a new tab)
Dutchess Rail Trail in Poughkeepsie is 13.4 miles of paved path from Walkway Over the Hudson to Hopewell Junction through woods and parks.
Read more about Dutchess Rail Trail Website for Dutchess Rail Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Dutchess Rail Trail (opens in a new tab)
Giant Ledge in Big Indian rises 1.5 miles to a rock outcrop with views across Catskill ridgelines, or continue to Panther Mountain at 3,724 feet.
Read more about Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain Website for Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain (opens in a new tab) Map of Giant Ledge & Panther Mountain (opens in a new tab)
Joppenbergh Mountain in Rosendale: a 500-foot limestone summit with a 1.5-mile loop, views of the Rosendale Trestle, and mining-era history.
Read more about Joppenbergh Mountain Website for Joppenbergh Mountain (opens in a new tab) Map of Joppenbergh Mountain (opens in a new tab)
A 260-foot Haines Falls waterfall painted since the 1800s. Walk the easy quarter-mile to the upper platform or descend 200 stone steps to the base.
Read more about Kaaterskill Falls Map of Kaaterskill Falls (opens in a new tab)
Little Stony Point in Cold Spring: a former quarry with a flat loop and man-made cave, with views to Storm King, saved from industrial development.
Read more about Little Stony Point Map of Little Stony Point (opens in a new tab)
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Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting, two of the world's five sky lakes, sit inside the same 24,000-acre preserve as easy carriage-road walks from the Kerhonkson gate, with Awosting Falls and the Gertrude's Nose cliff loop both reachable from the same lot.
Heads upParking reservations required weekends and holidays April 18-November 15; arrive early as lots fill quickly. Ice caves closed seasonally for winter. Lake Awosting beach access permitted June 19-September 7 only. A portion of Lake Awosting Carriage Road is closed during 2026 for trail restoration. No smoking, vaping, or cannabis. Dogs allowed on 6-foot leash.
Read more about Minnewaska State Park Preserve Website for Minnewaska State Park Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Minnewaska State Park Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Mohonk Preserve in Gardiner holds the Gunks: 8,000 acres of white quartz cliffs with 75 miles of trails, carriage roads, and the Lemon Squeeze scramble.
Read more about Mohonk Preserve Website for Mohonk Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Mohonk Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Mount Beacon Fire Tower in Beacon offers a four-mile hike past 1927 casino ruins to a 1930s fire tower with views of Manhattan, Catskills, and bridges.
Read more about Mount Beacon Fire Tower Hike Website for Mount Beacon Fire Tower Hike (opens in a new tab) Map of Mount Beacon Fire Tower Hike (opens in a new tab)
North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls offers 219 campsites across two lakes at 2,218 feet with a swimming beach and sunset overlook.
Read more about North-South Lake Campground Website for North-South Lake Campground (opens in a new tab) Map of North-South Lake Campground (opens in a new tab)
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower in Woodstock: a 2.5-mile climb past 1920s ruins to a 60-foot tower with views of the Hudson Valley and five states.
Read more about Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Website for Overlook Mountain Fire Tower (opens in a new tab) Map of Overlook Mountain Fire Tower (opens in a new tab)
Rosendale Trestle: a 940-foot, 150-foot-high rail bridge from 1872, reopened in 2013 over Rondout Creek as part of the 22-mile Wallkill Valley trail.
Read more about Rosendale Trestle & Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Website for Rosendale Trestle & Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Rosendale Trestle & Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (opens in a new tab)
Sam's Point in Cragsmoor: a rare dwarf pine barrens with ice caves accessible by rock scrambles, plus Verkeerderkill Falls dropping through the ridge.
Read more about Sam's Point Area (Minnewaska) Website for Sam's Point Area (Minnewaska) (opens in a new tab) Map of Sam's Point Area (Minnewaska) (opens in a new tab)
Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park in Tarrytown spans 5.2 acres on a former asphalt site with grass terraces and esplanade facing the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Read more about Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park Website for Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park (opens in a new tab)
Shaupeneak Ridge in Esopus: 936 acres with a waterfall, pond loop, and summit views to the Catskills, plus the Sojourner Truth interpretive trail.
Read more about Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area Website for Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) Map of Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area (opens in a new tab)
Stissing Mountain fire tower in Pine Plains rises 1,402 feet with a 1933 CCC tower offering 360-degree views to the Catskills, Poconos, and Berkshires.
Read more about Stissing Mountain Fire Tower & Thompson Pond Preserve Website for Stissing Mountain Fire Tower & Thompson Pond Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Stissing Mountain Fire Tower & Thompson Pond Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Storm King State Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson offers rugged trails with views of the Hudson River, Catskills, and a 500-foot scramble to the summit.
Read more about Storm King State Park Website for Storm King State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Storm King State Park (opens in a new tab)
Walkway Over the Hudson in Highland: a mile-and-a-quarter 1889 rail bridge 212 feet high, reopened in 2009 as car-free pedestrian span.
Read more about Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Website for Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park (opens in a new tab)
The Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail in Phoenicia connects three Catskill summits over 9.75 miles and 3,620 feet, ending on Slide Mountain at 4,180 feet.
Read more about Woodland Valley & Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail Website for Woodland Valley & Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Woodland Valley & Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide Trail (opens in a new tab)
Black Creek Preserve in Esopus: 142 acres with a 120-foot bouncy suspension bridge, river views, and trails from half an hour to slow afternoon.
Read more about Black Creek Preserve Website for Black Creek Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Black Creek Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill runs 30 miles of technical mountain bike singletrack across 1,538 acres of glacier-scoured granite and hardwood.
Read more about Blue Mountain Reservation Website for Blue Mountain Reservation (opens in a new tab) Map of Blue Mountain Reservation (opens in a new tab)
Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls offers 301 acres on the Hudson with a splash pad, a nationally recognized cross-country course, and eagle sightings.
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Fahnestock State Park's Canopus Lake in Carmel offers a sandy beach and calm water, the easiest lake swim in Putnam County, plus trails linking the AT.
Read more about Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (Canopus Lake) Website for Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (Canopus Lake) (opens in a new tab) Map of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (Canopus Lake) (opens in a new tab)
Colgate Lake in Jewett sits at 2,051 feet and stays cold even after a June swim, with hand-launch paddling or shore fishing for stocked brown trout.
Read more about Colgate Lake Website for Colgate Lake (opens in a new tab) Map of Colgate Lake (opens in a new tab)
Constitution Marsh in Garrison spans 270 tidal acres on the Hudson, reached by boardwalk at eye-level with herons, egrets, and migratory birds.
Read more about Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary Website for Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary (opens in a new tab) Map of Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary (opens in a new tab)
Croton Gorge Park in Croton-on-Hudson sits below the 297-foot New Croton Dam and the Old Croton Aqueduct trail that carried the city's water.
Read more about Croton Gorge Park Website for Croton Gorge Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Croton Gorge Park (opens in a new tab)
Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson sprawls across 508 acres where a capped landfill has become one of New York's most important eagle wintering sites.
Read more about Croton Point Park Website for Croton Point Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Croton Point Park (opens in a new tab)
Diamond Notch Falls near Lanesville: twin 15-foot cascades at a notch that opens to views of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide if you keep climbing.
Read more about Diamond Notch Falls Website for Diamond Notch Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Diamond Notch Falls (opens in a new tab)
Esopus Meadows Preserve in Ulster Park offers a shoreline loop past the 1871 Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, perfect for a quick walk or quiet afternoon.
Read more about Esopus Meadows Preserve Website for Esopus Meadows Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Esopus Meadows Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Falling Waters Preserve in Wallkill runs three miles past waterfalls and a 19th-century ice house ruins, with views across the Hudson to the Catskills.
Read more about Falling Waters Preserve Website for Falling Waters Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Falling Waters Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Franny Reese State Park in Highland: 251 acres of bluff-top forest with a carriage-road hike past 19th-century ruins and river views to the bridge.
Read more about Franny Reese State Park Website for Franny Reese State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Franny Reese State Park (opens in a new tab)
Lake Taghkanic State Park in Gallatin offers 1,569 acres around a glacial lake for swimming and fishing, with a sandy beach, camping, and boat rentals.
Read more about Lake Taghkanic State Park Website for Lake Taghkanic State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Lake Taghkanic State Park (opens in a new tab)
Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford protects one of the Northeast's last old-growth hemlock stands with six miles of trail past a colonial mica quarry.
Read more about Mianus River Gorge Preserve Website for Mianus River Gorge Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Mianus River Gorge Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburg spans 1,000 acres with a 5-mile riverside trail, public golf course, boat dock, and Beaux-Arts mansion tours.
Read more about Mills-Norrie State Park & Staatsburgh (Norrie Point Trail) Website for Mills-Norrie State Park & Staatsburgh (Norrie Point Trail) (opens in a new tab) Map of Mills-Norrie State Park & Staatsburgh (Norrie Point Trail) (opens in a new tab)
Otter Falls in Big Indian is a 30-foot drop into a deep swimming hole, just a third of a mile from Route 47 and perfect for cooling off after a climb.
Read more about Otter Falls Website for Otter Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Otter Falls (opens in a new tab)
Pawling Nature Reserve in Pawling offers 1,060 acres with 12 miles of trail, the Appalachian Trail, and trout fishing on a former plutonium research site.
Read more about Pawling Nature Reserve (Nuclear Lake) Website for Pawling Nature Reserve (Nuclear Lake) (opens in a new tab) Map of Pawling Nature Reserve (Nuclear Lake) (opens in a new tab)
Peekamoose Blue Hole in Sundown: a glacier-carved pool fed by a waterfall, cold enough to gasp at in July, ringed by cliff walls and flat rocks.
Read more about Peekamoose Blue Hole Website for Peekamoose Blue Hole (opens in a new tab) Map of Peekamoose Blue Hole (opens in a new tab)
Plattekill Falls in Elka Park is a five-minute walk to a rock amphitheater with the waterfall, one of the shortest approaches in the Catskills.
Read more about Platte Clove Preserve & Plattekill Falls Website for Platte Clove Preserve & Plattekill Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Platte Clove Preserve & Plattekill Falls (opens in a new tab)
Poets' Walk Park in Red Hook spans 120 acres of meadow and river bluff laid out as outdoor rooms around 1850, with Catskill views from the gazebo.
Read more about Poets' Walk Park Website for Poets' Walk Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Poets' Walk Park (opens in a new tab)
Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Sleepy Hollow offers 55 miles of carriage roads on 1,771 acres of old estate land with Swan Lake's fall color views.
Read more about Rockefeller State Park Preserve Website for Rockefeller State Park Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Rockefeller State Park Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Schunnemunk State Park in Cornwall reaches 1,664 feet with 360-degree views and conglomerate boulders called the Megaliths scattered along the ridge.
Read more about Schunnemunk State Park Website for Schunnemunk State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Schunnemunk State Park (opens in a new tab)
Stony Kill Falls in Kerhonkson is the Shawangunks' tallest single drop at 90 feet, reached by a short, steep trail off Shaft Road near Minnewaska.
Read more about Stony Kill Falls Website for Stony Kill Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Stony Kill Falls (opens in a new tab)
Taconic State Park's Copake Falls area offers the most direct route to Bash Bish Falls, plus a swimming pond, trout streams, and camping.
Read more about Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area Website for Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area (opens in a new tab) Map of Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area (opens in a new tab)
Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining offers 1,000 acres and 15 miles of trail around a glacial lake, a prime birding spot with marsh boardwalks.
Read more about Teatown Lake Reservation Website for Teatown Lake Reservation (opens in a new tab) Map of Teatown Lake Reservation (opens in a new tab)
Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve in Yorktown Heights reaches 831 feet in under an hour with views of Manhattan's skyline, Bear Mountain, and the Hudson.
Read more about Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Website for Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Vernooy Kill Falls in Rochester cascades through four stages with cold swimming pools, passing an 1700s mill wall on the trail up.
Read more about Vernooy Kill Falls Website for Vernooy Kill Falls (opens in a new tab) Map of Vernooy Kill Falls (opens in a new tab)
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River spans 4,700 acres with trails from wildflower loops to the five-mile Rocks Trail past glacial boulders.
Read more about Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Website for Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (opens in a new tab) Map of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (opens in a new tab)
West Point Foundry in Cold Spring: Civil War arms factory with blast furnace and mill ruins beside a reconstructed 36-foot waterwheel in a wooded ravine.
Read more about West Point Foundry Preserve Website for West Point Foundry Preserve (opens in a new tab) Map of West Point Foundry Preserve (opens in a new tab)
Buttermilk Falls in Sundown cascades 36 feet down a mossy cliff face, reachable in minutes, good for a quick stop or a camera session.
Read more about Buttermilk Falls (Sundown) Website for Buttermilk Falls (Sundown) (opens in a new tab) Map of Buttermilk Falls (Sundown) (opens in a new tab)
Depot Hill Multiple Use Area in Beekman offers a mile of climbing to Appalachian Trail views of the Hudson Highlands and Catskills, with a lean-to shelter.
Read more about Depot Hill Multiple Use Area (Mt. Egbert) Website for Depot Hill Multiple Use Area (Mt. Egbert) (opens in a new tab) Map of Depot Hill Multiple Use Area (Mt. Egbert) (opens in a new tab)
Goosepond Mountain State Park in Chester offers mostly unmarked trails on 1,558 acres along an abandoned paved road called Lazy Hill Road.
Read more about Goosepond Mountain State Park Website for Goosepond Mountain State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of Goosepond Mountain State Park (opens in a new tab)
James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley offers flat trails and a Robert Trent Jones golf course on 590 acres donated by a Lincoln Memorial contractor.
Read more about James Baird State Park Website for James Baird State Park (opens in a new tab) Map of James Baird State Park (opens in a new tab)
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail runs flat and tree-shaded from Croton-on-Hudson along New York City's 1842 water pipeline, past stone ventilator towers.
Read more about Old Croton Aqueduct Trail Website for Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (opens in a new tab) Map of Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (opens in a new tab)
Senasqua Park at Croton-on-Hudson sits where the Croton River meets the Hudson, with boat launch, volleyball court, and sunset views plus summer concerts.
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Wonder Lake State Park in Kent spans 1,100 acres of old bridle paths with two small ponds and a quiet stretch of the Highlands Trail, few crowds.
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In the guide
The names and the practical detail above are free. The guide adds what we thought of each place, how we rated it and what to watch out for, including the ones we'd tell you not to bother with. It does the same for the other 399 places in the other categories.
You pay once. Access doesn't expire, and anything we add or correct later is included.
BeaconBedfordBeekmanBig IndianCarmelChesterCold SpringCopake FallsCornwallCornwall-on-HudsonCortlandtCragsmoorCross RiverCroton-on-HudsonElka ParkEsopusGallatinGardinerGarrisonHaines FallsHighlandJewettKentKerhonksonLanesvilleNew PaltzOssiningPawlingPeekskillPhoeniciaPine PlainsPleasant ValleyPoughkeepsieRed HookRochesterRosendaleShokanSleepy HollowStaatsburgSundownTarrytownUlster ParkWallkillWappingers FallsWest HurleyWoodstockYorktown Heights
Antique Shops & Boutiques Art & Sculpture Parks Breweries Cafes & Bakeries Estates & Historic Homes Family Activities Farmers Markets Farms, Orchards & U-Pick Independent Stores Live Music Venues Nightlife & Indoor Fun Restaurants & Treats Swimming & Beaches Theaters & Performing Arts Waterfront & Attractions
