I
recommend some of my favorite area spots to hike, so that you can enjoy walking
in the Hudson Valley’s own winter wonderlands:
Bear Mountain State Park (Orange County)
Hike up
the mountain or on easy roads around the lake and enjoy resort amenities like a
carousel, zoo, and ice-skating rink.
Clermont State Historic Site (Columbia County)
Stop by
the historic house, enjoy the views of the Hudson River, and explore the
grounds, from formal gardens to carriage roads to steep hills leading to the
river.
Delaware & Hudson Canal Linear Park (Sullivan County)
Step into the history of this 45-acre park, and travel along three and a half miles of trail that passes through the remains of original locks, drydock, and waste weirs.
William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail (Dutchess County)
Enjoy this 13.4-mile trail which runs from the old train depot in Hopewell Junction to the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Check out woodland views on your journey to the Walkway.
Esopus Meadows Preserve (Ulster
County)
Look for herons
and swans, skip rocks on the river, and walk the network of easy trails; my
favorite leads to a pedestrian-and boat-access-only beach with a great view of
the lighthouse.
Fallsburg O&W Rail Trail (Sullivan County)
The trail is well-maintained and on level terrain with flowerbeds, a variety of views, and wetlands with excellent areas for birdwatching. Highlights include a Visitor’s Center in Mountaindale with a display of historical railway photographs, artifacts, a new scale train sculpture, rest areas and stretching equipment.
Franny Reese Park (Ulster County)
Enjoy a stunning view of the Walkway Over the Hudson and an impressive bluff perched above the western shores of the Hudson.
Heritage Trail Entrances (Orange County)
The first multi-use asphalt trail developed in the parks system. This trail offers attractive scenic vistas and access from the Goshen to Harriman for walking, biking and rollerblading. Motorized Vehicles are prohibited except for Class 1 “pedal assist” E-Bikes and the use of mobility or handicap scooters.
Manitoga: The Russel Wright Center (Putnam County)
Go on an adventure through the forest at the home of Russel Wright, American home-furnishing designer. The 75-acre landscape has links to the Appalachian Trail that even your dog can enjoy.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Ulster County)
Stroll
around the lake and watch for hawks flying beneath you on these steep carriage
trails lined with craggy rocks. See waterfalls, sky lakes, and sheer cliffs and ledges.
Mohonk Preserve (Ulster County)
Explore
the extensive network of carriage roads and trails or stay close to the
visitor’s center and check out the children’s forest and indoor educational
facilities.
Mills Norrie State Park (Dutchess County)
Hike along the Hudson River and enjoy the breathtaking views, and make sure to stop at the Mill's Mansion- an elegant country estate built during America's Gilded Age.
Poet’s Walk (Dutchess County)
Follow
easy trails to the gazebo and add on loops to the summer house and flagpole
lot, and see why these views inspired nineteenth-century writers.
Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail (Dutchess County)
Hike
these packed-gravel trails connecting the historic Roosevelt sites and watch
for birds and wildlife along the way.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (Ulster County)
Enjoy hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and other outdoor recreation at this linear park that was transformed from an abandoned Railroad in 1983.
Harrier Hill Park (Columbia County)
A short, universally accessible trail leads from the parking area past a farm pond to the pavilion. The 2-mile Stockport-Greenport Trail, which traverses a dramatic ravine, connects with additional hiking opportunities in the Greenport Conservation Area.
Hyde Park Trail River Overlook (Dutchess County)
The relatively easy walk passes through a peaceful, wooded ravine and crosses a small but pleasantly noisy stream before ending at the overlook affording magnificent views of the Hudson River and Esopus Island.
Fishkill Ridge (Dutchess County)
Magnificent views of the Hudson Highlands — and even Manhattan's skyline — provide ample compensation for the rigors of hiking through this rugged terrain. The 8.3 miles of trails at Fishkill Ridge are strenuous. There are some serious uphill climbs and several rock scrambles, as well as tricky descents. For the truly adventurous, there are connections to additional trails in Scenic Hudson's Mount Beacon Park and Hudson Highlands State Park.
Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead at Storm King Mountain (Orange County)
The trailhead provides access to Storm King State Park and over 11 miles of challenging trails—steep, narrow and rocky—leading to dramatic summit views of the Hudson River and Highlands.
Illinois Mountain (Ulster County)
With trails that ramble through rocky switchbacks, contouring up the ridge to reveal hidden treasures such as wetland habitats, rocky outcroppings and native ferns aplenty; it has been said that this site is not about the destination but the journey itself.
Updated 10/27/2025
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