TOP PICKS
Hudson Valley state parks, hiking trails, kayaking & natural preserves
If you like outdoor fun, you’ll love the Hudson Valley. The famous Appalachian Trail (that was actually started here) is just one of the thousands of miles of trails enjoyed by hikers. Destination ski resorts, executive golf courses to PGA, white water rafting, world-renowned rock climbing, boat cruises, and fantastic fishing are just the beginning of the excitement you’ll find in the Hudson Valley outdoors.
Albany
John Boyd Thacher State Park
A favorite of residents and travelers and one of the best selfie spots in the county, John Boyd Thacher State Park is the place for hiking, snowshoeing, and adventuring of any kind.
1 Hailes Cave Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186
(518) 872-1237 • www.nysparks.com/parks/128
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Meander through 18 miles of trail with a guide or on your own at The Albany Pine Bush Preserve. This unique Inland Pine Barren ecosystem is open for year-round exploration and adventure.
195 New Karner Rd #1, Albany, NY 12205
(518) 456-0655 • www.albanypinebush.org
Columbia
Catamount Mountain Resort
36 trails, 1,000' vertical drop, 3 terrain parks, 7 lifts including 4 chairlifts and 3 Wonder Carpet surface lifts. Snowmaking on 32 trails. There is also Snowsports instruction that includes the Mountain Cats children's program, 1st-timer Learn To Ski or Snowboard packages, and group or private lessons. Rental equipment, night skiing, and children's playroom are also offered.
78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY 12529
518-325-3200 (Snow conditions call 800-342-1840) | www.catamountski.com
Columbia Land Conservancy - Public Conservation Areas
Public Conservation Areas are open year-round from dawn to dusk, and free to the public. These areas provide a variety of different experiences for visitors, whether you're interested in trekking up the hills at Round Ball Mountain or Drowned Lands, or watching the monarchs at Greenport Conservation Area.
518-392-5252 | www.clctrust.org
Dutchess
James Baird State Park
Soak in the great outdoors at this 590-acre state park. With much to offer year-round, spend the day picnicking with friends, enjoying the playground, or exploring the seven miles of scenic wooded trails ideal for hiking in the warm months and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the wintertime.
14 Maintenance Lane, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
(845) 452-1489 • parks.ny.gov/parks/101/details.aspx
Bowdoin Park
The picturesque 301-acre park is located on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River. Scenic views of the river, open areas for picnicking, an award-winning handicapped-accessible playground, sports fields, running and hiking trails and seasonal ice skating are just a handful of what Bowdoin Park has to offer.
85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
(845) 298-4600 • https://www.dutchessny.gov
Greene
Windham Mountain Resort
Pairing small-town Catskills charm with 21st-century ambiance, at just over two hours from the New York metro area, Windham Mountain Resort is proud to be the Northeast’s year-round outdoor lifestyle destination! In addition to 97% snowmaking on 54 trails totaling 285 skiable acres, the resort offers a charming inn, premier golf course, a world-class mountain bike park, alpine spa, adventure park, and three restaurants. Special discounts are available for purchasing lift tickets in advance online, so you can ski and save throughout the winter season.
19 Resort Dr., Windham, NY 12496
518-734-4300 • www.windhammountain.com
New York Zipline Adventure Tours
Offering adventure tours from mild to wild on the longest, fastest, and highest zipline canopy in North America and the second-largest zipline in the world.
Rte. 23A, Hunter, NY 12442 • www.ziplinenewyork.com
New York Ziplne Adventures
Orange
Juckas Stables
Year-round horseback riding for all ages. Over 50 years in business. Beautiful trails, well-trained horses, courteous and qualified staff. English or Western lessons. Birthday parties. Call and reserve a horse or come and visit. Friendly farm atmosphere. Boarding.
1204 Route 302, Bullville, NY 10915
(845) 361-1429 • www.juckasstables.com
Storm King State Park
A favorite of hikers, this mountain inspired the ecological movement in the United States. Beautiful views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. Hiking and hunting. Undeveloped with no facilities. Open: Dawn to dusk. Limited parking. Hikers must stay on the trails. No bushwhacking.
Route 9W, South of Cornwall, NY 12520
(845) 786-2701 • https://parks.ny.gov/parks/152/
Putnam
Thunder Ridge
Thunder Ridge is a small ski area located in Patterson, NY. Because it is located just 75 minutes from New York City, the mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the New York area.
137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson, NY 12563
(845) 351-1122 • www.thunderridgeski.com
Putnam County is a hiker's paradise. From the steep ridge of Breakneck to a gentle stroll through the woods, Putnam has something to offer hikers of every age and ability. Click here for more information.
Rensselaer
Grafton Lakes State Park
Grafton Lakes State Park contains 2500 acres of forest and lakes on the Rensselaer Plateau with 25 miles of hiking trails, enjoyed throughout the seasons. Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.
100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082
(518) 279-1155 • www.nysparks.com
Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Inc.
The Rensselaer Plateau is one of the largest and most ecologically intact native habitats in New York State. The Alliance offers year-round guided tours, hikes and lectures.
PO Box 790 Averill Park, NY 12018
(518) 712-9211 • www.rensselaerplateau.org
Rockland
Hook Mountain State Park
676 undeveloped acres for hiking, biking, picnicking. Located behind Rockland Lake State Park, can be accessed from the end of North Broadway in Upper Nyack. Open dawn to dusk.
End of North Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY 10960
(845) 268-3020 • www.nynjtc.org/park/hook-mountain-state-park
Bear Mountain State Park
Fishing, picnicking, swimming, boating, ball fields, basketball courts, hiking paths, hiking and biking trails, ice skating, sledding, cross-country ski trails, carousel, Trailside Museum/Zoo, Lodge/Inn. Open dawn to dusk.
Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
(845) 786-2701 • https://parks.ny.gov/parks/bearmountain/maps.aspx
Ulster
Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center
The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center has paths for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, bouldering and rock climbing cliffs. The Visitor Center has free admission and is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come enjoy nature’s beauty in the majestic Shawankgunk Mountains! The Preserve is the perfect destination for recreation, reflection and restoration.
3197 US Highway 44, Gardiner, NY 12525
(845) 255-0919 • www.mohonkpreserve.org
Kingston Waterfront
With an artsy, industrial and maritime vibe, the Kingston Waterfront is a destination known for art, antiques, food, and culture; but the fun doesn’t stop there! Downtown Kingston Waterfront is the place for boating and kayaking along the Rondout Creek or Hudson River, walking or jogging the promenade or a visit to Kingston Point Beach.
20 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 340-3567 • www.thekingstonwaterfront.com
Westchester
The Cliffs at Valhalla
More than 13,000 sq. ft. of indoor rock climbing. Parties, events, instruction and outdoor trips.
1 Commerce St, Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 328-ROCK (7625) • http://thecliffsclimbing.com
