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 Pine Bush Preserve
Albany County
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
Appalachian Trail
Dutchess County
Sixteen miles of the National Appalachian Scenic Trail passes through Dover and Pawling, in southeastern Dutchess, and includes 4,000 acres of protected parkland with hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as five overnight use areas. The A.T. is accessible by car on Route 22 in Pawling and by train on the Metro-North Harlem Line, which offers limited service to its Appalachian Trail stop.
991 Route 22, Pawling, NY
Bear Mountain State Park
Rockland County
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
Catamount Mountain Resort
Columbia County
Family oriented Ski Area with 43 trails on a 1,000-foot vertical mountain plus a snow tubing park. For summer fun, families and those looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience will enjoy the Aerial Adventure Park - comprised of 9 aerial trails with 150+ challenge elements or the Catamount Zip Tour - a thrilling zipline experience including three duel zipline spans, one being an uninterrupted 1,000-foot drop of the CataMonster span.
78 Catamount Road, Hillsdale, NY
Columbia Land Conservancy - Public Conservation Areas
Columbia County
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.
Grafton Lakes State Park
Rensselaer County
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
Hiking in Putnam County
Putnam County
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.
Hook Mountain State Park
Rockland County
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
Hunter Mountain Resort
Greene County
Hunter Mountain is a four-season destination located in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. It is known as the snowmaking capital of the world and offers challenging terrain and trails for all skill levels. In the summer, Hunter Mountain offers a scenic skyride to the summit, snow tubing, ski and riding schools, and annual festivals that celebrate the best of the outdoors, music, food and drink.
64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Albany County
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
Juckas Stables
Orange County
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
Kingston Waterfront
Ulster County
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
Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center
Ulster County
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
Movement Gyms
Westchester County
Get in touch with your adventurous side by exploring the world of climbing as knowledgeable instructors help you get started on your journey. Or, renew mind, body, and spirit in a yoga class. Reach your wellness goals while working out in the fitness facility or taking a group exercise class.
1 Commerce St, Valhalla, NY
Quiet Cove Riverfront Park
Dutchess County
Quiet Cove offers something for everyone! Enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River while relaxing on the front porch. Two spacious picnic areas offer plenty of space to accommodate your next gathering. Top the day off with accessible and tranquil pathways leading to a new observation deck on the river for fishing, picnics or the perfect photograph! Test your skills on the four new pickleball courts, including an adaptive court for players in wheelchairs.
1 Clear Water Drive, Poughkeepsie, NY
Rensselaer Plateau Alliance Inc.
Rensselaer County
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
Storm King State Park
Orange County
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
Thunder Ridge
Putnam County
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
Windham Mountain Club
Greene County
Pairing small-town Catskills charm with 21st-century ambiance, at just over two hours from the New York metro area, Windham Mountain Club 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, Alpine Spa, Tubing Park at Windham Mountain Club, and many restaurants.
19 Resort Dr, Windham, NY