Bethel, Connecticut
Top Spots in and near Bethel
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Litchfield, Connecticut
Photograph Daffodils at Laurel Ridge
Laurel Ridge is a private owned Farm , the owners are generous enough to let people visit these flowers so please be respectful of there rules. You may see the Daffodils from Sunrise-Sunset and usually fully bloomed Early April-May. Laurel Ridge is the perfect way to start Spring, the smell and ...Read more -
Dover Plains, New York
Hike Dover's Stone Church
4.5Dover Stone Church has been a beautiful and popular destination in the Hudson Valley for some time, and recently the park purchased a new parcel of land and added three trails through the nearby woods. But the gem of the park is, and always will be, the impressive cave with the creek and waterfal...Read more -
Hamden, Connecticut
Hike the Tower Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP
5.03 mi / 518 ft gainSleeping Giant State Park is a place very close to my heart. I spent 4 years right across the street at Quinnipiac University and have hiked “The Giant” more times then I can count and at all different hours. There are a few different trails you can explore but my favorite one is up to the cliffs...Read more -
Hamden, Connecticut
Hike the Mill River Trail to the Blue Trail at Sleeping Giant SP
5.03 mi / 518 ft gainSince I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed hiking the Giant. As Connecticut parks go, this terrain is some of the most challenging (and unfortunately, the most dangerous) in the state. The actual ridge is approximately 2.75 miles long by 1.75 miles wide, and offers approximately 24 miles of hiking ...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Photograph Indian Brook Falls
2.8This is about as short a walk and as little effort as you can put in for a beautiful waterfall. You can barely call it a hike, but I'll list it as such since you do walk through the woods for 5 minutes. The trail is extremely well built, and is pretty easily accessible through the winter.The trai...Read more -
Hamden, Connecticut
Boulder & Free Climb off the Blue Trail In Sleeping Giant SP
Sleeping Giant State Park does not just have great hiking, it also has great climbing and bouldering. Pick up the blue trail starting at the backside of the visitor center. This trail climbs pretty steadily but take note that as you hike up the cliff below you is a great spot to checkout for boul...Read more -
Briarcliff Manor, New York
Hike Kate Kennard Trail
1.8 mi / 140 ft gainIf you’re in the town of Briarcliff and looking for an easy local trail to try out, Kate Kennard Trail is good for getting in a quick run or walk. It’s a straight line path the whole way. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the path when you see a sign that marks the beginning of a road leading...Read more -
Kent, Connecticut
Hike the Ridge Loop Trail, Macedonia Brook SP
3.0For a quick weekend trip from Newport, RI, Macedonia Brook State Park had a lot to offer for its size. In three or four hours, with lunch, you can hike the 6.4 mile ridge trail and get some fresh air without having to hike on too busy of trails. The elevation gain is only around 700 ft, however, ...Read more -
Kent, Connecticut
Explore Kent Falls
5.00.75 mi / 250 ft gainEvery now and then you need a day to rest those sore muscle from all your recent adventures. The only issue is, you don't want to sit around inside, you want to be outside. Insert a trip to Kent Fall State Park. The perfect rest adventure day.Located 1 hour and 45 minutes north of New York City i...Read more -
Philipstown, New York
Hike the Osborn Loop
7.6 mi / 850 ft gainThe Osborn Loop trail itself is not a loop. It connects to a 2.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking these together creates the loop. Start at the trail head for the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain Pass Road. There is parking for two or three cars. Walk up the road a short dist...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Kayak the Hudson River in Cold Spring
North of New York City by 90 minutes lies the town of Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley. Cold Spring has a hometown quality with a Main Street, a firehouse, and art galleries of local artists. Despite its proximity to NYC, locals maintain a slower pace and enjoy many outdoor activities. Just a sho...Read more -
Beacon, New York
Hike Fishkill Ridge
Fishkill Ridge is a strenuous but rewarding hike, and one of the less known areas in the Hudson Valley. The parking area is at the very end of Sunnyside Road in Beacon, along with the information board at the trailhead. The red trail leaves the lot and will take you up to the first peak on the ri...Read more -
Beacon, New York
Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail
3.29 mi / 1017 ft gainHudson Highlands Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Beacon, New York.Read more -
Cortlandt, New York
Hike the Camp Smith Trail
4.55.92 mi / 1759 ft gainThis approximately 3-hour hike borders the Hudson River, and is one of the best in Westchester County. Start off at the parking area at the Bear Mountain Tollhouse, or at a small parking area farther up Bear Mountain Road, if you want a slightly shorter hike. The trail is fairly steep in places, ...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Hike the Cornish/Brook/Notch/Washburn/Undercliff Loop
8 mi / 1500 ft gainThis loop is a great option to avoid crowds on the west side of the Washburn trail. Start at the same trailhead for the Washburn Trail. The Cornish Trail is on the left and there is an obvious sign at the trail split a few feet from the parking area. The Cornish Trail is an old road from about...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Hike the Washburn/Nelsonville/Undercliff Loop
7.2 mi / 2000 ft gainThis is a difficult loop hike that has several different starting points. I chose to start at the Washburn Trail Head, which is the lowest starting point you can select. Nearly on the Hudson River, the trail ascends immediately along a well maintained road designated by white disc markers. Aft...Read more