Amenia, New York

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A real mixed bag but mostly very enjoyable. The trail starts at the Charcoal Burners Trailhead Route 301. There is only road side parking on a soft shoulder, both sides of the road.  After a short walk into the forest, you re...

There are some great view points along this route.  Start from the Mount Beacon Park trailhead parking area.  This leads to the Casino Trail (red markers).  The trail climbs steeply to some old ruins of a casino.  Most of what remains is only the brick structure housing the mechanics for a trolle...

Starting in the quaint town of Beacon there are a couple of options for hikes of varying difficulty. From the station the walk is about 1.5 miles to the trail heads, alternatively if you choose to stay the night at Malouf's Mountain Sunset Campground you can arrange for the host to meet you, take...

Mount Beacon is a very popular trail along the Hudson River, and for good reason. It offers a good workout, fantastic views for both sunrise and sunset (and of course the time in between), a recently rebuilt fire tower, and all with incredibly easy access right on the edge of a lively town. The ...

You will park at the end of Park Street in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  From the parking are you will cross a beautiful bridge over the Housatonic River.  The trail crosses railroad tracks and immediately begins to climb into the woods.  You will reach a split in the trail, a left will take you...

Long Dock and Dennings Point are two of the most popular parks in Beacon, that just so happen to be connected by a train track turned trail. Plenty of parking is available at Long Dock, and its a perfect spot to picnic, launch your kayak into the Hudson, or cast your line hoping to reel in the bi...

It is important to know that parking for the head of this trail is great, located on Meads Mountain Rd in Woodstock NY. The trail is clearly a gravel road marked by Red trail markers, on a gradual inline up to the Hotel first, at the 2 mile mark, and then the Fire Tower is 0.5 miles further down...

Middle Mountain to Thomas Mountain Loop is a 3.7 mile loop hike that takes you past great forest setting located near Danbury, Connecticut.

This is a 4.5 mile hike that is great for hikers of all skill levels. Because it is short and not overly difficult, beginners will enjoy this hike. There are some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, though, and a stunning payoff is waiting for you at the end.From the trailhead, follo...

There are no direct views from the summit, so it is recommended to take the .25 mile shoot-off trail to Hurricane Ledge for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the spring, wildflowers line the trail. If you look carefully in the brush, you'll find wreckage from two old pl...

Starting from the East Trapps parking area ascend the East Trapps connector trail marked with yellow blazes.  You can also park at the Mohonk Preserve visitor center where you can purchase your access pass ($15 per person) and pick up a free map of the presere trails and carriage roads.  The conn...

Just outside of Elka Park, New York, Plattekill Falls is accessible from Albany and New York City alike. This is a great hike for families and all skill levels. The falls are spectacular year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring.  From the trailhead, walk left past the red house unt...

Want to walk on the edge? visit Millbrook Mountain in the Catskills of NY. This loops hike follows the mountains ridge line most of the way to the summit with multiple viewpoints and cliff ledges to walk out on. This hike is recommended those in the area.Park at West Trapps Parking Lot and head ...

This loop hike takes you to Awosting Falls (65 ft.), as well as to great  valley views along the ridge of Dickie Barre, and across Peters Kill, on the way.Start out on West Trapps Connector Trail (yellow blazes) at the east end of the West Trapps parking lot (get their early because the lot will ...

From the West Trapps parking lot ($15 for hikers), walk to the end of the parking lot and past a large kiosk.  The trail connects the parking lot to the Overcliff Road/Undercliff Road junction.  The loop can be done in either direction.  I turned left on the Overcliff Road.  This takes you behind...

Please be respectful if visiting this local swimming hole. Pack out what you pack in, carry out others' trash, and familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles.  Hidden in the Catskill Mountains is one of the coolest cliff jumping locations I have ever been to. The first time I went was a...