Ancram, 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...

If you're craving some time away from the bustle of everyday life to enjoy some silence, broken only by the babbling sound of water flowing over small boulders and the occasional crunching of leaves-- you'll find many spots along the Croton River to satisfy your desire for stillness.  The Croton...

Trail is currently closed. Get updates at parks.ny.gov.  Sugarloaf Mountain is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, along with Breakneck Ridge, Bull Hill, and Mt Beacon. Though the views are just as impressive as its sister trails, it is never as crowded and it's one of my favorite spots in ...

This loop hike form the Notch Trail northern trailhead on Route 9D.  There is enough parking at this trailhead for about 5-6 cars.  The Notch Trail is identified with blue trail markers.  It is well maintained and plenty of markers to guide your way.  This is important because there are m...

The Breakneck Ridge to Sugar Loaf Loop gives rise to various bypasses that offer hikers moderate to advanced terrain and multiple rock scrambles. The loop entails a total elevation gain of 1,670 feet and a total distance of 5.5 miles. The start of the trail begins at the (white blazes) at the no...

This short but steep loop hike in Hudson Highlands State Park offers multiple panoramic views of the Hudson River along the way. Please note that only experienced hikers should attempt this route – although the hike seems short, the elevation gain and steep rocky scrambles offer serious technical...

There are many parking areas within the park. Park at the overlook parking. From here you head west following the wood fence. This is the Cliff Top trail. Approximately after walking 0.5 miles you will reach the stairs that will lead you to the base of the cliffs. This marks the start of the...

Located in Sam's Point Preserve, this hike has three major attractions – panoramic views from Sam's Point, mysterious and chilly Ice Caves, and a knee-weakening perch atop Verkeerderkill Falls. Pay attention to seasonal conditions before making this trip. Spring and early summer are best for see...

Sam's Point Overlook to Ice Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail with scenic views near Lake Maratanza located near Ellenville, New York. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 

The Heublien Tower Trail, located just inside the Talcott Mountain State Park entrance off of Route 185 in Simsbury CT, is a short 1.25 miles. While the hike isn't long, the first 1/3 of a mile is a steep incline that will get your heart pumping. The trail itself it very well kept, and although ...

This 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...

When you reach the falls, you can cliff jump into a large swimming hole at the base. The best time to visit the falls is from April to November. Please note that dogs are not permitted here. Parking is at a cemetery, and the gates are open from 8am to 9pm. Use common sense before cliff jumping - ...

This 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...

Park at the Junction of Sperry Rd and Rockwell Rd. To get to the trailhead, hike along Sperry Road for about 30 minutes. (Not to the end of the road, see map below.) Then hike along the March Cataract Trail, an out-and-back. You can bring dogs on leash. The trail is short but steep in some parts ...

Mt. Taurus (or Bull Hill) is a short, family and dog friendly, hike just outside the town of Cold Spring, easily accessible by car or taking the train into town. It snakes along the edge of an old quarry that is just now being retaken by nature and provides lookouts towards the Hudson, other near...

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...