Dover Plains, New York

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...

This 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...

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...

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...

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...

This loop hike starts at the northern trailhead of the park where the Stillman Trail begins.  The parking area has enough space for only 6 or 7 cars.  Start off on a wide maintained carriage road.  After about a half mile, the Stillman Trail (yellow markers) breaks of to the left.  However, stay ...

This is an easy, yet very rewarding hike with a lot of viewpoints on the way up. Technically you scale up two mountains, Butter Hill and Storm King, but most people just describe it as Storm King Mountain. This is a great hike for families with younger kids, those who don't have much time but wan...

There is three different trailheads to access the North Point Loop.  I chose the trailhead that would give me the longest hike.  That would be the Butter Hill parking area on Route 9W north.  From the parking lot, start on the connector trail designated with white markers.  Follow this for about ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

It would be impossible to see all of Minnewaska’s beautiful spots in one day. Gertrude's Nose is, in my opinion, the best view in the entire park. Round trip, the hike is approximately 5 hours, and is a 7.5 mile trip. To get to the trailhead: Drive to the Minnewaska State Park entrance, pass the...

This great loop hike starts from the upper parking lot of Lake Minnewaska State Park. Walk towards Lake Minnewaska and once on that carriage road, turn left and follow the road to the to the opposite end of the lake. Along the way are great view points of the lake and several picnic areas for day...