Swan Lake, New York

The Kaaterskill Rail Trail begins near Haines Falls, New York heading toward North and South Lake. The trail is set in a gorgeous forest, and is used for hiking, trail running, and birding trips. The trail provides exceptional views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, forests, and towns. 

Start out by turning right when you walk out of the visitor center onto Sterling Lake Loop (Blue Blazes). The visitor center is worth going in as they have a full diorama of the park with LED light to show trail routes. About .3 miles into the hike you will cross over a small bridge with a waterf...

Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Beacon, New York.

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...

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...

Layman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you to one of New York's tallest waterfalls at 231 feet and to the historical monument for Frank D. Layman, who passed away in 1990 while fighting a forest fire. This trail is located near Haines Falls, New York.

Bull Hill Short Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Cold Spring, New York.

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 short hike is one of the most popular in the Catskills — and for good reason. From the Laurel House Road Trailhead, it’s less than a mile round trip to reach Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s tallest two-tiered waterfall, with a dramatic 260-foot drop into a rocky amphitheater. The trail itse...

Have you ever wanted to feel as if you were hiking two different locations at once? If so, then North Mountain is definitely somewhere to check out. Take the birch tree forests around Aspen, CO and pair it with the spruces/pines of the Adirondacks and you'll have this route in the Catskills. Par...

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...

Take a multi-day kayak or canoe trip in the Delaware Water Gap! Starting at the launch area at Milford Beach, you can kayak downstream in remote waters for 12-13 miles before you reach campsites for your first night of camping on the water. The next day, you can kayak about 6-7 more miles before ...

Located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, this is an outdoors-mans(and woman's) dream spot! Although this hike is accessible year round, if you decide to go during the summer you should expect crowds. Luckily, there are so many different trails and activities that it won't even matter. North-S...

The Escarpment Trail runs the length of the Catskill Escarpment. The Escarpment rises steeply from the valley below forming the northeast corner of the Catskill Mountains. It offers great views toward the Adirondack Mountains to the north and the great Hudson River to the east. The trail is moder...