Hiking in the Hudson Valley: Five Nature Preserves to Enjoy This Fall
With classes ramping up, and winter just around the corner, it’s getting more difficult to find the time to unwind and do something simply for the pleasure of it. With the COVID-19 pandemic still at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it has become exceedingly difficult to do much of anything other than sit inside. Going on a hike is one of the few activities still available in these trying times.
So before it gets too chilly to do anything but stay inside, take the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
Enjoy the autumn foliage and take one of many scenic hikes in the Hudson Valley this fall. Source: Juliana Malta via Unsplash
Black Creek Preserve
Winding Brook Rd, Esopus, NY
Open sunrise to sunset
www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/black-creek-preserve/
Located only 20 minutes away from campus, Black Creek Preserve has a single trail that’s approximately two miles long. This trail offers opportunities for hiking and fishing, and most importantly, tranquility. The preserve boasts some hilly terrain, and will take you across a suspension bridge in the woods. Black Creek will bring you right down to the Hudson River on the opposite side of Marist, offering a fresh perspective to those who often walk along the river on campus.
Poet’s Walk Park
776 River Rd, Red Hook, NY
Open from 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/poets-walk-park/
Poet’s Walk is a lovely 2.2-mile stroll through fields and forests with some absolutely striking views. Poet’s Walk Park is actually a designed landscape — outdoor “rooms” separated by trees and stone walls — created for the owners of two neighboring estates around 1850.
The park’s name comes from the writers like Washington Irving who loved and were once inspired by this place. Legend has it that Irving conceptualized his short story “Rip Van Winkle” from this very location. Take the opportunity for creativity to flourish in this stunning area.
Shaupeneak Ridge Park
143 Popletown Rd, New Paltz, NY
Open from dawn to dusk
www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/scenic-hudson-parks/shaupeneak-ridge/
Shaupeneak Ridge Park offers eight trails in total, spanning nearly nine miles of grasslands, woods, and rock formations. These trails are smaller and lesser known in the area, making them perfect for true peace and tranquility. If given the opportunity to explore the White Trail, maybe take a detour on the purple. The purple trail is only .1 miles long, and its path leads to a hidden waterfall, making Shaupeneak Ridge a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley just waiting to be explored.
Minnewaska Preserve
5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY
Open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
$10 per vehicle
www.parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska
The Minnewaska Preserve contains 22 trails and carriageways spanning over 50 miles. The preserve features many waterfalls, forests, cliffs and streams. Not only is hiking available but there are also biking and rock-climbing options for the more avid outdoors person.
In particular, the Awosting Falls are a must-see. It’s a pretty easy walk, just one mile on carriage roads, making it perfect for beginners. This hike boasts a waterfall pouring into a crystalline pool, which can be viewed from the top of the falls or the bottom. It’s a truly majestic sight.
Mohonk Preserve
Trailheads at:
Visitor Center - 3197 State Route 55, Gardiner, NY
West Trapps - 3142 Route 44, Gardiner, NY
Coxing - 800 Clove Road, Gardiner, NY
Testimonial Gateway - 35 Route 299 in New Paltz, NY
Spring Farm - 50 Upper 27 Knolls Road in High Falls, NY
Open from 9 a.m. to sunset
$15 per person
Mohonk Preserve is yet another sprawling destination, this one containing 28 different hikes. This preserve also offers biking, hiking, and rock-climbing options. Mohonk Preserve includes various fields, wooded areas and rocky peaks to explore.
The Bonticou Crag is a must-experience, though the trail is definitely meant for intermediate hikers. It is 2.3 miles in length, and gives hikers the opportunity to try their hand at rock scrambling. Once, you reach the top of the crag, the view is absolutely worth it — a 360 degree view into the forested valley. The sight is absolutely breathtaking.