10 Hiking Trails in Hudson River Valley That You Shouldn't Miss

May 28, 2021 Florencio Paulino

Discover the best top things to do in Hudson River Valley, United States including Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Mt. Ninham Fire Tower, Pawling Appalachian Trail, Prospect Park, The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, Breakneck Ridge Loop, Sing Sing Kill Greenway, Ferncliff Forest, Bear Mountain and Harriman HIkes.
Restaurants in Hudson River Valley

1. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Gifford House 181 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook, NY +1 845-677-5359 http://www.caryinstitute.org/
Excellent
77%
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

The Cary Institute is a not-for-profit environmental research and education center. Its staff is dedicated to understanding the natural world. Parts of the 2,000-acre campus have been designated for public access, its grounds provide visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with nature and view local wildlife. Hiking trails and internal roadways (for biking) are open from April 1 to October 31. The Cary Institute holds frequent free public programs.

Reviewed By Gypsgris - Poughkeepsie, United States

The grounds are very large. There is a lowlands circuit, paved road with many pull-offs, that goes through several type of habitats. It is a great place for birding in spring and fall. Then there is a highland swamp, the Fern Glenn, that has two different types of swamp in a very small area with pitcherplants in one area. Plants are well pointed out. There are maps to explore the trail system and to see the flowers and animals living there. Both places are highly recommended, the Fern Glenn area particularly with children 4 years and up. There is also space for long hikes through pristine woodland for adults. This place is not well known, so you wont run into large groups - but you might encounter a brown bear! It's truly peaceful.

2. Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area

64 Cornwall Hill Rd, Patterson, NY 12563-2525 http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68929.html
Excellent
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area

3. Mt. Ninham Fire Tower

Gypsy Trail Road, Carmel, NY 10512
Excellent
77%
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Mt. Ninham Fire Tower

Reviewed By mkohan00 - Carmel, United States

We had a nice hike up to the top of the Mt. Ninham fire tower. We parked near the road and walked up a dirt road that took us about 15 minutes. Then we walked up to the top of the tower which was approximately 8 stories. It was in the fall and the view was spectacular. I had a zoom lens on my camera which actually captured a view of the Manhattan skyine. Take a pair of binoculars with you on a clear day for a view of NYC.

4. Pawling Appalachian Trail

Route 22, Pawling, NY http://www.appalachiantrail.org/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Pawling Appalachian Trail

Reviewed By christenthial

Started at the railroad trailhead in Pawling and ended at Old Route 55. Approximately 7 miles. Beautiful hiking. Some snow, some mud, some swamp. Spotted one deer, many squirrels, a woodpecker, many varieties of other birds and a furry black thing with a tail that was as long and fluffy as its body (maybe a skunk or a badger -!dunno). At Cat Rocks lookout it was too misty to see anything but still pretty. Nuclear Lake was also enchanting. Overall a Beautiful trek! Recommended enthusiastically

5. Prospect Park

65 Prospect Park Rd, Troy, NY 12180
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Prospect Park

6. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

22 Miles of Linear Park, New Paltz, NY 12561 +1 845-255-2761 http://www.wvrta.org/
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 98 reviews

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

Reviewed By Expedition823668

6 mile round-trip easy trail on level ground. Just an FYI, no facilities are available on this trail. We had a very enjoyable hike!

7. Breakneck Ridge Loop

9D Fair St, Cold Spring, NY 10516-3003 +1 201-512-9348 http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/breakneck-ridge-trail
Excellent
71%
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4.5 based on 102 reviews

Breakneck Ridge Loop

Reviewed By BlueHero - New Jersey, United States

Generally considered as the best one along Hudson valley because it is challenging and has amazing views, Breakneck ridge trail is always super crowded in summer, especially on weekends. In contrast, it was so quiet in winter that one could have all the beautiful views just to self. Even before the forcasted Nor'easter snow storm coming in, high mountains were already covered by snow. The gentle sunlight in winter further made everything look so peaceful and graceful. On top of the lookout tower on south beacon mountain, it was the true 360-degree panoramic view of extended ranges and Hudson river. Overall, it was indeed a wonderful hiking experience. Of course, hiking a steep trail during winter is more demanding than in Summer, so it is really for those prepared and capable.

8. Sing Sing Kill Greenway

95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562-4101
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Sing Sing Kill Greenway

9. Ferncliff Forest

68 Mount Rutsen Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572-1133 +1 845-876-1559 http://www.ferncliffforest.org/index.php
Excellent
42%
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4.5 based on 50 reviews

Ferncliff Forest

Reviewed By sdiscorfano - New York City, United States

Easy hike through the woods with the tower as your destination for incredible panoramic view. This is a short excursion outdoors that is suitable for just about anyone, including kids -- even if you're not up for climbing the stairs at the tower, it's worthwhile.

10. Bear Mountain and Harriman HIkes

51 Cricketown Rd, Stony Point, NY 10980-3203 +1 845-942-0882 [email protected] http://bearmountainhikes.wix.com/hiking-harriman
Excellent
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Bear Mountain and Harriman HIkes

Hike the trails in Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks led by a NYS licensed guide. Hiking trips can be customized to your ability and what you would like to explore.

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