Hiking Trails and Outdoor Recreation in the US National Parks, Forests and Monuments

Hudson Valley Hiking Trails




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This site is designed to provide you a concise organized description of some of best hiking trails in New York State's Hudson Valley region.    Also included are links to other sites offering quality information on New York's hiking trails.

 

Easy Trails
Trail Description Directions Distance (roundtrip)
Spruce Bog Trail The Spruce Bog Trail in Grafton Lakes State Park first passes Mill Pond, then past old headstones in one of the park’s four cemeteries. After some small hills, it leads to the top of the plateau then though thick hardwood forests. Go left after an intersection appears and take the short loop through thick hemlocks and return along Mill Pond or go right through more hardwoods and open wild blueberry fields. Once you reach Fire Tower Trail, you will turn left and descend until you reach the NiMo Trail and then return on the Mill Pond Trail to where you started. Mill Pond parking lot 2.5 mi or 5.5 if you continue if you return by Fire Tower Tr.
Bash Bish Falls Bash Bish falls drops 80 feet forking around an up pointing rock into an enclosed emerald colored pool.  Although the trail originates in NY, the actual falls lie just about on the NY and Massachusetts border. In early summer, azalea and mountain laurel bloom in the park. The Bash Bish Falls trailhead is on NY 344 in Taconic State Park 1.5
Moderate Trails
Trail Description Directions Distance (roundtrip)
Pine Meadow Lake Loop The Pine Meadow Lake Loop trail is in Harriman State Park originating east of the Visitors' Center.  The trail takes you through forest and spring blooms alongside a brook part of the way.  There are pretty views of the Pine Meadow Lake and it takes you through Squirrel and Big Green Swamps.  To hike the loop. take the Pine Meadow Trail then the Tuxedo Mount Ivy Trail and Seven Hills Trail. The trail head is at the Reeves Meadow Visitors' Center on Seven Lakes Drive 13 miles

Difficult Trails

Trail Description Directions Distance (roundtrip)
Breakneck Ridge Breakneck Ridge is a tough trail that requires scrambling and some steep ascents.  Offers views of the Hudson River, Palisades Park some Catskills peaks and the Shawangunks.  During season, wildflowers bloom nearby the trail. There are great views from the ridge at the end of the trail but there also some impressive views along the way, especially if you save the easier but longer bypass trail for the return (marked by a white X).  Despite its ugly and very difficult beginning, this is perhaps the lower Hudson regions best hike. From the town of Cold Spring, take Route 9D north. In about two miles you will drive through an underpass. Park on the roadside just north of the underpass 5.7 miles