The Hudson Valley offers many exciting hiking trail options for anyone looking to escape the chaos of New York City. Even locals seeking a low-cost adventure with friends on the weekends can find enjoyment in them. I’ve lived in the area most of my life and can attest!
Below, you’ll find some of my favorite hiking trails in the region that I highly recommend exploring. Each hiking trail varies in length and difficulty. Whether you’re looking for a full-fledged workout or a family-friendly adventure with kids, there’s a hiking trail right for you.
So, grab your gear, a map (the NY-NJ Trail Conference or the AllTrails app are great for this) and let your next adventure begin!
Gertrude’s Nose (Kerhonkson, NY)
Hiking this moderately difficult 6.7-mile loop trail (~3hr) inside Minnewaska State Park, you’ll get to experience a mix of everything. From dense woods and cliff edges to carriage roads and great views, the Gertrude Nose hike has it all!
It does costs a vehicle fee of $10 to enter the park (as of Spring ’23), but I think you’ll find the views are well worth it.
The trail markers are on the ground, so keep your eyes peeled when the hiking trail flattens out. You can easily miss them and make a wrong turn. While you’re at it, watch your step, especially those of children and pets. There are some pretty large crevasses in the rock below your feet at times and accidents can easily happen!
Choose to hike this hiking trail early in the day to avoid the afternoon rush. Plus, then you can ensure you’re out of the park by dusk. If you enjoy late-day hikes like my boyfriend Bruce, you may get to experience a ride back to your car from one of the nice park rangers after the sun’s set (don’t do this.)
Breakneck Ridge (Fishkill, NY)
Breakneck Ridge is a challenge but another hiking trail that has become popular for its views. It even has its own MTA train stop. If you’ve traveled to Breakneck Ridge by car, parallel park along 9N. From there, you can take a couple of routes. The Small Loop trailhead is just over the tunnel, which provides a steeper but shorter climb. This is the most popular way to start. I prefer beginning at the trailhead just a hundred feet or so north instead. This takes you clockwise on the Long Loop for a quieter walk. It also avoids the steep rock scrambles just after the main vista.
After your hike, continue to the Cornish Estate historical site for a photo opportunity before heading back to your car.
Want to experience similar views without the steep incline? Neighboring Bull Mountain might be a hiking trail more up your alley.
Laurelwood Arboretum (Wayne, NJ)
Your time spent at Laurelwood Arboretum can be considered more of a leisurely stroll than a proper hike. But, this 30-acre botanical garden located in Wayne Township of New Jersey is too pretty to leave off this list. (If you’re familiar with the area, think: Ringwood Botanical Gardens but on a smaller scale.)
About the Park
Once a plant nursery, Laurelwood Arboretum is now a public park. Its complex system of woodland trails and gardens are maintained by a dedicated volunteers who work year round. They’ve given each section a name like “Azalea Way” and “The Sensory Garden” so you always know where you are. The latter garden was even designed specifically for children and adults who are visually, physically or emotionally challenged.
Recently, new art installations have been added throughout the park. With them, is a self-guided audio tour accompaniment so you can get more out of your time spent here. Simply dial (973)-547-1750 on your cell phone and press the number of the art installation [they’re numbered] on the keypad. End the call when you’ve had enough.
If you’re new to hiking or are looking to spend a quiet afternoon outdoors, definitely check this out! Be sure to stay tuned for their annual plant sale for the chance to bring a piece of the park’s beauty home, too!
Wyanokie High Point (West Milford, NJ)
There are many ways to reach Wyanokie High Point, rooted in the heart of Norvin Green State Park. My favorite place to start is the gravel parking lot at New Weis Center off of Snake Den Road. If you’re visiting with a dog, access the hiking trail system by walking to the end of the road. Otherwise, you can continue along the Weis’ grounds and hike behind the Highlands Natural Pool. After ~5 minutes, you’ll reach the kiosk and the start of the main trail system.
Once you’re at the kiosk, you, again, have many options. For a shorter out-and-back hike to the main Wyanokie vista, follow the blue trail to where it intersects the red. For a longer and more challenging hike, loop around using the Blue-to-Red/White-to-Green pathways (approx. 3mi.). As with most hiking trails in the area, no matter how you go, there will be some incline and rocks ahead.
Stairway to Heaven (Vernon, NJ)
The Stairway to Heaven (2.9 miles) / Pochuck Boardwalk (1.5 miles) hike is a scenic part of the Appalachian Trail. Hike each part separately for an easier time or hike them in succession for a tougher workout.
If You’re Looking for an Easy Hike
If you’re short on time or are looking for an easier hike, start with the 1.5-mile long Pochuck Boardwalk trail. As the name suggests, you’ll find yourself walking on wooden boardwalk planks during the first few minutes (park on the side of Route 517). The boardwalk offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers – so, this section can get crowded.
After the boardwalk, you’ll cross a suspension bridge before strolling through a covered forest. A field of wildflowers will then gently guide you to a set of train tracks. You will have to cross these before finally walking through a cow pasture to the road edge of Route 94 (the start of the Stairway to Heaven hiking trail).
If You’re Looking for a Difficult Hike
Whether you’re just starting or are continuing on from the Pochuck Boardwalk trail, this section will be challenging. With the backside of Wawayanda Mountain in front of you, you’ll make your way onto the hiking trail. You’ll first find yourself in a field of boulders before eventually climbing a literal stone staircase to the mountain’s summit. A large 6ft+ cairn/pile of rocks will let you know you’re nearly at the top. Veer left along the ridge and you will have panoramic views of the rolling meadows and farmland you just conquered.
After catching your breath (and maybe a snack or two), return back to your car the way you came in.
Anthony’s Nose (Philipstown, NY)
Anthony’s Nose is an approximately 2.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail, offering spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. It’s the “sister trail” to neighboring Breakneck Ridge earlier in this list.
Starting from where you parked alongside Route 9D*, you’ll begin a short but steep incline upwards for about 500 feet*. Once you make it up the initial rocky ascent, the hiking trail levels off.
Heavy foot traffic and panoramic views of the Bear Mountain Bridge will let you know you’ve reached the peak. If you miss them, the American flag perched at the overlook and legible signs will let you know, too.
This is an out-and-back hiking trail so you’ll need to return the way you came in. At least it’ll all be downhill from here!
*The first time I hiked Anthony’s Nose I ended up parking farther north along the military road. There was also a camping site and room for two cars. The hike ended up being easier since there was a gradual incline. But, I was off the beaten path and I’m not totally sure it was legal. Park at your own risk!
Don’t see your favorite hike? Let me know below which trail(s) I’m missing from my list!
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