Go LOVE Hiking!
Why hiking is the best + my favorite hikes in the Hudson Valley
You know those activities you don’t do as often as you like, but every time you do them, you walk away thinking, "Why don't I make time for this more often?" For me, that's hiking.
What’s not to love? It's exercise, but it doesn't feel like exercise. Remember back in 2020, when being outdoors was how we all socialized? I would meet up with groups of friends and walk for hours. It was like a party in the woods.
It’s something that my whole family can do together. No fancy gear beyond good shoes, no crazy prices like a ski resort, and most of the time, we can bring the dog. The four of us just lace up and wander.
But most of all, I love that Zen-like feeling I get just from putting one foot in front of the other for miles. I love zoning out.
There is no shortage of great hikes around Westchester and the Hudson Valley. I have written about some of them before, but here is my master list of moderate hikes. Most are more than a stroll, and none are super challenging, except in parts where noted. All are in New York State. I'm always on the lookout for new outings, which is why I am a big, big fan of the AllTrails app. Even the NY Times agrees! All of the hikes below can be found on the app, plus many more.
Anthony’s Nose - Cortland Manor
If you can handle the steep-ish incline and the crowds. The views of the Hudson River are a huge, postcard-worthy payoff.
Black Rock Forest - Cornwall
Privately owned but open to the public, Black Rock Forest has 3,920 acres of trails. It is a hidden gem, a fascinating combo of different ecosystems, steep terrain, stunning views, lakes, and swampy woods filled with indigenous plants.
Breakneck Ridge - Cold Spring
This classic Hudson Valley hike lives up to the hype. The start, a relentless vertical scramble, is a rite of passage for locals But your efforts pay off with jaw-dropping views of the river below and Storm King Mountain. An intense workout with a huge payoff.
Bull Mountain - Cold Spring
In Hudson Highlands St Park. Though this hike can get crowded at times due to the viral Instagram posts from a few years ago, it really does have it all. If you take the long route, you will have stretches all to yourself. There are great views and some rocky scrambles. But what sets this apart is exploring the remains of the old Cornish estate, an abandoned gilded-age mansion.
Cranberry Lake Preserve - White Plains
If you want something a little closer to Westchester without the views, Cranberry Lake, a 190-acre preserve, is perfect for more of a woodsy stroll than a challenging hike.
Ferncliff Forest - Rhinebeck
The Mount Rutsen loop in Ferncliff Forest is a not-too-hard 4-mile lollipop trail with some of the best 360º views in the Hudson Valley. You’ll be able to see everything from the Catskills to the Berkshires at the top of the Ferncliff Fire Tower.
High Low Tor - New City
High and Low Tor State Park is just north of Hook Mountain, but its terrain is much more hilly. With so many ups and downs, it makes a great workout but then provides the payoff of breathtaking views of the Hudson, Sing Sing, and Ossining across the river.
Hook Mountain - Nyack
Hook Mountain is perfect for when I don’t have time for a longer drive. Amazing views of the Tappan Zee Bridge. Take the clockwise loop for an initial challenge, and end with a flat, chill stroll along the Nyack beach.
Irvington Woods - Irvington
The Irvington Woods are literally my backyard! If you followed me on Instagram during the pandemic, you might be familiar with my daily walks there. It has hundreds of acres and miles of trails, and it's the largest forested area in Southern Westchester. However, it’s practically unknown to most, so it’s truly a local gem. Shhhh.
Neversink Unique Area - Cuddebackville
The drive to Neversink Unique Area is a little bit further than the others on my list, and it’s worth it! There are many trails with lots of options. The abundance of rhododendrons, pine trees, and moss keeps the trails green all year long. At times, it can feel like you’re in a Costa Rican rainforest. On our route, we saw two waterfalls and several rushing streams. Beautiful!
Overlook Mountain - Woodstock
While not too challenging, it can get pretty steep in spots. The view from the top, “the cliffs,” is absolutely breathtaking – the Hudson River, Ashokan Reservoir, and the Central Catskills. Apparently, on a clear day, you can even see as far as Massachusetts! And if that isn’t enough, slightly back from the cliffs is Overlook Fire Tower, which offers even more stunning views of the mountains.
Popolopen Torne - Fort Montgomery
Ropes and rock scrambles keep things interesting on the way up to epic Hudson River views, including the classic image of Bear Mountain Bridge. Be prepared for a challenging descent for the first 100 yards or so, and then it's fairly straightforward as you head down to the Popolopen Creek, where you will have a long but easy walk back to the trailhead.
Reeves Brook Loop - Sloatsburg
This 3.8-mile loop is considered to be the best hike in Harriman State Park. It's got a little of everything. There are views, a swimming hole, dogs are allowed off-leash in parts, and lots of streams and waterfalls.
Rockefeller State Park - Sleepy Hollow
The Park has 1,800 acres with over 45 miles of carriage roads and 13 miles of hiking trails winding through forests and meadows, and streams. Because there are so many varied terrains, my friend Paula calls one section Italy because of the rolling hills and another the Cotswolds due to the grassy meadows and stone walls. And Virginia because of the brick of a brick house reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Storm King - Cornwall on Hudson
Go clockwise so steep rocks are at the start of this 2.4-mile loop. There are great views almost the entire way up. The summit, At 1340 feet, has incredible views of the Hudson River and West Point.
I know there are so many more please let me know your favorites in the comments below!
P.S. We are hiking in the Dolomites for the first time this summer, before visiting my family in Umbria. Can anyone recommend a favorite spot there?