As most of you know, when we aren't working, we love to explore and hike throughout the Hudson Valley. These are our top places to get outside.
1. Minnewaska State Park (Lake Awosting):
This is easily our go to spot. Just 20 minutes from our house, Minneswaska offers some amazing opportunities to experience the Shawgunk Mountains (that's right, it's not in the Catskills!) We often will take first time visitors to the lake trail (just 3.5 miles and relatively flat), to walk around the glacier carved lake and stop for photographs overlooking New Paltz and beyond.
More information about Minneswaska can be found here: https://www.parks.ny.gov/parks/127/details.aspx
2. Overlook Mountain:
You've probably seen pictures from this trail (who doesn't love an apocalyptic scene when you're communing with nature?). Located just outside of Kingston, this hike is considered moderate and absolutely worth the lack of solitude (it's very popular) The 4.6 miles will offer you vistas throughout Catskill Park, and access to the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House. To make sure hit all your fitness goals, take the stairs up the fire tower. You'll be rewarded with views of the Hudson.
More information about Overlook Mountain can be found here: (ps, we LOVE the reviews!): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/overlook-mountain-trail
3. Kaaterskill Falls:
This trail is definitely popular, so you're going to want to go at a non-peak time. A simple 2.6 mile hike with an Instagram worthy pay off at the end. Coming in at 260 feet, the cascading waterfalls are some of the highest in New York. Painted by many of the Hudson River School artists, these falls should be on your list.
More information about Kaaterskill Falls can be found at: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/overlook-mountain-trail
