Hiking/Nature Walks

Welcome to some of the best hiking trails in the world, networked through a landscape that has inspired generations of painters, including some of the greatest names in nineteenth-century American art. Visit the highest cascading waterfall in New York State, explore the northern Catskill Mountains' legendary "cloves" where Rip Van Winkle took his marathon nap and where the roads still follow Native American footpaths, and climb to the dizzying summits of the high peaks for breathtaking five-state views.

  • 450 Route 385
    Athens, NY 12015

    1 518-622-3620

    Nature preserve with self guided tours on nature trails along the Hudson River.

  • Route 214
    Hunter, NY 12442

    845-688-7160

    Open May- Columbus Day. 24 sites, playground, picnic tables, hiking, fireplaces. Natural rock formation resembles a large tombstone. Hiking trails.

  • Mohican Trail- Rt. 23
    East Windham, NY 12439

    An area maintained by New York State, views of the Hudson River Valley and 5 states.

  • Four Mile Point Rd.
    Coxsackie, NY 12051

    7.6 acre riverfront preserve offers picturesque shoreline, dramatic vistas, and a tranquil inland pond. Nature trails are used as an outdoor classroom. Access: Rt. 385 north 8 miles from the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

  • Rt. 23A
    Haines Falls, NY 12436

    1 518-589-5058

    Highest cascading waterfall in NYS. Scenic marked hiking trails. Views of the Hudson Valley. Access the bottom of the falls from Rt. 23A. Access the top of the falls by taking Rt. 23A to North Lake Road to Laurel House Lane.

  • PO Box 991
    New Paltz, NY 12561

    1 845-853-5450

    AMGA accredited rock and ice climbing and hiking guides service located in the Gunks and the Catskill Mountains. Offering climbing trips from beginner to advances levels.

  • 5132 Route 23A
    Haines Falls, NY 12436

    518-589-6657

    20 acre campus at the top of Kaaterskill Falls. Includes full restored 1913 Ulster & Delaware train station, Hudson River School Art Trail Interpretive Center, quiet pond area, flat walking paths and adjoining picturesque Aaron Haines cemetery. Open weekends 10am - 4pm, May - October. 1-4pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday April - November. Closed December - March.

  • Cty Rt. 18
    Haines Falls, NY 12436

    518-589-5058

    Website: http://www.dec-campgrounds.com
    Swimming from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Hiking, camping, fishing, non-motorized boating. Canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals. Marked hiking trails, pavilion, bath houses and playground.

  • 499 Main Street
    Catskill, NY 12414

    1 518-821-6712

    Community park for pets and their owners along the Catskill creek. Agility course and picnic area.

  • Rt 23
    Prattsville, NY 12468

    518-299-3125

    Ripley's 'Believe it or not' called it "New York's Mt. Rushmore." Another, less generous appraisal termed it "a monument to vanity." Some have called it one of the earliest Civil War monument's in the nation. Pratt Rock Park, by the side of Route 23 on the outskirts of Prattsville, like many other points of interest in the Catskill Mountains, seems to attract widely varying opinions. And its story, like the Catskills themselves, is cloaked in legend. Pratt Rock Park is open to the public every day, and there is no admission. The climb to the rocks is steep, and may be unfit for young children, but the path is clear and ascents a series of gently graded inclines to the carved cliff wall 500 feet above the road. The sculptures and the view of the valley make the short climb more than worth the effort.

  • Grandview Ave
    Catskill, NY 12414

    480 acres of the Hudson's largest tidal swamp forest. It is a breeding ground and nursery for American shad and bass. More than 3 miles of trails. Following a half mile walk you can canoe from the tidal marsh out to the Hudson River. Or join an Audubon naturalist on a guided paddle,

  • Clum Hill Rd
    Tannersville, NY 12485

    1 518-589-5850

    Running from Clum Hill Rd. across from Cortina Valley, down around some of Tannersville Lake, all the way to Bloomer Rd. The bike path covers approx. 2 miles. Walkers, hikers and cross-country skiers welcome.