Walk, Run, Hike, Bike and More! It’s Leaf Peeping Season

By inside + out | October 6, 2023

Fall is the perfect time to explore the beauty and wonders of the Hudson Valley and Catskills! Join us as we take you on a journey to experience the best of leaf peeping season where you can walk, run, hike, and bike surrounded by thet breathtaking colors of Fall.

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE | New Paltz NY

Offering trails like the famed Lemon Squeeze and Skytop Tower, Mohonk is also home to the Bonticou Crag, Eagle Cliff and Copes Lookout trails, with the option to canoe on Mohonk Lake while taking in the views.

MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE | Kerhonksen NY

Home to trails such as Sam’s Point Preserve and Awosting Falls (next slide), Minnewaska is positioned on the famed Shawangunk Ridge.

ROSENDALE TRESTLE | Rosendale NY

A 940-foot continuous former railroad trestle in Rosendale Village, this bridge constructed 150 feet above Rondout Creek offers astounding views of the mountains that surround the town of Rosendale.

KINGSTON POINT + HUDSON RIVER BRICKYARD TRAIL | Kingston NY

A 1.9-mile trail that runs through the Hutton Brickyards + alongside the Hudson River.

OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN | Woodstock NY

A steep trail that leads to Overlook Ledge, enjoy an incredible view of the Hudson River and Woodstock with the Firetower offering an additional perspective of Plattekill, Indian Head + Twin Mountains.

ASHOKAN RAIL TRAIL | Shokan NY

Enjoy views of the Ashokan Reservoir on this 12-foot wide rail trail, with Fall activities including bicycling, hiking + running.

SAUGERTIES LIGHT HOUSE | Saugerties NY

This historic site offers visitors a host of opportunities to see Bald Eagles, Ospreys + many other migrating birds, with the option to BnB for a night.

BANNERMAN’S CASTLE | Beacon NY

A short trail, this trek is great for birding, hiking, and walking, leading to the famed Bannerman’s Castle.

HISTORIC WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON | Poughkeepsie NY

The world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, walk or bike a span of 1.28 miles or try the loop trail, while enjoying views of the Hudson River.

RIVER TO RIDGE TRAIL | New Paltz NY

A scenic and recreational off-road loop, this trail connects the town of New Paltz to the Shawangunk Ridge. With the ability to explore 90 miles of recreational carriage roads and trails that run through Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Wallkill Valley Rail Trail + Empire State Trail, this trail for hiking, running, and biking is a must to explore this season!

BLUESTONE WILD FOREST | Kingston NY

The 3,000-acre Bluestone Wild Forest, which includes Onteora Lake and Pickerel Pond, offers biking, boating, camping, fishing + hiking for the Fall season. Hidden in plain sight, this gem can be found just off bustling Route 28.

NORTH + SOUTH LAKE CAMPGROUNDS | Haines Falls NY

These campgrounds include the remains of Catskill Mountain House, a renowned historic hotel, known to be one of New York’s oldest tourist locations. The campgrounds offer access to many trails including breathtaking views and lakes for canoeing, fishing + kayaking.

HUNTER MOUNTAIN | Hunter NY

Found deep in the Southeast Catskills, you may be surprised to hear that Hunter Mountain is a major hiking destination, offering several routes ascending the mountain from all directions and the Firetower atop, breathtaking, panoramic views of the Catskills region.

CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER | Mount Tremper NY

The Catskills Visitor Center features is the official visitor center of the Catskill Park, located on just over 60 acres of fields, forest and meadows, with its own hiking trails and full-scale Firetower. Another trail to visit if you’re taking the Firetower challenge this year.

LOCUST GROVE ESTATE TRAILS | Poughkeepsie NY

Unbeknownst to many visitors, this estate property offers several hiking trails, free to the public to enjoy. Explore river views on the Sawmill Trail, the waterfall on the Cascade Trail, or the shady Lane Loop. Donations are welcome to aid in trail maintenance efforts.

HARRIMAN-BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK | Bear Mountain NY

With nearly 52,000 acres of landscape and hundreds of miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, this state park offers a rich hiking resource, with lake activities to also enjoy.