Top 10 Fall Hikes in the Hudson Valley and Catskills
As an avid hiker I get a lot of questions from people in the New York City area asking where they should go for a good day hike. So I’ve rounded up my favorite hikes for Fall within driving distance of New York City. I’ve also included my favorite places for Apres Hiking, because, obviously, hiking works up an appetite and you earned that drink!
Some tips before you plan your trip:
Bring a mask. Trails, especially on the weekends are packed. Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask or have a bandana wrapped around your neck ready to be pulled up over your nose and mouth for when you can’t socially distance.
Download All Trails. It’s a fantastic App with great GPS capabilities so you can make sure you don’t get lost getting to the trail or on the trail (Getting lost happens to everyone!)
Track fall foliage. ILoveNY.com updates the tracker regularly so you can pinpoint where to plan your hike for the best foliage.
Make peace with mother nature ahead of time. Sometimes, no matter how much you plan, Mother Nature may have other plans than you getting that Instagram shot with views for miles. Just remember, it’s about the journey just as much as the view at the top.
Leave No Trace. Protect the outdoors- don’t litter or pick up trash when you see it if you’re feeling really altruistic.
Go online before. Lots of trails or parts of trails are closed as part of covid precautions. Check online before you go.
Beacon Mountain + Fire Tower
Beacon, NY (Best bet if you don’t have a car)
Most people stop as soon as they hit the great views of the Hudson River but keep going up until you get to the fire tower for fantastic views of the Hudson Valley.
Apres Hike:
Beacon Daily for out of control sandwich creations
Round House for fantastic outdoor dining and cocktails on the falls
Max’s On Main for bar food and beer
Storm King Mountain
Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York
One of my favorite hikes in the Hudson Valley good for all ages and fitness levels. Great views of the Hudson River and across to Beacon Mountain and Breakneck.
Apres Hike
Blooming Hill Farm for fantastic organic farm eats and cocktails
Bear Mountain-Dunderberg and Bald Mountain
Hudson Highlands, NY
Great views of the Hudson Valley. On a clear day you can even see Manhattan.
Apres Hike:
Peekskill Brewery for great burgers and brews
Sam’s Point Preserve
Cragsmoor, NY
Panoramic views of Shawangunk Ridge with lots of trails to explore throughout the preserve. Please note, due to Covid-19 Verkeerderkill falls are closed as well as the ice caves. But still worth it for a nice view for all ages and levels.
Apres Hike
Arrowood Farm Brewery- The Aviary is the latest edition to this farm brewery not far from Sam’s Point Preserve. Serving great burgers, sandwiches, and salads alongside Hudson Valley brews, wines, and ciders
Gertrude’s Nose
Gardiner, NY
A classic Hudson Valley hike with lots of great views of the Gunks and instagrammable moments.
Apres Hike
Mountain Brauhaus for delicious German food and beer
P&G’s for burgers and beers
Wittenberg Mountain
Phoenicia, NY
One of my favorite lookout points for fall foliage of all time.
Apres Hike
Phoenicia Diner always and forever my favorite. The menu seems endless and you can’t go wrong with their breakfast dishes, burgers and sandwiches, or heartier fair.
Twin Mountain
Hunter, NY
My favorite part of Devil’s Path because of these can’t be beat views.
Apres Hike
Hunter Mountain Brewery for burgers and brews
Giant Ledge
Big Indian, NY
Great Catskills Hike for all levels with fantastic views of the Catskills.
Apres Hike
Phoenicia Diner (It’s a vibe)
Overlook Mountain
Woodstock, NY
It’s short, but with consistent elevation gain that ends at the fire tower with great views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley plus includes a stop for you to explore what remains of an old Catskills hotel.
Apres Hike
Dixon Roadside (Also owned by the people behind Phoenicia Diner) great for burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials
Shindig: Great burgers (including veggie) and tater tots. Need I say more?
Sunset Rock
Tannersville, NY
This trail has it all- lots of lookouts, waterfalls, and just enough elevation to make you sweat.
Apres hike
Last Chance for burgers, brew, cheese, and a cozy little fireplace
