Many who have caught the disc golf bug describe it to first-timers as “hiking with a purpose.” The ever-popular outdoor activity combines frisbee, golf, and elements of a few other games to create a truly one-of-a-kind sport. Players take to lengthy fairways in scenic locales armed with a collection of small discs, varying in size and weight to adjust for distance and power. At these local courses, fanatics of the game and novices alike encounter engaging terrain. Steep cliffs, dense forests, shimmering waters, and, of course, breathtaking views make the Hudson Valley a prime destination for disc golfers.
Beacon Glades
724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon
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Designed by the Beacon Disc Golf Club in 2011, this free 24-hole course resides on the edge of the Hudson Highlands State Park. The locale used to serve as an overnight camp, so expect breathtaking natural scenery. Hilly terrain and long-distance holes make for great exercise and a nice challenge for more seasoned players. Grab a bite in Beacon afterward, or hang in the park until the sun goes down. Follow the Beacon Glades on social media for the scoop on “dubs” matches every Wednesday and Sunday.
Brakewell Steel/Warwick Town Park
116 Union Corners Rd, Warwick
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Actually two disc golf courses in one, this Warwick park offers players the opportunity to navigate through 18 holes. Silver marks the shorter tees, while blue signifies longer tees. The course’s rolling hills and manicured lawn sport four different layouts. Established in 1999, the course features concrete tees, DISCatcher Pro targets, and a cart-friendly terrain.
FDR State Park
2957 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights
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Among the attractions at this Westchester County park is the disc golf course, comprising 18 holes. The layout is similar to a traditional golf course, spread over rolling terrain. Players must be careful not to lose their discs in the nearby lake or mammoth pool, which can hold thousands of bathers at once. To succeed at FDR State Park, players must find the perfect blend of accuracy and power. It’s the perfect course to work on adding distance to drives and trimming a few points off final scores.
Gunks Disc Golf
Majestic Park, Gardiner
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Created by members of the Gunks Disc Golf Club, an organization started by a group of enthusiastic disc golfers in Ulster County, the Gunks’ home course at Majestic Park in Gardiner is the only public disc golf course for miles. With 18 holes and 6,009 feet of playing space, the Gardiner course hosts Sunday and Monday doubles throughout the year. Currently, the GDGC is looking for local businesses to sponsor holes on the course; more information can be found on the club’s donate page.
Hackett Hill Disc Golf Course
80 E Market St, Hyde Park
Hyde Park’s Hackett Hill is a favorite among Dutchess County disc golfers. Eighteen speedy holes provide engaging and dynamic play, and repeat visits yield new experiences. Five separate hiking trails wind their way through the course for scenic strolls. Concrete tee boxes elevate the journey from start to finish.
Kingston Point Disc Golf Course
Kingston Point Park, Kingston
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Built in 2019, Kingston Point Park’s disc golf course is a great choice for beginners. All holes are par threes, and most of the landscape is flat. A quick nine holes offer extremely enjoyable play, even for those who have no experience with the game. Bring the family for a little friendly competition as you work through manageable terrain and gorgeous scenery.
Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz
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This iconic four-season resort in the Shawangunks also features a glorious disc golf course—why wouldn’t it? Mohonk Mountain House added disc golf to its repertoire of complimentary outdoor activities in 2011. A total of 18 holes challenges players with a spectrum of natural obstacles, including small cliffs, thick patches of trees, and steep hills. Wear good shoes or even hiking boots to tackle this wooded course, and be sure to pause every so often and take in the beautiful mountain vistas.
Stonykill Disc Golf Course
488 NY-295, Chatham
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Stonykill Disc Golf Course was started by members of Discap, the Capital Region’s official disc golf community. Located minutes off the Taconic State Parkway, the Chatham course presents 20 exciting holes. The front half plays shorter and tighter and is a great start for beginners. However, the back 10 takes players through a reclaimed gravel mine and boasts lengthy, open fairways with challenging obstacles. Gorgeous tee pads and memorable moments make this course a Hudson Valley favorite. The passionate community behind it certainly adds to the experience.
Wilcox Memorial Park
Wilcox Memorial Park, Milan
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One of the longest disc golf courses in the Hudson Valley, Wilcox tops off at 36 holes. Trails with a range of elevation provide ample challenges; a visit to Wilcox will definitely make you break a sweat. A variety of tees, including brick, gravel, and grass, DISCatcher pro targets, and great signage make Wilcox one of the top courses in New York State. In summer months, cool off at the shimmering lake onsite.
Related: Tee Off at These Gorgeous Hudson Valley Golf Courses
