10 of the Most Underrated Hikes in the Hudson Valley

Dover Stone Church / Photo by Daniel Case, Wikimedia Commons

Trek your way along a new-to-you trail and discover the natural beauty the region has to offer.

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of life in the Hudson Valley is the chance to embark on supremely beautiful hikes in all four seasons of the year. Whether it’s the peak of springtime or the final few weeks of fall, a great hike in the region is only ever a short drive away. While we love a good beginner hike as much as the next Hudson Valleyite, we’re all about this list of the 10 most underrated adventures in the Hudson Valley by two SUNY New Paltz students. Check out the list to plan your next trip.

Joppenbergh Mountain – “Go on a stroll on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, explore some caves along the way, and cross over the Rosendale Trestle. From there, you can either walk or park in town and trek to the top of Joppenbergh Mountain, where views of the trestle are unbelievable.”

Dover Stone Church – “After starting out at the beautiful open field, you will come across the true beauty of the hike. What starts out as a simple stream of water turns into a beautiful waterfall and leads directly into a magnificent cave.”

Kaaterskill Falls – “Keep walking past the start of the stream, and before you know it, you will be close enough to the largest part of the waterfall where you will actually feel the water splashing you.”

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I need it to be warmer so I can enjoy sunsets from sams point #iloveny #samspoint #sunset

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Sam’s Point Preserve – “For the grand finale, head over to the incredible lookout, where you will feel on top of the world as nature surrounds you.”

Little Stony Point – “Here, there is a cliff top lookout of the Hudson, panoramic views, and a beach, which is ideal for watching the sunset between the mountains with your friends.”

Bonticou Crag – “The seemingly impossible crag gets much easier as you make your way to the top, but be sure to follow the white trail markers on the rocks as you approach the summit. From the top, you will get some seriously gram-worthy panoramic views.”

Mount Beacon – “Put on your hiking shoes and get ready to sweat, because Mt. Beacon is a steep, yet bearable trek to some seriously amazing views.”

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Peace.

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Bear Hill Nature Preserve – “When you get to the lookout on top of the rocks, you will be surrounded by miles of nature. Take it all in!”

Black Creek Preserve – “This two-mile stroll in the forest within the Town of Esopus will bring you up close and personal to the Hudson River.”

Mount Overlook – “Phenomenal views and a fire tower await you as you make your way to the top of the mountain.”