Test Your Aim at Disc Golf Courses Across the Hudson Valley

One of the Hudson Valley’s best summer activities in 2013

Adobe Stock | Photo by derikmsmith

Tackle the vast fairways of some of the Hudson Valley’s top disc golf courses, which take players over streams and alongside mountains.

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 18-hole course resides within the University Settlement Park. The locale used to serve as an overnight camp, so expect breathtaking natural scenery. With 18 holes in a mostly wooded environment, it has a par 54 for experts and a par 72 for novices. Plus, two alternate holes allow for a 20-hole layout if desired. 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 to enjoy a flick at Story Screen‘s pop-up drive-in movie theater. 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

Actually two disc golf courses in one, this Warwick park offers players the opportunity to navigate through 36 holes. Silver marks the shorter tees, while blue signifies longer tees. Enthusiasts of the game praise the older course — known as “Animal” — as one of the best in the country. The rolling hills and manicured lawn sport four different layouts with pars ranging from 54 to 67, due to dual baskets on each hole. The newer Wolfe Woods course, which recently saw the installation of new tees and signs, makes players contend with a meandering brook and a forest setting. Be sure to log your score in the UDisk app to see where you stand on the leaderboards.

 

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Central Park Golf Course

Central Park, Schenectady 

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Ok, this one is slightly out of the Valley, but it’s worth noting for serious players. In the City of Schenectady’s Central Park sits a particularly beautiful 18-hole disk golf course. The sprawling path winds its way through the park, showcasing some of the best baseball facilities and tennis courts in the Capital Region. Cross quiet creeks, swing past the dog park, and check out the award-winning rose garden—home to hundreds of blooming flowers in the springtime. A diverse landscape characterizes this course, and its wooded fairways provide daunting tee-offs. Blue tees invite experienced disc-golfers, while white tees present more laid-back choices of play for novices.

 

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FDR State Park

2957 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights

Among the attractions at this Westchester County park is the disc golf course, comprising of 18 holes. Long-distance holes make this course a sizable 8,050 ft of play. 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. Plus, two DisCatcher baskets on every hole create opportunities to challenge precision.

Hackett Hill Disc Golf Course

4383 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park

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Hyde Park’s Hackett Hill is a favorite among Dutchess County disc golfers. Nine 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. Brand-new tee boxes elevate the journey from start to finish.

 

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Kingston Point Disc Golf Course

Kingston Point Park, Kingston

Built in 2019, Kingston Point Park’s disc golf course is a great choice for beginners. No single hole exceeds 300 ft in length, 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 par fours and gorgeous scenery.

Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz

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. If you don’t own a set of discs, no problem—purchase them from the onsite Wheelworks Bike Shop.

 

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Stonykill Disc Golf Course

488 NY-295, Chatham 

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 18 exciting holes. The front nine 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. Plans for another nine are currently in place, which will make the full count at Stonykill 27. Gorgeous tee pads and memorable moments like a water trap on hole 17 make this course a Hudson Valley favorite. The passionate community behind it certainly adds to the experience. For a full list of Discap courses, visit the interactive site map.

 

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Wilcox Memorial Park

Wilcox Memorial Park, Milan

One of the longest disc golf courses in the Hudson Valley, Wilcox tops off at 9,835 ft of play. A total of 18 dual-tee holes opens the course up to players of all skill levels. Trails with a range of elevation provide ample challenges; a visit to Wilcox will break a sweat. A whopping 14 holes on the Dan Doyle-designed course are over 400 ft long. Plus, many holes feature multiple baskets for a greater freedom of play. In summer months, cool off at the shimmering lake onsite.

Related: Tee Off at These Gorgeous Hudson Valley Golf Courses

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