HIKES & TRAILS

The best trails for hiking in the Hudson Valley have stunning views and abundant wildlife — and are well-maintained (and usually visibly marked). Some trails are so exhilarating and yet self-contained that they can stand alone as a destination; the Walkway over the Hudson and the Ashokan Reservoir Promenade East are two great examples. Others are part of larger trail networks such as the Hudson River Brickyard segment of the massive Empire State Trail, which crosses through Hutton Brickyards. Most are embedded in larger parks and preserves. Our favorites are described below. Happy trails!

This guide was written by Joey-Lynn Henderson, a local biologist and New York state-licensed hiking guide.

Photo: By Gyrobo - Own work, CC0

IN THIS ARTICLE

  • Hudson River Brickyard Trail

  • Sojourner Truth State Park

  • Black Creek

  • Esopus Meadows Preserve

  • Shaupeneak Ridge Park

  • Poet’s Walk Park

  • Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

  • Ashokan Reservoir Promenade East

  • Walkway over the Hudson

  • Minnewaska State Park Preserve

  • Kaaterskill Falls

MAP OF ALL TRAILS & PARKS IN THIS ARTICLE

Best for Beginners

HUDSON RIVER BRICKYARD TRAIL

This 1.9-mile segment of the 750-mile Empire State Trail (which was only completed in 2017)  is an easily accessible paved path that runs along North Street on the Hutton Brickyards property and through Sojourner Truth State Park. The rest of the NYS Empire Trail runs from Manhattan north to the Canada–United States border in Rouses Point near the northern tip of Lake Champlain, and from Buffalo to Albany. It is the longest multi-use trail in the country. This section is great for walking your dog or borrowing a bike from Hutton Brickyards and enjoying a scenic ride! 

 Distance from HBY: Onsite
Difficulty: 1/5
Duration: 2.8 miles out & back
Cost: Free
Hours: April 1 – Oct. 31: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.  Nov. 1 – March 31: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dog Friendly: Yes

Photo: Riley Johndonnell / Courtesy of ScenicHudson.org

Best for History Buffs

SOJOURNER TRUTH STATE PARK

The most recent addition to New York’s list of state parks conveniently borders the Hutton Brickyard property. The 520-acre area includes a riverfront pavilion, multiple lakes, and remnants of the brickmaking and quarrying that once made this area so important in the development of New York buildings. It’s amazing to observe how nature has reclaimed this area since such industries left. In addition to the Hudson River Brickyard Trail that runs through the park, the waterfront trail brings you to the pavilion area while the Steep Rocks Trail leads to an overlook of the Hudson River.

Distance from HBY: 1.9 miles via Hutton Brickyard River Trail or 2.8 miles by car to the parking lot
Difficulty: 1/5 to Riverfront Pavilion, 2/5 to Steep Rocks
Duration: 0.7 miles out and back to Riverfront Pavilion, 1.72 miles out & back to Steep Rocks
Cost: Free
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Photo: Joey-Lynn Henderson

Best for Suspension Bridge Selfies

BLACK CREEK PRESERVE

This 130-acre preserve boasts a stunning suspension bridge crossing over the Black Creek. With easy access to the shore along the creek, it’s a great place to relax while the dogs or kids splash in the shallow water. In total, there are around two miles of trails through a mixed hardwood forest and along vernal pools. The beginning can be intimidating as there is a short but rather steep uphill ascent. If you make the climb, you'll be rewarded as the rest of the trail is more mellow as it winds through the forest leading to beautiful views along the Hudson River (also worthwhile for birdwatchers). This is a popular preserve; visit early in morning or in the evening to avoid a full parking lot.

Distance from HBY: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: 2/5
Duration: 1.3 loop or 1.86 mile loop
Cost: Free
Hours: Sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Photo: Photo by @dalyssahernandez via Ulster County Tourism

Best for Botanists & Climate Nerds

ESOPUS MEADOWS PRESERVE

With 96 acres and two miles of trails in a forest leading to the shoreline of the Hudson River, this is a great out-of-the-way place for dining alfresco — with a pavilion for picnics and views of the Esopus lighthouse. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to deal with the possibility of crowded parking lots. For those interested in citizen science and the cycles of climate, there’s a phenology trail; download the free Nature’s Notebook app and you can help track the seasonal changes of eight marked plant species along your walk. This data aids scientists in climate change research and is a fun learning experience for children of all ages.

Distance from HBY: 5.7 miles
Difficulty: 1/5
Duration: Trail loops ranging from 0.5-1.3 miles
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best All-Around Park and Trails

SHAUPENEAK RIDGE PARK

There’s something for everyone when you’re dealing with 936.5 preserved acres and 10 miles of trails that can be mixed and matched any way you like. It’s the perfect park for a family-friendly hike as it offers Louisa Pond, a waterfall, wetland areas, and scenic overlooks of the Hudson River. As a popular place for walking, trail running, and mountain biking — thankfully — there are two parking areas to help accommodate the traffic. The Old Post Road lot will lead you past the waterfall on your trek to the rest of the trails. However, if you park at Popletown Road, I recommend adding the waterfall to your list of destinations even if it’s a bit out of the way. It’s always worth it!

Distance from HBY: 8.5 miles, 8.9 miles (two parking areas)
Difficulty: 2/5
Duration: 9 trails ranging from 0.3 miles-1.63 miles
(can be combined to create nearly 10 miles of hiking)
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best for Artists Seeking Inspiration

POET’S WALK PARK

Named for the inspiration it provided to writers including “Rip Van Winkle” author Washington Irving, this 2.2-mile loop winds through a meadow leading to various lookouts with views of the Hudson River. It’s a popular walk, but fortunately, the parking area is one of the largest. Interestingly, it’s the only park listed on the east side of the Hudson, which adds to its beauty because the Catskill Mountains provide a most stunning backdrop to the river. Be sure to explore the historic town of Rhinebeck while you’re here. You’ll cross the Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge so plan your drive back home during sunset for a sight guaranteed to leave you in awe.

Distance from HBY: 8.9 miles
Difficulty: 1/5
Duration: 2.2 miles
Cost: Free
Hours: 8:30AM- 6:00PM-8:30 PM (closing time varies by season)
Dog Friendly: Yes

Photo: @jrvandusen via AllTrails

Best Add-on While Visiting Nearby Towns

WALLKILL VALLEY RAIL TRAIL

This 22+ mile rail trail and park follows the former Wallkill Valley Railroad rail corridor in Ulster County and winds through the towns of Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster to the Kingston city line. While here, you can walk, jog, ride a bike or horse, and cross-country ski. Conveniently, there are parking areas in Kingston, Rosendale, New Paltz, Gardiner, and Wallkill. Multiple entry points makes it great for a stroll after exploring any of these towns. 

Distance from HBY: 4.1 miles (Kingston/Rockwell Lane Parking)
Difficulty: 1/5
Duration: you decide when to turn back as it spans 22 miles
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best Views

ASHOKAN RESERVOIR PROMENADE EAST

The unparalleled views of the Catskill Mountains make this paved path a personal favorite. I'd go as far as saying it's one of the best views in the Hudson Valley. It’s worth the drive, too, which is beautiful in itself once you get off main roads and onto winding scenic ones. The Bald Eagle nesting site along the trail is a unique bonus so keep your eyes open! It’s great for bikes, walkers, and skaters. The large parking area is an added bonus.The only con: No dogs allowed.

 Distance from HBY: 15.7 miles
Difficulty: 0/5
Duration: 5.6 miles out and back
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: No

Photo: Joey-Lynn Henderson

Best for Bikes, Skates and Strollers

WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON

Previously an abandoned railroad, this is now the world’s largest elevated pedestrian bridge! Spanning from Highland to Poughkeepsie, this trail offers unmatched 360-degree views from 212 feet above the Hudson River. Looking up-river yields uninterrupted sights of the Hudson and its shores while turning to look down-river you are met with views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge. The terrain is smooth, flat, and straight making it great for bikes, roller skates, and strollers. Many events are hosted here such as walkway talks, makers markets, and special evening viewings so be sure to check the calendar. 

Distance from HBY: 17 miles
Difficulty: 0/5
Duration: 2.56 miles out and back
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Photo: Fred Schaeffer via Walkway Over the Hudson

Best for a Picnic

MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE

What you’ll see: 24,000 acres of land preserved in the Shawangunk Mountain ridge (AKA “the Gunks”) containing 50 miles of trails and 35 miles of old carriage roads originally created for scenic rides enjoyed on horse-pulled carriages. For a short walk to a great destination, you can’t go wrong hiking to Awosting Falls, but if you’re looking to explore a more challenging route with incredible views consider taking the Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop. With various scenic destinations including streams, lakes, waterfalls, and overlooks, this is the perfect place to pack lunch and spend the day. While planning your trip here, keep in mind it is an extremely popular state park with around half a million visitors each year. Consider visiting on a weekday and arriving in the early morning or evening to avoid traffic and overflowed parking lots.

Distance from HBY: 23.3 miles
Difficulty: (1-4)/5
Duration: 2 miles & up
Cost: $10 per vehicle for parking, bike in free of charge
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes

Best Insane Waterfall

KAATERSKILL FALLS

You want wow factor? This 260-ft tall waterfall cascades over two tiers. As one of the largest waterfalls in New York state, it’s no surprise that it’s a top tourist destination. The relatively recent addition of the top viewing platform provides a safe vantage point to soak in this incredible sight. Proceed with caution and stay on trail as you make your way down MANY bluestone steps to get to the falls. If you’re feeling like you don’t want the hike to end, continue on to Inspiration Point; you won’t regret it!

Distance from HBY: 21.4 miles to Laurel Rd trail parking
Difficulty: 1/5 to viewing platform, 4/5 to lower falls + Inspiration Point
Duration: out and back 0.8 miles to platform, 2.3 miles to lower falls, 4.7 miles to falls + Inspiration Point
Cost: Free
Hours: sunrise-sunset
Dog Friendly: Yes 

**Parking is shared with Mountain Top Historical Society, if full DO NOT park on the roadside as cars are often ticketed. There is additional parking at Scutt Rd trailhead and South Lake. Consider avoiding the hassle of finding parking and hop aboard the new Kaaterskill Trolley, which stops at nine places (directions are provided at the link).

A FEW FINAL WORDS…

Now that you’ve picked a hike, you need to prepare for the adventure ahead. My favorite outdoor mentor always said, “There's no bad weather when hiking, only improper gear choice.” Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Proper footwear is essential, preferably waterproof sneakers or hiking boots. You’ll want to bring snacks or lunch to enjoy with the view and plenty of water. Pack bug and tick spray as, unfortunately, that is part of exploring in the Hudson Valley. Lastly, it will be helpful to download any directions and trail maps just in case phone/map/GPS service can be unpredictable in remote areas.

And be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, stay safe, and Happy Hiking!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WELLNESS RETREATS

Plan Ahead

DINING

In the spring, summer and fall, The River Pavilion is our waterfront restaurant featuring panoramic views of the Hudson.

In the cooler months, our restaurant at Edgewood delivers a cozy atmosphere with gastropub fare anchored by locally sourced produce.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

  • Please call the front desk to reserve

  • Located on the north lawn

  • Please call the front desk to schedule in advance

  • Please call the front desk for availability

  • Please call the front desk to request mats and they will be dropped off at your cabin

  • Explore the Empire State Trail

  • Enjoy a combination of locally sourced essentials, indulgences, and whimsical items to enhance your stay.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Hutton Brickyards is surrounded by local attractions that cater to a diverse range of interests. Nature lovers can indulge in the beauty of nearby hiking trails and lush parks, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the great outdoors. History enthusiasts will find delight in exploring the town's rich heritage at the local museum. With a mix of nature, history, and adventure, Hutton Brickyards ensures a memorable and varied experience for all visitors.