In 1870 it was the highest span bridge in America, rising 150’. In one life the Rosendale Trestle [GoogleMaps location: Binnewater Kiln parking lot] hosted trains, but after years of sitting defunct was rejuvenated in 2013 as a pedestrian bridge. It is located along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail which […]
Hudson Valley
Do you know what the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Grand Central Terminal have in common? The cement used to help create them and other national icons was mined in Upstate New York – and you can go spelunking in that very cave! Widow Jane Cave [668 NY-213, Rosendale, […]
The Hudson Highlands houses many outstanding hikes, some extremely popular for good reason – and a few that maybe should be more well known. Thankfully, Black Rock Forest [65 Reservoir Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518] remains slightly under the radar for such an astoundingly beautiful place. Most definitely still a local […]
Wanna hang out under the bridge? Take a hike at Franny Reese State Park [281 Haviland Rd, Highland, NY 12528] and you’ll start out there. But don’t stop there! After walking beneath the Mid-Hudson Bridge, head right to find the trailhead and get hiking. Approximately three miles of mild trails […]
It is infinitely cool that you can come from NYC and hop right on to the Appalachian Trail, because it actually has its very own stop on the Metro North line. You can hike from the station to a really gorgeous destination, Cat Rocks vista, however – this whole six […]
Right off the bat let’s be clear, this is not a place of worship – well, in the traditional sense. Nature is my spirituality, and to me Dover Stone Church is heavenly. Walk down the tree lined promenade, flanked on either side by wildflower filled meadow. At the main trailhead, […]
If you triangulate a lot of hiking areas – like New Paltz, Hudson Highlands, and northern NJ – my route always steers me towards Daddy’s Donuts [4 Fairlawn Ave, Middletown, NY 10940], even if it adds a bit of driving time to my trip. There is nothing better than gorging […]
Garrison, NY has the coolest train station, while you’re waiting to depart – if you take a trip up from NYC, there is an amazing hike that leaves right from the parking lot. The trails at Arden Point [96 Lower Station Rd, Garrison, NY 10524] are so awesome and unique, […]
Pass by the hubbub going on at the Bear Mountain bridge – less than five minutes up the road is a quiet park most people haven’t even heard of. If low key is your idea of a good time, have a hike at Manitou Point Preserve. From the lot trails […]
Even on a cold winter day, the hike to Ninham Fire Tower is a perfect choice. To get to the fire tower – directly from the parking lot head behind the big yellow gate with a stop sign. Not the path behind the trailhead like I did! Though those are […]
Hiking up to the summit of Popolopen Torne is diverse and exciting. The path I am recounting is a loop about 7 miles, ascending just under 1,000′. It is entails exquisite vistas, traversing bridges, a bit of scrambling, and peaceful woods. It’s one heck of a hike, a must in […]
Can’t help but wonder where Harriman State Park got the name Lemon Squeezer from. Was from the Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin? I’m not sure, but I do know that I do enjoy a good exciting geological element to my hike. The park is sprawling and has many miles of […]
Every hike in the Hudson Highlands I was captivated by a gem of an island in the middle of the river with a castle on it. For years visiting Bannerman’s Castle was on my bucket list and it finally happened this year. Tours operate from May-October and there are two […]
As leaves begin to shed from trees, it’s the best time to check out the crumbling walls of the abandoned mansion in the Hudson Highlands. Hiking to the Cornish Estate Ruins is not difficult and it is a really cool destination. Hop on the mile long blue-blazed Cornish Trail clearly […]
Mix a bit of history, a bit of nature, and make a wonderful walk. West Point Foundry Preserve [80 Kemble Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516] is low key park amongst many popular trails, a must see for those who are interested in American history. As you hike stop by and […]