Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

6 Gorgeous Hikes Near the Hudson Valley

Some of the prettiest spots are right around the corner!

Kendra Palmieri

Nov 03, 2016

SUNY Orange

179

Kendra Palmieri

"I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.” -Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Hiking is one of the best ways to get a breath of fresh air, exercise, and enjoy the beauty that is often very close to home. Here are some of my favorite hiking spots in and surrounding the Hudson Valley!

Awosting Falls, Minnewaska State Park

To get to Awosting Falls, it's a short hike from the parking lot. Just follow the red trail and you're good to go! The only downside is walking back up the long, windy road to get back to your car, but this waterfall is definitely worth it.

Bonticou Crag Rock Scramble, Mohonk Preserve

This is a six-mile loop that leads you, quite literally, straight up a mountain. I wouldn't suggest this hike if you have a fear of heights. To get to the top, you have to scramble over fallen rocks and climb through crevices. The trail is marked, and straying from it isn't advised. The view from the top is incredible and it's a perfect spot to stop and eat some lunch. If you're wondering how to get back to the bottom, don't worry, there's an easier descending trail.

For the trail guide, check out this website:

http://hikethehudsonvalley.com/bonticou-crag-table...

Breakneck Ridge, Cold Spring

This hike is similar to Bonticou Craig in that you will be climbing straight up the side of the mountain. While I have seen young kids hiking this, I would suggest leaving them at home for this one. There are four "tops" that you can get to. The first one has flag poles overlooking the Hudson, and it is a popular photo spot. It is quite a long, difficult hike and should not be done after rainfall.

Trail Guide:

http://hikethehudsonvalley.com/breakneck-ridge/

Cornish Estate Trail Loop, Cold Spring

The Cornish Estate was destroyed by a fire in 1956, but the foundation is still intact. I found this trail on accident, starting at Breakneck Mountain, however, the actual trail guide can be found here: http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/east-hudson-highlands-3

Fawns Leap, Hunter

Fawns Leap is located in the Catskills, about an hour and a half away from Middletown, New York. You park your car on the side of the road and walk along the guard rail. Eventually, you'll hear the sound of splashing and people talking, and you've arrived. Cliff jumping is popular here, but if you're not up for that, it's still a beautiful spot to go on a hot summer day.

Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter

Up the road a few miles is one of the highest waterfalls in New York, coming in at 260 feet. Careful if you go to the very top, the rocks are very slippery and in the past people have fallen down the falls, but don't let that stop you from visiting this gorgeous place! It's an easy hike, and there are a few smaller waterfalls at the beginning.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

10 Truths About Being In A Sorority

(For Girls Who Are Interested In Greek Life)

LaGrange College

614

Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less

sorority life

Entertainment

10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break

You've gotta do something.

Grand Canyon University

218

Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less

must watch

Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

Truman State University

1413

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less

last semester

Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

University of Dayton

1121

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."