Hiking the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley offers incredible hiking, ranging from total beginner trails (basically scenic walks in a park) to challenging, steep terrain that includes some climbing. On the western side of the river, one scenic destination is the Minnewaska State Park, home to three lakes that make for beautiful vistas. On the eastern side of the Hudson, there are many trails with river views, including the easy, aptly named Poet Walk, and the difficult, hopefully not aptly named, Breakneck Ridge.

If you are driving up the eastern side of the Hudson, stop by Hudson River Outfitters, in Cold Spring, where a variety of maps and equipment is on sale. Or, for help narrowing down your options, visit Mike Todd’s incredibly helpful, charming Hike The Hudson Valley Website (www.hikethehudsonvalley.com). He explains each hike with humor, honestly and care, and —best of all — he has also created a Google Maps listing where each trail begins. It’s an invaluable online resource for exploring this region.