The best walks and hikes in Ulster County

The Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road Loop offers a genuinely rewarding experience for minimal effort, circling the stunning, rain-fed Lake Minnewaska on a wide, easy gravel path. This 2.2 miles (3.5 km) hike, with only 147 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 57 minutes, providing continuous cliff-top views of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge and the Catskills, along with glimpses of the lake's small beach area.

Planning your visit means considering the trail's popularity; the parking lot can get crowded, so an early start is often best. Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a great option for pet owners. This accessible route is perfect for those seeking a scenic stroll without a strenuous climb.

What makes this one of the best hikes in Lake Minnewaska is its unique combination of easy terrain and spectacular natural features. The historical carriage roads, once serving mountaintop hotels, add a layer of charm, while the "sky lake" itself is a natural wonder. You might even spot local wildlife like porcupines or deer along the way.

The Lemon Squeeze and Eagle Cliff trail offers a truly distinctive hiking experience, blending the thrill of navigating ancient rock formations with the reward of sweeping vistas. This moderate 7.7-mile (12.4 km) route takes you through "The Labyrinth," a playful maze of boulders, before the iconic "Lemon Squeeze" challenges you with its tight crevice and ladders. Once through, the trail opens up to magnificent panoramic views from Eagle Cliff, showcasing the vast Hudson Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

Planning your visit requires a hiking pass for the Mohonk Preserve, where the trail is located. Be aware that the Lemon Squeeze section is a strenuous rock scramble, demanding agility and not suitable for those with claustrophobia, joint problems, or dogs. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 43 minutes on this adventure, which includes a significant 1224 feet (373 metres) of elevation gain.

What makes this trail stand out are its unique geological features and the incredible payoff views. Beyond Eagle Cliff, the path often leads to Skytop Tower, offering a 360-degree vista that, on a clear day, allows you to see up to six states. This combination of challenging terrain and spectacular scenery makes it a memorable hike within the Shawangunk Ridge area.

The Overlook Spur Trail offers a moderate hiking experience, leading you up a continuous uphill climb on a wide gravel road. As you ascend, the scenery improves, culminating in expansive views from the historic Overlook Mountain Fire Tower. This route covers 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 1390 feet (424 metres). You can expect to complete this hike in about 1 hours and 53 minutes, making it a rewarding challenge.

Parking is available directly at the trailhead, making access straightforward for your visit. It is wise to plan your start time to allow ample daylight for the full 1 hours and 53 minutes duration. Be aware that the Overlook Mountain area is known for its Timber Rattlesnake population; therefore, staying on the wide road is highly recommended, especially near the old hotel ruins. Numbered utility poles line the trail, which can help you track your progress and provide a sense of orientation.

Beyond the fire tower, you can explore the intriguing stone ruins of the old Overlook Mountain House, adding a historical dimension to your hike. The area is celebrated for its idyllic Catskills scenery, offering amazing views of wildflowers or foliage from April to November. The summit provides expansive 360-degree panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley, the Catskill Mountains, and the Ashokan Reservoir, making it a notable destination in the region.

The Bonticou Crag and Table Rocks Loop offers a truly engaging hiking experience, blending varied terrain with thrilling challenges. You'll navigate through wooded sections, over gravel paths, and into intensely rocky areas, culminating in the famous rock scramble up Bonticou Crag. From the summit, you're treated to sweeping views across the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains, before continuing to the unique fissured rock formations of Table Rocks. This moderate 5.6-mile (8.9 km) route, with 796 feet (243 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Before you head out, be aware that a day-use fee is required for entry into the Mohonk Preserve. The rock scramble up Bonticou Crag is genuinely challenging, involving Class 2/3 climbing, and is not recommended for dogs or very small children; however, bypass options are available if you prefer to skip this section. Plan to arrive early, especially on busy days, to ensure a parking spot and a more peaceful hike.

This trail stands out as one of the Hudson Valley's most spectacular natural places, primarily due to the exhilarating rock scramble and the distinctive geological features at Table Rocks. It's a fantastic choice if you're seeking a hike that combines physical exertion with incredible panoramic viewpoints and unique rock formations, making it a memorable adventure for experienced hikers.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Castle Point Carriage Road to Upper Awosting Carriageway Loop, a journey spanning 8.5 miles (13.7 km) with an elevation gain of 624 feet (190 metres). You can expect to complete this loop in about 3 hours and 43 minutes. As you hike, you will discover diverse terrain and enjoy expansive views, including the stunning panorama from Castle Point, offering glimpses of the Catskills and the Wallkill Valley.

Before you head out, be aware that the trail surface can be quite varied. You might encounter loose gravel, rocky sections, and potentially muddy spots, especially after rain. The Lake Awosting Carriage Road part of the route is particularly known for its uneven rock surfaces and can be wet, so prepare your footwear accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience.

This route primarily follows historic carriage roads, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context. Beyond the sweeping vistas, you will also pass by picturesque Lake Awosting and impressive cliffs. The area is especially renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, making autumn a particularly vibrant time to explore this trail.

The Jenny Lane, Rainbow Falls and Castle Point Loop offers a truly immersive experience of Minnewaska State Park Preserve's varied landscape. You'll traverse rugged footpaths, navigate challenging rock scrambles on the Rainbow Falls Footpath, and enjoy the serene beauty of dense forests before reaching the commanding views from Castle Point. This trail provides a unique perspective on the region's natural features, combining the dramatic drop of Rainbow Falls with expansive vistas of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains.

This is a difficult 14.3-mile (22.9 km) hiking route with a significant 1629 feet (497 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 29 minutes to complete. The Jenny Lane parking lot is a convenient and often free access point, but it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days, to ensure a spot. Be prepared for a full day on the trail and carry ample water, particularly if you're tackling the Rainbow Falls hiking routes in warmer weather.

This loop is a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystem of the Shawangunk Ridge, incorporating sections of several trails including the Upper and Lower Awosting Carriageways. The challenging terrain, including steep sections and exposed rock, makes it a rewarding choice for experienced hikers. The stunning viewpoints along the way, like Kempton Ledge, offer glimpses of Lake Awosting and Lake Minnewaska, making the effort well worth it.

The Undercliff and Overcliff Carriage Roads Loop offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, making it a popular choice for many. You'll traverse historic gravel paths, winding through tranquil hemlock groves and past moss-covered stones, all while enjoying sweeping views of the Wallkill River Valley and the distant Catskill Mountains. This moderate 10.9-mile (17.5 km) hike involves 1020 feet (311 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 4 hours and 49 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though you should be aware that a day-use fee is required to access the Mohonk Preserve. The well-maintained carriage roads are suitable for hikers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders, making it a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts. While the overall path is easy to follow, expect a gradual climb on the Overcliff section and an initial incline from some parking areas.

What truly sets this trail apart is the unique opportunity to observe rock climbers scaling the conglomerate cliffs directly above the Undercliff Road, adding an exciting dimension to your hike. The historical significance of these roads, built between 1902 and 1928 with gentle gradients, also adds to the charm. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcon nesting areas, which occasionally lead to temporary closures in certain climbing zones.

Embark on the Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain Trail for a moderate hike that promises dramatic scenery and unique geological features. This 6.0-mile (9.7 km) route guides you through quartz conglomerate escarpments and along gleaming white cliffs, offering continuous cliffside views. You will gain 550 feet (168 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 41 minutes, culminating in the prominent Gertrude's Nose rock formation, which provides unobstructed 270-degree vistas.

When planning your visit, remember that this trail is located within Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Parking is typically available at the park's main entrance, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Before you head out, it is always a good idea to check the park's official website for any specific warnings, potential fees, or seasonal closures that might affect your trip.

This trail stands out for its rewarding journey through the preserve, offering a scenic adventure for hikers. The route is known for its challenging yet fulfilling experience, showcasing the area's distinct geological formations. It is a prime example of the natural beauty and varied terrain you can explore within Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Explore the Ashokan Quarry Trail, an easy hiking route spanning 1.8 miles (2.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 157 feet (48 metres). You can expect to complete this scenic walk in about 46 minutes, making it perfect for a quick outing. As you hike, you will pass through a second-growth forest, offering glimpses of the Ashokan Reservoir and, on clear days, distant views of the Catskill High Peaks.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail is generally open year-round, but it does close during the Big Game (rifle) Hunting Season, typically from mid-November to mid-December. Sturdy footwear is recommended as some sections of the path can be rocky or muddy, especially after rain. This accessible route is a great option for families and beginner hikers looking for a pleasant outdoor experience.

The Ashokan Quarry Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Along the way, you will encounter historic quarry ruins, including massive loading docks, which provide a fascinating insight into the area's past. Interpretive signs are placed throughout the trail to explain the site's history, adding an educational element to your hike.