The best walks and hikes around New Paltz

Both offer classic Shawangunk Ridge scenery, but they have distinct characters.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is known for its dramatic landscapes featuring sky lakes, like Lake Minnewaska, and waterfalls such as Awosting Falls. It has over 50 miles of trails, including many wide carriage roads suitable for all abilities.

Mohonk Preserve is famous for its thrilling rock scrambles like The Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze, and offers access to iconic viewpoints like Sky Top Tower. It has a strong focus on rock climbing alongside its 70 miles of hiking trails.

Both preserves typically require an entry fee for access.

Yes, dogs are welcome in many areas, but rules vary. In both Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Preserve, dogs are generally required to be on a leash no longer than six feet. Trails like the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and the River-to-Ridge Trail are also great options for walking with your leashed dog.

For a gentle and accessible outing, the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary loop is an excellent choice. It's a relatively flat, 1.9-mile (3.1 km) walk that's perfect for little legs and offers a peaceful experience in nature.

Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is the most spectacular waterfall in the area. A short and accessible trail leads to the base of this impressive 60-foot cascade, making it a must-see for visitors.

If you're seeking a strenuous, full-day adventure, consider the Skytop Tower – Bonticou Crag Summit loop from SCA Parking. This difficult 9.5-mile (15.2 km) route combines two of the area's most famous destinations, involving significant elevation gain and rewarding you with incredible panoramic views.

Yes, while the main preserves require fees, there are free options. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail and the River-to-Ridge Trail both offer free access. These trails provide a great way to experience the local scenery, connecting the town of New Paltz to the surrounding farmland and the base of the Shawangunk Ridge without an entry fee.

The terrain is very diverse. You'll find everything from flat, paved sections on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to wide, gravel carriage roads in the preserves. The more challenging mountain trails involve steep, rocky paths, and famous scrambles like The Labyrinth require navigating through boulder fields and tight crevices. The defining feature is the hard, white quartzite conglomerate of the Shawangunk Ridge.

Fall is arguably the most popular time to hike, as the autumn foliage on the Shawangunk Ridge is spectacular. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while summer is great for enjoying the sky lakes, though it can be hot and humid. Winter hiking is also possible but requires proper gear for ice and snow, especially on higher elevation trails.

There are over 50 curated hiking routes to explore around New Paltz on komoot. The trail networks within Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Preserve contain over 120 miles of trails and carriage roads combined, offering a huge variety of options for all skill levels.

The hiking routes around New Paltz are highly regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the Shawangunk Ridge, the unique rock scrambles, and the well-maintained carriage roads that make the scenery accessible to everyone.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is your best option. It's a multi-use path with a mostly flat, hard-packed surface that runs for 22 miles, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. It offers lovely views of the Wallkill River and surrounding farms.

Both Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Preserve have designated parking lots. These lots often fill up very early, especially on weekends and holidays, so it's crucial to arrive early. There are also specific parking areas for trailheads like the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz and the River-to-Ridge Trail.