The best walks and hikes around Lake Katrine
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Hiking around Lake Katrine offers access to diverse natural landscapes, including the prominent Catskill Mountains and the scenic Ashokan Reservoir. The region features a network of trails through wild forests, along river parks, and on former railway lines. These paths provide varied terrain, from gentle, multi-use rail trails to more challenging ascents within the mountain ranges. The area is characterized by its mix of wooded environments, reservoir views, and riverine landscapes.
Best hiking trails around Lake Katrine
- The most popular hiking route is Onteora Lake Trail loop — Bluestone Wild Forest, a 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 35 minutes to complete. This easy loop offers a tranquil experience through a preserved natural environment.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop — Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, an easy 2.9 miles (4.7 km) path. This route provides scenic views across the Tivoli Bays and through meadow landscapes.
- Local hikers also love the Kingston Point Rail Trail, a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) trail leading through urban and natural areas, often completed in about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Lake Katrine is defined by the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Reservoir, and numerous rail trails. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to more difficult mountain trails.
- The routes in Lake Katrine are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Lake Katrine's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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2.47km
00:43
70m
70m
The Turkey Point from Ulster Landing trail offers a charming and accessible outdoor experience, perfect for a quick nature fix. This easy 1.5-mile (2.5 km) hike, with a modest 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 43 minutes to complete. You'll wander through diverse habitats, from quiet woodlands to open fields, all while enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River and discovering the historical remains of an old ice house along the bank.
Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is easily accessed from Ulster Landing County Park. The park provides convenient parking, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely stroll or a dedicated birdwatching excursion, offering a convenient and rewarding outdoor experience.
What makes this trail particularly special is its blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Beyond the picturesque Hudson River frontage, the area is a significant natural feature, serving as a unique marsh bird breeding ground and an important staging area for migrating waterfowl. The historical ice house remains add a layer of interest, connecting you to the region's past.
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1.34km
00:22
30m
10m
The Hudson River Brickyard Trail offers a delightful and accessible experience, winding along a paved path that meanders through former industrial land now reclaimed by nature. You'll enjoy stunning, expansive views of the Hudson River, with glimpses of nearby cliffs and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's brick-making history, like old pipes and discarded bricks, which add a unique character to the scenery.
This easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) hiking route has a minimal 94 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 21 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, including those with strollers or bikes. You'll find amenities like restrooms, benches, and bike repair tools along the way.
What makes this trail truly special is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance; it's one of the few places along the Empire State Trail that offers direct river access and majestic waterfront views. As a segment of the Empire State Trail and the Kingston Greenline, it connects you to a much larger network, all within the recently established Sojourner Truth State Park.
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4.00km
01:02
20m
20m
The Kingston Point Rail Trail offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban history, winding through wooded areas and opening up to stunning views of the Hudson River and Rondout Creek. You'll traverse a mix of paved, stone-dust, and crushed gravel surfaces, with some sections presenting a moderate challenge, including a long hill. Keep an eye out for the Rondout Lighthouse and the Kingston Point Light House as you enjoy this scenic journey.
This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) hike, with a gentle 72 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete. It's a fantastic option for families and dog owners, offering an accessible escape into nature within the city. The trail connects Midtown Kingston to the Rondout waterfront, making it easy to reach, and many flatter sections are ADA compliant.
Following the route of the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad, the trail is steeped in history, with remnants of old tracks still visible and a restored 19th-century tunnel taking you under US Route 9W. It's a key part of the Kingston Greenline and the larger Empire State Trail, providing a vital link between community points like Kingston High School and the YMCA.
6.14km
01:41
90m
90m
Embark on an easy hike along the Jockey Hill and Wintergreen Ridge Trail, a peaceful route spanning 3.8 miles (6.1 km). You will experience a gentle ascent, gaining 305 feet (93 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The path winds through pleasant long-needle pine forests, offering varied terrain and smooth sections. Keep an eye out for several small creeks and waterfalls, including a larger one visible further along the trail, adding to the scenic beauty within the Bluestone Wild Forest.
You can easily start your adventure from the Jockey Hill–Wintergreen Parking Area, where ample space is available for your vehicle. However, if you plan to visit during the colder months, be aware that this parking area is not plowed in winter. This means access might be limited, and you should check conditions before heading out. Planning your trip for warmer seasons will ensure a smoother experience and easier access to the trailhead.
This trail provides a straightforward hiking overview for anyone looking to explore the Bluestone Wild Forest. It offers a diverse and peaceful natural environment, making it a great option for a quick outdoor escape. The route is ideal for those seeking a tranquil experience without demanding climbs or technical sections, allowing you to simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
3.40km
00:54
40m
30m
The Ferncliff Red Trail offers a serene escape into the heart of an old-growth forest, winding through diverse plant life on a flowy singletrack path. You'll navigate packed dirt and leaves, occasionally encountering small roots and rock wall crossings that add to the natural feel of the route. It's a wonderful place for nature study, bird watching, and simply enjoying the quiet beauty of large deciduous trees, especially vibrant with wildflowers in the spring.
This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hiking trail, with a gentle 134 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in under an hour, typically around 54 minutes. Ferncliff Forest is free to access, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a quick outdoor adventure. It's a great choice for families or beginners looking for a straightforward and enjoyable walk.
Part of the historic Astor family estate, Ferncliff Forest is notable for its significant old-growth trees and remnants of its past, like old foundations and root cellars. While the Red Trail itself doesn't lead directly to the fire tower, it's part of a network that allows access to this 80-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.
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Tips from the Community
This is a convenient place to access the Jockey Hill mountain bike trails. There are multiple mountain biking and hiking trails here, of varying levels of difficulty.
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There is a narrow gravel single track to ride that runs along the railroad and the Hudson River at Kingston Point Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Lake Katrine?
There are over 15 hiking routes around Lake Katrine, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. Most of these, 13 to be exact, are rated as easy, with one moderate and one difficult option also available.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Lake Katrine?
The terrain around Lake Katrine is quite diverse, ranging from gentle, multi-use rail trails to more challenging ascents within the Catskill Mountains. You'll find paths through wild forests, along the scenic Ashokan Reservoir, and beside river parks, offering a mix of wooded environments, reservoir views, and riverine landscapes.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Lake Katrine area?
Yes, Lake Katrine offers many easy, family-friendly options. A great choice is the Thorn Preserve Loop – Catskill Park, an easy 1.6-mile trail that takes about 40 minutes to complete. Another accessible option is the Onteora Lake Trail loop — Bluestone Wild Forest, which is 3.8 miles long and offers a tranquil experience.
What are some challenging hiking trails near Lake Katrine?
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the region offers trails with significant elevation changes in the Catskill Mountains. One difficult route is the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to Rosendale Trestle Bridge — Kingston, which spans over 12 miles and includes notable elevation gains.
Are there any scenic rail trails for hiking around Lake Katrine?
Absolutely. The Lake Katrine area is home to several scenic rail trails, perfect for easy walking and accessible paths. The Kingston Point Rail Trail — Kingston, New York is a popular 5.5-mile route that leads through both urban and natural areas. The Ashokan Rail Trail, though not listed as a specific komoot route in this guide, is also a prominent 11.5-mile multi-use path offering scenic views of the Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Lake Katrine?
The hiking routes in Lake Katrine are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil forest loops to scenic reservoir views, and the variety of options suitable for different skill levels.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions to see while hiking near Lake Katrine?
Yes, the area around Lake Katrine offers several interesting landmarks and natural features. You can explore Onteora Lake, or visit the historic Saugerties Lighthouse. The Ashokan Rail Trail and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail are also significant attractions in themselves, offering scenic paths.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Lake Katrine region?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For an easy loop, consider the Onteora Lake Trail loop — Bluestone Wild Forest, which is 3.8 miles long. Another option is the North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop — Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area, an easy 2.9-mile path with scenic views.
What natural features define the hiking experience around Lake Katrine?
The hiking experience around Lake Katrine is largely defined by the majestic Catskill Mountains, the expansive Ashokan Reservoir, and a network of rail trails. These features provide a backdrop of diverse landscapes, from dramatic mountain vistas to tranquil reservoir views and wooded paths.
Are there any trails that offer views of the Ashokan Reservoir?
Yes, the Ashokan Reservoir is a prominent feature of the region. While not a specific komoot route in this guide, the Ashokan Rail Trail, an 11.5-mile multi-use path, traces the northern edge of the reservoir, providing extensive scenic vistas of the water and the Catskill Mountains. The Ashokan Reservoir Promenade also offers similar views.
Can I find trails through wild forests or wildlife management areas near Lake Katrine?
Absolutely. Areas like the Bluestone Wild Forest and Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area offer trails that provide access to preserved natural environments. The Onteora Lake Trail loop is a great example within the Bluestone Wild Forest, and the North Bay, Overlook, & Tivoli Meadow Trail loop is found in the Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area.
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