The best city hikes and walks in Ulster County

Ulster County offers a selection of urban hiking trails, with 3 routes currently featured in this guide. These trails provide a great way to explore the region's towns and their surrounding natural beauty.

Yes, there is one easy urban hike listed in this guide. While all routes offer a good experience, the difficulty can vary. For a moderate option that still offers accessible paths, consider the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Fairview, which provides paved surfaces and scenic views.

Urban hikes in Ulster County often blend townscapes with stunning natural vistas. You can expect panoramic views of the Hudson River, especially from routes like the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Poughkeepsie. Many trails also offer glimpses of the majestic Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge in the distance, providing a beautiful backdrop to your urban exploration.

Yes, all the urban hikes featured in this guide are loop trails, offering convenient starting and ending points. For example, both the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Fairview and the Mount Beacon Park – Stairs loop from Beacon are designed as circular routes.

The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Ulster County, with an average score of 4.7 stars from 227 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of urban exploration with natural beauty, especially the impressive views and well-maintained paths that make these routes enjoyable for various skill levels.

Yes, several urban hikes offer access to significant landmarks. The Walkway Over the Hudson, a prominent feature on routes like the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Poughkeepsie, is a historic railroad bridge converted into a pedestrian park, offering incredible river views. While not directly on these urban routes, the broader Ulster County area is rich with natural attractions such as Overlook Mountain Fire Tower and scenic viewpoints like the View of Ashokan Reservoir and Catskill Mountains.

Ulster County's urban hikes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn showcases spectacular fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, especially on paved or well-maintained rail trails, providing a serene experience with crisp air and unique views. Always check local conditions before heading out.

While the urban hikes in this guide primarily focus on town and river views, Ulster County is renowned for its water features. The Ashokan Reservoir offers scenic paved paths with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains and opportunities for bald eagle sightings. For waterfalls, you would typically venture into areas like Minnewaska State Park Preserve to see Awosting Falls or Rainbow Falls.

For urban hikes, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be covering varied surfaces including pavement and potentially some unpaved paths. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, as temperatures can fluctuate, especially near the Hudson River. A light jacket or rain shell is advisable, and don't forget sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.

Many urban areas in Ulster County, including those near the featured hikes, are accessible via public transport. For specific routes like those crossing the Walkway Over the Hudson, you can often find bus services that connect to the towns of Poughkeepsie or Highland. It's always best to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings to your chosen trailhead.

While the routes in this guide are well-known for their accessibility and views, Ulster County offers many less-trafficked paths. For a unique experience, consider exploring parts of the Wallkill Valley Rail-Trail or the Ashokan Rail Trail, which provide accessible, scenic routes through varying terrain and showcase local history, including the impressive Rosendale Trestle, offering a different kind of urban-adjacent exploration.