A new scenic overlook, opened in 2009, features dramatic views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the new Walkway Over the Hudson . The land boasts a broad array of tree species and features carriage trails and stone walls that crisscross the acreage.

A trail leads to the property from the Town of Lloyd's Johnson-Iorio Park, located immediately north of the bridge's Ulster County side. The path takes visitors under the bridge and connects them to a carriage trail that accesses the site.

Things To Do
Birding
Hiking / Walking Trails
Mountain Biking
Picnicking
Ruins of former estate buildings
Scenic Views
Woodland Trails (2.5 miles)

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Snow-shoeing

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north and take first right onto Haviland Road. Parking area for Johnson-Iorio Park is located at the end of Haviland Road. From parking area, descend stairs and cross under Mid-Hudson Bridge. Trailhead is on the right.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Franny Reese State Park.

After a day out at the Franny Reese State Park, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.

Sleightsburgh Park is a spectacular spit of land reaching almost all the way to the Kingston Lighthouse

This 79-acre peninsula at the mouth of the Rondout Creek was purchased by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and conveyed to the Town of Esopus. A conservation easement held by our land trust ensures the property will forever remain parkland.

Sleightsburgh Park offers deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek, the wooded peninsula is criss-crossed with trails that offer good bird watching and views of the Kingston Lighthouse.

Things To Do
Birding
Deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek
Hiking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Views of Kingston Lighthouse

Directions
From Route 9W in Esopus, head east on North Broadway, then right on First Ave., left on Everson Street. Park Entrance is on the right.

After a day of hiking, nature study or just relaxing in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster New York.

"Town Tinker has two courses, novice and expert. As the name implies, the novice course is for first-time tubers and those who prefer a gentler ride down the creek; the expert course is for more experienced tubers. Each course is about 2 1/2 miles long and each takes about 2 hours. The novice course begins near the Town Tinker headquarters on Bridge Street. This course has a variety of exciting rapids, fun flumes, and calmer stretches just made for drifting. At the end of this course, our Town Tinker Tube Taxis will be your transportation back to Bridge Street.

"The expert course, which is definitely more challenging and contains the best of the whitewater, begins 2 1/2 miles upstream from headquarters. Transportation to the entry point is by Town Tinker Tube Taxis. Along the expert course, you'll encounter larger, faster sets of rapids with names like "Railroad Rapids" and "The Chute"."

The word is Fantastic tubing in Esopus Creek with a staff that is focused on safety. Be sure to bring water shoes that will not fall off, and a dry change of clothes.

Atlantic Kayak Tours is the largest and most experienced kayak outfitter in the New York tri-state area, specializing on the Hudson River Valley. We offer over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs from New Jersey to Cape Cod. Tours and instructional programs are offered at our Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center and Norrie Point Paddlesport Center located in New York on the Hudson River.

"the lands of the State now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed."

The forest preserve has thousands of acres of forests with meadows, remnants of old farmsteads, lakes, rivers, springs, waterfalls, cliffs, fire towers, bears, rattlesnakes and other wildlife, rare plants and animals. Also, there are hundreds of miles of abandoned woods roads and trails to enjoy. Today, it serves as watershed, recreation area and ecological and scenic reserve. Press blue button for more information about the following outdoor activities:

Attractions and Outdoor Activities
Accessible Recreation
Boating
Camping
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking & Rock Climbing
Hunting
Shellfishing
Trapping
Snowmobiles

Come visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve, one of the most unique and beautiful parks in New York State, featuring numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, more cliff-edge views that we can mention, world-class rock climbing and 35 miles of carriageways and 25 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch
Boating
Food
Hiking / Walking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Picnicking
Scenic Views
Swimming

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing