Esopus Meadows Preserve offers two miles of woodland trails and a shoreline with stunning Hudson River views. The shallow waters just offshore of the park are among the Hudson’s most important spawning grounds for striped bass. This impressive 2-mile trail network runs along the Hudson River and through woodlands, alongside wetlands, and above the Klyne Esopus Kill.

Things To Do
Birding at this prime spot for watching bald eagles
Nature Study along 3,500 feet of shoreline
Hiking Trails
View of the 1871 Esopus Lighthouse in the Hudson River.

Directions
Crossing the Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 10.3 miles. Right on River Road. Proceed 1.3 miles. Entrance on right.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and the Esopus Meadows Preserve.

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.

The trail extends for 12.2 miles from the southern border of Gardiner to the northern border of New Paltz. Along the way it passes through woods, open fields, and agricultural lands, and links the hamlet of Gardiner with downtown New Paltz. Trail users will discover a wide variety of birds and other wildlife and beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River. The trail surface is gravel and packed dirt, except for a section of the trail in the heart of New Paltz from Plains Road to Broadhead Avenue, which is wheelchair accessible.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a multiuse trail, welcoming hikers, joggers, bicycle and horseback riders, dog walkers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Except for vehicles for the disabled, no other motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. For everyone's safety, please follow the guidelines for multiuse trails and be courteous to other trail users.

Things To Do
Biking
Bird Watching
Explore Local History
Family Outings
Horseback riding
Hiking / Jogging
Picnic
Nature Walks
Scenic Vistas
Stream Watch

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing

in Biking Bowling Parks Playgrounds Recreation 127 acre Sports Complex featuring 11 baseball / softball fields, 4 soccer fields, a fully enclosed refrigerated ice arena, 3 playgrounds, 4 pavilions, trails, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, indoor and outdoor shuffle board courts and a senior citizens' multi-purpose recreation center. Many other year-round recreational services. Roadways and parking.

Things To Do
Ball fields (11)
Bandstand (enclosed)
Basketball courts (3)
Conference center
Grandstands (2 covered)
Hiking Trails (views of the Catskills and Berkshires
Horseshoe pits (8)
Pavilions (4 with service Kitchenettes)
Picnic areas and barbeque equipment
Playgrounds, (3) including a Small World Playground
Senior Citizen’s multi-purpose recreation center
Shuffleboard courts (indoor and outdoor)
Soccer fields (4 regulation size)
Tennis courts (4 lighted)

Winter Activities
Ice Arena (Olympic size, fully enclosed)

Scenic Hudson purchased the Black Creek Preserve in 1992 to protect it from development and provide a beautiful, natural area where people can experience the Hudson.

Things To Do
Nature Study
Hiking two + miles of nature trails leading to Hudson River
Views of Mills-Norrie State Park and Esopus Island

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 7.6 miles. Right on Winding Brook Road. Immediate left for parking lot.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson and the Black Creek Preserve where you can view Black Creek Trail Map or download the Black Creek Park Quest for information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and wildlife at Black Creek Preserve.

"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