Hike: Stillman/Highlands/Bluebird Trails Loop from Mountain Road
Park: Storm King State ParkTrail: Highlands Trail
North-facing view over the Hudson River from Storm King Mountain – Photo by Daniel Chazin This 4.5-mile loop explores the dramatic ridgelines and sweeping vistas of Storm King Mountain, a crown jewel of the Hudson Highlands. Starting from the trailhead off Route 218, the hike climbs steadily along the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail, soon joined by…
The Delaware River as seen from Mount Tammany – Photo by Dan Chazin This rugged 3.5-mile loop climbs Mount Tammany via the Red Dot Trail, offering spectacular views of the Delaware Water Gap and Mount Minsi. The descent follows the Blue Dot, Dunnfield Creek, and Appalachian Trails, passing waterfalls and a rhododendron-lined gorge for a…
Along Undercliff Road – Photo by Daniel Chazin This scenic 4.6-mile carriage road loop in the Mohonk Preserve connects the Undercliff and Overcliff Roads, with sweeping views of the Wallkill Valley, Shawangunk Ridge, and Lost City Cliffs. Along the way, pass dramatic conglomerate cliffs, rock climbers in action, and quiet forested stretches, all with gentle…
The five Fire Towers of the Catskill Park Total Mileage: Varies per tower (short hikes to moderate ascents; all under 5 miles one-way) Explore five iconic fire towers in the Catskill Forest Preserve, each offering sweeping views and a sense of history. This special collection includes trail maps for: These maps are adapted from our…
Falling Waters and Grand Loop Trails – Schooleys Mountain County Park – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 3.5-mile loop in Schooley’s Mountain County Park explores the park’s wilder, less-developed western side, far from the picnic areas and lodge. Starting from the main lot, the route descends past Lake George and into the rocky gorge of Electric…
Cascade in Roaring Brook – Photo by Daniel Chazin. This 2.6-mile loop explores a scenic pocket of preserved forest on the western slope of the Palisades, combining the Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary and the Lamont Reserve. The hike begins on the blue-blazed Hutcheon Trail, passing a playground and info kiosk before transitioning to the yellow-blazed Sneden-Haring-Lamont…
View of Sky Top in the Mohonk Preserve – Dickie Barre, Peters Kill and Awosting Falls Loop -Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Photo by Daniel Chazin. This 8.2-mile loop through Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve highlights some of the best scenery in the Shawangunks, combining narrow forest trails, dramatic cliffside…
Ramapo Torne/Raccoon Brook Hills Trail Loop from Reeves Meadow. Photo by Daniel Chazin This 5.2-mile loop in Harriman State Park features sweeping ridge views, dense mountain laurel tunnels, and cascading brooks, along with a bit of history. The hike begins at Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, following the red-on-white-blazed Pine Meadow Trail before climbing steadily on…
View of ruins on Kennedy Dells County Park Loop – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 2.3-mile loop in a quiet corner of Westchester County explores the scenic ravines and historic infrastructure surrounding Crum Creek, blending wooded paths with parkland edges and suburban glimpses. Starting from the main parking area, the hike begins on the white-blazed Bridle…
A hiker taking in the view from the Buck Ridge Lookout – Photo by Daniel Chazin Hikers planning to climb West Kill Mountain from Spruceton Road are in for a challenging and rewarding day in the Catskills. The trek climbs 1,700 feet over 3.4 miles to summit West Kill Mountain (3,880′), the sixth-highest peak in…
Buttermilk Falls in Rockland County – Buttermilk Falls County Park – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 1.5-mile loop explores the scenic hillside above Buttermilk Falls in Rockland County, offering a short but rewarding climb to multiple panoramic viewpoints. The hike begins on the blue-blazed trail, ascending beside a wooded ravine to the base of the falls.…
Hike: Short and Scenic Loop Hike on Bullwheel, High Peters Kill, and Red Trails
Trail: High Peters Kill Trail
Cascade on the Peters Kill – Photo by Daniel Chazin This scenic 2.1-mile loop in Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a compact but memorable tour of the Shawangunks, combining forested carriage roads, dramatic cliffs, cascading streams, and historical relics from a bygone ski era. Starting on the Red Loop Trail, the route quickly joins the…
