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…
Van Cortlandt House Museum – Photo by Daniel Chazin This 3.5-mile urban loop through Van Cortlandt Park blends natural tranquility with rich historical landmarks and hidden greenways in the heart of the Bronx. Beginning at the 242nd Street subway station, the route passes the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum (built in 1748), then winds through…
Along the All Persons Trail and Bear Mountain Summit Loop – Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks This accessible hike on the summit of Bear Mountain includes the Bear Mountain All Persons Trail, inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to connect with nature and soak in spectacular views. The All Persons Trail is approximately 0.75 miles out…
View of Plattekill Falls – Catskill Park – Photo credit: Daniela Wagstaff This versatile route through Platte Clove Preserve and Overlook Mountain Wild Forest can be tailored for a day hike or overnight backpacking trip. Options include a moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back to Codfish Point, a scenic 8.8-mile round trip to Echo Lake, or a full…
Wawayanda Furnace – Photo by Daniel Chazin This diverse 7-mile loop in Wawayanda State Park connects multiple scenic trails and historic sites, traversing rhododendron tunnels, serene lakes, hardwood forests, and wetlands. Starting on Cherry Ridge Road, the hike visits Lake Lookout via the white-blazed Lookout Trail, then winds along the historic Laurel Pond Trail to…
Sunrise at the beaver lodge on Silvermine Lake, Harriman State Park – Photo Amy Comerford This 4.2-mile loop in Harriman State Park combines lakeside paths, historic roads, and ridgeline climbs for a moderate but rewarding adventure. Beginning at the Silvermine Boat Launch, the route follows the yellow-blazed Menomine Trail past the scenic shoreline of Silvermine…
Narrow passage on the Catfish Loop Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin The 4.6-mile Catfish Loop Trail explores the rugged, lesser-traveled southwest corner of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, offering a peaceful circuit through forested ridges, historic stone walls, laurel tunnels, and scattered viewpoints. Starting from Dennytown Road, the loop briefly follows the Appalachian Trail before…
Forest View Trail/Closter Dock Trail Loop – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 5.5-mile loop explores one of the most striking stretches of the Palisades, blending cliffside viewpoints, Hudson River history, and urban-wilderness contrast just minutes from the city. The hike begins on the aqua-blazed Long Path, tracing the top of the cliffs above the Hudson with…
Cranberry Lake Preserve – Photo: Jane Daniels The Cranberry Lake Preserve loop is a peaceful 3.5-mile loop that explores the varied terrain of Cranberry Lake Preserve, a 190-acre natural area tucked amid the suburban bustle of Westchester County. Despite its modest size, the preserve offers a rich and diverse hiking experience, from tranquil lakeside paths…
Discover sweeping Hudson Valley views on this scenic loop hike along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail near North/South Lake. Highlights include panoramic overlooks like Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point, historic landmarks, and a peaceful mix of forest and escarpment edge walking. Ideal for moderate-level hikers seeking a rewarding Catskills adventure with stunning vistas and rich natural…
