Attractions and Places To See around Rifton - Top 17

The Rifton area is rich in history. You can explore the Huguenot Street Historic District, a National Historic Landmark featuring stone-house museums and a reconstructed church. Another significant landmark is Perrine's Covered Bridge, an 1844 structure and one of Ulster County's last covered bridges. The Springtown Truss Bridge, originally built in 1870, also offers a glimpse into the region's past.

Yes, the Rifton area offers extensive outdoor opportunities. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is excellent for both hiking and biking, providing scenic views. For more challenging hikes, the Mohonk Preserve and Bluestone Wild Forest are nearby, offering diverse trails. You can find more detailed routes for running, mountain biking, and road cycling in the guides for the region.

For impressive vistas, visit the Nice old railway bridge with a view, also known as the Rosendale Trestle Bridge, which offers expansive views of the Rosendale area. Another great spot is the Hudson River Overlook, where you can see across the trees to the Hudson River.

Rifton is surrounded by natural beauty. The Wallkill River flows through the area, and the nearby Rondout Creek provides opportunities for water activities. The Mohonk Preserve features natural formations like Mohonk Lake and the Shawangunk Ridge. The Bluestone Wild Forest, just west of Kingston, includes Onteora Lake, ponds, and diverse forest landscapes.

Absolutely. The Huguenot Street Historic District is an outdoor museum that can be engaging for families. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is suitable for family walks or bike rides. The Springtown Truss Bridge is also a historical point of interest that families can visit.

Yes, Rondout Creek, located nearby, is a good spot for kayaking and fishing. Additionally, Onteora Lake within the Bluestone Wild Forest is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a multi-use path, roughly 22 miles long, that follows an old railroad line. It features a primarily packed-gravel surface and is popular for hiking, biking, and enjoying the scenic views of the Hudson Valley. A notable section includes the Rosendale Trestle Bridge.

The Rifton area is enjoyable year-round, but spring, summer, and fall offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and biking on trails such as the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Autumn is particularly scenic with fall foliage. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in areas like the Bluestone Wild Forest.

Beyond the well-known attractions, consider visiting 'The Rifton,' an artfully modernized 1876 stone church transformed into a unique property overlooking the Wallkill River. While not publicly accessible for tours, its unique architecture and history are notable in the region. For a historical engineering marvel, Perrine's Covered Bridge is a unique and well-preserved structure.

Runners can find a variety of trails, including sections of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Other popular running routes include the Shaupeneak Mountain loop and the Joppenbergh Mountain Loop. For more options, refer to the dedicated running trails guide for the Rifton area.

Perrine's Covered Bridge, built in 1844, is a significant historical landmark. It is one of only five covered bridges remaining in Ulster County and holds the distinction of being the longest standing Burr arch covered bridge in New York State, as well as the second oldest bridge in the state. It carries pedestrian traffic across the Wallkill River.

The nearby Town of Kingston, New York's first state capital, offers charming streets with 18th-century architecture and the Hudson River Maritime Museum. It's a great destination for those interested in local history and culture.