The best walks and hikes around Hudson

Yes, the Hudson area has several gentle trails perfect for families. For a very short and accessible walk, consider the Lakeside Loop & Meditation Point — Valdese Lakeside Park, which is just about a mile long. The carriage roads at the Olana State Historic Site also offer easy walking with beautiful views of the Hudson River.

Many trails in the Hudson Valley are dog-friendly, but rules can vary. For example, dogs are welcome on the trails at the popular Greenport Conservation Area, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the specific regulations for the park or preserve you plan to visit before you go.

The region is famous for its waterfalls. While the impressive Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills is a major draw, you can find a more relaxed walk to a smaller cascade on the McGalliard Falls via Valdese Greenway trail. For a truly spectacular sight, Bash Bish Falls in nearby Taconic State Park is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts and well worth the trip.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Hudson Highlands State Park is a top destination. It's home to strenuous climbs like Breakneck Ridge, which is famous for its rock scrambles and rewarding panoramic views of the Hudson River. Another great option is the Overlook Mountain trail in the Catskills, which features old hotel ruins and a fire tower at the summit.

If you prefer to end your hike where you started without backtracking, there are several excellent loop trails. The Valdese Lakeside Park loop offers a pleasant 3.8-mile circuit around a lake. For a longer option, the Valdese Greenway loop from McGalliard Creek provides a nearly 5-mile walk along the creek.

Absolutely. Winter transforms the landscape and opens up opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Many parks, such as Taconic State Park and Beebe Hill State Forest, have trails that are beautiful when covered in snow. Always wear appropriate footwear with good traction, like microspikes, as trails can be icy.

The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is an excellent option. It's a wide, paved pedestrian bridge high above the river, offering fantastic views and a smooth, level surface for its entire length. It's a highly regarded local favorite for accessible outdoor recreation.

The trails around Hudson are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from peaceful riverside paths to the expansive views from the surrounding hills and mountains.

For stunning river vistas, head to the Olana State Historic Site, where the landscaped grounds were designed to offer sweeping views. For a more elevated perspective, the Hudson River Skywalk connects Olana to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site via a pedestrian walkway on the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

While this guide highlights a few key routes, the broader Hudson area offers a vast network of trails. Komoot features dozens of routes, showcasing the region's diverse terrain from easy park walks to challenging mountain ascents in the nearby Catskills and Hudson Highlands.

Yes, the Greenport Conservation Area is an excellent choice for birdwatchers. Its diverse habitats of forests, fields, and wetlands attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. The trails there allow for quiet observation while you walk.

The terrain varies significantly. You'll find flat, paved greenways like the Valdese Greenway loop from Hoyle Creek, gentle carriage roads in historic parks, and steep, rocky scrambles in the Hudson Highlands. It's best to read the details of a specific trail to know what to expect.