In addition to HHLT’s preserves, there are many beautiful and inspiring places to experience nature in the Hudson Highlands region. Here are a few suggestions from our staff to help get you started!
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. This Park Preserve extends from Peekskill to Beacon, NY, with conserved lands in three counties: northern Westchester, Putnam, and southern Dutchess. At over 8,000 acres, it protects a startling range of habitats — from the estuarine shore of the Hudson River, to young deciduous forests, to rocky ridges and towering summits. There are 70+ miles of trails, from easy to challenging. The Hudson Highlands and Hudson River provide spectacular backdrops for recreational activities including hiking, birding, boating, and fishing.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park. This 14,086-acre park in Putnam and Dutchess counties boasts 50 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, a scenic campground, and opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, which provides environmental programming, and Fahnestock Winter Park, with 20 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout. State permit required; please visit the park’s website for more information.
Appalachian Trail. Known as the “A.T.,” this 2,190 mile long public footpath traverses the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. Just over 90 miles of the A.T. are in New York’s Hudson Highlands. West of the Hudson River, A.T. hikers near Harriman State Park can experience the natural beauty of woodlands with occasional views of the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The A.T. passes by a Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park and then crosses the Hudson River via the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge. (Fun fact: Bear Mountain is the lowest elevation point on the entire A.T., at 124 feet above sea level!) On the east side of the Hudson River, parts of the AT run through Clarence Fahnestock & Hudson Highlands State Parks. For great day hikes on the A.T. in New York, click here.
New York Highlands Trail. The Highlands Trail is a work-in-progress, envisioned as a long-distance hiking trail of 600+ miles across the four-state Highlands region, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. To visit a beautiful section of the Highlands Trail that is already open, try Wonder Lake State Park (6 miles). To learn more about the NY Highlands Trail, visit New York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s Highlands Trail Guide.
Hudson River Expeditions. This local business offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours, rentals, and instruction for the novice to the experienced paddler. Open seasonally, May to October.
Our Highlands Partners: Additional Resources
HHLT is grateful to collaborate with wonderful conservation partners in our area who also protect habitats and care for land. Many of our partners also manage parks and preserves, provide trail maps, and offer resources and information that can help you enjoy more outdoor experiences in the Hudson Highlands. Visit their websites below to learn more!
Recreate Responsibly: Leave No Trace
Each of us plays a vital role in protecting parks, preserves, and other natural areas. Whenever we spend time outdoors, it’s important to be conscious of the effects our actions may have on plants, animals, insects, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” helps us minimize our impacts on nature. These principles can be applied anywhere, any time, when we are outdoors — from remote wilderness areas to local parks to your own backyard. Learn more about Leave No Trace and how to Recreate Responsibly.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
- Dispose of Waste Properly.
- Leave What You Find.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts.
- Respect Wildlife.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
A Delicate Balance
Less than 50 miles north of New York City, the Hudson Highlands region is rich in scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. HHLT works to protect biodiversity and natural resources, address climate change, and create opportunities for people to experience the benefits of being in nature.