Hiking

Bring your bike, lace up your boots, grab the bridle for an adventure outdoors in upstate New York. Make the most of the Hudson River Valley landscape. Outdoor recreation in Dutchess County includes biking, hiking, horseback riding, golf, kayaking, archery and skeet shooting.

There’s plenty to explore and hike in Dutchess County. Visit trails, mountains, walking paths and more! Try the Appalachian Trail, hike to the top of Ferncliff Forest or see a stunning rock formation at Dover Stone Church.

Appalachian Trail - The Harlem Valley AT Community

Sixteen miles of the National Appalachian Scenic Trail passes through Dover and Pawling, in southeastern Dutchess, and includes 4,000 acres of protected parkland with hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing,...

Boyce Park

This spacious park, conveniently located near the intersection of Routes 22 and 55 in Wingdale, offers a hiking trail of roughly three miles that traverses an elevated meadow before heading up a hill....

Brace Mountain

Brace Mountain is the highest point in Dutchess County at 2,311 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking views in all directions. Brace Mountain Trail is a challenging 3.6-mile, out-and-back hikin...

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

A not-for-profit scientific research center offering Thursday science seminars (Sept.-May), public education programs and lectures, nature trails, fern glen, and a children's summer ecology camp. Mont...

Cat Rocks

Cat Rocks is a rock outcrop about 1,100 feet above sea level on West Mountain in Pawling. The hiking trail there is about two miles, up and back, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countrys...

DEC Hudson River Research Reserve

Tivoli Bays site: 1,700 acres/6 miles of trails. Joint DEC Wildlife Management Area (hunting allowed in season) and field laboratory for research and education. Freshwater tidal marsh and forested upl...

Dennings Point State Park

This Hudson River peninsula, located within Hudson Highlands State Park, features dense forest and a relatively flat loop trail of about three-quarters of a mile. This is one of the participating loc...

Dover Stone Church

A nature preserve whose highlight is a stunning rock formation and waterfall in a cave. It was used by Native Americans as a hideout in the 17th century, and then for weddings in the 19th century. Dov...

Dutchess County Parks and Trails

There are nearly 400 miles of trails varying in length, difficulty and surfaces in Dutchess County. Discover nearly 200 parks throughout the county using interactive maps, photos and search options on...

Ferncliff Forest

200-acre forest preserve and game refugee for camping (w/permit), picnicking, and pond for fishing. Hiking trails and firetower offering Hudson Valley views. Ferncliff Forest Parking Lot off Mt. Ruste...

Hike New York

We empower people to live a fun, healthy, and connected life through nature-based adventures and outdoor education. Hike, run, paddle, and play throughout the Hudson Valley! Private, group, and co...

Historic Hyde Park Trail, NPS

More than 10 miles of trails link several parks and historic sites. Maps and information at trail heads, park visitor centers, and on-line. QR codes allow hikers to access audio podcasts about each tr...