The East Mountain to Round Hill Loop is a beautiful 7.3 mile hike found within Clarence Fahnestock State Park in New York. The loop meanders over one small mountain and then traverses to another before closing the loop, consistently wandering through the old deciduous forest that’s a staple of the region.
Pelton Pond is a small dammed lake easily accessible from Highway 301. An easy 1 mile hike navigates around the pond’s circumference, giving visitors a pleasant and relaxing outing that can serve as a way to get comfortable with the expansive options in Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
The Bridle Path in Kennedy Dells County Park is an easy 1.6 mile loop that makes for a great small excursion for people in the area, though it packs an unexpected surprise that’s worth going out of your way for.
The Hook Mountain Trail provides ample views of the Hudson River Valley in just a 1 mile hike, bringing hikers up to the Palisades’ cliffs edge to feature outstanding views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as up and down the Hudson River.
The High Tor Trail is a 2.2 mile (one way) hike through gorgeous woods in High Tor State Park that culminates on a rocky outcropping above the Hudson River.
Blauvelt State Park, perched atop the Hudson River Palisades in the lower Hudson Valley, often goes largely overlooked, as does its neighbor, Buttermilk Falls County Park. By using trails that connect through both parks, as well as other smaller neighboring town and county parks, an enjoyable loop can be connected.
Tallman Mountain State Park is a beautiful and diverse state park that can actually be hiked nearly in its entirety in just over four mostly easy miles.
The Thirteen Bridges hike is a beautiful 2 mile horseshoe-shaped trail that brings hikers over thirteen old carriage road bridges that pass above Gory Brook.
The Anthony’s Nose Trail is a popular 1 mile hike in the southern section of Hudson Highlands State Park, gaining quick elevation along the Appalachian Trail before veering off to its destination. This particular route is the shorter, but steeper route up to the panoramic overlook.