3 Beautiful Must-See Hikes Around the Hudson Valley
Mountains, lakes, creeks, overlooks, and the list can go on and on. There are breathtaking views no matter where you go. The Hudson Valley is a place I'm falling deeper in love with the more I visit it. You may wonder why this Texas girl is speaking about hikes in New York. It's simple, my boyfriend. This is where he grew up, and I'm so fortunate to experience it. All in all, after visiting this state the past few times, I've grown to admire everything it has to offer in the outdoors. And I want to share this with everyone because it is overlooked as a place to explore nature, unless you are a native New Yorker!
Okay, enough of the side story. Let's go into three beautiful hikes you should experience around the Hudson Valley – Mount Beacon Park, Bash Bish Falls State Park, and Mount Alander.
1. Mount Beacon
Huffing and puffing. That about sums up the state Mount Beacon Park will leave you in all the way to the top. Don't let that scare you! It is a hike that is worth the challenge.
First of all, Mount Beacon was home to one of the steepest railways in the world. It's wild to think a train would go up this mountain and make it to the other side. Since a railway no longer exists, the best way to get to this mountain is by foot. From the park's southern side, the Casino Red Trail delivers spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. This steep 3.7-mile out-and-back trail, with about 1,377 feet of elevation gain, lands you at the top of Mount Beacon's fire tower. And you can see the Mount Beacon Incline Railway ruins on this route, including the old machinery.
How to Prepare for the Mount Beacon Hike?
You're probably reading this if you've never hiked Mount Beacon, so I think you should bring this on your mountain hike.
Hiking poles
First-aid kit
Sun shirt or hoodie
2L of water
Comfortable and supportive shoes
Post-Hike Suggestions
If you are like me, you enjoy a lovely post-hike celebration as a pat on the back for what you just accomplished. For me, it's a P. Terry's burger. A double with cheese, fries, and a crispy Coke, to be exact. But, since we are in New York, Beacon, to be precise, here are some places in the town that you can visit just minutes from the park.
2. Bash Bish Falls State Park
So you're telling me you get to visit a park in New York and Massachusetts, AND it has a waterfall? Yes, that is correct, and Bash Bish Falls State Park might be one of the most unique parks you'll visit in the Hudson Valley area.
Belonging to the Massachusetts state park system, Bash Bish is a popular destination because it contains the highest waterfall in the state. The trail is a little under 2.1 miles out and back from the New York parking lot and is worth every step you take.
Heads up! The trail leading down to the waterfall is closed off as of June 2023 for preservation purposes.
If you start your hike to the falls from the New York side, you'll have peacefully beautiful views of Bash Bish Brook before it makes its final descent into the falls. The brook is the perfect place to get some fly fishing in (permit required), meditate, take photos, and relax.
Post-Hike Suggestions
If you want to add to the adventure, hike the Alander Mountain Trail (talked about below) or visit Taconic State Park in New York State.
3. Alander Mountain Trail
A part of the Washington State Forest, the Alander Mountain Trail is a 6.3-mile out-and-back trail near Mount Washington. From start to finish, you will be greeted with a variety of waterfalls, and beautiful creek crossings, and be surrounded by red oaks. If you go during May/June, you'll see lush greenery, blooming flowers, and bugs (yes, bugs). There are many of them for most of the hike up, so come prepared with bug spray or wear longer pants to prevent getting bit!
When you reach the summit at 2,250 feet of elevation, you'll get a 360° view of Mount Washington. Use that moment to take it all in, give yourself a high five, eat a snack, drink water, and take photos.
How to Prepare for the Alander Mountain Trail Hike?
This is what I recommend you bring on your hike of the mountain:
Hiking poles
First-aid kit
Sun shirt or hoodie
2L of water
Comfortable and supportive shoes
Bug Spray
Post-Hike Suggestions
If you want to extend your adventure, you can keep exploring the over 30 miles of trails in the Washington State Forest or visit Bash Bish Falls State Park right after for a quick relaxing hike.
That's a Wrap!
The Hudson Valley serves when it comes to the variety of outdoor activities there are to do – especially hiking. If you've never been here before, I highly recommend you experience it at least once. And if you live in the area and never knew about these places, what are you waiting for?! Get out there and see these unique natural spaces. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and feel pumped to take on your next adventure, where ever you are.
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