Greene County

Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

 All Catskill ListingsGreene

 Catskill Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

heron, migratory birds, National Audubon Society, Attractions, wildlife observation, kayak, canoe launch, Things to Do, Birding, Canoeing Kayaking, Hiking Walking Trails, Nature Study,  nature study, local farms in the Hudson Valley, restaurants in Greene | Greene RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary "Scenic Hudson Valley"

  RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary
Catskill, Greene County
Hudson River Valley, New York State

From Scenic Hudson: "A swamp may not have the cachet of a mountain peak or thundering waterfall, but what it lacks in grandeur it more than makes up for in the diversity of wildlife it attracts. Plus, as RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary proves, swamps can be exceedingly beautiful. A hike through wildflower-filled lowlands, alongside rustling marsh grasses and over intriguing rock outcroppings in its upland forest will linger in your memory long after the boots have been unlaced. RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary  "Scenic Hudson Valley" | Greene  website and more . . .

12414, National Historic Site, Thomas Cole, pristine landscape paintings, Hudson River School, Cole, artists of the Hudson River School, artists, Historic Site, about the Hudson River School, Thomas Cole’s paintings, Catskill | Greene Thomas Cole "Historic Site"

518-943-7465
  The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is located at 218 Spring Street, near the western entrance to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, in the village of Catskill NY 12414, Greene County in the Hudson Valley.

"Visit the Thomas Cole Historic Site and join a guided tour of Cole’s home and studio, see the film about his art, stroll through the flower gardens and enjoy the sweeping view of the Catskill Mountains. Take in a special lecture about the Hudson River School, or take a short drive to the magnificent nearby places seen in Thomas Cole’s paintings.

"In the early nineteenth century, many in this country were searching for a style of art that they could call their own. Painter, poet, and essayist Thomas Cole (1801-1848) responded to this quest by creating pristine landscape paintings unlike any yet seen in America. His vision of wild and untouched scenery with majestic mountains and tangled forests stood in stark contrast to the gentle landscape images that had come before. Thomas Cole  "Historic Site" | Greene  website and more . . .
 All Coxsackie ListingsGreene

 Coxsackie Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

Hudson, Coxsackie, Native American tool-making workshop, park, observation platform, habitat for birds and amphibians, fishing, kayak, picnic, Things to Do, Bird Watching, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Picnicking, Winter Activities, Cross county skiing | Greene Four Mile Point "Scenic Hudson Valley"

  Four Mile Point
Town of Coxsackie, Greene County
Hudson River Valley, New York State

Scenic Hudson saved this riverfront parcel from development

From Scenic Hudson: "Located midway in the Hudson River's eight-mile course between Hudson and Coxsackie (hence its name), Four-Mile Point long was a hive of activity. For 6,000 years, it was the site of a Native American tool-making workshop; the long stone blades fashioned here were used to butcher fish and game. In the 19th century, a large icehouse stored frozen blocks cut from the river — as much as 55,000 tons worth — awaiting shipment to Manhattan during warmer months. While traces of this bustling past remain, the land now invites more tranquil pursuits. In fact for a small park, there's an awful lot to explore. An observation platform invites up-close inspection of a small wetland that furnishes critical habitat for birds and amphibians. Grand Hudson River views await those who reach a bluff-top overlook. And the walk is all downhill to the piece de resistance — the river itself, where a fishing pole, a kayak or a picnic would come in handy, but none are necessary to savor the scenic splendor." Four Mile Point  "Scenic Hudson Valley" | Greene  website and more . . .
 All Greene County ListingsGreene

 Greene County Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

Catskill Park, Ulster, Greene, forest preserve, Attractions, Outdoor Activities, Boating, Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hunting, Trapping, Snowmobiles | Greene Catskill Forest Preserve - Greene

  "The Catskill Park is a mountainous region of public and private lands in Southeastern New York's Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties. Evidence of the area's unique natural history can be seen in the impressive skyline formed by the ninety-eight peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation. Human activities such as logging, quarrying, tanning, trapping, and fishing have also shaped the Park's more recent history. Today, tourism and recreation play a prominent role in both supporting the region's economy and creating an awareness of the Catskills' ecological significance. Catskill Forest Preserve - Greene | Greene  website and more . . .

Hunter-West Kill Wilderness, Catskill Forest Preserve, Lexington and Hunter in Greene County, challenging hike of 25.2 miles, challenging trail, source of information, directions and parking areas, Things to Do at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness | Greene Devil's Path at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area - Greene

607-652-7365
  The Devil's Path, a 25.2 mile hike in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in the Catskill Forest Preserve, is located in the towns of Lexington and Hunter in Greene County.

Distance: 25.2 miles
Markers: Red
Difficulty: Challenging Devil's Path at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area - Greene | Greene  website and more . . .

Hudson Highlands, Hudson River is an estuary, things to do in the Hudson Highlands, outdoor activities, fishing, boating, hiking, hike, Hikes, Things to Do, Birding, Bird Watching, Boat Rentals, Boating, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Historic Places | Greene Hudson Highlands

845-225-7207
  Click to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands.

Click to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands The sign reads:
"For much of its 315-mile course, the Hudson River flows straight and broad. But at the Highlands, the Appalachian mountain chain intersects the river to create a fifteen mile stretch of rugged, mountainous landscape. This area contains the river's narrowest and deepest points, as well as its fastest currents. The Hudson River is an estuary, a mixture of salt and freshwater, and the saltwater line extends just north of Beacon. The River is tidal all the way up to the Troy Dam above Albany." Hudson Highlands | Greene  website and more . . .

Catskill Forest Preserve, Lexington and Hunter in Greene County, Things to Do, Hiking Devil's Path, Hiking Diamond Notch Trail, Hiking Hunter Mountain Trail, Hiking Becker Hollow Trail, Winter Activities, Cross-County Skiing, Snowshoeing, Waterfalls | Greene Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area - Greene

607-652-7365
  Hunter-West Kill Wilderness, 19,250-acres in size, is located in the Catskill Forest Preserve in the towns of Lexington and Hunter in Greene County; and the Town of Shandaken in Ulster County.

"The 19,250-acre Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in the Catskill Forest Preserve is a high elevation east-west ridge that lies between the West Kill Creek to the north and the Esopus Creek to the south. Hunter-West Kill Wilderness is a remote mountainous location of more than 19,250 acres. The terrain is very steep in places with elevations ranging from 1,000 feet to 3,880 feet." Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area - Greene | Greene  website and more . . .

Long Path Trail 21 - 26: Hiking / Biking Central Catskills

845-256-3000
  Long Path Trail 21 - 26: Hiking / Biking Central Catskills

"Once out of the southern parts of the Catskills, the Long Path enters the more well traveled and civilized regions. The trail joins the Devil's Path, one of the most strenuous hiking trails in New York, and passes near the former sites of two large hotels. Both hotels played a huge role in the development and then subsequent protection of the Catskills as an area "forever wild" to be spared from logging and other encroachments of civilization on nature. North Lake State Campground now occupies the land owned by both hotels in order to preserve the landmarks and vistas seen by the rich and famous when the Catskills were "the" place to go to for travel and vacation. The trail also passes a bounty of waterfalls, some directly on the trail and some nearby. Kaaterskill Falls, a short distance from North Lake State Campground, has two major drops, each a major waterfall in its own right, that add up to the tallest falls in New York State." Long Path Trail 21 - 26:  Hiking / Biking  Central Catskills | Greene  more . . .
 All Hunter ListingsGreene

 Hunter Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

Trail, challenging, Hunter-West Kill Wilderness, Catskill Forest Preserve, Greene County | Greene Becker Hollow Trail

607-652-7365
  The Becker Hollow Trail, a challenging 2.2 mile hike, is located in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in the Catskill Forest Preserve in Greene County.

Distance: 2.2 miles
Markers: Yellow
Difficulty: Challenging Becker Hollow Trail | Greene  website and more . . .

12442, Fire Tower, Hunter, NY, Catskill Forest Preserve, Things to Do at Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, 
Hiking, Photo Opportunities, Scenic Views, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Skiing, Snowshoeing | Greene Hunter Mountain Fire Tower

  The Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, built in 1917, is located in the Town of Hunter, NY 12442 in Greene County.

Distance 4.2 miles
Markers: Yellow and Blue
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Elevation: 4,040 feet. Ascent - 900 feet

Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, located on the second highest mountain in the Catskills, at 4,040 feet, offers stunning panoramic views of the Catskill Forest Preserve.

"The easiest trail to Hunter Mountain Fire Tower starts at the Hunter Mt. Ski Center chairlift. It goes through deciduous forests to boreal balsam fir/red spruce forests that have been snapped off and stunted by high winds and icy winters. The 60 foot steel tower, built in 1917, may be climbed to just below the cab." Hunter Mountain Fire Tower | Greene  website and more . . .

Mountain Trail, Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in Catskill Forest Preserve, Devil's Path, summit of Hunter Mountain, Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, Rusk Mountain Wild Forest, Things to Do on the Hunter Mountain Trail | Greene Hunter Mountain Trail

607-652-7365
  The Hunter Mountain Trail in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in the Catskill Forest Preserve is located in Greene County.

Distance: 1.7 miles
Markers: Yellow Hunter Mountain Trail | Greene  website and more . . .

12442, Catskill Mountains, Greene County, two-drop waterfall, Catskill Mountains of New York, higher waterfalls, New York, tourist attractions, Hudson River School,  American landscape painting, Hiking through the Catskills, Bastion Falls | Greene Kaaterskill Falls

  Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Catskill Mountains, in the town of Hunter 12442, Greene County in the Hudson Valley. Kaaterskill Falls is one of America's oldest tourist attractions, appearing in some of the most prominent books, essays, poems and paintings of the early 19th century. Long before Alexis de Tocqueville's famous essay on America, Kaaterskill Falls was lauded as a place where a traveler could see a wilder image, a sort of primeval Eden. Beginning with Thomas Cole's first visit in 1825, they became an icon subject for painters of the Hudson River School, setting the wilderness ideal for American landscape painting. The Falls also inspired "Catterskill Falls", a poem by William Cullen Bryant. Kaaterskill Falls | Greene  website and more . . .

12442, Ashley Falls, Hunter, NY, Greene County, Good for small children, short hike, parents with small children who want to avoid hiking near open ledges, Things to Do at Mary's Glen and Ashley Falls, Hiking, Waterfall, Winter Activities | Greene Mary's Glen and Ashley Falls

  Mary's Glen and Ashley Falls in the Catskill Forest Preserve is located in Hunter, NY 12442 in Greene County.

Distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Good for small children
Markers: Red and Yellow
Elevation: 20 feet ascent

Mary's Glen and Ashley Falls
"This short hike starts at a cobbled streambed, and it's good for parents with small children who want to avoid hiking near open ledges. The hike goes through lovely, wooded Mary's Glen, then alongside a beaver meadow to the base of a heavily forested cascade known as Ashley Falls." Mary's Glen and Ashley Falls | Greene  website and more . . .

North-South Lake Camping, state campground, Catskill Escarpment, Catskill Forest Preserve, Park activities  camping, hiking, Playground, boating, fishing, swimming at the beach, and picnicking, Things to Do, 
about camping | Greene North-South Lake Campgrounds

800-456-2267
  North-South Lake Campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve Hunter, NY 12442 in Greene County.

North-South Lake Camping
"North-South Lake is the biggest and most popular state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve, offering extraordinary scenic beauty. Several lakes are located within the campground. The surrounding mountains contain numerous hiking trails, which lead to spectacular overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sights, like Alligator Rock, Kaaterskill Falls, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House. On a clear day, five states are visible from some overlooks. North-South Lake Campgrounds | Greene  website and more . . .
 All Jewett ListingsGreene

 Jewett Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

12444, Lake, Jewett, NY, Colgate Lake, Things to Do at Colgate Lake, Boating, Hiking, Photo Opportunities, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Skiing, Snowshoeing | Greene Colgate Lake

845-256-3000
  Colgate Lake, 26-acres in size, in Colgate Lake Wild Forest in the Catskill Forest Preserve, is located in the Town of Jewett, NY 12444 in Greene County.

Distance: 2.35 to Beaver Wetland
Difficulty: Easy
Markers: Yellow

Colgate Lake
"The 1500-acre Colgate Lake Wild Forest features the scenic Colgate Lake in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Lake is a popular lake for fishing, kayaking and primitive camping. The yellow marked Colgate Lake Trail travels just over 4 miles to Dutcher Notch and the Escarpment Trail. The wild forest is surrounded by the Windham Blackhead Range Wilderness Area on three sides. Colgate Lake | Greene  website and more . . .
 All Lexington ListingsGreene

 Lexington Hiking Trails | Places To Hike

Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in Catskill Forest Preserve, Lexington, Things to Do on the Diamond Notch Trail,
Diamond Notch Falls | Greene Diamond Notch Trail at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area

607-652-7365
  The Diamond Notch Trail, a 2.7 mile hike in Hunter-West Kill Wilderness in the Catskill Forest Preserve is located in Lexington, NY 12452 in Greene County.

Distance: 2.7 miles
Markers: Blue Diamond Notch Trail at Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Area | Greene  website and more . . .

 More Hudson Valley  Hiking Trails | Places To Hike


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Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Columbia Columbia County
      [7 listings over 5 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Dutchess Dutchess County
      [24 listings over 14 locations]


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      [38 listings over 17 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Putnam Putnam County
      [20 listings over 6 locations]


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      [44 listings over 15 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Saratoga Saratoga County
      [4 listings over 3 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Schenectady Schenectady County
      [2 listings over 2 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Ulster Ulster County
      [30 listings over 12 locations]


Hiking Trails | Places To Hike | Westchester Westchester County
      [83 listings over 35 locations]



Places to Hike | Hiking Trails
Greene County
Hudson River Valley

Find list of best places to hike in Greene County, New York. Hiking trails are listed by town within the county of Greene in the Hudson Valley. Find excellent hiking trails in Greene for the beginning, intermediate, and experienced hiker.

"The Catskill Park is a mountainous region of public and private lands in Southeastern New York's Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties. Evidence of the area's unique natural history can be seen in the impressive skyline formed by the ninety-eight peaks over 3,000 feet in elevation. Human activities such as logging, quarrying, tanning, trapping, and fishing have also shaped the Park's more recent history. Today, tourism and recreation play a prominent role in both supporting the region's economy and creating an awareness of the Catskills' ecological significance.

"The Catskill Forest Preserve is defined as the 287,500 acres of state land within the Catskill Park. These public lands are primarily forested, but also include meadows, lakes, rivers, wetlands, waterfalls, cliffs, and many species of fish, wildlife, and plant life. Afforded Constitutional protections that prevent the removal of timber, lands within New York's Forest Preserve provide an abundance of both recreational opportunity and plant and wildlife habitat. There are a variety of opportunities for public enjoyment of the Forest Preserve, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, and snowmobiling."

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and your hiking gear, and find the best places to hike in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Experience the thrill of a challenging hike; or for beginners, the satisfying feeling of spending a day outdoors surrounded by nature.

Although hiking and walking may appear to be the same activity; hiking usually refers to the experience of walking on trails and paths away from the noise and pollution of an urban area. Trails are often surrounded by clean air, trees, the sounds of birds and the wonderful breadth of nature. In contrast, you can walk just about anywhere, including a nearby village or town such as Hunter, New York.

Hiking with Kids
Hiking is considered one of the best activities for kids. Most kids will enjoy a hike. When you're in the planning phase of deciding the paths and trails where you and your child will hike, let the child's ability guide you. Some kids are more active and have more energy than other children. Let the age of the child and each individual child's ability to walk distances be your guide.

The benefits of hiking with kids are many. Hiking allows you to share an experience or adventure with your child where you can discover nature and a healthy outdoor environment. Learn about birds, small animals, wild flowers, trees, and more about the natural world around us. You can work together with your child to map out and determine the route that best suits you and your child's ability. In addition to the many benefits listed above, is the fact that hiking is good for your mental and physical health and is a low-cost activity that is often free. A hike is within reach of most people that are reasonably healthy, regardless of financial circumstances.

Involve your child in the planning stages of a hike. Select a trail together, and then create a simple map that your child can read while on the trail. You can also teach the child how to read trail markers. If your child is not initially interested in hiking, you may want to reward your child at the end of a hike for helping to find the trail markers and the way forward or back to home base. This added incentive may encourage your child toward becoming a dedicated and experienced hiker.

During the preparation phase of the hike, give children a list of hiking essentials and let them pack their own backpack. The backpack should include gear similar to your own such as a whistle, rainwear, compass, and first-aid kit. In addition to involving the children in "the adventure of hiking" they will feel grownup and responsible as you work together to make the hike a success.

Before embarking on your adventure, assemble adequate supplies, including plenty of water, healthy snacks that your child enjoys, and a map that your child can read. Involve the kids in decisions regarding where to hike as you would involve another adult. Here are some suggestions toward building a successful hiking experience with kids:

  • Invite a friend of your child so that they can share the adventure together; as we know, "Grownups can get boring."

  • Find a trail that also includes an activity the kids enjoy at the end of the hike.
  • Pack protein snacks that are good for the kids and that they enjoy eating.

  • In cool weather, pack warm dry clothes and backup clothing.

  • The most important thing to remember is that hiking should be fun. Don't stress if you cannot complete your hike, or if it starts to rain, or if it's too hot. Just enjoy the day together. These memories will last a lifetime for both you and your children.


    The mid-Hudson Valley offers hiking for all levels of hikers at Hiking in Greene County. The beginning, intermediate, and advanced hiker can find places to hike and trails that are suitable for their level of expertise. Check for places to hike in Greene.
    Hiking trails can vary in difficulty and in the time it takes to hike a trail. Hikes can take you across flat fields requiring less stamina or on hiking paths along mountain ranges, requiring that the hiker is in excellent health and has good stamina and endurance.

    A hike can take only an hour or take several months involving camping equipment and gear. Although hiking paths vary in difficulty, it is believed by most that hiking is good for your physical and mental health as well as your spirit. Many hiking paths are located in large parks or forest preserves such as Catskill Forest Preserve offering many challenging hikes. Regardless of your skill level, all hikers can benefit from a natural environment that allows you to breath-in fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, the singing of birds, and the sounds of small animals running about.

    Photographers, be sure to bring your camera as hiking trails often run through scenic landscapes offering great photo opportunities. Before starting your first hike, review essentials for hiking.

    Essentials for Hiking Safety

    Tips for Safe Hiking.



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