Best hikes and trails around Orange County NY
Goosepond Mountain State Park:
1,558 acres available for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and more. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. The Lazy Hill Road Trail is a popular hiking trail, beginning at a parking area on Laroe Road and running north for about 5 miles. The Goosepond Mountain trail is another trail that provides great views; hikers can take the Goosepond Mountain Loop that connects Goosepond Mountain Trail and Lazy Hill Road Trail for a 6.4-mile loop.
Parking:
Lazy Hill Road Trail: 17M and Craigville, Chester, NY
Goosepond Mountain Loop: Bull Mill and Laroe Rd., Chester, NY
Harriman State Park:
Harriman State Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, and spans across Rockland and Orange County, and has 31 lakes, two beaches, and 200 miles of hiking trails. The Reeves Brook Loop Trail is considered one of the best hikes in the park; it is a 3.7-mile loop leading up to Chipmunk Mountain and its beautiful views. The hike to Pine Meadow Lake is another popular and scenic 6.5-mile hike. The Long Path Trail has a portion that runs through Harriman State Park. Section 7 of the trail is considered the most rugged, climbing four different peaks with beautiful views.
Parking: 1000 Seven Lakes Dr., Sloatsburg, NY
Heritage Trail: Various entry points between Harriman and Middletown
This fully paved, 19.5-mile-long trail spans from Harriman to Middletown, offering various access points along the way. It’s great for running, walking and biking. Near the entrance at 6 1/2 Station Road in Goshen, there’s a bird sanctuary to visit along the trail. If you’re trying to work up an appetite, walk or bike from the bird sanctuary to Mason’s Marketplace (a little over three miles down the trail, heading towards Middletown). If you’re more in the mood for dessert, hop on the trail’s entrance in the Village of Goshen and stop at Trailside Treats Creamery for ice cream before or after your journey.
Perkins Memorial Tower Hike:
You can start at the top (the tower on Perkins Memorial Drive) or the bottom (Bear Mountain State Park, near Hessian Lake). To the tower and back, it’s about 4 miles round trip, reaching an elevation of 1,300 feet. The trail is a rocky footpath, with stone staircases leading to various lookouts along the way. This hike can be challenging due to the number of stairs. For those looking for an easier stroll, there’s a paved, 1.4-mile loop around Hessian Lake to explore. While in the park, visit the zoo and trailside museums. Parking at Bear Mountain State Park is $10.
Parking:
Starting at the tower: Perkins Memorial Drive, Bear Mountain NY
Starting in Bear Mountain State Park: 3006 Seven Lakes Dr., Bear Mountain, NY
Schunemunk Mountain State Park:
The park includes 3,300 acres of meadows and mountaintop, with 360-degree views of the Hudson Valley. There are eight marked hiking trails in the park. The popular Otterkill Trail runs along the base of Schunemunk Mountain, parallel to the Southern Tier railroad line for 4.6 miles. The Sweet Clover Trail is 1.8-miles point to point, and passes through flowering meadows, forests, and railroad track.
Parking:
Otterkill Trail: 339 Otterkill Rd., New Windsor, NY