New Paltz / Gardiner, NY - I have hiked and biked through the Mohonk Preserve many a times over the…read moreyears, in all seasons, and it is one of my favorite wild places! Some of the trails I love the most are the Bonticrou Crag & Table Rocks (breathtaking views; the rock scramble is fun and challenging but there is an easier way up via the Bonticou ascent path), Labyrinth & Lemon Squeeze, and Sky Top Trail by the Mohonk Mountain House. On weekends and in the warmer seasons/good weather especially, the parking lots fill up early (like by 8:30-9am). There are 5 main trailheads, and the day use fee is at current writing $15 for hikers or $20 for cyclists/climbers/horseback riders (children 15 & under are free). At the heart of the preserve lies the Mohonk Mountain House, which is actually a private property. The area around the mountain house is amazing but unfortunately it is rather arduous to visit for many due to the parking lot distance, as it's a bit of a hike in from the preserve's trailheads (pleasant & easy, but about 4.5 miles in so that's ~9 miles roundtrip), unless you're a paying guest at this all-inclusive resort property and are allowed to park in the on-site lot. I've done it both the hard & easy ways, so to avoid sweat if not tears, I'll let my Yelp community in on some hacks of less strenuous ways to see the mountain house and its surroundings (short of paying $1Kpp as an overnight guest)... 1. $ - You can buy a $35 hiking day pass, to park at the "closer" parking lot at the Gatehouse, which is still 2.1 miles out from the mountain house (4.2 miles roundtrip, but better than 9 miles). 2. $$$ - Be a day guest and book a dining or spa experience at the property, and you can park on site. 3. $ - Visit during their special annual events like the gingerbread house competition in December or the tulip festival in April-May, passes for which are a much more affordable $15-$35 (2025 rates). This allows you to park at the mountain house and not have to hike in. So there! Mohonk Preserve is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley, with so much incredible scenery (including fall foliage!) and things to do - hiking, biking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, row boating, and even a via ferrata though that's only for hotel guests - and is a dream for outdoor lovers!

ETA: I have since learned that the $35 is to park at the mountain house which is apparently more…read moreexpensive than parking at the preserve. :)

Well tended trail following the Walkway over the Hudson. The trail is lush with plenty of trees to…read moreshade you from the summer rays. Plenty of outlets to get into town for food, drinks and some shopping. Close to residential areas so an amazing backyard for some. Bike, Skate, Walk, Jog or Frolic with your kiddos, just make sure to share the trail, calling out when you pass and being considerate of your fellow adventurers. Signed, The Happy Hour Huntress

The Rail Trail connects Dutchess county and Ulster by way of an old railway route that was used in…read morethe Civil War to freight goods and food. Part of it goes over the traverse of a rebuilt railway bridge over the Hudson River. Great place to run, bike, walk. Free. Rebel review: 4

Walk,bike, take a wheelchair and enjoy this free public resource. Like the public library, it's…read morethere for the taking. And wonderful.

Although this rail trail was billed as being paved, calling it paved is a misnomer & it's a good…read morething our bikes could handle it because it is actually an all-gravel trail. We parked at the Woodstock-Dike Trailhead & the views of the reservoir & surrounding hills near there are beautiful, as is the fresh smelling air & green, green trees. Most areas you pass are pretty, such as wooded hillsides that slope down towards the reservoir, sounds of birds, lots & lots of forested spaces, a small residential area with KEEP OUT signs & small streams of water running alongside the trail. Tons of chipmunks crossing the trail. We saw lots of walkers, a few, fellow bikers & stopped briefly at a few of the large signs that tell of the history of how the reservoir was created as well as the rail trail. We misunderstood & thought this was a loop trail going all the way around the reservoir, but we were wrong. It only skirts the northern side of it, so we rode 8 of the 11 miles, turned around & ultimately rode 16 miles total. Good, bumpy, gravelly ride. Good signage, good parking, benches one the side of the trail as well as distance markers.

It was an absolutely beautiful day, where the attire du jour was t-shirts and shorts (as long as…read morehis wife has no say). Met best friend, Hopalong Casualty. After parking in a big dirt lot just past Rosendale, we walked south for about a half mile (over the trestle over the Rondout River). Then NOBO for a bit over 3 miles past an old abandoned outhouse (2-seater). Past William's Lake on the left, and past an area about 100' long where the temp suddenly drops a good 10 degrees. Weird, but it happens every time we walk past this area. Must be an aura or vortex. At the 18 mile mark (there are posts marked every half-mile), a lunch break. Sal, Kris and Charlie's deli hero. Best of the best. HC brought the brandy, but forgot to decant it. WVRT is absolutely beautiful. Cinder surface. Very gentle terrain. The part north of Rosendale is lightly trafficked. Bring fluids, and please practice Leave No Trace principles. 5 stars

I hit this trail up for an early morning hike and it was such a solid way to start the day. I…read morestarted from the southernmost point and walked about 2.5 miles north to the Gardiner Library. FYI, that southern start point has zero parking, so you're better off finding a spot near the Gardiner Library and going from there--it'll give you options for heading north or south. The path itself is wide and super chill. It was covered in leaves when I went, which was pretty, with big trees lining both sides. You can actually see some beautiful houses tucked in beyond the trees, which was a fun little treat as you walk. Heads up, though, it's not all nature; you do cross some streets, so stay aware of traffic. This thing is huge--the entire trail is over 20 miles and connects a bunch of towns like Wallkill, Gardiner, and New Paltz. It's a true multi-use path for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians (no motorized vehicles, thank goodness). Quick tips for hitting the trail: Parking: Skip the southern end. Park around the Gardiner Library area; it's the smarter move. The Path: Remember, this is a linear trail, not a loop, so be ready to turn around and backtrack or arrange a ride back! Weather: If it's sunny out, you're set. It's an easy, flat walk. If you're looking for a relaxing, easy walk or ride with some nice scenery and want to knock out a few miles, this trail is a winner. Great for a Saturday morning coffee walk!

This park needs "mountain biking" in the name as it's nowhere near dog-friendly or even…read morehiker-friendly, full of mountain bikers going so fast on every trail. Must be amazing for the bikers but it's definitely unsafe and no fun for hikers and dogs. It's not even a nice trail, with the sound of the Saw Mill zipping in the background. Do not recommend.

Great park for mountain biking and hiking just an hour from grand central on metro north. Take the…read moretrain to Pleasantville and then ride / walk to the park. There is sidewalk for the entire route. Extensive trail network and well maintained single track, trailforks is really useful for navigating the park.

Sales, service and repair in one shop. The owner, I think his name is Mike, is very knowledgeable…read moreand personable. In addition the indoor studio is a great idea!

True story. September 2023. Issues with three bikes, two of which were en route to Montreal on…read morebike trail. Bike shop further south declared one problem unresolvable. Bicycle Rack put on a clinic for on-the-spot effective repairs. A seat on an older bike was properly repaired and adjusted for the rider, a crooked pedal fixed and adjusted on the second bike. Finally, a flat on tubeless gravel bike was resolved with a superior and less expensive product. Cost was on point. Exemplary with a vengeance.

Out for a hike with the four of us and a four-legged companion (welcome on leash of course) through…read morethis beautiful park. The hike can be short or long and easy or moderate depending on your choice of trail and direction. Some beautiful picture spots and pristine conditions. We loved it.

What a great find. You'd never know this is here, but it is and it's very tranquil... short trail…read morefor a great view or much much longer loop trails for amazing hikes. It's got a lot of options and perfect parking opportunities.