Since my last hiking guide was published last year, I’ve continued exploring and hiking throughout Westchester County and beyond. We are fortunate to live in an area with an excess of amazing trails, and I feel like there is an endless supply of hidden corners to discover in the region.
This article is dedicated to my favorite area for local hikes at the moment: The Hudson Highlands.
Several trails in the region were discussed in a
previous guide, so I won’t mention them here. That
guide also contains information about my Hiking Challenge Factors, a scale from 1 to 5, which specifies the difficulty for families (rather than your average hiker), including whether the trail is stroller-friendly. But for those looking for more options, here are five more awesome trails the entire family will enjoy!
Featuring the ruins of a beautiful estate, easy (and partially paved) trails, and views of the Hudson River, this popular hike is sure to be a hit with the entire family! Be sure to get there early on weekends; there is limited parking, and the lot is used by hikers on multiple popular trails.
Mt. Beacon is the tallest of the highland mountains, and the views make the long set of stairs at the beginning of the hike completely worth it. From the foundation of the old casino (all that is left of the building itself), you can glimpse Mohonk (including the famous tower), the Shawangunk Ridge, and the Catskills. The hike is steep, contains some drop-offs, and is more than three miles, making it best suited for older kids.
I’ve read reports of kids as young as five conquering the mountain. Extend the hike by heading to the fire tower and North Mt. Beacon (the highest peak in the highlands). Like the Cornish Estate trailhead, you’ll want to arrive early. Parking is at a premium! Alternatively, park near the train station or in town and catch the free shuttle bus.
Looking for a more accessible trail in Beacon? Set at sea level instead of over a thousand feet up, Dennings Point is a beautiful riverfront destination. While the trail is a bit long for the smallest feet, if you decide to do the entire thing (about 3 miles), it is well worth the trip! Portions of the trail are stroller-friendly, but the further out you get, the trail ceases to be so. Once you reach the end, you’ll find rocky beaches with unparalleled views of the highlands.
While its neighbor Breakneck Ridge gets all the attention, Bull Hill is taller and technically a mountain with its summit at over 1400 feet! A few trails traverse the peak, but the short loop from Nelsonville is the quickest route. The hike is less challenging than Breakneck but still best for older kids; the hike can get steep, and depending on direction, you may face a mini rock scramble or two. Check out some of the beautiful views
here.
Maybe I shouldn’t share this (I might be letting you in on a secret and inadvertently making the trails more busy and harder to navigate for myself), but Fahnestock State Park is a hidden gem. The summits contain views you’d never believe are mere minutes from the Westchester County line, and the hikes range from easy to moderately difficult. The trail loop mentioned here is great for families with slightly older kids. Still, the beginning is perfect for even the littlest feet and contains bridges, water views, and glimpses of various animals.
Check out this clip for some of the great features on this trail. 6. Notable mention from a previous guide: Anthony’s Nose
Are you new to hiking? Please read the first guide in the Hiking the Hudson Valley series, and check out my hiking tips for families here!
This hike is a bit more challenging, but it’s worth it for the views. The trail is steep in some places, but there are also some flat sections where you can catch your breath.
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