“Hiking” can sound intimidating if you haven’t done much of it. As a word, it seems to imply that you need to bring things, need to know things. But don’t sweat it — hiking is really just a fancy word for walking (or wheeling) in nature. And the Hudson Valley abounds with trails that feel woodsy or scenic, but still doable for first-timers or people of different mobility levels.
Jean Mathurin has gone from newbie to new brand (his Instagram handle is @YouNeedToHikeMore) over the five years since he began hiking in 2020. He recommends learning to enjoy “the process” — the scenery, the peace and quiet, the physicality of the experience. “Hiking is therapeutic,” Mathurin says. “It helps me reset.”
These days Mathurin even leads group hikes through the gym where he works in Newburgh. “I never thought I’d be hiking in the Catskills,” he says. To get to the more difficult trails, he advises beginning with “baby steps.”
To start, carrying a few essentials along on a hike really is smart. First among them: a decent supply of water and food (hydration is life-sustaining, of course, and snacks are often key to a happy hike). A map of the trail system, insect repellent, a hat or sunblock, and a first-aid kit are also good items to have.
For those who move on foot, good footwear — whether hiking boots or running shoes — is key. You might see people out in clogs or flip-flops, but they often regret it. Depending on the weather and season, layers of clothing are also wise. Even on a warm day, consider tossing a lightweight vest or zip-up into a small backpack — it can be cooler and breezier down by the water or at an overlook.
“Even on simpler hikes, we like to make sure folks are adequately prepared,” says Jorge Gomes, park manager at Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Knowing the rules where you’re hiking is also smart, he said. Are off-leash dogs allowed? Can you listen to amplified music on the trail? These are things to get clear on before setting out.
Learning about the trail is also smart — don’t embark on a hike if you don’t know what to expect. Stopping at a visitor center or speaking with a trail steward to review the route is always a good idea.
Scott Trager takes people with mobility impairments hiking in all-terrain wheelchairs through his Ellenville nonprofit, SOAR Experiences. Before any trip, he scouts the hike to make sure it’s appropriate for the group. “Everyone should be able to benefit from our park system and hike,” Trager says.
Scenic Hudson parks and preserves offer some good Hudson Valley hikes for beginners and people at different mobility levels:
Mawignack Preserve: This woodsy tract of land in Greene County has a one-mile loop trail that takes visitors through forests and meadows to a section of Catskill Creek painted by Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole.
Four-Mile Point Preserve: This nature preserve, also in Greene County, features an observation platform with a view of Vosburgh Swamp, a view of the Hudson River from a bluff-top overlook, and a shoreline that’s perfect for picnics. A 200-foot boardwalk leads to the observation deck.
Falling Waters Preserve: Over in Ulster County, this preserve has plenty of wonders — meadows with views of the Catskills, waterfalls, and the remains of an old ice house. The 0.89-mile Red Trail is a former drive that’s perfect for newbies.
Hudson River Brickyard Trail: This 1.9-mile path in Kingston is paved and runs through woodlands along the Hudson River. It cuts through Sojourner Truth State Park, former industrial land where brick making, ice harvesting, quarrying, and cement-making once occurred.
Black Creek Preserve: This 142-acre green space offers views of the Hudson River and a suspension bridge children will love running across. The paved 0.6-mile John Burroughs Black Creek Trail begins in the parking area with two accessible parking spaces.
Klara Sauer Trail: This 1-mile stonedust path in Dutchess County runs from Long Dock Park, a popular kayaking spot in Beacon, to Dennings Point State Park, a Hudson River peninsula.
West Point Foundry Preserve: This 90-acre preserve in Cold Spring allows visitors to explore one of the most important industrial sites in America, where guns and cannons used during the Civil War were manufactured. The marsh trail follows a former train line, taking visitors from the Metro-North station to a 36-foot waterwheel.
