Race Mountain (Mount Race)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 8 out of 10 (rugged climb with some stream-hopping and steep sections)
Distance: 7.1 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 5 Hours
Total ascent: 2,080 ft
Max elevation: 2,360 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to traverse some of the most beautiful trails in the area, see some pretty waterfalls, and check out a nice view at the top.

Harriman State Park: Lemon Squeezer to Lichen Trail

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (long hike with rolling climbs and plenty of opportunities to get lost)
Distance: 7.4 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,804 ft
Max elevation: 1,363 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a long hike to see some nice views, beautiful trails, a gorgeous lake and some funky rock formations.

Anthony’s Nose

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (steep, short climb)
Distance: 2.6 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 2.5 hours
Total ascent: 792 ft
Max elevation: 927 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want a relatively short hike to an awesome Hudson River overlook.

Schunemunk Mountain

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (long hike up and down a big fat mountain)
Distance: 6.4 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4 Hours
Total ascent: 1,723 ft
Max elevation: 1,658 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to climb a big ol’ mountain to sit on some huge rocks with awesome views.

Sam’s Point

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (but you could make it a 9 if you tried to do everything)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! The parking fee is $10.00. After hiking here, I hope you’ll agree that 10 bones is a steal. UPDATE April 2022: This May, Sam's Point is introducing an online reservation parking system for weekends and holidays, May-October. You MUST reserve to park here! See the "Directions" section below for more details.
Distance: 5 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 3 Hours
Total ascent: 0 ft
Max elevation: 0 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to visit what very well might be the coolest natural place in the Hudson Valley.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (longish hike with hilly sections)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! The parking fee is $10 per vehicle (as of April 2015).
Distance: 6.4 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4 Hours
Total ascent: 814 ft
Max elevation: 1,908 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to pack enough highlights for four hikes into one four-hour loop. And also, you’re not afraid of some crowds.

Poets’ Walk

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (leisurely meander with some inclines)
Distance: 2.4 miles, Partial Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1 Hour
Total ascent: 305 ft
Max elevation: 221 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re looking for some beautiful views without having to do too much sweating.

Peach Hill Park

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Highlights: orchard walk, views
Distance: 1.65 miles, Partial Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1 Hour
Total ascent: ft
Max elevation: ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re looking for a pleasant stroll (with views!) right in Poughkeepsie’s backyard.

Depot Hill

Scenery:
Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (rolling hills with a few short, steep sections)
Distance: 3 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 2 Hours
Total ascent: 685 ft
Max elevation: 1,358 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want a nice hike on the Appalachian Trail that gives you views without making you scale mountains.