Race Mountain (Mount Race)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 8 out of 10 (rugged climb with some stream-hopping and steep sections)
Highlights: awesome trails, campsites, views, waterfall
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)
Highlights: all-around sweetness, ferns, funky rocks, lake, views
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)
Highlights: Bear Mountain Bridge overlook, views
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.

Undercliff/ Overcliff

Scenery:
Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (relatively flat, easy, long-ish stroll)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! There’s a $15 per person fee to hike here. Money well spent.
Highlights: cliffs, rock climbers, views
Distance: 5 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 2.5 Hours
Total ascent: ft
Max elevation: ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You like to watch crazy people climbing sheer cliffs while you’re strolling along carriage roads with huge views.

Shaupeneak Ridge

Scenery:
Difficulty: 4 out of 10
Highlights: beautiful woods, lake that belongs In Maine, views
Distance: 2.2 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: ft
Max elevation: ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want a great hike with views and a lake, but you’re not looking for much in the way of elevation change (though you could climb a steep ridge if you’re so inclined — there are two parking lots for this hike, so the degree of difficulty depends on where you park. We’re parking in the wimpy upper lot today, but feel free to tackle this hike from the burly lower lot.)

Schunemunk Mountain

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (long hike up and down a big fat mountain)
Highlights: megaliths, varied terrain, views
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.
Highlights: Ice Caves, lake, Verkeerderkill Falls, views
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).
Highlights: lake, views, waterfall, wheelchair accessibility
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.

Vanderbilt Mansion

Scenery:
Difficulty: 4 out of 10 (Pleasant stroll with some hilly sections)
Highlights: big ol’ house, views, waterfall, wheelchair accessibility
Distance: 3 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: ft
Max elevation: ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re looking for some nice views, a pleasant stroll, a bit of history and an up-close look at a rich person’s house (without the danger of that rich person calling the cops).

Poets’ Walk

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (leisurely meander with some inclines)
Highlights: gazebo, roses (red), views, violets (blue)
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)
Highlights: Appalachian Trail shelter, views
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.