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.

Kaaterskill Falls (lower trailhead)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (steep, rocky, short hike)
Distance: 2 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 527 ft
Max elevation: 1,946 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a short (but steep) hike to a huge waterfall. Also, you don’t mind when your nature comes served with large crowds.

Dover Stone Church

Scenery:
Difficulty: 2 out of 10 (easy stroll)
Highlights: cave, creek, waterfall
Distance: 1.2 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1 Hour
Total ascent: 180 ft
Max elevation: 502 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to check out an awesome cave that seems like it belongs somewhere way more exotic than Dover Plains (no offense, Dover Plains).

Constitution Marsh & Indian Brook Falls

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (short hike with some rough, rocky sections)
Distance: 1.7 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 313 ft
Max elevation: 241 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to visit some beautiful and unique places without burning too many calories.

Bash Bish Falls

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (pleasant creekside stroll with a very slight incline)
Distance: 1.0 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1 hour
Total ascent: 346 ft
Max elevation: 1,330 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want a short hike to a nice little overlook and an awesome waterfall.