Off The Beaten Path | Winter Walks in The Catskills and Hudson Valley

Posted by Coldwell Banker Village Green on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 at 11:29am

To some of us the Catskills and Hudson Valley may seem a little crowded right now. Downstate has discovered Upstate and while we don't mind sharing, some days we long for the quiet the region promised. Our "Local Experts" put together a list of rarely frequented walks and hikes in the area that won't be treacherous in winter weather. These are not the same hikes and walks you'll find in the newspaper articles about discovering the Hudson Valley and the hiking manuals on the Catskills. These are spots that are off the beaten path, frequented by locals and not too busy. One of the most wonderful things about the region is the amount of protected land that quietly sits at so many bends in our country roads. Dress warmly, wear the right kind of footwear and enjoy some quiet time outdoors. Need a footwear recommendation? Ask! Upstate Real Estate agents are nothing if not experts on the right footwear for the occasion. In fact, one of the things you can reliably find in every Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty agent's trunk are several pairs of shoes!

The Kingston Green Line Trail

Since not every section of the Kingston Green Line Trail has been completed it hasn't gotten a lot of press. Our agents recommend the riverfront portion (which is completed) for great views and no crowds. Once you've walked the river, you can head up Broadway to the shops and grab some takeout at one of the restaurants.

Art OMI in Ghent

It's lovely to walk outside in the crisp air - it's lovely and thought provoking to do it in a sculpture garden. This little known Ghent art center has trails that wind past modern sculptures. You and your leashed dog can get a decent walk if you visit each installation.

Catskill Options

Walking along the Hudson River at the Historic Catskill Point
and Dutchman’s Landing is perfect for those who need a flat
surface. Nearby Elliot Park, in the Village, has a skating rink
when it's cold enough. When it snows villagers use the baseball
park as a place to snow shoe and cross country ski. Part of
"Scenic Hudson's" list of properties, the Mawignac Preserve is
managed by the Greene Land Trust which has additional trails in
Coxackie and Hannacroix. This trail loops through the woods
along the Catskill Creek. It's the area that inspired Thomas Cole!

The Ashokan Quarry Trail

One of CBVGR's most avid hikers recommends the Ashokan Quarry Trail. While there are usually people on the Ashokan Rail Trail, there are far fewer on the Quarry trail. It's a 2 mile loop that gives you views of the reservoir and takes you past some historical artifacts from the building of the same.

The Columbia Land Conservacy

The Columbia Land Conservancy holds 10 pieces of land in
trust. Our Columbia County agents say, "beautiful views, great
birding walking trails, and flora." The different sites offer
opportunities to bike, birdwatch, boat, cross country ski, hike, fly
a kite, hunt, fish, picnic, sled and walk.

Franny Reese State Park

This unlauded state park is in Highland. "Trails follow a historic carriage road that passes ruins of a 19th-century estate, while an overlook affords superb views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and Walkway Over the Hudson. A link connects the park to the Walkway Loop Trail. Nice!

Falling Waters Preserve

Falling Waters, in Glasco, is 149 acres with waterfalls and access to the river. If you like to imagine the Hudson Valley's past, there's some scope for it on this trail. The ruin of a building, that used to hold thousands of tons of ice harvested from the river, is visible from the trail.