Upstate Sledding Hills | Kingston Woodstock Rhinebeck

Whether you're in the Catskills/Mid-Hudson Valley region for the weekend, or live here year-round, if there's snow on the ground, it's likely that someone in your crew wants to go sledding. Here's our list of favorite hills in Kingston, Rhinebeck, Saugerties, Woodstock, and New Paltz that are open for everyone to join in the fun. Go ahead, indulge in some sledding in the Catskills and Hudson Valley.

 

Every time the snow falls and a blanket of fluffy white goodness coats the ground, in Ulster and Dutchess Counties, we're ready for fun! There’s a certain magic in the air that you have to take advantage of; sledding is a swell way to do it - it's safer than some other winter sports, easy to do, and substantially more convenient too! Don't have a sled? In some conditions, a cardboard box will do it. So, once the snow has subsided, head out to one of these hot sledding hills! When you're finished with your sledding you could treat yourself to hot chocolate at a nearby shop - I've got suggestions.

 

 

Kingston

Sledding Hills:

Hasbrouck Park - Delaware Avenue, Kingston

Since the 1920s, Hasbrouck Park has been a staple of Kingston living. With large, open fields, gorgeous wooded areas, and amazing views of the Hudson. In the summer it's used for baseball, basketball, handball, and hiking. But when a blanket of snow covers the park there are several small hills, which make for quick, easy sled runs. There’s plenty of room too, so you won’t have to worry about it ever being overcrowded. If you've got kids with you who have a short attention span they can switch off between a hill and the playground.

 

Cornell Park - Wurts Street, Kingston

With stunning views of the Kingston landscape, Cornell Park is proof that you don’t need lots of bells and whistles to have a great time. Off of Wurts Street, this great little park packs hours of fun into its small space. There are some wonderful little hills to warm up on and teach younger kids, but seasoned sledders know all too well that the big hills are where the fun is at and Cornell Park has a big one! Get a running start, zoom down the hill, and if you’re lucky you might even pull off a double-dip down the slope! And since you’re in the heart of Kingston, when you’re done you’re just moments from tons of great local eateries, and you guessed it, hot chocolate. 

 

Get Your Hot Chocolate - Three Mid-town Kingston Coffee Houses:

Village Coffee and Goods - try the Chocolate Maple Latte.

Monkey Joe Roasting Company - it's always warm and cozy in here!

Outdated Lite - the mid-town spin-off of the uptown staple - all their drinks are plant-based. 

 

 

 

Woodstock

Sledding:

Comeau Property - Tinker Street/Route 212

The sprawling Comeau Property and trail are well known to Woodstockers as a place for an easy walk (with or without the dog) and the only place to catch some outdoor Shakespeare and soccer on the same summer day. But the park takes on a whole new life when winter hits. The hill that sits at the beginning of the walking trail and above Woodstock's Tinker Street/Route 212, is a stellar sledding hill. It's so famous, that it draws crowds of people from the towns nearby. If you’re looking for a social experience, this should be your top destination. Crowds of friendly faces will greet you at the hill and in any of the abundant hot chocolate hangouts in town. 

 

Cocoa Spots:

The Mud Club - in an effort to keep their carbon footprint down The Mud Club is open Friday through Monday only. If you stop there on the way you can pick up one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches.

Bread Alone - get one of their chocolate chip cookies while you're at it.

Oriole 9 - Woodstock's primary brunch spot.

 

 

 

Rhinebeck

Sledding:

Drayton Grant Park - Burger Hill, Rhinebeck

If you’re looking for a long, uninterrupted slide down with views of stunning beauty, you can’t do any better than Drayton Grant Park. From the top of the 1/2 mile long sledding hill (yes, you read that right), you can see from the Catskills to the Berkshires. If you hanker for speed, this is the hill to head for. Wear good boots for the trek upslope though, and bring binoculars because Drayton Grant Park is well-known as a bird-watching hotspot. Here's where to get some liquid chocolate when you're done:

 

 Coffee Shops:

All That Java - Heads up, this is a small, but mighty kiosk, so you can grab a cup to sip, but there's no place to sit down inside.

Bread Alone - Rhinebeck - again, I say, get a chocolate chipper while you're there.

Samuels Sweet Shop - you'll find it hard to leave without a sugar rush.

 

 

 

New Paltz

Sledding:

Duzine School - Sunset Ridge Road, New Paltz

Nothing says snow day like a trip to school! When classes are canceled because of the white stuff, Duzine Elementary takes on an entirely new life. The school’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly attitude make it the perfect backdrop for fun with the whole family. Come early to take advantage of the fresh powder and build some real speed zipping down the slope. If you play your cards right, you may even be able to get some airtime! Do you think your super sledding skills make the grade? 

 

New Paltz Middle School - Main Street, New Paltz

Right in the heart of New Paltz, the local middle school is home to a terrific hill. Positioned off Main Street and S. Manheim Boulevard, the hill is wide and guarantees plenty of space for radical races down to the beautiful field at the base that's just begging for snow fort city. And since it’s so close to downtown, you’ll have a great opportunity to see all the lovely storefronts and boutiques that make New Paltz so charming.

 

Cocoa!

Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters - Mudd Puddle's in the Water Street Market, so you can browse while you sip.

Village Grind 

Grinds and Grains - This is a coffee and cereal bar. Love it!

 

 

Saugerties

Sledding:

Snyder’s Farm Hill - Route 212, Saugerties

Right off of I-87 Exit 20, Snyder’s Farm Hill in Saugerties is an idyllic destination for winter fun. The huge hill is popular for a reason that will be obvious as soon as you get there! The inviting slope works for sledding, tubing, or going for long walks in snowshoes. This is a private property, so be sure to be particularly respectful when using it and mind any signs left by the owners.

Hot Drinks:

Inquiring Minds Bookstore and Cafe - shop for a good read while you warm up.

Olsen & Company 

Love Bites Cafe

Miss Lucy's Kitchen