Explore hundreds of miles of trails in the scenic Hudson Valley
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (March 20, 2020) – Warmer weather beckons us all to explore the great outdoors. Home to seven New York State parks and dozens of local parks and preserves, Orange County offers hundreds of miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and anyone looking for an outdoor retreat this spring. Just one hour north of New York City, visitors to Orange County can follow the Appalachian Trail, discover the historic city of Port Jervis while traveling the Delaware River Heritage Trail, or visit the highest point in the lower Hudson Valley at Schunnemunk Mountain.
“The Appalachian Trail was founded here in 1923, and it continues to provide family fun, scenic views, and outdoor exploration for all who visit,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “As many of us look for ways to stay healthy and get outside, we are fortunate to have bountiful state, county, and community parks right in our own backyards.”
Some unique trails in Orange County include:
Schunnemunk Mountain State Park, 339 Otterkill Road, New Windsor: Explore 25 miles of hiking trails along 3,300 acres of rolling meadows and spectacular mountaintops including Schunnemunk Mountain, Orange County’s highest peak. Eight marked trails offer hikers thrilling 360-degree views of adjacent valleys, portions of the distant Hudson River and surrounding forest and farmlands. The park extends from Cornwall through Woodbury, Blooming Grove, and Monroe. For more information, visit palisadesparksconservancy.org.
Sterling Forest State Park, 115 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo: Composed of 20,000 acres of nearly pristine natural refuge, Sterling Forest is among the largest contiguous forests in New York State. The park offers varying trail lengths, including 10, 8, 7, 4, and 3 miles. See historic ruins of the iron mining industry that once flourished here. For more information, visit palisadesparksconservancy.org.
Storm King State Park, Route 9W, South of Cornwall: This undeveloped park made headlines in the 1960s and 1970s when Storm King Mountain inspired the ecological movement in the United States. Climb the steep, rocky trails for breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley. For more information, visit palisadesparksconservancy.org.
Port Jervis Watershed Trails and Park, 1 Skyline Drive, Port Jervis. More than 35 miles of hiking trails meander through forest, streams and old logging roads in this park encompassing over 2,000 acres in Port Jervis and Deer Park. Take in spectacular views of the Delaware River, Tri-State region and historic Port Jervis. Follow the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis for open-to-the-public guided adventures. For more information, visit ocopj.org.
Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 211 Route 416, Campbell Hall: The second largest facility in the Orange County park system and spanning more than 700 acres, Thomas Bull offers year-round fun for all ages. Visitors to the park can explore a 5-acre pond, horseback riding facilities, dog park, and more. For more information, visit orangecountygov.com/1386/Thomas-Bull-Memorial-Park.
Winding Hills Park, 1847 Route 17K, Montgomery: Commune with nature at the picturesque Winding Hills Park which offers hiking trails, a 40-acre lake, and four-acre pond. For more information, visit orangecountygov.com/1491/Winding-Hills-Park.
Heritage Trail, Goshen, Chester & Monroe: A converted rail bed of the Erie Railroad, the Heritage trail invites visitors to walk, jog, and bike along its 10-foot wide, 14-mile scenic route. With trail entrances in Goshen, Chester, and Monroe, the trail winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary, historic landmarks, murmuring streams, and rolling meadows. For more information, visit orangecountygov.com/1475/Heritage-Trail.
Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point, Route 9W, New Windsor: Located on the banks of the Hudson River, this site boasts magnificent vistas of the Hudson gorge and a 2,000-foot sandy riverfront. For more information, visit orangecountygov.com/1478/Kowawese-Unique-Area-at-Plum-Point.
Head to the Orange County Tourism website at www.orangetoursm.org to discover more information on outdoor recreation and hiking spots. Additionally, a fun, free, totally revamped, 55-page travel guide is available for digital download or by request at www.orangetourism.org/travel-guide.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Like Orange County Tourism on Facebook for the latest news on local happenings. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
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