My 5 Favorite Hikes in the Hudson Valley (So Far)

Written By Jessica Spivey

There is an abundance of beautiful trails in the Hudson Valley. The Catskills are never boring and each outing gives the hiker a little bit of everything. Compiling a list of my favorite hikes in the area was a difficult task, but I persevered and picked my (for the moment) favorites. Happy trails!

1. Millbrook Mountain Trail—Minnewaska State Park Preserve

I love love love Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It’s a true treasure. Now matter how many times you visit, you will always find something new. A new waterfall or path or waterhole. A porcupine in a tree maybe. One of my favorite trails is actually fairly short, but it’s a true footpath that almost feels like bushwacking. Even though it’s shorter, the Millbrook Mountain Trail offers the hiker a lot. 

Start at the Minnewaska Lake parking lot and walk halfway around the lake, clockwise or counterclockwise. At the other end of the lake, you’ll find a hiking trail that leads southward, away from the lake. It’s a relatively short hike up—only 1.2 miles with about 660’ of elevation gain—but you won’t be disappointed by the variety of terrain and lookout points. The top at Millbrook Mountain rewards you with a beautiful, big view. It’s all bare rock and shrubby trees. It’s a great spot to sit, enjoy the view, and have a snack or two. Then take the Millbrook Mountain carriage road back down for an easy descent.

2. Gertrude’s Nose—Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Did I mention that I love Minnewaska State Park Preserve? 

Gertrude’s Nose is such a treat. A challenging treat, but a treat nonetheless. You’ll find the trailhead about halfway up the Millbrook Mountain carriage road and while the trail is easy and meandering at first, don’t let this fool you. You’ll be surprised by the varied terrain along the way and it can be quite rugged but you are rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding areas. Gertrude’s Nose alone is 2.7 miles long with an elevation gain of approximately 1,147’. Bring plenty of water and snacks and be mindful while you’re on the trail. Give yourself time to sit and enjoy the views. 

3. Giant Ledge

An incredibly popular hike in the Catskills and rightly so. While the name of hike leads one to believe there is only one ledge, there are actually several outlook points grouped along the trail offering beautiful views of the surrounding Catskills. The hike up to Giant Ledge is about 2 miles and while it’s not a crazy challenging hike, there is some solid elevation gain and some sections are quite steep. Take your time and know that there are beautiful places to sit once you get up to Giant Ledge. 

If you’re feeling extra spicy that day, you can continue on the same trail past Giant Ledge and go all the way up to Panther Mountain. One of the Catskill 3500 peaks, this is a challenging trail, so plan accordingly.

Whether you attempt Panther or not, Giant Ledge is a must-see. Brave the crowds if a weekend day is your only choice, or go on a weekday if possible so that you can snag some alone time with the views.

4. Indian Head Mountain

This is a big hike—another Catskill 3500 peak—but with a beautiful ending. Plan accordingly for this one, giving yourself plenty of time to summit and make it back down to the parking lot. The trail begins easily enough with a nice walk through the woods and over a stream, but there are some serious scrambles when you gain more elevation. One spot especially, right before you reach the top of Indian Head, is almost vertical. It’s a fun and rewarding challenge, but it’s definitely difficult. However, once you’re at the top, there are several spectacular rock outcroppings and views where you can sit and rest.

Side note—if you are hiking with your pup, please be aware that this could be a challenging one for them and it may be safest to leave them at home. Obi has gone with me on this one twice and made the scramble easily every time, but we have worked up to this so I am confident in his athletic abilities. 

5. Slide Mountain

Like many peaks in the Catskills, the top of Slide Mountain is completely wooded, but just past the true peak, there is a beautiful outlook. Slide Mountain is the highest peak on the Catskill 3500 list, but it’s a bit more approachable than Indian Head. Up to the outlook is roughly 2.75 miles, but the elevation gain is there: 1,770’. It’s completely worth it! Even though the trail may be steep at times, there are some really lovely moments reminiscent of nature scenes in fairy tales. And I can’t overstate how amazing the outlook is. 

In case you are curious about each hike, I am including the AllTrails link for each one below. See you out there!

Jessica Spivey
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