Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, located on the east side of the Hudson River between Peekskill and Beacon, is one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in New York. The vast preserve boasts great hiking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching within about 50 miles (80 km) of New York City. Peak leaf-peeping time in Hudson Highlands State park comes from mid- to late October.
With over 70 mi (112 km) of trails, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers a great diversity of landscapes: lush deciduous forests with an abundance of fall colors, a picturesque estuary on the Hudson River, and mountain summits with rocky ridges. The hiking terrain varies from easy to difficult.
Breakneck Ridge or Breakneck Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The 5.5-mi (8.9-km) trail, which starts at The Breakneck Ridge trailhead near Beacon, makes an elevation gain of 1,250 feet (381 m) in less than a mile. The beautiful view of the Hudson Valley, covered in golden fall foliage, opens up from the top. The trail takes over two hours to complete. It's considered to be challenging due to its steep climb.
Bull Hill Full Loop is another popular trail, which runs for 5.4 miles (8.7 km) and can be accessed via the Little Stony Point parking lot, north of Cold Spring, It's considered to be moderately challenging. If you are not ready for a tough hike, you can start exploring the park by taking a 5-mi (8-km) Storm King Mountain Hike, accessible from Cornwall-on-Hudson. Another option is an easy 1.8-mile (2.9-km) Cornish Estate Trail, which goes through a deciduous forest.
Practical info
When is the best time to see the park's fall foliage?
Mid-October is the best time to view Hudson Highlands State Park's fall foliage. The park's hill is covered in autumn's golden and red colors during this time, but the peak leaf-peeping season's timing varies each year based on the weather. Show more
Where can Hudson Highlands State Park be found?
Hudson Highlands State Park is situated in New York State, on the Hudson River's east side, between Peekskill and Beacon. It is about 50 miles (80 km) from New York City, stretching around 8,000 acres (3,237 hectares). Activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching are available. Show more
What are some of the park's common hiking trails?
There are over 70 miles (112 km) of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty and terrain levels offered by Hudson Highlands State Park. Some trails are more popular than others, including Breakneck Ridge or Breakneck Loop, Bull Hill Full Loop, 5-mi (8-km) Storm King Mountain Hike, and 1.8-mile (2.9-km) Cornish Estate Trail. The fall season turns these trails into a breathtaking encounter with nature's seasonal changes. Show more
How many miles of hiking trails can be found in the park?
With over 70 miles (112 km) of hiking trails, Hudson Highlands State Park caters to hikers of all experience levels. There are easy-to-difficult trails to choose from, with popular hikes such as Breakneck Ridge or Breakneck Loop (5.5 miles), Bull Hill Full Loop (5.4 miles), 5-mi (8-km) Storm King Mountain Hike, and 1.8-mile (2.9-km) Cornish Estate Trail. In addition, birdwatching, fishing, and boating opportunities are available. Show more
What other activities are possible to carry out besides hiking?
Hudson Highlands State Park offers a range of other activities besides hiking, such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The park is packed with plentiful wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons, in addition to allowing visitors to explore the Hudson River's picturesque estuary or enjoy a leisurely picnic in a designated picnic area. The park's landscape is a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Show more
