With COVID still very much a thing, there’s nothing better than an escape from NYC for some much needed fresh air, exercise, and social distancing! I don’t know about you, but I feel like this whole year has been such a blur. I distinctly remember where I was at the turn of the decade — it was New Year’s Eve, and I was watching fireworks on a beach in Singapore, thinking what a magical and marvelous way to ring in 2020. Who would’ve predicted everything that has happened in the world since then? So crazy.
Since everything is virtual now, I’ve been working from home and staying inside most days, and it’s become so routine that sometimes I lost track of the month and date. And before I knew it, it’s already September! Where did spring and summer go? Lately I’ve started going on walks in my neighborhood — we discovered a beautiful park by the river, where we catch the most amazing sunsets — which has helped immensely with my mood. I’ve been trying to get outside as much as I can and take advantage of the nice weather while it lasts. There are so many hikes in the Hudson Valley area, and I can’t wait to explore them this fall.
Minnewaska State Park near New Paltz is perfect for a day trip from NYC. There’s a $10 entrance fee per car, but an endless number of trails and sweeping views, so it’s absolutely worth it! To get there, just enter “Minnewaska State Park Preserve” on Google Maps: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446. Pay at the guard shack and pull straight ahead into the Awoting Falls parking lot. There are many parking lots inside this park and the Awoting Falls parking lot is guaranteed to fill up quick, so be sure to get there early. Pro tip: go on a weekday to avoid crowds! We went on a Monday and had the trails almost entirely to ourselves.
From the parking lot, look for signs to the red Awoting Falls Carriage Road trail (1.4 miles) and follow it down to the falls! There are many different viewpoints of the falls, both from the top (super cool!) or at the base, where you can camp out on some rocks and relax.
Here I’m wearing a green cropped long sleeve shirt from Zara. I don’t usually wear jewel tones but someone once told me that I’d look good in them, so I thought I’d add a little pop of color to my wardrobe and give it a try. I have to say, I love this shirt so much! It’s so soft and cozy. My exact shirt is past season so I’ve linked similar options here, here, and here. My leggings are Lululemon and they are my go-to! The best part about Lululemon is that they hem everything for free, which is great if you’re petite like me. My sneakers are Nike and they are so light and comfortable. I can hike for miles in them and my feet still don’t hurt. Calves and thighs are another story though, ha!
Once you’re ready to move along, head back the way you came until you reach a fork just before you hit the road. To your left is the orange Sunset Carriage Road (0.8 miles). Take this trail until you approach a parking lot on your left. Warning: this trail may be short, but it is steep! Keep to the trail and on your right, follow the signs for the red Lake Minnewaska Loop trail (2 miles). This hike will take you around Lake Minnewaska, right down to the edge of the water and through an awesome lookout of the lake and cliffs.
At the top, there is a huge picnic area which is the perfect place to bring out those snacks! If you wander around, you’ll find a cute wooden shack where you can sit and absorb the views. Once you’ve completed the loop around the lake, take the orange Sunset Carriage Road trail (on your right) back the way you came from, and follow signs until you reach the Awoting Falls parking lot.
Minnewaska State Park has tons of other trails to explore, including the ever so popular Gertrude’s Nose and Sam’s Point. I wonder how these trails got their names… Who is Gertrude? Who is Sam?! All joking aside, I can’t wait to hike more of this park in the future!
What are some of your favorite hiking day trips outside of NYC? Let me know in the comments below! In the meantime, stay safe, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. 🙂
