It’s summertime here in the Hudson Valley! With temperatures fluctuating, we have the perfect places to go to cool off in a lake and where to hike when it’s not 100 degrees out. As you know, the Hudson Valley is filled with beautiful views, mountains, greenery, and water. Fortunately, a few of the hikes I’ve listed have water holes nearby to get the bets of both worlds!

Hiking and Swimming in the Hudson Valley

Hiking

Ashokan Reservoir Trails

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Ashokan Reservoir with the Ashokan Quarry Trail being just one of them. The Ashokan Quarry Trail is on the beginner side and ideal for a family. For a longer hike, the Ashokan High Point Trail often has beaver dams halfway up with a rewarding view. There’s also the Ashokan Rail Trail that is ideal for biking.

Storm King Mountain

While we’ve posted a lot about Storm King Art Center, the Storm King Mountain Trail is just as breathtaking. With panoramic views, Storm King Mountain is beautiful at any time of the year.

Hudson Highlands State Park

One of my favorite hikes is the Hudson Highlands State Park trail to the Beacon Fire Tower. It’s definitely not a beginner hike, there are rocky areas and steep climbs, but the views are well worth it. If making it all the way to the fire tower is too much, the halfway point view is also stunning. On your way down, take a break at the Beacon Reservoir.

view from the fire tower

left: halfway point, middle: fire tower, right: Beacon Reservoir

Anthony’s Nose

Facing the Bear Mountain Bridge, Anthony’s Nose Trailhead leads you to a breathtaking view through a moderate hike.

Swimming

Peekamoose Blue Hole

To cool down after hiking Peekamoose Mountain in Sundown Wild Forest, West Shokan, dip into the Peekamoose Blue Hole!

Old Mill Falls and Plattekill Falls

To avoid crowded spots like Fawn’s Leap and the Kaaterskill Falls, visit Old Mill Falls and Plattekill Falls in the Plattekill Falls Creek through Codfish Point in Hunter.

Diamond Notch Falls

This four mile loop has the Falls at the halfway point, making it the perfect place to hike with a cool-down.

We hope you enjoy these spots and get to spend a lot of your summer outside in nature (when you can bear the heat)!