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Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve wilderness guide
State Park Preserve · NY

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers an array of outdoor activities amid its rugged terrains and scenic views of the Hudson River, attracting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

State Park Preserve8,000+4+ Trails

Designation

State Park Preserve

Total Wilderness Area

8,000+

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve offers an array of outdoor activities amid its rugged terrains and scenic views of the Hudson River, attracting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve spans over 8,000 acres along the eastern bank of the Hudson River in New York. The park boasts a diverse landscape featuring rocky ridges, lush forests, and open fields that provide habitats for a variety of wildlife. Established in 1988, its historical significance is underscored by landmarks like Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island and trails that date back to the Revolutionary War. The park's proximity to the river enhances its appeal for kayaking and canoeing. Hiking is a major draw, with the Breakneck Ridge trail renowned for its challenging climbs and panoramic vistas. The preserve showcases remnants of 18th-century mills and homesteads, offering a glimpse into the area's historical past. With easy access via the Metro-North Railroad and its location near several charming towns, Hudson Highlands serves as a popular destination for both day-trippers from New York City and dedicated nature lovers.

Field Guide · State Park Preserve
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Hudson Highlands: A New York Retreat★ 8.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Hudson Highlands State Park

Discover Hudson Highlands: A New York Retreat

Explore Hudson Highlands State Park, offering challenging hikes like Breakneck Ridge with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Enjoy kayaking for a serene river perspective. Best visited in spring and fall. Suitable for adventure seekers; expect steep terrain and historical sites.

Discover Storm King Mountain★ 7.2⌖ 2 miHiking
Storm King Mountain

Discover Storm King Mountain

Explore Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, NY, offering moderate hikes with captivating views of the Hudson River. Birdwatching and photography opportunities abound. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage. Located within Storm King and Hudson Highlands State Parks.

Hiking the Scenic Summit at Storm King State Park—Howell Trailhead★ 8.5⌖ 3 miHiking
Storm King State Park— Howell Trailhead

Hiking the Scenic Summit at Storm King State Park—Howell Trailhead

Hike the moderate Howell Trail loop in Storm King State Park, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Enjoy rocky granite formations, hardwood forests, and panoramic summit views of the Hudson River. This family-friendly trail offers birdwatching and nearby kayaking for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.

Panoramic Beauty at Beacon Overlook★ 8.2⌖ 3 miHiking
Beacon Overlook

Panoramic Beauty at Beacon Overlook

Explore Beacon Overlook in Hudson Highlands State Park. With moderate trails and stunning views of the Hudson River, it's popular for hiking and photography. Watch for rare plant species and historical sites along the journey.

Discover Bear Mountain's Fall Splendor★ 8.5⌖ 9 miHiking
Bear Mountain

Discover Bear Mountain's Fall Splendor

Bear Mountain offers stunning fall foliage and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Located near Highlands, NY, it's perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The park also features a zoo and museums. Best visited in fall for vibrant colors.

Natural Beauty at Bear Mountain State Park near Tomkins Cove, NY★ 8.2⌖ 11 miHiking
Bear Mountain State Park

Natural Beauty at Bear Mountain State Park near Tomkins Cove, NY

Located about an hour north of New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers moderate hiking with rewarding summit views, calm pedal boating on Hessian Lake, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking accessible nature and scenic vistas from late spring through early fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Breakneck Ridge✦ Bannerman's Castle✦ Fishkill Ridge✦ Anthony's Nose
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cold Spring
⌖ 1.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cold Spring, New York

A historic Hudson Valley gem offering scenic outdoor adventures with stunning river views and access to nature trails.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Cornwall-on-Hudson
⌖ 2.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

A riverside retreat with rugged cliffs, dense forests, and vibrant trails offering a blend of rock climbing, hiking, and paddling just minutes from the Hudson River.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Cornwall
⌖ 4.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cornwall, New York

A charming Hudson Valley town offering a blend of outdoor adventures in its picturesque landscapes and natural wonders.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Garrison
⌖ 4.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Garrison, New York

A serene Hudson Valley riverside community offering a blend of rugged outdoor pursuits with tranquil water adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Newburgh
⌖ 4.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newburgh, New York

A Hudson River waterfront town offering diverse outdoor activities from river paddling to hiking nearby, with a mix of urban and natural landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Highland Falls
⌖ 5.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Highland Falls, New York

A charming gateway town offering direct access to rugged Hudson Highlands trails and sweeping river vistas, blending historical intrigue with dynamic outdoor adventure.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.