A Visitor's Guide to Forests in Upstate New York

Lake Minnewaska, Kaaterskill Falls, and Poet's Walk Provide a Great Getaway Adventure

We've all had days where we just need to get away from it all. For those living in New York City or for even those living in upstate New York or nearby New England, there are plenty of Forests in upstate New York within driving distance if you are looking for a nice relaxing day or even a really good hike.

Lake Minnewaska State Park

Lake Minnewaska State Park is located in Kerhonkson, New York just outside of New Paltz, New York. This has quite a bit as far as forestry goes. You really feel like you are "out in the woods". There is also a beach for swimming and some spots in the park allow for rock climbing. Hiking enthusiasts will find the trails around the park to be for great hiking. There are several trails for several different levels of hikers.

There is a fee for admission into the park before a certain time depending on the time of day and year (generally around $5). From New York City it is probably about a two and a half hour drive (depending on time of day and traffic). It is about 20 miles from the New Paltz New York State Thruway exit (Exit 18). Complete directions can be found here.

Kaaterskill Falls

If you looking to get away from it all and really enjoy forestry and natural beauty in upstate New York, Kaaterskill Falls and the area around it could be one of your best bets. Located in the town of Hunter in Greene County, New York, these falls were one of the country's oldest tourist attractions and made many appearances in many 19^th century American books, essays, poems, and paintings.

Getting close to the falls by foot can be a little tedious. The trail itself is fairly simple to hike. The only thing is it is a half mile straight up near where the falls are. There is a way to near the falls by car however damage to the road from flooding in 2006 have not completely been repaired and access to the road is limited.

Near the Kaaterskill Falls is North-South Lake Campground which provide an excellent view of the Catskill Mountains and nearby landscape. Directions to North-South Lake Campground and a fuller description can be found here.

Poet's Walk