The Hudson Valley is a favorite destination of New Yorkers who want to escape the busy urban life, especially those residing in the City That Never Sleeps. This river valley is home to many attractions, like state parks and heritage sites, that aim to promote recreational activities while preserving the area’s history and environment.Thanks to the pristine Hudson River, anyone visiting the valley can grasp that peace they long for. One thing they can do to find their center is by conquering hiking trails, taking them to some of the best spots to unwind, all the while appreciating the wondrous scenery.

10 Awosting Falls

Standing 60 feet tall, Awosting Falls is one of Minnewaska State Park’s treasures. Its cool mist and pristine waters are the perfect conclusion for an over one-mile hike that won’t take 30 minutes to finish.

Sure, the hike is easy, but it’s worth a try, especially since the cascades look stunning. Though swimming is not allowed, dipping the toes into the cold waters is enough to rejuvenate a hiker – and their spirit for more adventure. Luckily, the Hudson Valley has many trails to offer.

9 Taconic Mountains

The Taconic Mountains await hikers who want to experience its calm, an enticing prospect for New York City dwellers who want to be away from the urban jungle and find their center in a forest. It has blazed trails that lead to summits where the panorama of the valley looks superb.

Add the stunning views of the Catskills and Mount Greylock – the tallest in Massachusetts – and anyone who successfully reaches its peak will realize that the best things in life are indeed free. There are at least 13 hiking trails, all offering that sense of fulfillment.

8 Bull Hill

Bull Hill, also known as Mount Taurus, is one of Hudson Valley’s favorite hiking spots, a moderate trek for those who want a little thrill. A 5.4-mile loop journey will take around four hours, leading hikers to scenic overlooks up to an abandoned quarry.

At the lookout points, tourists can drink in the sights of the river, Storm King Mountain, and, if cloud permitting, the New York City skyline. The descent will take trekkers along a forest, where remnants of an estate can be seen.

Related: This Medieval Castle Resides Right In The Center Of The Hudson Valley, And It's Also A B&B

7 Verkeerder Kill Falls

Sam's Point Preserve is proud of Verkeerder Kill Falls, a towering cascade ready to relax weary travelers. After all, a hike to this natural wonder will span over eight miles – or more than three hours of moderately challenging paths.

This Shawangunk Ridge attraction is home to a “rare and endangered ecosystem,” an enticing prospect for botany buffs. The route is near the Ice Caves, so tourists should plan their visit when they want to enter the cold cavern.

The cliffs along the trail offer stunning views of valleys, the Catskills, and the High Point Monument. Indeed, it’s possible to be tired and relaxed at the same time.

6 Alander Mountain Trail

The Alander Mountain is one of the Taconic peaks and perfect for those who want to rest by brooks while hiking. The trail is over five miles, a moderately challenging route that will take adventurers along varied terrains and geological wonders.

During the almost three-hour trek, tranquility is always within grasp, especially when hikers rest by a brook, with pines keeping them company. As they continue the journey, the incline will give them a challenge and atop, they’ll have a 360-degree view of mountains and valleys.

5 Pine Hollow Arboretum

Pine Hollow Arboretum has a network of trails where lovers of Mother Nature will enjoy a grand display of greenery. That is always possible because this 22-acre Slingerlands destination “highlights the diversity of the world’s forests.”

The trails circle the property, where tourists are afforded a wonderful time birdwatching or appreciating thousands of tree and plant species. The 11 ponds in the arboretum are perfect rest stops, though surely, guests will not be tired in the presence of relaxing greenery. Pine Hollow says hello to those who want to get lost while finding their center.

4 Balsam Lake Mountain Via Dry Brook Ridge Trail

Balsam Lake Mountain has a fire tower, the endgame of a hike through this Hudson Valley charmer. The loop trail spans over four miles and takes more than two hours to finish, a moderately challenging climb but rewarding.

The 47-foot tower has been on the summit since 1919 and is always ready to welcome tired hikers. The trail is home to a “forever wild” forest, something to entice outdoorsmen.

Winter hikers are also welcome and cloud permitting, the scenic views at the summit are breathtaking.

3 Giant Stairs Palisades

Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey is home to over 30 miles of trails where hikers will have the breeze of the Hudson River as their trekking companion.

Its most famous hike is through the Giant Stairs Palisades, a 4.3-mile loop trail steep in scrambling, perfect for those who want action. The route is challenging as the boulders will test not just the legs but the arms of the trekkers.

After conquering the Palisades, tourists will have a chance to mellow down, observe the waterway, and say hello to some birds. This Hudson Valley charmer rocks, literally and figuratively.

2 Sky Top Trail

The Sky Top Trail is short, as it only takes 45 minutes to finish, but more than adept to deliver satisfying outdoor memories. The over one-mile loop route is well-maintained and leads tourists to the Albert K. Smiley Memorial Tower, the perfect spot to take in the sights of the Catskills and the valley.

If visitors are lucky to be accompanied by a clear day, they can see New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey atop. Sky-high moments await in this New Paltz trail.

1 The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is the “longest hiking-only footpath in the world,” making it a bucket-list-worthy adventure for trekkers. Spanning 2,194.3 miles, this route stretches from Maine to Georgia, affording hikers a chance to be in a kaleidoscope of natural wonders.

It passes along the Hudson Valley in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, High Point State Park, Bear Mountain, Fahnestock State Park, and Mount Washington State Forest. New York has the lowest elevation on the entire AT, but provides superb views of woodlands.