While our region’s lush forests and abundant wildlife draws all manner of nature lovers, it can also pose unexpected risks to hikers and the first responders coming to their rescue. That’s why experts advise that you check the weather, difficulty levels, and degree of elevation— and above all, don’t be afraid to quit.
With that in mind, here are six safe hikes, each of which offer unique views of our slice of the Catskills.
1. Windham Path
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 95 feet
Trailhead Location: 4982 NY-23 Windham, NY 12496
The most difficult part of the Windham Path’s crushed stone trail along Batavia Kill Creek is not getting lost in its views.
Pink and purple Lupine flowers decorate a meadow near the forest along the route, where bikers and walkers can drink in gorgeous landscape views and identify a host of snacking birds. Woodlands and sturdy bridges dot the trail, often populated by (hopefully) leashed dogs.
This path is the only public access point to Batavia Kill Creek. In the winter, it provides a space for crosscountry skiers and snowshoers.
2. Comeau
Length: 1.3 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 57 feet
Trailhead Location: 45 Comeau Drive, Woodstock – Parking at Upper Comeau Lot
The Comeau Trail is a quick and easy hike in the heart of Woodstock. The trail is part of the municipally owned Comeau Property that spans 76 acres of meadow, forest and streamfront. Gnarled, water-worn tree roots and the babbling Sawkill Stream will accompany your journey before you make your way back to town.
The Woodstock Land Conservancy holds a conservation easement on the Comeau Property and the trail is stewarded by the town and the Comeau Stewardship Advisory Committee. They aim to preserve the land while pushing for recreation. Donations for the trailhead are accepted.
Leashed dogs are allowed but biking is prohibited.
3. Ashokan Quarry Trail
Length: 2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 216 feet
Trailhead Location: NY-28A, Olivebridge
The Ashokan Quarry Trail is on the DEC’s Acorn Hill parcel and is managed in conjunction with the Catskill Mountain Club and Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program.
This “lollipop” route will bring hikers to several relics from the reservoir’s construction, including a rail car loading zone and machinery used to load stone. Thickets of mountain laurel that bloom in June line the path upwards, where a slight incline leads you to a view of Ashokan High Point, Tremper Mountain, North Dome and the Burroughs Range.
The quarry wall is high and sheer, with a vernal pool fed by flowing cliff waters at the base.
4. Saugerties Lighthouse
Length: 0.8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Trailhead Location: 168 Lighthouse Drive, Saugerties, NY 12477
The Saugerties Lighthouse makes its way into our top “easiest hikes” list. Ruth R. Glunt, a historian married to a lighthouse keeper, is the source of what is now known as the protected wildlife preserve in and around Saugerties Lighthouse. The site was dedicated as the Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve in 1977.
About 4,000 years prior to European settlement of the region’s tidal flats, Native Americans came here to net fish and dig for clams. Now it’s home to harbor seals, muskrats, whitetail dragonflies and the invasive water chestnut’s sharp seed pods–beware when walking barefoot!
It’s an ideal spot for a day of nature, history and swimming. Check the tide table before your visit because parts of the trail flood twice a day.
5. Esopus Nature Preserve
Length: 0.4 – 1.2 mile loops
Elevation Gain: Up to 100 feet
Trailhead Location: 10 Shady Lane or walk-in entrance at Kalina Drive, Saugerties
Less than a mile from the Hudson River, the 161 preserved acres of Esopus Bend Nature Preserve makes its home within Saugerties. It has four distinct trails within the preserve. A series of meandering paths through restored meadowlands is known as Meadow Paths.
The easiest hikes include the East, Wetlands, and Schroeder Trails and Meadow Paths. The routes range from 0.4 mile to 1.2 mile loops, providing a calming walk through ravines, historic carriage roads, vernal pools and a large natural sandbar.
Bears have been spotted in and around the preserve. If you see one on your hike, move away slowly and quietly.
The preserve hosts events that range from paddling adventures to tree identification walks. Biking, swimming and unleashed dogs are prohibited at the preserve.
6. Huckleberry Point
Length: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 644 feet
Trailhead Location: Upper Platte Clove Parking Area
The most difficult hike of this group of trails is Huckleberry Point near Tannersville. While still considered relatively easy, a small river crossing through the path can become a hazard after heavy rains.
When you’re beginning your trek, follow blue and yellow markers. You’ll start with blue and then turn to yellow, only making right turns. This trail is steeper than the rest on this list but the views at the end are well worth it.
Save this hike for a dry patch during the summer and be rewarded with an overlook of the Hudson Valley, Overlook Mountain and the Hudson River.
Mia Quick is an editorial assistant at The Overlook. Send correspondence to mia@theoverlooknews.com.