The best walks and hikes around Marist College

Yes, the area has many accessible options. The Hiking loop from Highland is a great choice, offering a relatively short walk with minimal elevation. For something right on campus, the Fern Tor nature preserve provides a network of simple trails with views of the Hudson River.

Many trails in the Hudson Valley are dog-friendly. Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail is a particularly popular spot for dog walkers, known for its gentle and well-maintained paths. Another option is the Walkway Over the Hudson, though be aware that the grated surface of the bridge can be uncomfortable for some dogs' paws.

There are several excellent loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. For a straightforward but scenic walk, the Walkway Over the Hudson loop from Poughkeepsie provides great views without the need to retrace your steps. Peach Hill Park also offers multiple intersecting loop trails through woods and orchards.

For those seeking waterfalls, a trip to Minnewaska State Park Preserve is highly recommended. It's a bit of a drive from campus but features several trails that lead to impressive waterfalls, especially after rainfall. The park's dramatic cliffs and glacial lake add to the scenery.

Students and visitors have immediate access to the Fern Tor nature preserve, located on the northern edge of campus. This 13-acre sanctuary features a small network of trails that pass a creek and a pond. The highlight is the 'Tor,' a rock outcrop offering a beautiful overlook of the Hudson River.

For panoramic river views, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is unmatched. This elevated pedestrian bridge offers a unique perspective high above the water. For a more traditional trail experience with views, Franny Reese State Park provides several overlooks of the river and the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

Yes, for hikers looking for a challenge, the region offers several options. The trails at Mount Beacon provide a strenuous climb that rewards you with expansive views, especially during the fall. For a longer, moderately difficult hike through woodlands, consider the trails on Illinois Mountain.

You can find nearly 20 curated hiking routes in the immediate vicinity of Marist College on komoot. The broader Hudson Valley region contains hundreds more, ranging from easy riverside strolls to challenging mountain ascents in state parks like Bear Mountain and Minnewaska.

The trails around Marist College are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning Hudson River views from elevated paths and the variety of trails available, from easy park loops to more rugged woodland hikes.

Several parks and preserves are local favorites for hiking. Here are a few popular spots:

• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park: A top-rated attraction known for its spectacular panoramic views from the elevated pedestrian bridge.
• Peach Hill Park: Praised for its variety of trails suitable for all skill levels, winding through orchards and woods.
• Roosevelt Farm Lane Trail: A well-loved, accessible trail that's perfect for a gentle walk in any season.
• Fern Tor Nature Preserve: A convenient on-campus gem offering short trails and a scenic river overlook.

The west-facing overlooks in the Hudson Valley are perfect for watching the sunset. The Walkway Over the Hudson provides an open, panoramic view as the sun goes down over the river and the hills beyond. The 'Tor' rock outcrop in the on-campus Fern Tor nature preserve is another excellent, easily accessible spot for sunset views.