The Ultimate Hudson Valley Road Trip: Trails, Wineries & Outdoor Adventures Around New Paltz
Thinking of taking a road trip to the Hudson Valley? New Paltz is a must-see destination for trails, wineries, Farmers Choice, and more.
Tucked into the foothills of the Shawangunk Ridge, about 90 minutes north of New York City, this college town punches way above its weight when it comes to scenery. You've got quartz cliffs rising straight out of the forest, sky-lake views, and a wine trail that winds through orchard country, all within a 20-minute drive of Main Street.
It doesn't matter whether you're coming up for a single day or turning it into a full weekend loop through Ulster County; New Paltz sits right at the crossroads of it all. This is one of those places where you can hike a ridgeline in the morning and be sipping a glass of estate-grown Cab Franc by sunset.
Here's a rundown of 10 trails, wineries, and outdoor stops worth building your route around.
Mohonk Preserve
No Hudson Valley road trip is complete without at least one loop through Mohonk Preserve. This moderate-to-challenging route threads past Duck Pond, climbs through a rock scramble at the Labyrinth, and pops out near the Smiley Memorial Tower, where on a clear day you can pick out the outlines of several states across the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
About 15-20 minutes from downtown New Paltz, Minnewaska is the sky-lake counterpart to Mohonk. There are over 50 miles of wide, well-graded carriage roads that make it approachable for hikers of any experience level. The loop around Lake Minnewaska itself is the classic move, flat, scenic, and lined with overlooks where the white cliffs drop straight into blue-green water. Bring a swimsuit to cool off in the warmer months, and note there's a vehicle fee at the gate; the park caps daily entries during peak season, so an early start pays off.
Bonticou Crag Trail
For a shorter but scrappier outing, Bonticou Crag delivers big views for a relatively modest time investment. The trail climbs through open fields and hardwood forest before an optional scramble up a stark white crag overlooking the Wallkill Valley. From the top you get a clean sightline across the Gunks, the Catskills, and the farmland below. In late spring, the mountain laurel blooming alongside the trail is a beautiful bonus.
Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
If you want something flatter, longer, and easier to share with the whole crew, the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is the move. This converted rail line runs roughly 22 miles through New Paltz and beyond, crossing the iconic Rosendale Trestle and passing farmland, orchards, and river views along the way. It's a hard-packed, mostly flat surface that works well for a quiet morning walk, a bike ride, or a family outing, with several access points from town.
Awosting Falls Trail
Also within Minnewaska, the Awosting Falls Trail is a shorter, gentler hike that leads to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the region, a striking cascade of roughly 60 feet when the water is running in spring. This easy out-and-back suits most fitness levels, making it a good option if you're traveling with kids or just want a quick, scenic stop between bigger hikes.
Robibero Family Vineyards
Right in New Paltz, Robibero Family Vineyards has become a go-to stop for anyone road-tripping through the area. The tasting room sits on a wide lawn with the Shawangunk Ridge as a backdrop, and there's usually live music on weekends alongside wood-fired pizza. It's a family-owned operation, and the string lights, fire pits, and mountain views make it worth the stop even if wine isn't the main draw for your group.
Whitecliff Vineyard
Just a short drive into neighboring Gardiner, Whitecliff Vineyard has been quietly building a reputation as one of the Hudson Valley's most award-winning wineries for over 25 years. The tasting room looks out over rows of estate vines with the Shawangunk cliffs rising behind them, and their Cab Franc in particular has picked up a loyal following. It's a lower-key stop than some of the bigger event-driven wineries, which makes it a nice choice for a relaxed afternoon.
Kayaking the Wallkill River
The Wallkill River runs right through town, and it's one of the most underrated ways to see New Paltz from a completely different angle. Local outfitters rent kayaks, canoes, and tubes for float trips down the calm, slow-moving water bordered by farmland and wooded banks. It's a solid option on a hot afternoon and an easy add-on to a hiking-heavy itinerary.
Apple and pumpkin picking at local orchards
New Paltz sits in the middle of prime Hudson Valley orchard country, and stops like Dressel Farms and Jenkins-Lueken Orchards are a road-trip staple, especially heading into late summer and fall. Beyond the picking itself, most of these farms run cider tastings, farm markets, and seasonal events, and it's one of the better ways to bring home something tangible from the trip, like a bag of fresh apples or a jug of local cider.
Water Street Market
For a change of pace from trails and vineyards, Water Street Market is a walkable outdoor shopping and dining courtyard just off Main Street. Built around a collection of local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants set in a stone-and-timber courtyard, it's a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and browse between outdoor stops.
Make New Paltz your basecamp
With cliffs, sky lakes, vineyards, and a rail trail all within a short drive of each other, New Paltz is an efficient basecamp for a Hudson Valley trip. Our Farmers Choice New Paltz location sits right on the route at 1 Old Route 299, an easy stop whether you're heading out toward Mohonk and Minnewaska or looping back through town after a day on the trails. Our Farmhands are on-site daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM with local recommendations for the rest of your route.