The Lower Hudson Valley abounds in outdoor sports, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing to kayaking and sailing.
Cycling & Mountain Biking -- Bike rentals are available from Bikeway, 692 Rte. 6, in Mahopac (tel. 845/621-2800).Fishing -- The Hudson, which flows from the Adirondacks to the open sea, is excellent for striped bass from mid-March to the end of May. There is also good trout fishing. For more information, visit www.hudsonriver.com.
Golf -- Garrison Golf Club, 2015 Rte. 9, Garrison (tel. 845/424-4747), is a stunning course in the Hudson Highlands 800 feet above the river; the views are so pretty you may not care how you hit 'em. There are more than 150 other golf courses in the Hudson River Valley; for specific information and course previews, see www.hudsonrivergolf.com and www.golfhudsonvalley.com.
Hiking -- There are too many great hiking spots in state parks in the Lower Hudson Valley to mention. Near Cold Spring, Hudson Highlands State Park has a number of great day trails. Recommended hikes in the vicinity of Cold Spring include Breakneck Ridge and Bull Hill; in the southern highlands south of Garrison, popular trails include those to Anthony's Nose and White Rock. Pick up a map at Hudson Valley Outfitters, 63 Main St., Cold Spring (tel. 845/265-0221; www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com), which also offers guided hikes in the area, or contact the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Bear Mountain and Harriman state parks make up the majority of the Palisades Interstate Park and afford dozens of splendid hiking opportunities, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. For trail maps and more information, visit the Palisades Interstate Park Commission at Bear Mountain (tel. 845/786-2701).
Kayaking & Rafting -- Sleepy Hollow Kayak Tours is tops in the region for kayak rentals and guided tours. But its competitor Hudson River Expeditions is a close second, and offers both kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (lessons, tours and equipment rentals).
Swimming -- Bear Mountain State Park allows for swimming in both Hessian Lake and the Bear Mountain pool, open in summer. There is also a public pool at Tallman State Park (Palisades Interstate Park Commission; tel. 845/359-0544), just south of Nyack on Route 9W.
Winter Sports -- For snowshoe and cross-country ski packages, contact Cold Spring's Hudson Valley Outfitters. Bear Mountain State Park has cross-country ski trails, ski jumps, and an outdoor skating rink open late October through mid-March. Croton Point Park, Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson, is also popular with Nordic skiers.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
