Active Pursuits in Lower Hudson Valley
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.
