Location: New Paltz
Top Things to do in New Paltz
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The 6 Best Nature & Parks in New Paltz, New York (NY)
New Paltz (/ˈnuː ˌpɔːlts/; locally [ˈnupʰɔəɫz]) is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 14,003 at the 2010 census. The town is located in the southeastern part of the county and is south of Kingston. New Paltz contains a village also with the name New Paltz. The town is named for Palz (IPA: [ˈpalts]), the dialect name of the Rhenish Palatinate, called Pfalz (IPA: [ˈpfalts] ( listen)) in standard German.
Restaurants in New Paltz
1. Mohonk Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York. The Preserve protects 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge and inspires people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day for hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study. A current membership or day pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free.
Reviewed By UrbanMonkey48 - Langhorne, United States
Aside from the Mohonk Mountain House hotel itself, you can visit as a day guest, pay a fee and enjoy miles of hiking or cross country skiing on beautidul trails that go through the woods and/or cliffs. The scenic biews are spectacular.
2. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Expedition823668
6 mile round-trip easy trail on level ground. Just an FYI, no facilities are available on this trail. We had a very enjoyable hike!
3. Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By CaptainCard - Highland, United States
Get away from modern complexities and spend an hour or two enjoying views of the Wallkill River, wild meadows in full bloom, hummingbirds, dragonflies, and your own thoughts
4. Slide Mountain Wilderness
5. Shaupeneak Ridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By bugsycatsmith - Rush, United States
The park is, as advertised, on top of a ridge overlooking the Hudson. Parking lot is by the featured lake, which makes for nice kayaking. We took the red trail, a 1.22 mile loop that takes you up to the overlook. From the overlook you can get a beautiful view of the Hudson River and the valley below. The former Mount St. Alphonsus is clearly visible. The view is probably much better in late fall or winter, when the leaves are off the trees. A 6 foot long Eastern Rat Snake came crashing down out of a tree as we walked by and slithered quickly off. Nearby was a garter snake trying to hide under some leaf litter. So I would have to conclude there are many snakes here, including, probably, rattle snakes, so exercise caution if venturing off the path. That said, this is an easy hike to take young children along on. Just spray them down with deet first. Ticks are problematic everywhere. The park is easily reached from 9W in the town of Esopus.
6. River to Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By nyprof2001 - New Paltz, United States
Whether you take the one mile roundtrip walk along the Wallkill River to and from the parking area OR the longer walk or bike ridge westward into the walkable Butterville Hills you are in for a treat that reveals New Paltz in ways it hasn't been experienced before. The view of the Shawangunk Ridge from the easily accessible Butterville Hills is exhilarating. There are flat boulders at the top where you can sit and take in the views. By summer next year, the loop that continues into the Mohonk Preserve will be completed. And, its all free. Bike rentals are available at the parking area
