by Pat Roth    Share on Facebook << Previous

It's Spring! Before the temps have you yearning for air conditioning and lemonade..there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season in your own backyard! With massive rock cliffs, large gaping forests, and expansive, calm waters, the Hudson Valley boasts some of the most beautiful parks, recreational areas, and hiking trails in the northeast. Hiking is a great day trip because it's free, fun & healthy. So, pack up yer gear, hit the trail, & discover the hidden treasures that are in your own backyard!

Memorial Park... Piermont Avenue at the foot of Depew Avenue. Riverfront Park with boat launch, benches along the river, basketball courts, Little League Field, tennis courts, grassy field, and gazebo. This beautiful park was once part of the DePew family’s 70 acre farm, and home to a red sandstone grist mill. Hook Mountain. Designated a New York State Important Bird Area in 1997. The region extends along almost seven miles of continuous waterfront and cliff slopes. Hike through oak-maple-beech hardwood forest to the summit at 730 feet. Spectacular views overlooking Rockland Lake and the Hudson River valley. Best known as a hawk watch site

Nyack Beach State Park (picture shown) boasts 61 acres of riverfront along the Hudson in Rockland County. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter.Pets must be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet in length. Pets are not allowed in the Upper area.

Buttermilk Falls ... Greenbush Road, West Nyack. A 50 acre county park with marked trails leading to the falls. A short hike with a 30-foot drop affords a view that has long been a favorite subject for artists. Follow signs from the parking lot located a half mile south of Rte 59 on Greenbush Road in West Nyack.

Tallman State Park. Tallman Mountain State Park comprises wooded country on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh, which lie between the river and the slope. The marsh is part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The park operates as a day-use area, offering a swimming pool, running track, tennis courts, playfield, cross country skiing, a walking trail, hiking and picnic areas.

Rockland State Park. Rockland Lake State Park’s lake is on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. The park offers two swimming pools, two kiddie pools, picnic tables, grills, a boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and two golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch; walkers and joggers can use the fitness trail around the lake.