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 ridge line 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.
There’s no Hudson Valley road trip that is complete without at least one loop through Mohonk Preserve.
This is a moderate-to-challenging route that threads past Duck Pond, climbs through a rock scramble at the Labyrinth, and pops out at the Albert K.
Here, you’ll get a chance to explore the Smiley Memorial Tower, where on a clear day you can pick out the outlines of six states across the Catskills and the Hudson River Valley.
About 15-20 minutes from downtown New Paltz, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is the sky-lake counterpart to Mohonk.
Here, 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. It’s flat, scenic, and lined with overlooks where the white cliffs drop straight into blue-green water.
Bring a swimsuit to cool off in the lake during the warmer months.
However, remember that there’s a vehicle fee at the gate, and the park does cap daily entries during peak season, so an early start pays off.
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 of the trail, you get a clean sightline across the Gunks, the Catskills, and the farmland below.
This is a favorite spot for people short on time who still want that rewarding view from the top, and in late spring, the mountain laurel blooming alongside the trail is a beautiful bonus.
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, which makes it one of the few trails in the area that works well for a quiet morning walk, a bike ride, or a family outing.
There are several access points from town, so it’s easy to hop on for as little or as long as you want.
The Minnewaska State Park Preserve, also known as the Awosting Falls Trail, is a shorter, gentler hike that leads to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the region.
When the snow melts in the spring, there’s roughly a 60-foot striking cascade
This is an easy out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels, making it a good option if you’re traveling with kids or just want a quick, scenic stop between bigger hikes.
Depending on the season, you might catch hikers cooling off at the base or photographers set up for the classic falls shot.
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.
Note that this is a family-owned operation, sourcing grapes from their own estate as well as the Finger Lakes and Long Island.
Robibero Family Vineyard is known for its string lights, fire pits, and mountain views, which make it worth the stop even if wine isn’t the main draw for your group.
Just a short drive into the 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.
This is a low-key stop than some of the bigger event-driven wineries in the region, which makes it a nice choice if you’re looking to enjoy 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.
This is a solid option on a hot afternoon when you want to be outside but not necessarily working up a sweat on a trail.
It’s an easy add-on to a hiking-heavy itinerary and a good way to give tired legs a break without cutting the outdoor time short.
- 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 that make for an easy, low-effort afternoon between more strenuous hikes.
This is also one of the better ways to bring home something tangible and edible from the trip, like a bag of fresh apples or a jug of local cider, in addition to beautiful photos.
For a change of pace from trails and vineyards, Water Street Market is a walkable outdoor shopping and dining courtyard just off Main Street in New Paltz.
This destination is built around a collection of local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants set in a stone-and-timber courtyard, making it a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and browse between outdoor stops.
If your road trip crew includes anyone who wants a slower-paced afternoon, this is where you send them while the rest of the group tackles one more trail.
Make New Paltz Your New 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 road trip 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.
Note that our Farm Hands are on-site daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm to offer local recommendations for the rest of your route. Shop with us today!
