Demarest Kill located in New City of New Hempstead Road, offers a lovely path that circles around a pond and has a small dog park.  It’s an ideal spot for pet owners and those looking for a relaxing walk in the woods.

Located in Goshen is a 10-foot wide path built around the former Erie Railroad in Poughkeepsie, about 50 minutes from Rockland. It features sections of both asphalt and limestone surface and winds through a wildlife sanctuary and several historic landmarks.  The path is perfect for biking and has access points at the Chester Depot Museum and the village of Monroe’s Park and Ride Lot B.

Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hudson River with modest effort. An hour north of Rockland and located in the heart of Poughkeepsie, the former railway bridge is now open for bikers, joggers, and hikers and runs the entire width of the Hudson.  Parking for the park is available on either side of the Hudson.

The Alpine Boat Basin in New Jersey is a wonderful spot for a low incline walk along the water.  The trail begins in a scenic picnic area and will take you past historic landmarks like the Kearney House, a former tavern that was built in the 19th century. The park is located off of route 9W and also has its own bus stop courtesy of NJ Transit, and is only a half hour away from Rockland.

Bear Mountain’s Major Welch Trail offers a moderate challenge to hikers looking for a scenic view of the Hudson Valley. Stretching three and a half miles, the loop trail will take you to the top of the mountain and back. The trail is dog-friendly (though they must be leashed) and one of the more popular destinations for Rockland hikers.  The path starts in the southwest corner of the Bear Mountain Inn parking lot.

Just across the bridge and off of Route 9D you’ll find Anthony’s Nose, a moderate 2.6 mile hike that “feels like you’re climbing a 500-foot vertical staircase.” The path is actually a small piece of the Appalachian Trail and leads to a rocky clearing that overlooks the entire Hudson Valley.  The trail is dog-friendly and a great picnic destination.

Teatown Lake in Westchester County offers 15 miles of hiking trails with “diverse terrain and habitats, including abundant fields, mixed hardwood forests, laurel groves, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land.” The trails range from easy/novice to moderately difficult and the park also has a visitor center that “hosts a number of exhibits that teach our community about our local wildlife.”  The park is only a half hours drive from Rockland and is a wonderful destination for the whole family.

Kennedy Dells County Park, located on Zukor Road north of the New City library, offers a peaceful trail that follows a creek and takes visitors past the remnants of an old stone dam.  The 2.4 mile loop trail is perfect casual hikers and dog walkers.

Hook Mountain State Park has a lengthy 5.8 mile trail that’s perfect for hikers looking for more of a challenge. The trail is dog-friendly and those who climb the 728 feet to the mountains southern summit will be treated to a spectacular view of the whole Palisades area.