LIFE

Hudson Valley hikes offer views of fall foliage

Michael Ridolfo

If you look forward to the spectacle of leaves changing color each year, then feel lucky to be surrounded by the Hudson Valley’s gorgeous fall foliage. In fact, this region is part of an ancient forest that established its roots after the last ice age. Over time, the plant kingdom grew and has provided food and shelter to animals and humans for thousands of generations.

Trails for horseback riding snake along the lake at Mohonk Mountain House.

Autumn is not only the best time to appreciate the beauty of trees, but also to appreciate their role in the circle of life. Many trees, such as oak, hickory and walnut, are dropping their fruit now, giving vital food for wildlife to store for the winter. At Mohonk Mountain House, where I am the staff naturalist, I enjoy taking resort guests on guided hikes to explore some of the hiking trails and roads that traverse through our 2,200 acres in the Shawangunk Mountains. Adjoining our property is the Mohonk Preserve, which consists of an additional 6,500 wooded acres for hikers to enjoy.

Michael Ridolfo

Considering that the Hudson Valley is just 90 miles north of New York City, urbanites can easily escape the concrete jungle for fresh air and outdoor adventures to see postcard-perfect fall foliage now through early November.

While there are more than 85 miles of trails accessible from Mohonk Mountain House (along with 40 miles of mountain biking trails and many roads for carriage rides and horseback riding), here are three easy walks that offer fabulous views and invigorating strolls through lush, mature forest:

There are many trails through the Shawangunk Mountains from Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.

Sky Top

A little more than a mile in length, this trail leads to an observation deck at Sky Top Tower. From the observation deck, gaze out over forests and rolling hills that encompass six different states — all colliding into one magnificent view. Return via the gentler Sky Top Road and Reservoir Path.

There are many scenic overlooks at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz.

Eagle Cliff

The 1.7-mile Eagle Cliff trail will bring you along the bluff overlooking Lake Mohonk. Stop to take in the view of the shimmering, glacial lake reflecting back the images of the blue sky and foliage that line its coast.

Copes Lookout

This 1-mile trail takes you from the West Porch along Copes Lookout Road to a breathtakingly scenic vista at the very end of the road loop.

I encourage nature walkers to test their tree IQ, seeing if they can identify the different species. In the fall, maple leaves turn vibrant red and orange. The tupelo tree has incredible magenta leaves, while ash trees and aspens sport golden yellow ones.

Fall is a great time to hike and see foliage in the Shawangunk Mountains in New Paltz.

Another fun hiking activity for the whole family is animal tracking. You can work together as a team to decipher the tracks of deer, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rabbits, birds, insects, and more. A great book to read on the topic is “Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Tracking and Nature Observation.”

Other superb local places to stroll for fall foliage include:

• Hudson Valley history trail – leads to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as well as the Vanderbilt Museum, and more.

• Shawangunk Wine Trail – takes you to 11 family-owned wineries that follow the tradition of fine wine-making by 18th century French Huguenot settlers.

• Walkway over the Hudson – world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge and a Hudson State Historic Park.

• Local farms and orchards – pick up fresh, regional produce while you collect pretty leaves.

Wherever you are, whenever you can … get outside and take a look!

Michael Ridolfo has spent two decades teaching others about nature throughout North and South America. He is the Naturalist at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz and also teaches programs through his school “Wilderness Mind.” Contact him at 845-255-1000 orMRidolfo@mohonk.com