Trails Between Reservoir and Mountain Country
At Ashokan Reservoir, the Ashokan Rail Trail runs for 11.5 miles between West Hurley and Boiceville. The route follows the reservoir and runs between two clearly identified endpoints. In Ulster, trails along the water sit alongside hiking areas in the mountain country and lakes with seasonal swimming areas. When comparing nature experiences, you can consider the route, access points and character of the terrain.
Mohonk Preserve has five main trailheads. Big Indian Wilderness encompasses 30 miles of hiking trails through rugged, mountainous terrain. The two areas therefore offer different features: at the Preserve, the main trailheads provide orientation, while the Wilderness is defined by its scale and terrain. When planning a hike, this distinction can help you focus either on the trailheads or on an extensive network of trails in the mountain country.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is home to four Sky Lakes. Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting have lifeguarded swimming areas during the summer swimming season. These swimming options are limited to the two lakes named and the summer season. This connects the lake landscape with a clearly defined swimming offer.
At Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park, scenic views of the Hudson River meet a large beach area, a boat launch and hiking trails. The park operates seasonally, which you should take into account when planning. The Ulster County Nature Bus offers free rides and admission to the county’s most scenic spots. Its service details may vary by season, so check the latest information in advance if you plan to take the bus.
History in Rooms and Buildings
At Senate House State Historic Site, you can visit the rooms where New York’s first Senate convened. Museum collections and interactive exhibits complement the historic site, including “Revolution Comes to Kingston.” Here, the actual rooms and exhibition content come together, so a visit offers both a connection to the place and insights into its history.
Ashokan Bridge is a wooden covered bridge over Esopus Creek on the grounds of the Ashokan Center. It is one of five covered bridges in Ulster County. At the same location, maple sugaring is connected with the seasonal cycles and agricultural history of the Hudson Valley. A specific structure and a regional tradition are thus presented side by side: the bridge illustrates a type of construction, while maple sugaring reflects the cycle of the year and agriculture.
Summer Swimming and Year-Round Winter Sports
The changing seasons are also reflected in the contrast between swimming areas and winter sports. The lifeguarded swimming areas at Lake Minnewaska and Lake Awosting are part of the summer swimming season. Belleayre Mountain, by contrast, is a year-round ski area in the Town of Shandaken. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between a seasonal swimming offer and a year-round ski area without associating both with the same season.
Discover more destinations: Saugerties, Kingston, New Paltz, Ellenville, Kerhonkson, Shandaken, Wallkill, Oliverea, Phoenicia, Highland, Rosendale, Stone Ridge, Clintondale, Boiceville, Hurley, High Falls, Accord, Lake Katrine.
For the broader travel overview: New York.
