Hudson Valley Hikers

One of the things I love about living in the Hudson Valley is the fact that there are over 300 miles of hiking trails literally outside my front door. By the time John and I had lived here for just under a year, I still knew very few people. That all changed though when I started hiking every Wednesday morning with a group from the Mohonk Preserve. Information about their hikes can be found on Mohonk Preserve's website. The hiking group generally consists of around 18-20 hikers, but may have as little as 6....or as many as 25. As long as you have a Mohonk Preserve membership, most of the hikes are free of charge. If you don't, you may have to pay a daily use fee of $12 or so.


Mohonk hiking group

 Prior to joining the Wednesday group, I had very little hiking experience. However, before long I barely whined at all and within a couple months I only complained about the steady inclines (and I still do!)

Many of the Wednesday hikers are retired and it's not uncommon to have several hikers in their seventies. However that doesn't mean that they are slow and incapable. Much the opposite in fact. I strive to be like them when I reach their age. At "barely fifty!"...I'm usually one of the younger participants but I have to hoof it to keep up. There are hikers that show up every single week and have been hiking with the group for years but once in a while we get a SUNY New Paltz student or a young couple enjoying a week away from the city.



Beautiful Lake Minnewaska

I must admit that the Mohonk hiking group has saved me! Getting involved with them isn't just about spending a few hours a week soaking up the beauty of nature. They are a friendly supportive group that has reminded me that winter can be enjoyable and they've taught me that it's far more fun to step across broken branches, shuffle through leaves and jump across streams than it is to stick to a carriage trail.





Waterfall during hike at Shaupeneak Ridge





This was during my very first hike in the Mohonk Preserve.



I took this photo during a hike to Gertrude's Nose

...the best thing about my Wednesday hiking group is the fact that I've made some wonderful friends here in the Hudson Valley. The only problem is that they would rather strap on skis or snowshoes and trudge through the snow than spend anytime shopping in the city.

....and most days so would I!