Explore
Making a weekend of it? These are our favorite spots in the valley — nearly all within 20 minutes of the hotels.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
A sky-blue lake ringed by white quartz cliffs, 2,000 feet up in the Shawangunks. Walk the easy loop around Lake Minnewaska, hike out to Awosting Falls, or take a swim if the beach is open. Arrive early on summer weekends — the lots can fill by mid-morning.
Mohonk Preserve
Scenic hiking and carriage roads along the Shawangunk Ridge, with some of the best rock climbing in the East. The white cliffs you'll see from the wedding? That's here.
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Mohonk Mountain House
The grand Victorian castle resort on its own mountain lake. Day passes get you the hiking trails, gardens, and the climb up Sky Top Tower — or book the spa and call it recovery.
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River-to-Ridge Trail
An easy, gorgeous 6-mile loop connecting downtown New Paltz to the foot of the ridge — open farm fields, river crossings, and the Gunks straight ahead the whole way.
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Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
A flat, shaded 20+ mile path on an old rail bed running right through the village. Rent bikes in town and cruise past farms, trestles, and mountain views at your own pace.
MapRed Maple Cellars
Getting to West Park ahead of the ceremony on Saturday? RMV Cellars sits directly across the road from Red Maple Vineyard — a big selection of locally brewed beer, a pizza oven, lawn games, and live music under the string lights.
Historic Huguenot Street
Ten acres of preserved 17th-century stone houses built by New Paltz's founding families — one of the oldest streets in America, and a lovely shaded stroll even without the tour.
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Water Street Market & Main Street
Water Street Market is an open-air cluster of boutiques, art, and cafés at the foot of the mountain view; Main Street adds bookstores, coffee shops, ice cream, and half a dozen great lunch spots.
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Brooklyn Cider House
Hard cider made from the orchard you're sitting in, plus wood-fired pizza and long picnic tables at Twin Star Orchards. Exactly right for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
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Shawangunk Wine Trail
A string of family wineries in the valley between the ridge and the river — Robibero Winery and Adair Vineyards are the closest two, both with lawns made for lingering.
MapWalkway Over the Hudson
The world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge — an old railroad span 212 feet above the river with spectacular views up and down the Hudson. Flat, stroller-friendly, and free; sunset is the move. Staying at The Heartwood? It's ten minutes from your door.
