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Take A Hike: Best Fall Foliage Spots Near Rockland

There are few better times during the year to throw on your boots and go hiking than in autumn when the leaves are changing colors. And when choosing where to go hiking the New York New Jersey Trail Conference has you covered.

The view north from atop Storm King Mountain.

The view north from atop Storm King Mountain.

Photo Credit: Zachary Croce

NYNJTC recently released their top 10 fall foliage hikes in New York and New Jersey. The nonprofit that has been around since 1920 and has partnered with parks to maintain, protect, promote, and create over 2,100 miles of trails in both states.

NYNJTC staff and volunteers were asked for their input on the best fall foliage hikes and came up with these 10 trails, all of which are day trips and accessible from anywhere in the region.

Here are five foliage hikes within an hour of Rockland County, in no particular order.

New York

Black Mountain Loop, Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks in Stony Point.

  • Features: Black Mountain offers views of the Hudson River and surrounding hills.
  • Distance: 7.5 miles
  • Time: 4 hours

Stillman/Highlands/Bluebird Trails Loop from Mountain Road, Storm King State Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

  • Features: views of the Highlands, West Point from a distance, the Hudson River in both directions from atop Storm King Mountain.
  • Distance: 4.1 miles
  • Time: 3 hours

Long Path and Shawangunk Ridge Trail in Wurstboro. 

  • Features: views of the Shawangunk Ridge, interesting cliffs, and pitch pines growing from bedrock. This hike requires two cars.
  • Distance: 10 miles
  • Time: 6.5 hours

New Jersey

Wyanokie High Point Loop, Norvin Green State Forest in Ringwood.

  • Features: an old iron mine and panoramic views of the city Skyline.
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Time: 3 hours
Forest View Trail/Closter Dock Trail Loop, Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine.
  • Features: chance to travel along the top of the Palisades before easing into a walk along the Hudson River.
  • Distance: 6 miles
  • Time: 4 hours

For information on each trail and the other fall foliage hikes from the NYNJTC, click here.

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