River to Ridge Trail
Scenic trail with expansive fields, rolling hills, and stunning mountain views. Perfect for hiking, biking, and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant wildflowers bloom
River to Ridge Trail
Best Time
Vibrant wildflowers bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic trail with expansive fields, rolling hills, and stunning mountain views. Perfect for hiking, biking, and photography.
"Outstanding views of the Mohonk cliffs and acres of scenic fields, truly a memorable hiking trail."
E-bike Rentals Available
Rent an e-bike from New Paltz Biking to conquer hills with ease! :electric_plug:
Pack Water & Snacks
No bathroom facilities on site, so bring your own water and snacks for the journey. :water_wave:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 157 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Wildflower Fields
Meadows along the trail
Vast fields bursting with wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of 'The Sound of Music.'
Panoramic Mountain Views
Various viewpoints
Breathtaking vistas of the Mohonk Mountain House and surrounding cliffs, especially stunning during fall foliage.
Gentle Rolling Hills & Flat Paths
Throughout the trail
A perfect blend of easy, flat sections and moderate inclines, suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Mixed Use
Best Time for Wildflowers & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hiking trails in New Paltz
I will be in New Paltz this coming week and looking for some hiking/walking trails recommendations. You can be really helpful by recommending a bar or two to hangout at on Sunday and Monday evening (I heard most places are closed on these days). Thanks
E-bike Rentals Available
Rent an e-bike from New Paltz Biking to conquer hills with ease! :electric_plug:
Pack Water & Snacks
No bathroom facilities on site, so bring your own water and snacks for the journey. :water_wave:
looking for hiking spots with free parking near new paltz?
i go to school in new paltz and i’ll finally have my car on campus until friday! thought i’d make the most of it with the great weather and go on a hike with some friends, but being veryy broke at the moment i was hoping to find some places with free(/cheap) parking. if anyone…
Uber from New Paltz to Mohonk hiking trails?
Hi friends, I'm taking a bus up to New Paltz this weekend and I saw that you can get day hiking trail passes from the Mohonk Mountain House which looks really fun. Now I'm just trying to figure out if I can get there without having my own car. Anyone know if it's possible to…
Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
Check for Events
Be aware of potential biking events or races that might affect trail usage. :cyclone:
Tips
from all over the internet
E-bike Rentals Available
Rent an e-bike from New Paltz Biking to conquer hills with ease! :electric_plug:
Pack Water & Snacks
No bathroom facilities on site, so bring your own water and snacks for the journey. :water_wave:
Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. 🐕
Check for Events
Be aware of potential biking events or races that might affect trail usage. :cyclone:
Wear Sun Protection
Many sections are exposed with no shade, so wear sunscreen and a hat. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the River to Ridge Trail's stunning natural beauty, from its expansive wildflower fields to breathtaking mountain views. The trail's accessibility and well-maintained paths make it ideal for all ages and activities, though some note the lack of shade and facilities. It's a highly recommended spot for a peaceful and scenic outdoor escape.
"Really beautiful trail that provides a combination of wide open landscapes and forest areas. It has a good mix of challenging hills and relatively flat area. We rented an E-bike from New Paltz Biking, which made all the challenging areas a breeze.
This is a mixed use trail, so bikers have to conscious of other users who might be jogging, walking or hiking. The trail can also take you further into the Mohonk preserve - entrance fees are required at some points- which is also a beautiful ride.
Extremely well worth the visit and absolutely ranks as one of my favorite trails to date!"
Joshua Mitchell
"Outstanding views of the mohonk mountain house in the surrounding cliffs, acres and acres of fields very scenic. Some areas are flat, some areas are hilly.
Absolutely no litter whatsoever.
And only a few friendly people were there.
I went in November. I'm sure it's busier during the warmer weather. Can't ask for anything better.
The parking lot had plenty of spaces, and there was some Porta potties to use if you need it.It's very close to the college at new paltz i was there once in the summer. The expansive fields were covered in wildflowers.
It's like in the sound of music.The movie excellent place"
Jon Jozaitis
"10/2020: Beautiful, spacious gravel path meandering through fields and meadows. Keep in mind there’s no shade. Great for walking/running and biking. Mostly flat, with incline in a couple areas. Easy difficulty level for all ages. You eventually come to a gorgeous view of the mountains. So beautiful with the leaves changing! Clean, well maintained. Large, free parking lot. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. No bathroom facilities on site. You might even see some cows on your walk! We walked, but would definitely love to come back and bike ride. Easy to social distance."
Aubri Wentz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The River to Ridge Trail is easily accessible from New Paltz. It's conveniently located near the college and offers a large, free parking lot. Some reviews mention it's a path that connects from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Yes, there is a large, free parking lot available for visitors. It's generally spacious, even during busier times.
Indeed, the River to Ridge Trail can be accessed from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, offering a connected network for longer excursions.
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead might be limited, New Paltz itself is served by public transport, and the trail is a short distance from the town center.
Look for signs indicating the River to Ridge Trail, especially if you're coming from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. The free parking lot is a good landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the River to Ridge Trail itself is generally free to access. However, if you venture further into the Mohonk Preserve, entrance fees may apply.
The main River to Ridge Trail does not have an entrance fee. Fees are typically associated with accessing the larger Mohonk Preserve.
The trail is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering flexibility for visitors. It's an outdoor space, so hours are dictated by daylight.
If you have a pass for the Mohonk Preserve, it will likely cover access to areas connected to the River to Ridge Trail. Check Mohonk Preserve's specific pass details.
Since there are no tickets required for the River to Ridge Trail itself, booking is not necessary. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The River to Ridge Trail offers an easy difficulty level, with a mix of flat paths and some gentle inclines, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Absolutely! It's a spacious gravel path perfect for walking and running, with plenty of room for social distancing.
Yes, biking is very popular here! It's a smooth trail, great for beginner bikers, and e-bike rentals are available nearby.
Unfortunately, there are no permanent bathroom facilities on site. Portable toilets may be available, but it's best to come prepared.
Yes, the easy terrain and beautiful scenery make it a fantastic choice for families with young children. They'll love the open fields and potential for seeing cows!
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the expansive fields with wildflowers in summer and vibrant foliage in fall. The panoramic views of the Mohonk cliffs are also prime photography locations.
Definitely! The combination of open meadows, rolling hills, and distant mountain vistas provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations for the Mohonk Preserve area before flying a drone.
Keep an eye out for grazing cows in the fields, which can add a charming and unexpected element to your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit