Now that warm weather is here and Spring is starting to make an appearance after a long winter’s nap, we wanted to show you the new and improved list of spots along the Hudson River to explore.

Bard Rock at Vanderbilt Estates–

The road down to Bard Rock is currently closed. If you park in the lot and proceed to walk, be careful of cars, and once you reach the closed sign, there is an option to take a nice soft path to the left. At Bard Rock, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the Hudson River. Remember, no swimming.

What is Bard Rock?

It’s best described on the NPS.GOV website. Below is an excerpt and you can read the full article (which is very interesting) on the website.

Persistent financial difficulties prevented Bard from pursuing such ambitious plans. Instead, he focused on the agricultural value of the property, establishing a farm and an orchard of several hundred apple trees. In 1768 he attempted to sell Hyde Park, advertising it as a good source of timber, arable fields, and convenient water transport. Of three river landings, the best was “a large flat rock, which forms a natural wharf” capable of accommodating large sloops. Known as Bard Rock, it was located near the farm at the north end of the property. Although Bard ultimately decided against selling Hyde Park, over the next three decades financial necessity required piecemeal sales of nearly half of the original 3,600 acres.

https://www.nps.gov/vama/learn/historyculture/bard-rock.htm

Croton Point Park, Croton NY

Mostly all road and wide path walking, this is an awesome place to explore for the whole family. We ignored AllTrails.com and made our own adventure. The only part that was hard to navigate, was a small section of beach. As the weather becomes warmer, the brush will grow in and make it hard to enter. There are also camping spots and a hall for rent. We found a random room under a hill and would love to find out the history of what that is … I will post an update. Stroller-friendly for the most part besides the beach and grassy stretch of field along the river. Great little playground. We started our hike by parking at the ball field and walked over the giant hill that used to be a garbage dump. No, it doesn’t smell.

*Side note-make sure you completely put out your fires even in the rings. We were hiking with a firefighter and got to watch him, the fire chief, tanker truck, and a police officer respond. It’s currently very dry and even a smoldering fire can catch surrounding areas outside the ring. Just be mindful.

Cohotate Preserve Trail, Rogers Island Game Management-Hudson NY.

This hike doesn’t have much of a “wow” factor. It is moderate because of the incline. However, I saw people of all ages and abilities hiking here. There is also a pond to walk around. No toe-dipping. But, if you complete the loop, start going left down the hill. There is a small area to stop and dip your toes in the Hudson. However, as I was heading down to the beach, I told my daughter to keep a distance between her and the child playing on the big tree. When we got down there, no one was there. So if you want to avoid ghosts, keep walking. The trail will spur downhill to the left. Follow it down, and there is a great place to dip the toes, take a break and enjoy the scenery. 

THREE HUDSON VALLEY HIKES WITH ODD VIBES

Arden Point, Garrison NY

It is not a hard hike unless, like us, you lose the trail and end up on a narrow trail skirting a drop to the Hudson. Avoid all this and when crossing the trail tracks on right. Just stay to the left and there is a nice spot to enjoy the water. 

Bonus video of Arden Point and Pelton Pond!

Esopus Meadows, Preserve, Ulster Park

This is super easy if staying right on the Hudson River. It’s also a short hike, coming in under a mile. However, there are several spots to sit and enjoy the water. Just don’t leave anything behind soaking in the beauty. Abby left Baby Rainbow Otter. We went all the way home only to have to turn around and go all the way back. Bonus, for leaving on my stove! So don’t leave anything behind. In case you were wondering, the otter was found and the house didn’t burn to the ground.

Another option is to go through the woods and access another water spot. It’s an interactive forest. This means that there are little plaques everywhere explaining the trees in the area.

There is a porta-a-potty at this location. Not sure if it is open as we strongly dislike them. Pee before you go.

Quiet Cove Park, Poughkeepsie is a nice relaxing spot. (seasonal)

There are places with chairs to sit and enjoy the Hudson. There is also a boat launch.  Keep dogs leashed. They strongly enforce it at this location. Trust me. We recommend shoes at this location.

Little Stony Point in Cold Spring NY

is another awesome place that many people know about. So this sport is not much of a secret. There is a cave (watch for glass) and several places to enjoy the water. We also found an amazing overlook where you can see for miles on a clear day. Watch the rocks. When we went to the viewpoint, we were even with some birds soaring and it felt amazing.

Tivoli Bays–

If you head all the way down Cruger Island Rd in Red Hook NY, you will come to a couple small parking spots. Also, if you drive slowly, there is another lot at the end of the path to the right. There is a small spot to hide in a little cove at the end of the further parking destination. However, if you walk straight in at the end of the road, it is like another world. Be aware during high tide, the trail disappears. We have waded through it and don’t advise it. So travel at your own risk.

Once at the train tracks, if you carefully cross them, there are a whole bunch of extra trails. Some lead right to the Hudson River!

There are other trails throughout the area and a lot of kayakers use this area. Be careful. We got lost in the trail system the first time we were hiking in the woods.

Madam Brett Park, Beacon NY

I use GPS to find the park because even though we have walked here a million times, I still occasionally get turned around. However, you will know you are there if you go through the tunnel and are greeted with apocalyptic type buildings to your right. 

You can go left or right. Left takes you to the waterfall. However, for connecting to the other two parks, people want to head right over the bridge with the water on the left and the falling down buildings to your right. 

Eventually, you will see a turnoff. We love doing this offshoot because it takes you through the woods to a viewing platform of the marsh. Then just continue the horseshoe back to the main trail and walk on.

Soon the train tracks can be spotted on the left. Keep walking and head to your right. This now takes you out of Madam Brett Park and you can pick where you head next. At this point, you might just want to turn around.

SEE MOM’S HILARIOUS ACCOUNT OF FALLING IN MUD HERE. This trail has since been blocked off by the park

Dennings Point, Beacon NY

They have been doing construction at this location. This was our last picture of the old factory buildings.

We enjoy finding a trail on the right, that takes you down to the Hudson River. However, it can be steep and footing, not the safest. If you continue, on the main path, you will find Dennings Point. We have run into homeless down on the beach. So just beware of your surroundings.

I am not sure if you can still loop around as there are signs for habitat redevelopment. However, you can always trace your footstep back to where you started.

On this trip, we stopped at the offshoot trail and turned around going back to Madam Brett. When we completed this trip, it was around three miles total. However, you can make it longer and take the Fjord trail on the left. This trail will take you to Long Dock Park.

Long Dock Park, Beacon NY

Again easy trails. A few places to sit and look at the Hudson River. Be aware of pollution. We have seen a lot at this park. There are picnic benches to stop and take a rest as well as a few other spots along the way. After all, is said and done, retrace your steps back to the car. 

• Food for thought. Dennings Point, Madam Brett and Long Dock all connect. You can literally spend a whole day exploring!

Kingston Point Rail Trail

We parked in a small lot beyond the Kingston waterfront district on the righthand side of the road. I didn’t see any signs and assume it was alright to park there. If anyone has a better suggestion for parking, let us know! We have also parked down by the waterfront district and picked up a section of the trail that way.

This trail is just over a mile and ends or begins at Kingston Point Rotary Park. It’s actually part of a whole system of greenline trails in Kingston. When you are in the park, there is a network of trails to ramble on. However, we just followed the All Trails App. 

VIDEO OF KINGSTON POINT RAIL TRAIL!

The views of the Hudson River are beautiful and extremely peaceful. When in the park, there is an interesting flying disc sign, and I am so happy we weren’t hit by a flying disc. Abby also found a door and had to knock on it. She knocks on all doors.

SEE THIS DOOR SHE KNOCKED ON IN WOODS!

There are old train tracks that are followed for most of the walk. Don’t go barefoot. If you get a splinter from old rail tracks, it can cause a very serious infection. Your feet will also be black from the tar. Abby Girl often goes shoeless and her one foot was thick with tar by the time we returned to the car.

Lots of places to go and enjoy the Hudson. Our four-legged friend also enjoyed the walk. It is friendly for overweight, senior dogs.

When is all done, if you can skip the picnic, go into the River Front District for a wide variety of food to pick from. We like to head over the bridge and grab an ice cream. 

If you want to walk more, park the car and pay the meter and stroll the paved path that goes through the district along the river. Stop at the riverfront museum and take a picture at the cutouts or look at the old boat. 

Black Creek Preserve, Esopus–

Yes, if you hike over the bridge and then through the woods and down the mountain … You will eventually find the Hudson River. It’s more of an easy/moderate hike. It’s also the spot where Abby needed to go potty and next thing I saw was a swarm of bees that looked like a big, black cloud. I dove into the water with my child and made it out with only one bee sting. Being allergic, that almost was a very bad day. So stay on the trail. But, once you get to the Hudson, you will enjoy the water.

Kowawese Unique Area New Windsor NY–

Just south of Newburgh, AKA the Burgh, is this lovely gem. We have yet to even explore it all. However, I did find an arrowhead here. We went back and combed the beach and didn’t find any more. There is plenty of section to walk along the Hudson River. You can even do a loop through the woods. We are yet to explore the park to the right.

Tips:

Watch for Cowheads

Wear water shoes

No swimming. Just toe dipping

Sunscreen and snacks are probably a must

Change of clothes required when kids get wet

Watch for trash and glass. People have been a lot ruder with polluting lately on trails.

Final Thoughts-

Honestly, there are even more spots along the Hudson River to explore. However, I am exhausted and I personally think this is a fairly hefty list to get any explorers started. If you go to any of our spots listed, make sure to tag Adventures of Abby Girl on social media for a chance to be featured!

Warm weather hiking tips with kids!

For more awesome content, visit our other links or follow us on social media! We are always trying something new.

Stay Tuned as We compile another list of awesome spots in the Hudson River Valley to explore that have water.

48 Days, 1152 Hours, or 69120 minutes to get to 100 miles by walking, hiking, or biking in this awesome fundraiser for a great cause. This is NY NJ Trail Conferences first ever trail-a-thon in honor of their 100th birthday! They want everyone to signup, join a team (we would love to have you on Team Abby Girl), and support those in the trail-a-thon. The goal is to reach 100 miles. They have some pretty nifty prizes along the way t0o for both miles tracked and money raised.

What is the NY NJ Trail Conference?

Officially formed on October 19th, 1920, it serves as an organization dedicated to maintaining and protecting our lands through a partnership with local parks.

According to their website, they mention that,

Since 1920, the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has partnered with parks to create, protect, and promote a network of over 2,150 miles of public trails.

NY NJ Trail Conference

They serve a very broad area that stretches in all directions and hundreds of thousands of volunteers have helped make everything possible. They also are very active on social media and publish trail news articles online that are very informative.

If you go under their about us section, they outline the whole entire history of the NY NJ Trail Conference and it’s a pretty awesome history. I’m not saying that just because I’m a history geek either. They have made some awesome strides and truly had an amazing one hundred years!

How you can help

Well, you can support us in the trail-a-thon fundraiser or join yourself. Remember Team Abby Girl. Woot. Woot.

Back to Fundraisers

AND ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP …

Other ways to support the organization is volunteer work, visit their story, or just make a general donation. You can also become a member. There are so many ways to help. Go on their website for other options or learn more about the ones listed in this post.

It’s also helpful for you to respect the trails. We all want the trails to stay nice for everyone to enjoy them and make it a little easier for the volunteers at the trail conference.

Hiker Etiquette According to Ms. Abby

Final Thoughts on this Fundraiser

Adventures of Abby Girl is super excited to attempt to walk 100 miles in 48 days. It might not be hiking, walking, or biking toward the final miles. Adventures of Abby Girl just might be at a crawl. But, with the support of everyone, we will try really hard to cross the virtual finish line. We have just under 12.8 miles in our first week. Time to turn up the dial a bit! We are really blessed to have such an awesome organization right in our own backyard.

Hi!

Over at Adventures of Abby Girl, we are trying hard to do our part and keep people informed too. We have many posts about trails in the area as well as a nifty trail guide that we attempt to update often. Also, if you prefer videos, we post twice a week on our YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to hit Like and Subscribe!

COVID Thoughts from the trail Here

We hike all over and don’t have the luxury of many items found in a hiker’s pack or on our bodies for that matter. We have to rely on everyday items in our pack that can serve their purpose just as well. Through our journeys, some of these items have become must-have backpacking essentials on all our trips. Read the list to find out the top five!

1. Bandana

I have always hiked with a bandana even after having a tiny person join me in my wandering. It doesn’t matter if the bandana is red, black, tie-dyed. All that matters is that there is one in the pack.

Keeps the head cool

in the warmer weather, it helps keep the body temperature down. It feels amazing when dipped in a cool mountain stream and placed on the head. Read this interesting article about what color clothing or in this matter, bandana, one should wear in the heat

A Bandage

I fell on my wrist in the woods the other day. All my body weight (about 175 pounds), went down onto my wrist. Determined to get to the summit, I took out my trusty bandana and found a strong stick. I measured the stick on the underside of my hand so it would stabilize my wrist. Then I snapped it to size. I took the bandana and wrapped it around my hand and wrist. Afterward, I slid the stick underneath. I tucked the bottom and top of bandana over the stick so it wasn’t poking me. I was able to summit and then turn around and make it back to the car.

(TMI) to wipe

Sometimes there just isn’t enough TP or we forget to pack it. Bring a small bag to put the rag in after finished and proceed on or dig a hole and bury if completely destroyed. Obviously burying is only in dire situations.

Swelling

Dip the bandana in water and wrap it around the area that is swollen. I have personally used this technique for stings and my daughter fell and banged up her knee. In case anyone was wondering, she was fine and running through the woods again after a mile break.

Collect things or carry stuff

If a person needs an extra small bag, it’s simple to make what I like to call a hobo bag.

Protect the body parts

to keep the ears warm, it can be wrapped around the head like a headband and simply put it over the ears. Covering the head protects against the sun. Around the neck can help in cold. Around the face for dust or harsh conditions.

Sending out an S.O.S

Brightly colored bandanas can be used to wave as an SOS device to get peoples attention

Have a use for a bandana and we missed it? We would love to hear about it!

2. A Sanitary Napkin

Sorry men, you heard it correctly. Pads are not just for Aunt Flow. They are obviously great for absorbing and so in the awful chance of a bad cut, slap at pad absorbing side down onto the cut. Wrap your bandana around it to hold in place. If you have first-aid tape, even better. However, a person can also use Duct Tape if losing a few hairs isn’t a big deal. There is also difference besides pads and liners. A panty liner, is for very light leakage and works great on smaller injuries. Both pads and liners can be found at the store for very affordable. Often times even the local dollar store has them. Just make sure to get unscented.

a note from the files:

I have to chuckle at this one because in College, my best friend was stationed in Afghanistan and my church at the time made a care package for the platoon he was in. I received a message from him thanking me but he mentioned that they sent a bunch of pads and tampons and there were no females. So we said that the pads were for injuries and the tampons for noise cancelation. To this day, I still have the funniest image stuck in my head.

3. Duct Tape–Another Great Essential

That leads to the third necessary everyday item in the pack. Has anyone ever heard of the 101 uses for duct tape? Not only does it come in a million and one patterns and colors to fit everyone’s personality, but it’s also highly practical.

Toes

Ever gotten a nasty blister hiking? Some people just slap the duct tape on the blister. I don’t go this route as I think about when the duct tape is taken off. The blister might come off too. One word. Ouch. But applying a piece of mole foam or anything soft (a piece of that pad) and tada.

Fixing gear

My original child pack carrier is covered in duct tape. It holds straps together and other areas on the pack. It’s awesome for all types of gear mishaps. Just please don’t use it on things like rock climbing gear. That gear breaks, call it a day.

Cups

That’s correct! A person can make a cup from duct tape. Find a rock or bottom of a water bottle or anything that can be envisioned as a cup. Wrap the tape around the sticky side out. Then apply the tape sticky side in so the two sticky sides are together. Slide it off of whatever you used to form to the cup and use.

Read about some other clever uses of duct tape over at Back Door Survival!

4. The Great White (or whatever you have on) Sock

Now this part might get a little TMI again (too much information.) But here we go.

Water Filtration

Sometimes the water is extra nasty. I ran across a pump on the Appalachian Trail once and the water was red coming out of the pump. Talk about a little too much iron in the water. Filter first through a sock and then use your water filtration system. Water might still taste gross. However, at least the sock catches the big chunks first. Just filter into one bottle then pump that water into a fresh bottle.

Screaming Poops in the Woods- (TMI Part)

It has happened to the best of us. I had it happen on the Appalachian trail in a pine forest. Stomach cramps up and oh no, it’s on. One of my friends even said he has used one like a glove to wipe better. If you are a short distance from the car and concerned about the environment, then bag it. However, sometimes if there is still a long road ahead, dig a hole and bury it. So like its friend the bandana, it’s great for those bathroom emergencies. The sock is just a little bit more heavy-duty

Napkins or Toilet Paper

Napkins can be used for many purposes from the first go to in a bathroom situation to writing a note if need be in the woods. It can also help start a fire. The best part is, as a mom, I always have napkins lying around my car and they usually don’t cost me a cent! Toilet Paper is also readily available in every household. If there is no toilet paper in your house, I don’t want to know. No one reading this better still be corn-cobbing it.

Bonus Tip for Mom Hikers

A Change of clothes for your little one. A mom never knows when their child will have the mood strike them to leap in the biggest mud puddle or have a little potty accident in the woods. Also, remember that children don’t process the weather as adults do. In fact, read all about hiking with children in the winter. It has lot’s of cool tips!

Summing Up

These are just a few of our favorite everyday backpacking essentials. Do you have any favorite everyday items that you like to bring with you hiking? We would love to hear about it!

Hope you enjoyed reading. Feel free to look around some more at even more cool content and we would love for you to follow our journey on YouTube and Social Media! Until next time, Peace, Love and French Fries, Adventures of Abby Girl