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Did you know the famous Appalachian Trail was founded at Bear Mountain State Park?
While that might be the "biggie" folks know about, Orange County Tourism staff encourage locals (and those visiting them) to explore more of the area's dozens of parks, preserves, and trails.
Some unique hiking spots in the county include:
- Sterling Forest State Park: Features hikes of varying lengths and difficulties with a focus on iron mining history and nature. Enjoy guided hikes and lectures on select weekends with www.friendsofsterlingforest.org. A beautiful visitor’s center is on site for guidance.
- Schunnemunk Mountain State Park: Boasting the tallest mountain in Orange County and scenic vistas, this one is recommended for more avid conditioned hikers.
- Stewart State Forest: Easy hikes on flat terrain can be found here. Its gravel roads are also perfect for mountain bikes. Plus, there’s the new Great Swamp Boardwalk.
- Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Trails at the Outdoor Discovery Center: Short trails, ideal for families with children, meander through different ecosystems. The trails also connect to some Black Rock Forest Trails for those wanting more of the great outdoors.
- Delaware River Heritage Trail: Walk through city streets to famous landmarks taking in the history of Port Jervis and nature along the way. Highlights include Laurel Grove Cemetery and the Tri-States Monument.
For more ideas, visit Orange County Tourism at www.orangetourism.org.
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