Highland Mills offers quiet access to lakes, creeks, and state parks perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking easy hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching close to New York’s Hudson Highlands.
Highland Mills offers quiet access to lakes, creeks, and state parks perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking easy hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching close to New York’s Hudson Highlands.
Outdoor Adventures in Highland Mills, New York
Highland Mills, a small town in Orange County, New York, is a great spot for outdoor lovers looking for low-key adventures just outside the bustling metro area. Its access to nearby natural areas makes it ideal for hiking, paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Highland Mills, New York special.
★ 8.5⌖ 6.67 milesBear Mountain offers stunning fall foliage and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Located near Highlands, NY, it's perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The park also features a zoo and museums. Best visited in fall for vibrant colors.
★ 8.2⌖ 7.48 milesModerateExplore Harriman State Park near New York City with moderate hiking trails, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and camping during spring and fall. This family-friendly park offers accessible natural beauty within an hour’s drive of the city.
★ 8.2⌖ 7.54 milesModerateLocated about an hour north of New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers moderate hiking with rewarding summit views, calm pedal boating on Hessian Lake, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking accessible nature and scenic vistas from late spring through early fall.
★ 8.5⌖ 8.38 milesModerateHike the moderate Howell Trail loop in Storm King State Park, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Enjoy rocky granite formations, hardwood forests, and panoramic summit views of the Hudson River. This family-friendly trail offers birdwatching and nearby kayaking for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.
★ 7.2⌖ 9.08 milesModerateExplore Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, NY, offering moderate hikes with captivating views of the Hudson River. Birdwatching and photography opportunities abound. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage. Located within Storm King and Hudson Highlands State Parks.
★ 8.2⌖ 10.01 milesHardExplore Hudson Highlands State Park, offering challenging hikes like Breakneck Ridge with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Enjoy kayaking for a serene river perspective. Best visited in spring and fall. Suitable for adventure seekers; expect steep terrain and historical sites.
★ 7.8⌖ 12.24 milesModerateSterling Forest State Park near Tuxedo Park, NY offers moderate hiking and mountain biking through forests and ridges with historic mining sites. Visit spring to fall for scenic lake views, diverse wildlife, and educational exhibits at the visitor center.
★ 8.2⌖ 13.30 milesModerateExplore Beacon Overlook in Hudson Highlands State Park. With moderate trails and stunning views of the Hudson River, it's popular for hiking and photography. Watch for rare plant species and historical sites along the journey.
★ 5.5⌖ 21.77 milesExplore the diverse ecosystems of Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Wanaque, NJ. With over 4,000 acres, enjoy hiking on popular trails like MacEvoy and Cannonball, bird-watching, and peaceful lakeside activities. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage.
★ 7.8⌖ 23.45 milesEasyExplore Tarrytown Lakes Park in Tarrytown, NY, featuring easy lakeside trails perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Appreciate peaceful fishing spots and enjoy beautiful autumn foliage. Suitable for families and nature lovers year-round.
★ 8.8⌖ 26.88 milesModerateExplore the waterfalls and cliffs of Minnewaska State Park Preserve near Kerhonkson, NY. This moderate hike features stunning views of quartz conglomerate cliffs, waterfalls like Awosting Falls, and serene lakes. Ideal in spring for water flow and fall for vibrant foliage.
★ 7.2⌖ 29.07 milesExplore the majestic cliffs of Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine, NJ. Featuring dramatic basalt cliffs, this area offers stunning views and hiking opportunities just 30 minutes from NYC. Popular activities include bouldering and picnicking, especially in spring or fall.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Highland Mills, New York, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Highland Mills, New York.
⌖ 3.4 miA 1.5-hour on-water class that combines a brief safety and paddle clinic, a scenic paddle to an anchor point, a gentle yoga flow, and a final floating moment to let the river guide you back.
⌖ 8.7 miA curated series of guided seasonal walks at Manitoga that combine designed landscape hikes, interior tours of the House and Studio, and season-specific refreshments—this guide orients you to what to expect on each outing.
⌖ 9.0 miA free, 1.5‑hour guided walk at Manitoga in Garrison that leads residents through a sculpted landscape, a waterfall crossing, and the historic House and Studio—this guide explains what to expect on the route and practical restrictions to plan around.
⌖ 9.6 miA focused, 2-hour guided drawing program at Manitoga that places participants in the site’s Inner Landscape to observe and make work with curated materials.
⌖ 9.8 miA 1.5-hour evening cruise departing Peekskill on the restored US Coast Guard buoy tender Evening Star, offering sunset views of Bear Mountain Bridge and other Hudson Highlands landmarks.
⌖ 10.7 miA 2.5-hour sightseeing brunch departing from Fleischmann Pier aboard the 90‑ft Emerald Princess, featuring a full brunch and a complimentary mimosa while cruising northbound on the Hudson.
⌖ 11.4 miA short, scenic cruise aboard the Evening Star that delivers front‑row views of autumn color along the Hudson River and a concise primer on the region’s history.
⌖ 11.4 miA concise, 1-hour river cruise from Peekskill on a converted US Coast Guard buoy tender, offering sweeping views of the Hudson Highlands and short, family-friendly time on the water.
⌖ 11.8 miA 2.5‑hour guided cruise-and-walk from 2 Red Flynn Drive in Beacon to Pollepel (Bannerman) Island — a compact, all‑ages outing that pairs river scenery with a guided tour that supports preservation efforts.
⌖ 12.1 miAn immersive, museum‑led living‑history program that includes a 20–25 minute flight aboard the Douglas C‑47, authentic reproduction gear, a simulated jump, and an educational briefing from the American Airpower Museum.
⌖ 12.2 miA concise field guide to Lawrence Farms Orchards’ School Groups Apple Picking Package — what students will do, what’s included, and the group rules every teacher needs to know.
⌖ 12.2 miA structured two-hour school outing in Newburgh that combines apple picking, a tractor-pulled wagon ride, an Apple Learning Center visit and supervised play areas—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 12.5 miA 2.5-hour, backend-only private charter run by Bannerman Castle that delivers a personalized, crowd-free outing; this guide distills what to expect and who it suits.
⌖ 13.0 miA 2–2.5 hour public sail launching from the Hudson Valley aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater that pairs tall‑ship sailing with wildlife encounters and hands‑on river education.
⌖ 13.2 miA three-hour, round-trip evening boat cruise to Bannerman Island that combines a guided walk through castle ruins and the newly restored Grotto with a ribbon-cutting celebration and fundraising for historic preservation.
Make the most of your visit to Highland Mills, New York with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Highland Mills, New York is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Harriman State Park, located in New York, offers a vast terrain of forested hills and valleys, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, amidst the serene landscape of northeastern New Jersey.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York, offers a stunning array of natural beauty and recreational activities amidst rugged terrain and scenic vistas.
High Point State Park offers stunning panoramic views from New Jersey's highest elevation point, with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Carry insect repellent during warmer months as mosquitoes can be present near wetlands.
Parking at Campbell Point Park is limited; consider arriving early on weekends.
Moodna Creek water levels can vary; check conditions before paddling.
Bring water and snacks, as amenities near trails are limited.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Highland Mills, New York. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.