Airstreams near Walden with hiking

The Hudson Valley village of Walden is just an hour and a half north of New York City, making it an easy escape from the city. Surrounded by the gentle rolling hills of the Great Appalachian Valley and the Hudson Highlands to the southwest, it’s an attractive place to spend a while.  Visitors will find plenty to do in the village’s surroundings, from visiting contemporary art galleries and sculpture parks to hiking in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Those who want to set up camp will find plenty of nearby options. 

Beacon

Just a 20-minute drive east over the Hudson from Walden, Beacon is famed as the home of the contemporary art gallery Dia: Beacon and home to a number of galleries, boutiques and antique stores. Another 25 minutes east of Beacon, Fahnestock State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who can hike, bird, boat, fish, and set up camp at the seasonal Fahnestock State Park Campground.

Cornwall-on-Hudson

A 25-minute drive south of Walden takes you to the outdoor sculpture park, Storm King Art Centre, named for nearby Storm King Mountain. You can spend all your time here wandering around the sprawling, 500-acre park, but don’t miss hiking in the pristine Storm King State Park nearby. 

Poughkeepsie

Heading 40 minutes northeast out of Walden, the city of Poughkeepsie is home to Hudson Valley's most unique state park. The 1.28-mile Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park spans the Hudson River and is the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge, offering excellent views of the Hudson Valley. 

Bear Mountain

A 40-minute drive south of Walden, Bear Mountain State Park offers hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails as well as river fishing access. Adjacent to Bear Mountain is Harriman State Park with 31 lakes, two beaches, 200 miles of trails and camping at primitive Beaver Pond Campground.

Spring and summer are the ideal times to visit to enjoy the trails and water activities on offer in the Hudson Valley. However, given the area’s proximity to New York City, you should expect crowds in the peak summer season, especially on weekends and holidays. September and October can also get busy with visitors arriving to see the vibrant colors of fall foliage while winters offer skiing and snowshoeing. Note that some popular attractions in the area, such as Storm Mountain Art Center, close in winter.