It’s no secret that Ulster County has some of the most sought after landscapes and vistas to enjoy in the Mid Hudson Valley. The fall season is notoriously one of the most popular, with the autumnal colors, fall foliage and bountiful local farms. While this year has been vastly different than previous years, there are still safe and fun ways to safely explore Ulster County this fall season. Make sure you have your mask on or handy, and that you keep in mind maintaining the six feet of social distancing when out in public, regardless if you are out in the open or in any of the towns. 

Leaf Peeping: Leaf peepers from all over congregate in the Hudson Valley to experience first hand some of the most envious and breathtaking views in the country, especially the Catskill Mountains. Take in some of the best views in the region and explore the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, with panoramic views, and quaint towns to stop and have a bite to eat. The Shawangunk Mountains Byway is another beautiful drive, with a section between Kerhonkson and New Paltz that is notorious for leaf peepers. If you’ve got a hike planned for the day, Mount Tremper is located in the town of Shandaken, it is a six mile hike that offers panoramic views of the Catskills. If you’re visiting Woodstock, try Overlook Mountain, this five mile loop offers 360 views at the summit. These vistas are beautiful to explore by car, bike or walking. Just make sure you check the local municipalities for any additional rules in place regarding COVID-19 safety measures. 

Rail Trails: The Mid Hudson Valley is full of beautiful converted old railroad tracks that have been paved for public use for walking and biking. Ulster County is home to some of the most beautiful rail trails in the Valley, allowing you to safely explore both the Hudson River as well as the beautiful mountains, lakes and forests in the area. The Ashokan Rail Trail, which follows the Ashokan Reservoir, opened up last year, and is a great 11.5 loop to explore the area and see all the fall colors around the reservoir. The Wallkill Rail Trail stretches over 23 miles through Ulster County, starting in Gardiner, just south of New Paltz, and ends in Kingston. The Wallkill Rail Trail offers incredible views of the Shawangunk Ridge, crosses over multiple rivers, including the Wallkill River. One other very popular walk is the Walkway over the Hudson, which is an incredible walk across the Hudson River, offering spectacular views of both sides of the Hudson Valley. The Walkway over the Hudson is located in Highland, and links to Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County. On a sunny day, the foliage on both sides of the river is a sight for sore eyes, and you can see for miles to the south and north. Make sure you double check for any additional rules in utilizing the rail trails in relation to COVID-19, and that you always wear a mask and practice social distancing when using the rail trails. 

Fall Events: If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, and about the land, there are some guided walks and events taking place that will allow you to safely explore Ulster County this fall. Due to COVID-19, these events require pre-registration, are limited to a small number of people, and will require masks and social distancing. Make sure if you’re interested, you read the full list and sign up here. If you’re interested in learning more about the geology of the land in Ulster County, on October 9th there is a guided walk around Lake Maratanza with Interpretive Ranger, Becca Howe- Parisio. The three-mile hike will explore the land around the lake, and highlight the landscape and features of the mountains around you, and you will learn about how the glaciers, thousands of years ago, created the incredible landscape. Becca Howe- Parisio is also hosting an additional event, on October 31st, which will highlight the fall foliage at Sam’s Point, which is also located on Lake Maratanza. Both these events require pre-registration due to COVID-19. And if you prefer something a little more challenging without the guide, you can also check out nearby Gertrude’s Nose Loop trail. Coming in at a strenuous 7.3 miles up to a max elevation of over 1,800 feet, it’s a surefire way to take in absolutely stunning fall foliage views! Learn more about this trail and loop at Scenes from the Trail’s article and check out their photo included here with some amazing views from Gertrude’s Nose itself. Talk about stunning fall colors! 

For more information regarding events happening in Ulster County this season, and how you can enjoy all the Ulster County has to offer, check out the calendar. Please take every precaution in staying safe while out exploring, and make sure you call ahead to ensure you are fully informed of any additional regulations in place. And remember whenever you’re ready to make Ulster County your home – or home away from home – contact us to connect with a REALTOR^® who can help find the perfect property for you!