Sports and Outdoor RecreationNew Paltz and the surrounding region is well known around the world for its outdoor attractions. The area offers a host of trail options for hikers & bicyclists, with some of the best views of the Hudson Valley.
In addition to the hiking and kayaking opportunities, the region has more to offer in terms of sports. From professional baseball to NCAA basketball to world-class golf, the Hudson Valley has so much to offer the sports-minded visitor. Hiking
What better place to go for a hike than in New Paltz? From Main Street you have sweeping views of the Shawangunk Mountains all the way up to Mohonk's Skytop Tower. Take a hike up to the tower and explore the Shawangunk's many waterfalls and lakes. From one side you can see New Paltz and Gardiner, from the other you can see the Catskill Mountains. Check out the local hiking spots HERE! Biking
When you think of New Paltz, most people think of our incredible views from the Shawangunks, many of which can be seen from carriage trails along the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. More than just mountain biking, we also have great trails in and around town. From the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, more than 24 miles of linear park connecting Gardiner and Kingston, to the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world's tallest and longest pedestrian walkway, connecting the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west side of the Hudson to the Dutchess County Rail Trail on the east side, we've got miles and miles of vehicle-free trails to explore. Consider renting a bike HERE! Climbing
For rock climbers, the Shawangunks, or ‘The Gunks’, are the single busiest climbing destination in North America, with some 50,000 technical climbers visiting the area each year to scale roughly 1200 documented climbing routes. The rock is quartz conglomerate, solid rock with horizontal, rather than vertical cracks. This area is famous for great one-to-three-pitch climbs of all levels of difficulty. You'll find some of the best easy and moderate climbs in the country here.The less adventurous can see the climbers in action from the Mohonk Preserve’s Undercliff/Overcliff trail. Click HERE for more information! Kayaking
The beautiful Wallkill River runs at the base of New Paltz. Along this river you can experience views of local farms, Historic Huguenot Street, and beautiful views of the Shawangunk Mountains. Access to the river can be found at Sojourner Truth Park on Plains Road. Consider renting a kayak HERE! Get Off the Ground
Hudson Valley adventure lives in Gardiner at Skydive the Ranch, the #1 skydiving and parachuting school in New York State, serving the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for over 20 years. There's no better way to experience the Valley than to view it in freefall from 13,500 feet. For more off-the-ground adventure, take a trip to Hunter Mountain for the longest and highest zipline canopy tour in North America, or take a scenic skyride on its state-of-the-art lift to the 3,200 foot summit. Skiing and Snowboarding
For downhill skiing and snowboarding, New Paltz and the surrounding region is a terrific jumping off point for the Catskill ski region. Hunter Mountain features three separate mountains encompassing a wide variety of terrain catering to skiers and riders of all ability levels, from comfortable and spacious learning terrain perfect for first-time beginners, to steeps and bumps for the seasoned expert. Cross-Country seekers will find all they need in the Hudson Valley, from Minnewaska State Park Preserve's groomed carraigeways to Mohonk Preserve's ungroomed, backcountry skiing, to the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail's highly accessible, flat snow surface. Golf
Whether you're looking for a championship course to put every part of your game to the test, or if you just want a fun 9-hole round, you'll find it in the New Paltz area. Browse local golf courses here: Golf Courses Baseball
Don't miss a visit to Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades --2012 New York-Penn league champions! There's no better place to root-root-root for the home team than at the Dutch. Enjoy a snack or make a meal at one of the stadium's five concession stands, including specialty burgers, hotdogs and french fries, and the Healthy Hut and Renegades Pizzeria & Pub. Be sure to say hello to local celebrity and 'Gades mascot Rookie Raccoon, his lovely wife Rene Gade, and their son Rascal. Click HERE! |
Mohonk Preserve
Gerald Berliner
Marianne Markle
|
Photo by LACE Photo Media - from 2018 Taste of New Paltz Karate Demonstration
Martial Arts
Martial Arts are a great way to get centered and build self-confidence, and a terrific form of exercise. Karate is so much more than a form a self defense, providing a path toward ethical decision-making and spirituality. Browse local karate studios here: Marital Arts
Swimming
Make swimming part of your nature experience or take a dip in a local pool. The Hudson Valley's got lots of ways to get refreshed and energized in the water, from public beaches in the Minnewaska State Park to the Ulster County Pool Complex, right in the town of New Paltz.
College Sports
Watch outstanding student-athletes compete at our local colleges. SUNY New Paltz NCAA Division III men's sports include Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Swimming, Volleyball and Cross-Country. For Division III women's sports, check out Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Soccer, Cross-Country and Lacrosse. Or head to Stone Ridge for SUNY Ulster NJCAA Division III men's soccer, basketball, baseball, golf and tennis, or women's volleyball and softball. Go SUNY New Paltz Hawks & SUNY Ulster Senators!
