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131.0 km
~5 days
2245 m
Multi-Day
The Wallkill Valley Loop is a captivating journey through a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites, offering hikers an immersive experience in the scenic Hudson Valley region. Spanning approximately 131 kilometers (about 81 miles) with an elevation gain of roughly 2200 meters (about 7218 feet), this trail is a point-to-point route that begins near Orange County, New York.
Getting to the Trailhead
To reach the starting point of the Wallkill Valley Loop, hikers can drive to the vicinity of Orange County, where the trailhead is conveniently located. For those opting for public transportation, regional buses or trains may be available to nearby towns, from which a taxi or local shuttle can be taken to the trail's commencement.
Trail Experience
As you embark on the Wallkill Valley Loop, you'll traverse a variety of terrains, including lush meadows, dense forests, and wetlands. The trail is well-marked, but carrying a reliable navigation tool like HiiKER is recommended to stay on track and be aware of upcoming changes in the landscape.
The first segment of the trail introduces you to the Wallkill River, a constant companion along the route. The river's floodplain is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, and if you're lucky, the occasional bald eagle.
As you continue, the trail leads you through the historic town of New Paltz, where you can explore the Huguenot Street Historic District. This area is rich in history, with stone houses dating back to the early 18th century, offering a glimpse into the lives of the area's first European settlers.
Natural Highlights and Landmarks
The Shawangunk Ridge, known locally as "The Gunks," is a prominent feature along the trail. Renowned for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations, The Gunks are a popular destination for rock climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. As you approach this area, you'll experience a gradual ascent, which rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Further along the trail, the historic Rosendale Trestle, a 940-foot (287-meter) long bridge standing 150 feet (46 meters) above the Rondout Creek, offers a breathtaking vantage point. The trestle is a testament to the region's industrial past, once serving as a critical link for transporting natural cement during the 19th century.
Wildlife and Flora
The diverse habitats along the Wallkill Valley Loop support a rich tapestry of wildlife. In addition to the birdlife, keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, beavers, and various amphibians near the wetlands. The trail also winds through areas of wildflowers and deciduous forests, where the changing seasons paint a vibrant picture, especially during the fall foliage.
Preparation and Considerations
Given the trail's medium difficulty rating, hikers should be prepared for some challenging sections, particularly those with significant elevation changes. It's essential to pack adequate water, food, and layers of clothing to adapt to the variable weather conditions that can occur in the Hudson Valley.
The Wallkill Valley Loop can be hiked year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant times to experience the trail's natural beauty. Regardless of when you choose to hike, always check the weather forecast and trail conditions beforehand, and be prepared for the adventure that awaits on this remarkable journey through the Wallkill Valley.
What to expect?
Activity types
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike the Wallkill Valley Loop in New York?
The Wallkill Valley Loop covers 130.96 km, or about 81.4 miles, with 2,245 m of climbing, so it is usually treated as a multi-day route rather than a single-day hike. Strong hikers often break it into roughly 3 to 6 days depending on pace, weather, and how much time is spent in places like New Paltz, Gardiner, and the Shawangunk ridge section.
How difficult is the Wallkill Valley Loop and what kind of terrain is on it?
The Wallkill Valley Loop is rated medium, but the challenge comes from its length and cumulative elevation gain rather than constant steep climbing. The route combines long rail-trail miles on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail’s unpaved stone surface with hillier sections around the Shawangunks, where carriage roads, forest trails, and ridge terrain add more sustained effort.
Where can you park for the Wallkill Valley Loop?
Parking for the Wallkill Valley Loop is commonly picked up from Wallkill Valley Rail Trail access points, including Gardiner, Sojourner Park in New Paltz, Binnewater Road in Rosendale, and Rockwell Lane near Kingston. Those trailheads give practical access to the rail-trail side of the loop, and the New Paltz and Rosendale entries are especially useful for splitting the route into shorter sections.
Is the Wallkill Valley Loop dog friendly?
Dogs can be allowed on parts of the Wallkill Valley Loop, but rules change by land manager, so it is not a simple yes-or-no route. On Mohonk Preserve lands, dogs are allowed on leash, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve also allows dogs with cleanup required, but any loop plan that crosses multiple properties needs the current rules checked for each segment before setting out.
Can you do the Wallkill Valley Loop by public transportation?
Public transportation can work for parts of the Wallkill Valley Loop, especially around New Paltz. Mohonk Preserve notes stops in New Paltz including the Thruway Park and Ride and New Paltz Trailways, which can help with access to the ridge side, while the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail passes directly through towns such as Gardiner, New Paltz, and Rosendale that are easier to reach than the more remote sections.
What towns and landmarks do you pass on the Wallkill Valley Loop?
The Wallkill Valley Loop links some of the best-known corridor towns in the mid-Hudson region, including Gardiner, New Paltz, Rosendale, and the approach toward Kingston on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Notable features along or near the route include the Wallkill River, the Rosendale Trestle area, and broad views of the Shawangunk Mountains from the rail-trail corridor.
Is the Wallkill Valley Loop a good backpacking route or better for section hiking?
The Wallkill Valley Loop works well both ways, but its 130.96 km length makes it especially practical as a section hike. The rail-trail portions through Gardiner, New Paltz, and Rosendale offer easier logistics and access points, while the ridge sections add more elevation and make the full loop feel more like a backpacking trip than a simple long walk.
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