Great hikes in Rockland, Westchester, northern NJ

Want to take a hike?

With help from Steven Tartas, a Westchester County resident and longtime leader of hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley, along with suggestions from New Jersey readers of the Bergen Record, we've compiled a list of terrific trails throughout the Hudson Valley and North Jersey, with at least one trek for every skill level.

Alpine Boat Basin

Where: Alpine, New Jersey.

What to expect: Kathy Marsico of Emerson, New Jersey, prefers Alpine Boat Basin because “it has some great hiking trails of various (levels of difficulty). And, if you don’t want to hike, you can just sit by the water and relax.”

There is a picnic area nearby, along with Kearney House, a 19th century homestead that was also a popular tavern. It survives as a museum.

Go past Kearney House, across a wooden bridge and bear left for the Shore Trail. Details for this trail — along with a guide to the historic markers you’ll encounter along the way — are available at nynjtc.org.

A map and other information about Alpine Boat Basin can be obtained at njpalisades.org.

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Tallman Mountain State Park

Where: Route 9W, Sparkill

Monique Bliss of Park Ridge chose this hiking area, located in nearby Sparkill, on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands. “There are beautiful vistas overlooking the Hudson River basin and the village of Piermont,” Bliss noted. The park has a hiking trail and a bike path, as well as a running track, tennis courts and picnic areas. (Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails but not at the picnic areas or on walkways.)

You can find a guide to the birds and flora at Tallman, compiled by the Rockland County Audubon Society, at rocklandaudubon.org. Directions, history and travel coordinates for Tallman Mountain State Park are available at nysparks.com.

Teatown Reservation

Where: Spring Valley Road, Yorktown

Teatown’s 15 miles of hiking trails range from easy/novice to moderately difficult, and they pass by lakes, wildlife, waterfalls, swamps, forests and meadows. Teatown's 15th trail, the 2.3-mile Twin Lakes, includes an overlook to the Hudson Highlands from Teatown’s highest point.

Good to know: The trails, which can be hiked in sneakers, connect to the Briarcliff Peekskill Trailway and the Croton Aqueduct Trail. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Onsite Nature Center has trail maps for purchase, live animal exhibits, a Nature Store and revolving art exhibits. Most programs are $7 per person. 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-762-2912. info@teatown.org, teatown.org

Hook Mountain

Where: At Nyack Beach State Park, 698 N. Broadway, Nyack

The 7.5-mile Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway, running from Nyack to Haverstraw Beach State Park, is an easy hike, following the edge of the Hudson River. An upward hill along the way will take you to the Long Path hiking route — a 7-mile route between Hook Mountain and Rockland Lake. The moderate-to-difficult path follows the ridge above the Hudson and offers vantage points to spot migrating birds and see Manhattan, the Tappan Zee Bridge, and up and down the river. Three connecting paths to the Long Path — one each at the north, south and middle points of the Hook’s façade — allow for circular hikes of varying lengths. Afraid of getting lost? Download the Avenza app at nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. It works on GPS satellites and doesn’t need Wi-Fi after the maps are loaded.

For trail questions: the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, 201-512-9348, Ext. 16. nynjtc.org/park/hook-mountain-state-park

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Where: Mahwah, New Jersey

Gina Krieger of Glen Rock answered our query with three little words: “Ramapo, Ramapo, Ramapo.” She said she and her friends “have been going up to the reservation since high school — Glen Rock, class of ’82 — and we’re still hiking the trails and swimming in the beautiful lake at the top. It’s one of those places that never changes — a gorgeous hike!”

According to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, several new trails were designed this past summer. They include Vista Loop (3.75 miles); Ridge Loop (3 miles); Marsh Loop (1.1 miles); Reservoir Loop (.65 miles) and Pong Loop (about 1 mile).

There are a total of 21 miles of trails on the park’s 4,290 acres. Fishing requires a New Jersey fishing license. For maps and additional info: nynjtc.org/park/ramapo-valley-co-reservation.

Flat Rock Brook

Where: 443 Van Nostrand Ave., Englewood, New Jersey

Cresskill resident Janet Sharma said she feels “transported” when she’s at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center. “You feel like you’re a million miles away, yet you’re close to Fort Lee, the George Washington Bridge and Route 4. And there really is a brook with big flat rocks — great for clambering, for people of all ages.”

As its website (flatrockbrook.org) explains, the nature center was established in 1973 by community members “who were deeply committed to land conservation and environmental education.”

The preserve covers 150 acres and includes a cascading stream, wetlands, a pond, wildflower meadows and quarry cliffs.

Anthony’s Nose

Where: 1 Bear Mountain Road, town of Cortlandt.

It’s not a hike for beginners or even some intermediates. Rocky granite paths are filled with steep ascents and descents, and the top is 927 feet above sea level. The sprawling clearings on this state-owned land boast some of the best vantage points of the Hudson Valley.

Good to know: Vigorous hikers will complete the 2.6-mile trek in about 2½ hours. There’s no cellphone service at the meeting site. Hiking shoes or boots are imperative, and each person should bring at least 2 liters of water. The trail isn’t suitable for ages 12 and under. From the east side of the Bear Mountain Bridge, go north on Route 9D and park on the river side just north of the bridge, in front of the “End 9D” sign. Beware of fast-moving cars when exiting your vehicle. 845-225-7207.

Blue Mountain Reservation

Where: 45 Welcher Ave., Peekskill.

Challenge your expertise and stamina by making it to the top of Mount Spitzenberg or Blue Mountain. If a leisurely pace is more your style, the 5-mile Loop Trail is ranked easy to moderate, includes two viewpoints of the Hudson and passes a beautiful pond. Bonus: The 12-mile Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is an unpaved hiking trail and accessible from the Blue Mountain trail system. A park map is essential before taking on the reservation’s 1,538 acres. Get one for free at the park office or from the parking attendant when on duty, or download one at parks.westchestergov.com.

Good to know: Blue Mountain’s trails are best for ages 9 and up, and hiking shoes/boots aren’t imperative. Mountain bikes are allowed on nearly all of its trails, so be aware of who’s coming and going on two wheels, especially on weekends and if your (leashed) dog is with you. 8 a.m. to dusk daily. 914-862-5275. parks.westchestergov.com/blue-mountain-reservation

Buttermilk Falls County Park

Where: 199 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack.

Acquired by Rockland County in 1975, this 75-acre park is maintained in its natural state, with three hiking trails threading the steep wood, gorges and ravines. At the park's highest point, visitors can see about 16,000 acres of the surrounding area — south into New Jersey and west toward the Ramapo Mountains. Local folklore claims Teddy Roosevelt rode horseback to get a view of the falls during his visits to Blauvelt. Buttermilk Falls is in the western part of the park, with a picnicking spot at the base of the falls. The actual hike is moderate, with a steep climb of 700 feet from the parking lot.

Good to know: The trail is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The park has no restrooms and is not accessible to the disabled. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. For information, call 845-364-2670 or visit nynjtc.org/hike/buttermilk-falls-county-park.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Where: 125 Phelps Way, Mount Pleasant

The preserve’s 1,400 acres are part of the Rockefeller family estate in Pocantico Hills. Its most notable feature is the system of historic carriage roads that wind through rivers, lakes, woodlands, streams, meadows and fields. Trail maps that include descriptions of the carriage roads’ distances and grades are available at the Preserve Office.

Good to know: The preserve is terrific for beginners, and sneakers or walking shoes are fine. Stop in at the Gallery (across from the Visitor Center), whose rotating exhibits feature works from local artists. The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture — the not-for-profit farm and educational center — and its Blue Hill restaurant are within walking distance. The preserve’s 180 species of birds make it super for spotting feathered friends. $6 per vehicle entry fee daily through Oct. 31, and on weekends and holidays Nov. 1 to March 31. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville. 914-631-1470. nysparks.com/parks

Demarest Nature Center

Where: 324 County Road, Demarest, New Jersey

Kathryn Zitelli of Dumont chose the Demarest Nature Center. “It’s close to my house, there are many different trails and it also connects to the nature trail in Closter,” Zitelli said. “The trail runs along the brook and there are so many birds — ducks, egrets and more. It’s a well-maintained trail and there is a lot of foot traffic, so it’s easy to follow.”

Landmarks contained within the nature center include the Duffy and Morton bridges.

For additional information go to demarestnaturecenter.org.

Stairway to Heaven

Where: Near Vernon, New Jersey

An often strenuous hike with a terrific view, Stairway to Heaven was suggested by Vernon resident Michael Fanberg. The folks at alltrails.com note, “The trail starts out as a steep climb up to the top of Wawayanda Mountain. Along the way up, especially at the base, there are many large boulders that are great for bouldering on. Once on top of the mountain you get some great views of the Vernon Valley, Pochuck Mountain and the Catskills.” Views include the Kittatinny Mountains and High Point Monument, as well as huge expanses of farmland in the valley.

For photos, details and directions, purdes.com/njhiking/stairway.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park

Where: Route 301, Carmel.

This 14,086-acre park, which stretches from Putnam County into Dutchess, offers trails which vary in length and physical demands, but the majority are fine for kids. The paths boast views, waterfalls and historic features such as the remains of the Denny Mine and stone foundations of several buildings from John Allen’s homestead.

Good to know: Fahnestock has many entry points. Our recommendation: Get a map at the visitors center off of Route 301; it will help you decide which are best for you. Open sunrise to sunset daily. Park hours and operations are subject to change. Call park beforehand to confirm hours. 1498 845-225-7207. nysparks.com/parks/133/details.aspx

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Where: Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River

At 4,315 acres, Westchester’s largest park has plenty of room to roam. You’ll find historic features — Indian Rock Shelter, Raven Rocks, Dancing Rock and Bear Rock — and amazing views on all the trails. The hikes range from easy (great for kids) to intermediate. Maps are available on the website, while directions and pamphlets are available in the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts family-oriented nature interpretive programs nearly every weekend. You needn’t starve: Picnic tables (bring your own vittles) and shaded areas are located throughout the property.

Good to know: Give your pooch a great day out, as leashed dogs are allowed. Make a weekend out of it by hiking on Saturday, camp out in lean-tos there that night and continue to explore the trails on Sunday. Hiking boots are recommended but not mandatory; bring your own water. $10 parking. County park pass not required. Open every day, 8 a.m. to dusk. 914-864-7317. parks.westchestergov.com/ward-pound-ridge-reservation

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Great hikes in Rockland, Westchester, northern NJ