Things to Do in New Paltz, New York

New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve covers the northern Shawangunk Ridge just west of the village. It has about 70 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding. The Gunks cliffs here are among the best-known rock climbing spots in the country.

★ Good to know The Visitor Center on Route 44/55 in Gardiner is free and open daily. The lands charge non-members a day fee and are open sunrise to sunset.

This 10-acre National Historic Landmark District has seven stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French Church, the settlers’ original burying ground and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. Guided tours cover three of the street’s structures and run about an hour, with no more than 12 people per group.

★ Good to know Tours run Wednesday through Sunday into October, then weekends only until mid-December; register online a week or two ahead, and park in the lot on Broadhead Avenue.

The Smiley brothers started this Victorian resort on Lake Mohonk in the 1870s as a small retreat for family and friends. You don’t have to stay overnight. Day passes cover hiking, dining, the spa, golf on a nine-hole course built in 1897, and seasonal events like the spring tulip gardens and winter ice skating.

★ Good to know Trail passes are first come, first served and don’t include the Mountain House itself. Book a dining or spa pass to go inside.

Farther along the ridge, this state park preserve covers more than 24,000 acres. It has three sky lakes, waterfalls, cliffs, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths. There’s a vehicle entry fee, and the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center has maps and hands-on exhibits.

★ Good to know Lots fill early on good-weather days, and the park closes entrances when they do. Check swimming status before you pack a suit.

This unpaved rail trail follows the old Wallkill Valley Railroad for more than 22 miles, right through the middle of New Paltz. Head north and you’ll reach the 940-foot Rosendale trestle over Rondout Creek. It’s free and open dawn to dusk all year.

★ Good to know Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed, and dogs must stay leashed.

The art museum on the SUNY New Paltz campus is free and open to all. It mixes rotating exhibitions with a changing display of its own collection.

★ Good to know It’s open Wednesday through Sunday; check the museum site for special hours around openings.

Dressel Farms has grown fruit here since Fred Dressel bought the farm in 1957, and it now has more than 300 acres of apples in over 20 varieties. It runs pick-your-own weekends in fall and strawberries in June, and its Kettleborough Cider House pours hard cider on the farm. Twin Star Orchards, on North Ohioville Road, adds a cider tasting room and a wood-fired pizza and burger pavilion.

★ Good to know Dressel’s apple picking is weekends only in season, and pets aren’t allowed in its orchards; Twin Star is pet friendly.

This family-owned winery opened in 2010 on Albany Post Road, with views of the Shawangunk Ridge. It pours its own wines by the tasting, glass or bottle, and serves wood-fired pizza Friday through Sunday.

★ Good to know Live music runs on weekend afternoons, and leashed dogs are welcome.