high falls

Set between the Catskills and the Shawangunk Ridge, Kerhonkson, NY is a low-key gateway to some of the Hudson Valley’s most dramatic landscapes. Here, glacial lakes meet ridge-line trails, and post-hike afternoons wind down with small-batch cider, tacos, or natural wine beneath the trees. Home to Minnewaska State Park Preserve – a 22,000-acre expanse of cliffs, forests, and panoramic viewpoints – Kerhonkson draws hikers, swimmers, and day-trippers with its blend of rugged terrain and relaxed hospitality. A six-mile hike might wrap with a sandwich and a cider flight, while a Friday night could mean craft cocktails at a roadside motel. Kerhonkson moves at its own pace – mornings on the ridge, evenings around the table, with plenty of space to breathe between. Read on for our full area guide,  including where to hike, eat, and drink.