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New Paltz isn’t just a great place to have coffee and a bite to eat. Did you know that the region is one of the scenic and recreational gems of New York? After stopping by Village Grind to fuel or refuel, head to our great outdoors for a wide variety of activities and adventure for all ability levels.
One of the top options is the Mohonk Preserve just west of town. Home to spectacular Shawangunk Ridge, the preserve has hiking, biking, and world-class rock climbing opportunities. Another local favorite, and adjacent to the Mohonk Preserve, is Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There, you’ll find waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and streams, deep forests, and sweeping mountain views, with over 80 miles of carriage roads and trails unlocking them for hikers and bikers.
Closer to town, you’ll enjoy the River-to-Ridge Trail, a scenic bike path that connects New Paltz to the Mohonk Preserve. On its way, it passes through rolling hills and pastoral landscapes. There’s also the beautiful and gentle Wallkill River, a great place to relax, observe wildlife, and experience the scenery from the water.
Village Grind is the proud owner of New Paltz Biking and New Paltz Kayaking - please ask us about rental options, and then get outside and have some fun!
With all those miles of bike trails to explore, you can look to New Paltz Biking for all your needs instead of hauling everything from home. They have adult and children’s bikes available for rent, including safety gear such as helmets. The New Paltz location is conveniently located right at the start of the River-to-Ridge Trail, and there’s a location in Highland as well. Rental rates are by the hour and go up to a full day.
Once you’ve picked up your rental bike, you can go anywhere in the area where bikes are allowed, so enjoy the freedom and fresh air! New Paltz Biking also offers a special tour in which they shuttle you and your bike into the Mohonk Preserve, Then you return to town the fun and easy way: downhill!
If paddling the Wallkill sounds good to you, New Paltz Kayaking has you covered. They’ve got top-quality Wilderness Systems single and tandem kayaks available, and Mad River canoes as well. Paddles, life jackets, and helmets are included. Fishing equipment is also available to rent.
One of the best things about paddling the Wallkill is the ease of getting in and out of the water. You’ll pick up your kayak riverside at Sojourner Truth Park, and you’ll take out where you put in because the current is so gentle that it’s easy to paddle back upstream when it’s time to return. This saves paddlers the hassle of shuttling and gives them more time to enjoy the river.