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High Banks Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Ulster Park, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from High Banks Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about High Banks Preserve
“The trails are well maintained and bless scenic hudson for not letting the area become condos.”
“On one of the other Trails there are little there are wet areas where there are frogs and you can hike a trail that takes you to a beautiful Lake”
“There is an area being prepared as a wildflower meadow that explains the process of removing invasive shrubs that is well marked and tended.”
“Well maintained, and easy trails for a pleasant hike.”
Once inhabited by the Esopus Indians, they referred to the area as "High Banks with Flowing Waters". About 3 miles of well marked trails. Hilly, but nothing too difficult. We passed by some well preserved stone walls and walked a boardwalk to keep off a swampy area.
A wonderful hiking trail that is appropriate for almost everyone who likes hiking. The parking lot is spacious and easy to reach and gives nice views of the Hudson and eastern banks. The first 1/2 mile is uphill with a gain of 200ft and on an old road. It is wide and open an on a hot sunny day will provide no shade.
For a small place that's not busy it has a lot to offer. There are miles of old roads and trails and a variety of biomes.
This place has a fun history! It used to be a camp. The trails are uphill in the beginning but nothing too strenuous. When you get to the one viewing area between the trees, you can spot Burger Hill across the river which is actually kinda cool. Fun place for a quick hike.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is spacious and easy to reach and gives nice views of the Hudson and eastern banks.”
“The white trail (marked at the top of the hill as the Overlook Trail) provides glimpses of the river but no real vistas due to the trees and shrubs.”
“The parking lot is spacious and easy to reach and gives nice views of the Hudson and eastern banks.”
“Red trail is suitable for strollers.”
“There is an area being prepared as a wildflower meadow that explains the process of removing invasive shrubs that is well marked and tended.”
“We passed by some well preserved stone walls and walked a boardwalk to keep off a swampy area.”
Plan your run at High Banks Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitescenichudson.org
- Phone+1 845-473-4440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Ulster Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Esopus Meadows Preserve
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Kingston Point Rail Trail
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Hasbrouck Park
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Kingston Point Park
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Red Fox Ravine
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