Hiking Winding Hills County Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Winding Hills County Park: trails, map and practical info

Hudson Valley • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 2 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
3 km
Elevation
34 ft
Duration
1h00

Explore 3.2 km of rolling Hudson Valley terrain in Montgomery, New York—a quieter alternative to crowded regional destinations. This easy, 1-hour loop winds through hardwood forests and hugs a serene lakeside trail, offering consistent water views and wildlife sightings without the crowds.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Winding Hills County Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"trail_system_paragraph": "The park's trail system accommodates hikers of all experience levels, with routes ranging from easy lakeside walks to more demanding hill climbs. The well-maintained paths are clearly marked and regularly maintained, making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors. Most trails can be completed in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, with modular routes available for both shorter and longer outings depending on your preferences."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
1847 NY-17K, Montgomery, NY 12549, USA
GPS coordinates
41.5368919, -74.2738101
Phone
(845) 457-4918

Starting Point

The easiest way to get to the start of the trails at the winding hills county park in New York is to take exit 16 from the New York State Thruway and then follow the signs to the park.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.5368919, -74.2738101
Center
(845) 457-4918

Hikers' opinions

4.7
1 Reviews
PV
Park Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
Great hiking experience at Winding Hills County Park! The 50m elevation gain provides just enough challenge for a moderate workout without being too strenuous. Took us about 2.5 hours to complete the trails at a leisurely pace, enjoying the Hudson Valley scenery. Note that parking isn't free and dogs aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
34.00 m
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
1h00
No
No
Yes, the Winding Hills County Park trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and those new to hiking. With a distance of 3.2 km and an elevation gain of only 50 m, it's an accessible option for most fitness levels.
The Winding Hills County Park trail takes approximately 1h00 to complete. This timing is based on the 3.2 km distance and 50 m elevation gain on an Easy-rated path.
Didn't find your answer?
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : July 2026