Polaroid of the Week: Hiking the Dramatic Cliffs of Gertrude's Nose
Just days after returning to New York City, I boarded a train at Grand Central Terminal bound for New Hamburg, a quaint town along the Hudson River in Upstate New York.
This short getaway was perfect for recharging amid nature. After my recent adventures in Tennessee, I sought another invigorating hike in the Lower Hudson Valley, a region brimming with trails to explore.
Consulting our trusted hiking guide, we chose the 7-mile Gertrude's Nose Trail in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, including a detour to Lake Minnewaska.
The trail began easily on a gravel road before narrowing into a serene path. We hiked alone for hours, spotting fresh bear tracks that added a thrill. Edging along steep cliffs, we overlooked vast, untouched forests—remarkable wilderness just two hours north of NYC.
After three hours, we encountered fellow hikers near Awosting Falls, where more visitors arrived via shorter routes. The falls were pleasant but subdued without recent rains; we pressed on, looping back toward the parking lot.
En route, we detoured to Lake Minnewaska, glimpsed earlier. Hot and sweaty, we stripped down for a refreshing dip—unofficial, perhaps, but utterly revitalizing!
Leaving Minnewaska, we planned fall hikes, eagerly awaiting peak foliage. Planning a U.S. fall foliage trip? Check this fall foliage forecast & map.
