17 Outdoor Activities for Every Season Around Tuxedo
While Tuxedo, New York is often celebrated as the gateway to the mountains, there’s so much more to experience than simply hiking in the woods. From the adrenaline of soaring over the valley in a hot air balloon to the quiet tradition of winter bird watching along the Hudson, this region is a four-season playground for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in hands-on agricultural experiences, the ancient sport of falconry, or tranquil lakeside yoga, there’s always a reason to step outside.
Here’s your guide to the best year-round outdoor activities surrounding Tuxedo.
Spring
As the Hudson Valley wakes up, the landscape around Tuxedo transforms into a vibrant canvas of new growth and rushing streams. This season is all about renewal—coming back from a long, sleepy winter—and offering unique opportunities to ground yourself with woodland yoga, explore historic trails on horseback, or even try your hand at falconry. It’s the perfect time to visit and see the region’s natural beauty revive.
Outdoor Yoga: Wild Yoga, Tuxedo
As the forest wakes up, join a Wild Yoga session that combines a mindful hike with outdoor yoga practice. It’s a beautiful way to ground yourself as the wildflowers begin to bloom. Sessions are held in various spots around the Tuxedo trails, focusing on breath and movement in the fresh mountain air. (in Tuxedo)
Equestrian Trail Rides: Juckas Riding Stables, Pine Bush
Spring is the perfect time for a horseback ride through any part of the 117 acres of winding Hudson Valley farmland. The horses at Juckas are gentle and well-trained, making this an ideal outing for beginners or families. You’ll amble through shaded woods and green fields as the foliage starts to pop with vibrant new colors. (40 minutes from Tuxedo)
Early Season Biking: Heritage Trail, Middletown to Harriman
The Heritage Trail is a paved, 19-mile multi-use path that follows the old Erie Railroad bed. In spring, it’s a great flat route for biking without the mud of the mountain trails. It passes through quaint villages, sanctuaries, and historic sites, offering a peaceful, low-impact way to see the local landscape. You don’t have to ride all 19 miles, either. There are plenty of stop-off points along the way, making this the perfect excursion for families of all ages. (10-15 minutes to the Monroe trailhead)
Visitors biking and walking along the Heritage Trail in the Hudson Valley.
Next Level Birding: Falconry Excursions, Goshen
For a truly unique experience, try your hand at the ancient art of falconry. You can book an introductory session where you’ll learn to handle and fly a trained hawk to your gloved hand. (Seriously!) It’s a thrilling way to connect with the region’s predatory birds in a stunning outdoor setting—and yeah, it’ll also make for great photos. (25 minutes from Tuxedo)
A trained hawk during a falconry experience near Tuxedo in the Hudson Valley.
Summer
When the temperatures rise, the activities move to the high altitudes and refreshing waters that define the Highlands. Summer invites you to cool off with a paddle across pristine glacial lakes, catch a sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon, or wander through sun-drenched fields to pick your own bouquet of local blooms. It’s peak season for classic lakeside relaxation.
Canoeing and Kayaking: Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo
Of course, you can hike here in the cooler months, but summer is all about the water. Rent rowboats or bring your own kayak to explore the 320-acre Sterling Lake. The water is incredibly calm and clear, surrounded by deep forest, and providing a cooling respite from the summer heat and a unique perspective of the ironworks ruins from the water. (in Tuxedo)
Hot Air Balloon Rides: Enchanted Balloon Tours, New Hampton
For the ultimate scenic view, take to the sky in a hot air balloon. Floating over the rolling hills of the lower Hudson Valley at sunrise or sunset offers a gorgeous perspective of the Highlands. It’s a bucket-list summer activity that captures the vastness and beauty of the region from hundreds of feet up. (25 minutes from Tuxedo)
Flower Picking: Dr. Davies Farm, Congers
Beyond their famous apples, this farm offers "pick your own" flower sessions during the summer months. You can stroll through vibrant rows of zinnias, sunflowers, and snapdragons to create a custom bouquet to bring back home. A relaxing and sensory-rich outdoor activity, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time for photos as well. (20 minutes from Tuxedo)
Outdoor Swimming and Picnicking: Lake Welch Beach, Stony Point
Lake Welch is the largest beach in Harriman State Park and features a massive man-made sand beach. It’s a quintessential summer destination for families, offering swimming, grilling areas, and plenty of space for a full day of relaxation. Just consider it a coastal getaway tucked right into the mountains. (20 minutes from Tuxedo)
Fall
Autumn in the valley is a world-class spectacle, drawing visitors to experience the legendary foliage, along with all the food and drinks that go with it. From the classic NY-activity of picking apples in a hillside orchard to taking in 360-degree views from a mountaintop summit, this season is all about the unforgettable hues that dominate the landscape. It’s the ultimate time for festive hayrides, corn mazes, apple-everything, and sunset riverside cruises.
Apple Picking and Hard Cider: Pennings Farm Orchard, Warwick
Autumn in the Hudson Valley is synonymous with apple picking. Pennings offers a lively fall atmosphere where you can pick your own fruit and then head to their cidery for a glass of crisp, local hard cider. The hillside orchard provides some of the best foliage views in the entire Warwick Valley. (20 minutes from Tuxedo)
A scenic Hudson Valley farm near Tuxedo surrounded by mountain views at sunset.
Mountaintop Foliage: Perkins Memorial Drive, Bear Mountain
Located within Bear Mountain State Park, this winding road takes you to the summit of Bear Mountain. In the fall, the 360-degree views of the Hudson River and the colorful canopy are legendary. It’s an easy way to experience high-altitude scenery without a strenuous climb, perfect for a brisk October afternoon. (30 minutes from Tuxedo)
Corn Mazes and Hayrides: Pierson’s Farm, Middletown
This historic farm (operating since 1790!) offers a classic fall festival experience. You can navigate their intricate corn maze, take a traditional hayride, and visit the pumpkin patch. It’s a great way to support local agriculture while enjoying the crisp autumn air and festive community spirit. (30 minutes from Tuxedo)
Visitors enjoying a seasonal hayride at a Hudson Valley farm near Tuxedo during the fall season.
Leaf-Peeping on the Water: Hudson River Cruises, Kingston
Board a cruise from the Newburgh waterfront to see the Highlands' foliage from the Hudson River. Passing through the "Wey-gat" (Wind Gate) between Storm King and Breakneck Ridge, you’ll see the dramatic scale of the mountains and the vibrant autumn colors reflected in the water. (40 minutes from Tuxedo)
Winter
As snow starts to fall, the pace slows down, revealing a quiet, pristine beauty across the parks and waterways. Winter in Tuxedo offers a chance to embrace the chill through traditional outdoor ice skating, snowshoeing through silent forests, or spotting majestic bald eagles along the frozen riverbanks. Still—there’s plenty to do outside. Bundle up to experience the chilly air and explore the frost-covered Highlands.
Outdoor Ice Skating: The Village at Tuxedo Reserve, Tuxedo
When the seasons shift, so does the Village Green, a beautifully landscaped lawn nestled in the heart of The Village of Tuxedo Reserve. A full-size ice rink with clear dasher boards becomes the centerpiece of winter fun–perfect for skating, hockey, and festive winter programming. Surrounded by boutique shopping and dining in the village square, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic winter afternoon with the family. (in Tuxedo)
Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing: Mount Peter, Warwick
A true local favorite, Mount Peter offers a classic, approachable ski experience just a short drive from Tuxedo. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and manageable terrain, it’s perfect for both beginners getting comfortable on the slopes and seasoned skiers looking for an easy, fun day outdoors. The mountain also offers night skiing, giving you the chance to extend your time on the snow under the lights. With on-site rentals and a cozy lodge to warm up between runs, it’s an ideal spot for a spontaneous winter outing. (20 minutes from Tuxedo)
Snowshoeing the Highlands: Harriman State Park, Southfields
Once there’s snow on the ground, the trails you hiked in summer become a winter wonderland. Many of the lower-elevation trails near Tuxedo are perfect for snowshoeing. It’s a peaceful, quiet way to explore the forest, and, because of the slower pace this time of the year, you’ll often find yourself alone in the woods, following the tracks of local wildlife. (5 minutes from Tuxedo)
Winter Bird Watching: Constitution Marsh Sanctuary, Garrison
Winter is an excellent time to spot bald eagles along the Hudson River as they congregate near open water to fish. This sanctuary offers a boardwalk through the marsh and provides prime viewing spots for wintering birds. The frozen marsh landscape has a stark, quiet beauty that is completely different from the summer months. (40 minutes from Tuxedo)
Cross-Country Skiing: Fahnestock Winter Park, Carmel
While a slightly longer drive, this dedicated winter park offers over 11 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. They provide equipment rentals so you can pack light, and enjoy their on-site Acorn Cafe for an aprés ski hot chocolate after a few loops through the snowy forest. (45 minutes from Tuxedo)
Discover More at The Village at Tuxedo Reserve
Explore more of the Hudson Valley lifestyle at The Village at Tuxedo Reserve — a new town center bringing together experiential dining, boutique retail, outdoor recreation, and community just 30 miles from Manhattan.