Local hikers share favorite spots

By Pete Colaizzo
Poughkeepsie Journal

Kevin A. Boyce, Millbrook -- Boyce cited the Shawangunk Mountains (Ulster County) and their plentiful trails, and the Appalachian Trail, which slices through 30 miles of rural, eastern Dutchess County.

Mike Bakker, Fishkill -- Bakker picked popular Shawangunk sites Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve.

Robert Cahill, Castle Point -- Cahill was one of several readers who mentioned the Breakneck Ridge area of southern Dutchess and northern Putnam County, in the Beacon/Fishkill/Cold Spring area.

Richard Goldstone, Poughkeepsie -- Goldstone listed his top three as this: 1. Breakneck Ridge, 2. Minnewaska State Park, 3. Mohonk Preserve.

Stacy Kearse, Beacon -- Kearse put in another vote for Breakneck Ridge.

Stan Roberts, Poughkeepsie -- The man with a lifetime of hiking experience has a long list of favorites. Among his picks: Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Black Creek Preserve in Esopus, Minnewaska State Park.

Jaya Srikrishnan, Wappingers Falls -- Although she is mainly a road walker, Srikrishnan has a fair amount of trail hiking experience. Her favorite destinations include Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie, Vanderbilt in Hyde Park, and Mohonk and Minnewaska in New Paltz.