Hike Clove Valley In The Scenic Shawangunk Mountain Range
Roundtrip: 4 miles
Features: Expansive views of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, rare and unique vegetation
Difficulty Level: Easy
Get There: 41°47’29.3“N 74°08’33.5“W
Clove Valley is an easy four mile hike with a gradual incline that takes you past many scenic overlooks in the Shawangunk Mountain Range. Some of the brilliance of this trail (only a six mile drive from downtown New Paltz) and many others found in the Shawangunks, is the area’s diverse vegetation – from a canopy of indigenous trees to the many rare and endangered plants native to the region.
The Painter Thomas Cole once said, when corresponding with friend and painter A.B. Durand, “Do let me hear from you when you get among the Gunks. I hope you will find everything there your heart can wish.”
Photos and Words by Brianna Stachowski
“Clove Valley is one of the more leisurely hikes that I love, so I always pack with the intention of staying and enjoying the scenery.”
“My first few steps onto the make-shift boardwalk that leads into Clove Valley is like stepping into another world - the perfect symbiosis of lush vegetation and bird life.”
“Visiting Clove Chapel is like stepping back in time. Erected in 1876, it still stands so proud and true.”
“Not far up the trail, I found my favorite rock to sit upon and gaze at the beautiful land that I call home.”
