If you are looking for a scenic and adventurous hike in the Hudson Valley, you might want to check out Illinois Mountain Park. This park is located in Lloyd, Ulster County, and offers 280 acres of diverse terrain and natural beauty. You can explore wetlands, rock outcroppings, ferns, and wildlife as you hike up the mountain via switchbacks.

How to get there

Illinois Mountain Park is easily accessible by car from Route 9W or Route 299. There are two trailheads: one at the end of Haviland Road and one at the end of Illinois Mountain Road. Both have parking areas and kiosks with maps and information. You can also reach the park by bike or on foot from the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, which connects to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

What to expect

The park has about 5 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The main trail is the Yellow Trail, which loops around the mountain and offers views of the Hudson River, the Shawangunk Ridge, and the Catskill Mountains. The Yellow Trail also connects to several side trails that lead to different features of the park, such as:

• The Red Trail, which takes you to a scenic overlook with a bench and a sign that explains the history and geology of the area.
• The Blue Trail, which descends to a wetland area with a boardwalk and a pond.
• The White Trail, which climbs to the highest point of the mountain at 807 feet above sea level.
• The Orange Trail, which follows an old carriage road along the eastern slope of the mountain.

The trails are well-marked and maintained, but some sections can be steep, rocky, or muddy. The park is home to many animals, such as deer, coyotes, owls, hawks, frogs, turtles, and snakes.

Why go there

Illinois Mountain Park is a great place to enjoy nature and exercise in any season. You can hike, bike, run, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the trails. You can also take photos, birdwatch, or picnic at one of the overlooks. The park is not very crowded, so you can have a peaceful and relaxing experience. You can also combine your visit with other attractions in the area, such as:

• The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, which is a 1.28-mile pedestrian bridge that spans the river and offers spectacular views.
• The Locust Grove Estate, which is a historic mansion and museum that belonged to Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph.
• The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College, which has a collection of paintings by Hudson River School artists.

Illinois Mountain Park is a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley that deserves more attention. It is a perfect destination for hikers who want to explore a different side of this region and discover its natural beauty and history.