This Charming Winter Town Just Two Hours From NYC Features Stunning Hiking Trails With Frozen Waterfalls, Cozy Cafés, and Snow-Covered Scenery

Is your winter wanderlust kicking in? Then it may be time for a snowy adventure —and we have just the place.This charming upstate escape offers a refreshing dose of crisp mountain air, peaceful trails, and stunning winter scenery. Located just a short, scenic drive from NYC, New Paltz, NY turns into a snowy playground filled with frozen waterfalls, scenic trails, and small-town charm . This Hudson Valley gem has something for everyone , whether your knack is for adventurous hikes, serene natural sightseeing, curling up in cozy cafes, or wandering through charming boutiques on a snow-dusted Main Street. ❄️ Hike the Awosting Falls ------------------------------ For those with a sense of adventure, your next winter escapade awaits. In the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, trails wind through peaceful, snow-covered forests and along rocky ridge tops that open to sweeping winter views. One of the area’s highlights is the Awosting Falls Trail , a gentle, easily accessible walk that leads to a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall. In the heart of winter, the cascade often transforms into a shimmering tower of ice—its frozen sheets, frosty mist, and sparkling formations creating a scene that feels straight out of a winter fairytale. It’s the kind of quick, rewarding hike that leaves you with photos (and memories ) that look almost too magical to be real. 🗺️ Main-street and beyond ----------------------------- New Paltz’s Main Street blends charm with a relaxed, bohemian vibe, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and quirky shops. Nearby sites include: * Water Street Market: Just off Main Street, this European-style village features a collection of unique shops, boutiques, galleries, and bakeries/food stalls * Inquiring Minds Bookstore: A beloved, locally owned spot perfect for browsing on a cold day * Historic Huguenot Street: Take a short walk to this National Historic Landmark District, the oldest authentic museum street in the US, featuring preserved stone houses from the 1700s 🏨 Where to stay ------------------- New Paltz offers a variety of inviting places to stay , from grand historic resorts to modern inns and charming bed-and-breakfasts. Whether you prefer timeless elegance or a more intimate, homey atmosphere , you’ll find accommodations that fit your style and enhance your visit. * Mohonk Mountain House: An iconic Victorian castle resort from 1869, located nearby. It’s a National Historic Landmark offering a full resort experience with a spa and restaurants * The Inn at Kettleboro: A highly-rated, local inn * Minnewaska Lodge: Located in nearby Gardiner, this option is close to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve trails 🍔 Food and drink -------------------- All of that adventure will surely work up an appetite ! * Underground Coffee and Ales: Offers specialty coffee, fresh food, and a rotating selection of craft beers on tap * Main Street Bistro: Highly recommended for its breakfasts * Bacchus: Known as the Hudson Valley’s original craft beer bar, offering hearty food and a warm atmosphere * Garvan’s Gastropub: Set in a historic building, this spot emphasizes fresh, local, farm-to-table ingredients. 🚗 How to get there from NYC ------------------------------- New Paltz is roughly 90 minutes to two hours from New York City. * By Bus (Recommended): Adirondack Trailways (or Trailways of New York) offers a direct bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to New Paltz. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 47 minutes . * By Car: Driving takes about 1.5 to 2 hours , depending on traffic, and is the fastest option. For more information and to plan a trip yourself, visit the town’s official website. Source: https://secretnyc.co/new-paltz-winter-town-nyc-frozen-waterfalls-cozy-cafes/