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Putnam County Is A Hotspot For Hikers

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- When it comes to hiking, Putnam County has no shortage of trails and enthusiasts.

Frank Smith, deputy director of tourism, at Wonder Lake State Park in Kent.

Frank Smith, deputy director of tourism, at Wonder Lake State Park in Kent.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Wonder Lake State Park in Kent.

Wonder Lake State Park in Kent.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Putnam County's slogan "Where The Country Begins" certainly applies in the county famous for Breakneck Ridge in Cold Spring.

"It is known as a local hiking hot spot," said Frank Smith, deputy director of Putnam County Tourism. "The views of the Hudson River are unbelievable."

Breakneck Ridge is considered to be one of the most strenuous hikes in the area, a 3.7 mile hike that takes approximately four hours. Metro North offers a Breakneck Ridge MTA stop on weekends.  

Bull Hill-Mount Taurus in Cold Spring is another popular hiking destination. The 3.6 mile hike takes about three hours and also offers views of the Hudson River. 

Putnam County also has Wonder Lake State Park in Kent and the Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area, which has more than 700 acres of land. 

"Hiking in Putnam County is a huge draw," Smith said. "People come from all over just to hike our many trails."

Smith said hiking is the perfect way to get people to come to Putnam.

"You spend the day at Breakneck Ridge and then you want to come into Cold Spring and relax," Smith said. "It makes for a nice complete day in Putnam."

The Appalachian Trail also cuts through the area with the Mountain Top Deli being a popular spot where visitors from all over sign a welcoming book.

"People come here from Maine to the Carolinas," Smith said. "It brings them right through here and they get a taste of Putnam."

Smith said he tries to go out with his friends every week or two and hike Putnam.

"We always want to do something new," Smith said. "I just love it out here."

Growing up in Lake Carmel, Smith said his friends would always complain that there was nothing to do, but he has found that to be wrong.

"It would take you years to do everything Putnam has to offer," Smith said. "You can be in the middle of nowhere, but just minutes from civilization."

 

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