New York State Off the Beaten Path Tips by cruisingbug

This actually IS the local "beaten path." The Appalachian Trail runs through Garrison from Fahnestock Park on the east and then over the Bear Mountain Bridge on the west. Hikers may visit Graymoor monastery for a meal and quiet reflection, not far south on Route 9 from the trail (which actually runs through Graymoor property before hitting 9).

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Right up the hill from my old house in South Salem, NY is a beautiful woodland area known as Mountain Lakes Park.

In the summer, campers stay overnight at the lodges, usually as an organized group, but individual tent camping is also available. It gets quite noisy with NYC campers around the major holidays, though.

The park has two good-sized lakes for swimming and boating - but the real draw is the hiking trails. In the autumn, the hardwoods are breathtaking, and the views from Mt. Bailey are outstanding - just follow the first dirt road on your right after you go past the entrance for an easy hike up.

Admission is charged in the high season. Entrance is from Hawley Road, North Salem.

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Website: http://www.westchestergov.com/parks/parkslocations02/MountainLakeParks.htm

Tucked in the edges of the Hudson Valley in the town of Kent is a surprising retreat from the Western world. The Chuang Yen Monastery, located off Route 301 east of the Taconic State Parkway, is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, just 60 miles away.

On Sundays, the public is welcome to attend early morning meditations and classes, as well as a vegetarian buffet luncheon (at a minimal cost). But any day of the week, one can drive up the driveway and feel transported as they catch a first glimpse of the great hall, which holds the largest indoor Buddha statue in the United States. Visitors are also welcome to wander the grounds, enjoying the serenity of an Asian garden around a tranquil lake. (Look for the painted turtles.)

Yoga and Tai Chi classes are also held at the monastery.

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Website: http://www.baus.org

Unlike most of the Hudson River "castles", this one doesn't just have a view of the River, it's IN the river.

Bannerman's Castle, on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River, was built as both a home and a storehouse for military goods. For many years, people lived in and visited the picturesque landmark. A fire in 1969 destroyed much of what was left of the building, but the structure still stands and is undergoing restoration.

The best views of Bannerman's are from the Hudson, but it can be seen from Route 9D as you travel from Cold Spring toward Beacon, NY. Hard hat walking tours of Bannerman are available by boat or kayak - contact the Bannerman Castle Trust for more info (web site below).

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Website: www.bannermancastle.org

This Hudson Valley institution was the dream of Cole Palen, and is being carried on during the summer by devoted airplane enthusiasts. WWI-era aircraft take to the skies in weekend airshows that are just like those you see in the movies. The planes perform stunts - such as dropping a roll of toilet tissue and cutting the paper with the wings - and even engage in a mock dogfight.

Besides the airshow, there are several hangars of antique airplanes and aircraft memorabilia, which are also open weekdays seasonally. Biplane rides are also available for $40 per person (we skipped doing this).

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Website: http://www.oldrhinebeck.org/