Enjoy outdoor recreation to stay active all winter long

ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. — Cold weather fun for the whole family can be found in Orange County this winter. Whether you like the thrill of tubing down a snow-covered hill or prefer horseback riding on a quiet wooded trail, there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and stay active this season.
“Beautiful snowy scenery surrounds all of our outdoor adventures,” said Orange County Tourism Director Susan Hawvermale. “Whether you’re practicing figure 8’s or zipping down a hill, Orange County has exciting places to grab some fresh air and get a little exercise.”
Some great outdoor recreation opportunities in Orange County include:
Port Jervis Watershed Park, Elks-Brox Park, Port Jervis: Over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails along three reservoirs. Access in Elks-Brox Park and Reservoir #1. Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Year round. Web: discoverportjervis.com/watershed-park
Mount Peter Ski Area, 51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick: Skiing, snowboarding, and lessons. 14 trails with 3 chairlifts, 1 carpet lift, 1 rope tow. 100% snowmaking. Night skiing. Rentals available. Free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays. Weekend and after school programs. Café, pub, and 2 lodges. Web: mtpeter.com
Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove: Public skating is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during designated hours. The ice rink is also available for private rentals on Wednesdays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Web: bearmountainicerink.com
Juckas Stables, 1204 NY-302, Bullville: Horseback riding among the 117 acres of trails winding through the breathtaking Orange County countryside. Novice and seasoned riders will enjoy spending time with the gentle, responsive, and well-kept horses. Lessons are available to people of all abilities in addition to hiring horses by the hour. Web: juckasstables.com
Snow Tubing at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, 211 State Route 416, Montgomery: Children at least 42 inches tall can participate in 90-minute snow tubing sessions on a hill with groomed lanes and rope tow. Reservations recommended. Weekends and holidays January 14 through March 5 (weather and conditions permitting).
The park additionally features an ice skating rink, sledding hill, and cross-country ski trails. Visitors must provide their own equipment for these free activities which are available until dusk as conditions permit. For more information or to check current conditions, call Tom Quinlisk at (845)457-4910 or visit www.orangecountynyparks.com.
For more information visit Orange County Tourism’s website orangetourism.org or call 845-615-3860.