Hello.

I'm thinking of visiting New Paltz from NYC for just a day. I've heard some nice things about the place and wanted to get some more advice....

1. I don't have a car. So, is Greyhound the best direct option from NYC to New Paltz?

2. I'm interested in outdoors activities, particularly walks and hikes. What would you suggest to do in New Paltz if there for just a day?

Thanks in advance!

To answer the transportation query:

Adirondack Trailways from Port Authority, 8th Ave @ 42nd St.
trip takes 1-1/2 hrs or so.
$35.30 rd-trip, Master & visa accepted.
1-800-858-8555

It would not be very convenient without a car to do any hiking in that area. Walks, yes; hikes, no.

What would it be possible to do in New Paltz without a car and if I were to visit via Greyhound for just a day? Is it even worth it? I hear the area is beautiful and was hoping to get a peak of it.

New Paltz is very nice, but there's not that much to see and do without a car. The downtown is interesting, and the history Huegenot homes are worth a looksee, but that's it.
When are you going?
An easier day trip would be to Tarrytown (a 30-45-minute train ride from the city) where you could visit Kykuit, the magnificent Rockefeller Mansion and other historic sites in the area.

They have great antique stores and pubs with good food. Isn't Mohonk (sp?) castle nearby? There is great hiking that overlooks the area. Can't remember how to get there.

Mohonk Mountain House is near the town of New Paltz, but not near enough to walk to!

The hikes are all in the mountains (aka the 'Gunks) about 10 miles (?) west of town.

I repeat: You really can't conveniently do much hiking up in New Paltz without a car!

I believe you can tour some of the old Huguenot houses in New Paltz and it is quite enjoyable. However, I can help much in the way of the transportation issue.

http://www.hhs-newpaltz.net/index.html