Begin your first morning with a gentle drive to Mohonk Preserve for a short, contemplative loop on the Lake Minnewaska Overlook Trail, pausing at Skytop Tower views to sit in silence and offer morning prayers while taking in sweeping valley vistas. Afterward, head to the peaceful grounds of St. Francis Mission at St. Andrew's Chapel (or a nearby quiet church open for visitors) for a brief devotional, Scripture reading, and communion in a candlelit corner before a slow picnic breakfast beneath bare-branched trees.
After your lakeside morning, drive a short way to Bard College's Chapel for a time of guided scripture reading and quiet prayer in a simple, art-filled sanctuary, then wander the campus grounds for contemplative walking and nature observation. Later, head to the nearby Poets' Walk Park where you can pause at scenic overlooks to journal, pray, and practice Lectio Divina while gazing over the Hudson - finish with a slow cup of tea at the park's benches as daylight softens into early evening.
As twilight falls, settle into the welcoming stone sanctuary of Church of the Holy Trinity (Beacon) for an evening candlelit vespers service or quiet personal prayer time, allowing hymns and a brief homily to center your heart. Afterward, take a calm riverside stroll along Beacon Waterfront Park, pausing on a bench to read a Psalm aloud or pray as the Hudson reflects the sunset, then return to your lodging for a silent examen and gratitude journal before bed.
Wake before dawn for a quiet sunrise devotion atop Bannerman Island Overlook on the Cold Spring waterfront, where you can read Scripture and pray while the first light shimmers on the Hudson; linger to practice breath-centered prayer and a short examen as rowers pass below. Afterward, stroll the riverbank to Little Stony Point for a contemplative walking prayer, pausing on the rocks to journal and sing a hymn as you watch winter-bare trees frame the water, then warm up with coffee and shared silence at the nearby Main Street, Cold Spring benches before returning to your lodging for a mid-morning reflection time.
After a reflective morning by the river, drive to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve for a gentle, prayerful walk along the Cornish Estate Trail, pausing at a quiet overlook to read a Psalm and practice breath prayer while gazing across the valley. Later, settle at Cold Spring Farmers' Market (or a nearby café on Main Street) for warm tea, shared silence, and a time of group Lectio Divina using a short Scripture passage before returning to your lodging for a brief silent examen.
As dusk settles, drive to Matthiessen Park (or a similarly quiet nearby garden) to walk its sheltered paths in companionable silence, stopping beneath an old oak to read a short Psalm and offer intercessory prayer. Finish the evening at St. Mary's Chapel, Garrison (or a small local chapel open for visitors) for candlelit vespers or a time of breath prayer and thanksgiving, then return to your lodging for a shared examen and gentle harp or hymn listening to seal the day.
Begin your day with a brisk, prayerful hike along the ridge at Breakneck Ridge (choose the gentler Wilkinson or South Beacon approach for a contemplative pace), pausing at rocky ledges to read a Psalm and offer breath prayers while the valley unfolds below. After the summit prayers, descend toward Bannerman Island Boat Launch for a quiet riverside picnic and a time of guided Lectio Divina beside the water before returning to your lodging to rest and journal.
In the gentle afternoon, drive to Mount Beacon Park and take the carriage road for a steady, contemplative ascent, pausing at the stone overlooks to read a Psalm and practice breath prayer while the Hudson valley spreads below. After the summit time, descend toward Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (Hiking Trails) for a quieter woodland loop where you can practice guided silence, journal on a fallen log, and offer intercessory prayers before returning to your lodging to prepare for the evening sunset service.
As daylight softens, drive to Fahnestock State Park (Canopus Lake area) for a gentle shoreline walk, pausing on a bench to read a Psalm and offer a short examen while the water mirrors the sky. Finish with a sunset prayer gathering at the hilltop overlook near Herric Cove Trailhead, singing a simple hymn together and sharing quiet gratitude before returning to your lodging for a final candlelit time of thanksgiving and journaling.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mohonk Preserve (Lake Minnewaska area) | $15 |
| Skytop Tower (views at Mohonk Mountain House - visitor access) | Free |
| St. Francis Mission at St. Andrew's Chapel (or nearby chapel visit) | Free |
| Picnic breakfast (groceries / per person) | $10 |
| Bard College Chapel (visiting for prayer) | Free |
| Poets' Walk Park (Hudson Highlands) | Free |
| Church of the Holy Trinity (Beacon) - evening service | Free |
| Beacon Waterfront Park (riverside stroll) | Free |
| Bannerman Island Overlook / Cold Spring waterfront | Free |
| Little Stony Point (Cold Spring) | Free |
| Coffee at Main Street, Cold Spring (per person) | $5 |
| Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve (Cornish Estate Trail) | Free |
| Cold Spring Farmers' Market / cafe (tea/snack per person) | $8 |
| Matthiessen Park (or similar quiet garden) | Free |
| St. Mary's Chapel, Garrison (vespers / visit) | Free |
| Breakneck Ridge (Wilkinson / South Beacon approach) - hiking | Free |
| Bannerman Island Boat Launch (picnic / riverside time) - boat tour optional | $25 |
| Mount Beacon Park (carriage road ascent) | Free |
| Hudson Highlands Nature Museum trails | $8 |
| Fahnestock State Park (Canopus Lake area) - shoreline walk | Free |
| Sunset overlook near Herric Cove Trailhead (prayer gathering) | Free |
| Evening refreshments / shared tea (per person total across days) | $20 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $99 |