The rural character is evident in the extensive orchards, vineyards, gardens and corn fields. The urban flavor is produced by the presence of The College at New Paltz, a college of the State University of New York with 7700 students who come from the various cities of New York, other states and over fifty countries of the world.
Extensive shopping is available at all three.
Scenic Beauty New Paltz is located in the beautiful and serene Wallkill River Valley. To the west of New Paltz, about five miles, is the Shawangunk Mountain escarpment. These high cliffs beckon thousands of mountain climbers each year. Rappelling is a popular sport here. At the top of the Shawangunk ridge is the Mohonk Mountain House , a historic hotel with phenomenal views, delightful walking trails including the labyrinth through majestic rock formations, a natural lake for swimming and boating, and gorgeous flower gardens.