New York is a state full of natural beauty, and there are plenty of the best hiking trails in New York to explore.
Whether you're looking for a challenging hike with sweeping views or an easy trail that's perfect for a family outing, you'll find it all in New York.
There's no shortage of incredible hiking trails to explore in New York State. From the Adirondacks to the Catskills, there's something for everyone. With so many different trails to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin.
In this guide, we'll share some of the best hiking trails in New York and tips on what to pack and how to prepare for your hike. So grab your hiking boots, and let's hit the trail!
We love traveling and backpacking, and that's what makes this guide so credible. So, if you're looking for a great place to hike in New York, you'll want to check out some of these amazing trails!
Hiking Trails in New York
New York is a great place for hiking, and there are trails of all difficulty levels to suit every hiker. Here are some of the best hiking trails in New York:
Cascade Mountain, Adirondack Mountains
If you're looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, look no further than Cascade Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains. This 12-mile round-trip hike will take you to the summit of one of New York's tallest mountains, and the views from the top are well worth the effort.
To get to the trailhead, take I-87 north to Exit 30 and follow signs for Route 9N. The trailhead is located at the Cascade Lakes day use area, about 3 miles from the exit.
The first part of the hike is relatively easy, following an old logging road through the woods. After a few miles, you'll reach Marcy Dam, a small lake created by a beaver dam. From here, the trail begins to climb more steeply, gaining about 1,500 feet in elevation over the next 2 miles.
The trail can be pretty rocky and root-filled, so be sure to watch your step. The reward for your effort is reaching the summit of Cascade Mountain, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Adirondack region.
If you're up for a longer hike, you can continue from the summit to hike nearby Porter Mountain, which adds another 4 miles to the trip. Either way, this is an excellent summer or fall hike when the leaves change colors.
So, if you're looking for a challenging hike with beautiful views, check out Cascade Mountain in the Adirondack Mountains.
The Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail
Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most popular parks in New York. The Gorge Trail is one of the main attractions, and for a good reason. It's a beautiful hike with plenty of different scenery to take in.
The Gorge Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that takes you through 19 different waterfalls. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It's a moderate hike, so it's not too tricky, but there are some areas where you'll need to use your hands to climb over rocks.
The best time to hike the Gorge Trail is spring or fall. In the spring, the waterfalls are overflowing with water from the melting snow. The leaves are changing color in the fall, and it's a beautiful sight.
You will enjoy this hike no matter what time of year you go. It's one of the best trails in New York and a great way to experience the beauty of nature.
The Constitution Marsh Trail
Around New York City, there are plenty of options for great hiking trails. One of the best is the Constitution Marsh Trail.
This trail is located in the heart of the Hudson Highlands and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The trail is also home to wildlife, making it an excellent place for birdwatching or enjoying the scenery.
The Constitution Marsh Trail is an excellent day hike or a more extended trek option. It is well-marked, easy to follow, and has plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The trail is also open to dogs, so that you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
If you're looking for a great hiking trail in New York, check out the Constitution Marsh Trail. You won't be disappointed.
The Ausable Chasm
If you're looking for a breathtaking hiking experience in New York, look no further than the Ausable Chasm. This natural wonder is located in the Adirondack Mountains and features a 2-mile-long gorge carved out by the Ausable River.
The trail offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding cliffs and is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail can be challenging in places.
Verkeerder Kill Falls Hike
There is no better place to be than New York for those who love nature and being outdoors. The state is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and there are plenty of trails to explore.
If you're looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, the Verkeerder Kill Falls hike is a great option.
The Verkeerder Kill Falls hike is located in the Shawangunk Mountains. The trail is about 4 miles long and takes you to two waterfalls, the Upper Verkeerder Kill Falls, and the Lower Verkeerder Kill Falls.
The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, but some sections are steep and slippery.
The hike starts at the Verkeerder Kill Falls trailhead, located on Verkeerder Kill Road. From there, the trail winds through the woods and follows the river.
After a while, you'll come to the first waterfall; the Upper Verkeerder Kill Falls. The waterfall is about 50 feet tall and is a beautiful sight.
After admiring the waterfall, you'll continue on the trail to the second waterfall; the Lower Verkeerder Kill Falls. This waterfall is about 100 feet tall and is even more impressive than the first one. Some stairs lead down to the bottom of the falls to get a closer look.
Once you've seen both waterfalls, you'll follow the trail back to the Verkeerder Kill Falls trailhead. The hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
Devil's Hole Trail
Devil's Hole Trail is one of the best hiking trails in New York. The trailhead is located at the southernmost point of the Finger Lakes National Forest.
The Devil's Hole Trail is a 6.8-mile out-and-back hike with amazing views of Seneca Lake. The trail is rated as complex due to the steep inclines and rocky terrain.
The Devil's Hole Trail gets its name from a legend about a local hermit who lived in a cave near the trail. According to the legend, the hermit was a Satan worshiper who would sacrifice animals to the devil.
Despite its sinister past, the Devil's Hole Trail is a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors to the Finger Lakes region. The trail offers stunning views of Seneca Lake and a chance to see some of the area's wildlife. Hikers may even spot a bald eagle or two during their hike.
The Devil's Hole Trail is open year-round, but hikers should know that the trail can be icy in winter. Hikers should also wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources along the route.
The Breakneck Ridge Trail
The Breakneck Ridge Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in New York. The trail is located in the Hudson Highlands, just an hour north of New York City. The trailhead is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a popular destination for day-trippers from the city.
The trail is named for its steep and challenging sections, which can be difficult for even experienced hikers. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, as the views from the top of the ridge are simply breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. Just be sure to come prepared, as the trail can be difficult.
Whiteface Mountain
If you're looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, look no further than Whiteface Mountain. Located in the Adirondacks, this mountain is home to some of the best hiking trails in New York.
There are several trails to choose from, each offering something different in terms of difficulty and scenery. The Summit trail is the most popular choice among hikers, as it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
However, if you're looking for a more challenging hike, you can try one of the other trails that wind their way up the mountain.
No matter which trail you choose, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Whiteface Mountain for a hike you'll never forget!
The Saranac Six
The Saranac Six is a group of six hiking trails located in the Saranac Lake region of New York. The trails range from easy to challenging, offering stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains. The courses are well-marked and well-maintained, making them perfect for hikers of all levels.
We recommend the Cascade Lakes Trail if you're looking for an easy hike. This 2.4-mile trail is perfect for a stroll and a great way to get views of all six lakes in the Saranac Lake region. For a more challenging hike, try the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Trail. This 8.8-mile trail takes you to the summit of Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the highest peak in the Adirondacks.
No matter what your hiking level, the Saranac Six has a trail that's perfect for you. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails!
Overlook Mountain
There's no shortage of hiking trails in New York, but if you're looking for a challenge, Overlook Mountain is the place to go. This 3,200-foot peak is the highest point in the Catskills, and the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
The trail to the summit is just over four miles long, and it can be a bit strenuous in parts. But trust us, it's worth it. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley and beyond.
If you're up for a longer hike, you can continue to Bear Mountain Origen after reaching the top of Overlook Mountain. Either way, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your hiking boots and head to Overlook Mountain. It's an adventure you won't soon forget.
The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is one of the best hiking trails in New York. The trailhead is located in the town of Ithaca, and the trail itself is about 3 miles long. The Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is a moderate hike with some steep sections.
The views from the top of the falls are stunning and worth the effort. There are also several other waterfalls along the way that are worth checking out.
If you're looking for a challenging hike, the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is definitely for you. However, if you're not up for a strenuous hike, then plenty of other options in New York will suit your needs.
Regardless of your fitness level, hiking the Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail is an experience that you won't soon forget.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in New York. It runs 2,178 miles from Georgia to Maine and passes through 14 states. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making it an excellent option for hikers of all experience levels.
There are many different sections of the Appalachian Trail to explore in New York. Some of the most popular include:
Harriman State Park
This state park is located in southern New York and features more than 200 miles of hiking trails. There are also plenty of camping and picnicking options available in the park.
Catskill Mountains
The Catskills are a popular destination for hikers and campers alike. There are more than 1,000 miles of trails to explore in the region.
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondacks are home to the largest mountain in New York State. Mt. Marcy, which stands at 5,344 feet tall, is the highest point in the state. The Adirondacks offer more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails for all levels of hikers.
No matter what section of the Appalachian Trail you decide to hike, you're sure to enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh air. So get out there and start exploring!
