The Best Hiking in New York
Looking for the best hiking in New York? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New York. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top hiking spots in and near New York
-
Cornwall, New York
Storm King Mountain Loop
4.52.44 mi / 400 ft gainThis is an easy, yet very rewarding hike with a lot of viewpoints on the way up. Technically you scale up two mountains, Butter Hill and Storm King, but most people just describe it as Storm King Mountain. This is a great hike for families with younger kids, those who don't have much time but wan...Read more -
Haines Falls, New York
Kaaterskill Falls
4.72.57 mi / 719 ft gainAlthough this is a super short hike, it is definitely a tough one! The quick, steep climb is totally worth it once you reach the 260 foot cascade and pool at the end. Hike along the trail, hugging Spruce Creek all the way to the falls. If you hike in the spring, the creek and the falls will be ra...Read more -
Philipstown, New York
Anthony's Nose via Appalachian Trail
4.61.95 mi / 682 ft gainParking for the trail runs along both sides of 9D right up until the Bear Mountain Bridge. It can be busy on the weekends so just make sure you're as far off the road as you can and be especially careful unloading kids and dogs. The trailhead is located at approximately 41.322571, -73.975949 and ...Read more -
New York, New York
High Line
4.61.47 mi / 26 ft gainBuilt on a historic freight rail line and perched above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is a public park that features a green-lined walkway. Park hours depend on the season, although it never opens before 7am, so best to go for sunset. Although you may have some company on wa...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Sugarloaf Mountain and Breakneck Ridge Loop
4.74.33 mi / 1562 ft gainThe Breakneck Ridge to Sugar Loaf Loop gives rise to various bypasses that offer hikers moderate to advanced terrain and multiple rock scrambles. The loop entails a total elevation gain of 1,670 feet and a total distance of 5.5 miles. The start of the trail begins at the (white blazes) at the no...Read more -
Dover Plains, New York
Hike Dover's Stone Church
4.5Dover Stone Church has been a beautiful and popular destination in the Hudson Valley for some time, and recently the park purchased a new parcel of land and added three trails through the nearby woods. But the gem of the park is, and always will be, the impressive cave with the creek and waterfal...Read more -
Watkins Glen, New York
Gorge Trail via south Parking Lot
4.64 miNestled right off the main road in the small village of Watkins Glen in Upstate New York, Watkins Glen State Park is a beautiful area with plenty to see. Although it is a bit touristy and right off of the road, you'll forget how close to society you are when you see these beautiful waterfalls. W...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Breakneck Ridge Loop
5.05.91 mi / 1526 ft gainThis short but steep loop hike in Hudson Highlands State Park offers multiple panoramic views of the Hudson River along the way. Please note that only experienced hikers should attempt this route – although the hike seems short, the elevation gain and steep rocky scrambles offer serious technical...Read more -
Keene Valley, New York
Hike Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs
4.310.4 mi / 2000 ft gainAt 10.4 mile long, this lengthy, but easy loop takes you to two ADK lower peaks. The views from Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs will blow your mind away. I love stopping here every time I make my way to ADK. The colors are absolutely gorgeous in the fall. From the parking lot, take the lake road...Read more -
Beacon, New York
Mt. Beacon Fire Tower
4.83.83 mi / 1332 ft gainMount Beacon is a very popular trail along the Hudson River, and for good reason. It offers a good workout, fantastic views for both sunrise and sunset (and of course the time in between), a recently rebuilt fire tower, and all with incredibly easy access right on the edge of a lively town. The ...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill)
4.53.52 mi / 1375 ft gainMt. Taurus (or Bull Hill) is a short, family and dog friendly, hike just outside the town of Cold Spring, easily accessible by car or taking the train into town. It snakes along the edge of an old quarry that is just now being retaken by nature and provides lookouts towards the Hudson, other near...Read more -
Cold Spring, New York
Photograph Indian Brook Falls
2.8This is about as short a walk and as little effort as you can put in for a beautiful waterfall. You can barely call it a hike, but I'll list it as such since you do walk through the woods for 5 minutes. The trail is extremely well built, and is pretty easily accessible through the winter.The trai...Read more -
Gardiner, New York
Gertrude's Nose
4.96.97 mi / 919 ft gainIt would be impossible to see all of Minnewaska’s beautiful spots in one day. Gertrude's Nose is, in my opinion, the best view in the entire park. Round trip, the hike is approximately 5 hours, and is a 7.5 mile trip. To get to the trailhead: Drive to the Minnewaska State Park entrance, pass the...Read more -
Hunt, New York
Hike the Gorge Trail in Letchworth State Park
5.07 miThere are over 66 miles of trails to explore at Letchworth State Park; however, the most popular and the one I chose is the Gorge Trail. This trail runs 7 miles from point-to-point passing by three lovely waterfalls. It travels parallel to the main road for the majority of the hike. You can star...Read more -
New Paltz, New York
Hike Mohonk Preserve's Gatehouse to Skytop Tower
5.09 mi / 1268 ft gainBegin at the intersection of Gatehouse Rd and Mohonk Private Rd. There is a small shoulder to park on here. Begin hiking into the preserve along the gatehouse road. There will be signs stating you need a membership or pass to enter. Don't worry about these, there will be a place on the trail ...Read more -
High Falls, New York
Scramble Bonticou Crag and Table Rocks
4.5This is not a hike for the inexperienced. There is a very steep rock scramble that has some dangerous section if you are not aware of your footing and positioning. For those up to the challenge, it is extremely rewarding at the top.To start, each person has to pay $12 to access the Monhonk Preser...Read more
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in New York
- The best backpacking in New York
- The best camping in New York
- Top adventures in New York
