Best Hikes in New York: An Ultimate Guide (Updated 2025)
This comprehensive list of the best hikes in New York reminds us that New York State truly has it all. From easy hikes perfect for beginners to challenging treks with breathtaking views, you’ll want to add these to your bucket list ASAP. The best part is that these hikes are near New York City, so you have no excuse. With options as short as a 40-minute drive to a max of 3.5 hours, it is doable for either a weekend getaway or a day trip. After six years of hiking, here is the ultimate guide to the best hikes in New York!
How To Navigate The Best Hikes in NY? The Best Hiking Boots
Are you looking to take your hiking game to the next level? Trust me, I was wary too at first, but if you have gone hiking at least three times a year, it’s worth the investment. Doubling as hiking boots & snow boots, they are durable, comfortable, sturdy, and waterproof, perfect for any terrain. I recently bought my second pair, so I can confirm it’s worth not only one purchase but a second purchase as well. Check it out here and trust me, you will be in for a long one because they’re just that good! If you’re in the market to buy some hiking boots, check it out here!
Hiking Essentials/Tips
- Be careful when hiking, especially if it rained that morning or the night before. In case of an emergency, please bring a first aid kit.
- Bring headlamps. If you’re starting your hike late in the day and are not sure how long you’re going to take on the hike, you never know. This happened to me and thank God I had my headlamps because if I had to hike in the dark for two hours, I would have lost it.
- This goes without saying, but please stay hydrated and fuel yourself. It’s key to surviving long, tiring hikes.
- Save the hike you’d want to climb on the All Trails app for future reference and for more information on parking spots. subscribe to their monthly service, you can download offline maps. Another hack is to leave the Safari window open so that even if you don’t have service, the map still works! Can confirm it has worked for me before.
Hiking Trails In NY
Yes, you saw that correctly. You don’t have to leave NYC to get a little bit of nature and some beautiful views. This is your time to practice on the easier hikes before stepping up to the challenging ones upstate. I’d recommend practicing with ankle weights, picking up the pace with a light jog to get ready! Nonetheless, even if you’re on a rest day or doing a 75-day hard challenge, this is a great outdoor workout!
1.Forrest Park Preserve Forest Park Yellow Loop: This 1.1-mile loop trail takes approximately 23 minutes to complete, so consider this a warm-up. Check out the trail here and for more hikes in Forrest Park, check it out here.
2.Central Park Trail: A 3.9-mile trail takes about 1hr19 minutes to complete with views of a waterfall (truthfully didn’t know there were waterfalls in New York City before going here). Take the scenic route before going on a rooftop later for happy hour! Check out the hike here and the list of other hikes in Central Park here!
3.Prospect Park: If you completed the first two, then this moderate hike will be a breeze! This 5-mile hike is admittedly an interesting route forming the shape of a bent heart with 5 viewing points of Brooklyn. The best part about this location is that Prospect Park has some amazing views of the NYC skyline, making this a must-do for a local or tourist looking for adventure. Check out the hike here and other hikes in Prospect Park here!
Trails Easily Accessible By Train
1.Breakneck Ridge Trail: Only a 1hr17min train ride from Grand Central, this mountain is a 2.9-mile loop trail with beautiful views of the Hudson River. On a sunny day, consider this trail busy so it’s recommended to go early in the morning. Take the Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge. Once you get off the trail, it’s a 10-minute walk to the start of the mountain. Check out the trail here.
2.Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) Trail: A 1hr43min train ride from Grand Central, this hike is a 5.3-mile loop where you can see the New York skyline in one of the many viewpoints, a rare occurrence for a hike, might I add. Once you get off the Hudson Line train at the Cold Spring stop, walk about 20 minutes to the Washburn Trail to start your hike! Check out the trail here.
40min – 1hr Drive Hikes from NYC
Let’s face it, sometimes a three-hour hike is not doable for a quick day trip. Even the thought of an early wake-up call on the weekend just isn’t in the cards. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature on fun hikes without being in the car for forever, then listen up! Here are three of the best hikes in New York that you’ll recommend to EVERYONE, and these options are under an hour car ride away!
1.Storm King Mountain via Storm King Trail: This 2.5-mile hike at a 625ft elevation gain is one of the easiest in the area, with views just as beautiful. It’s perfect for people just starting, so if that’s you, I’d recommend heading here first! It’s a loop trail and recommended to start with the rock scramble (starting West). Check out the hike here.
2.Palisades State Park: Only a 40-minute drive north of NYC, the Palisades State Park is right across the Hudson River in New Jersey! We specifically hiked the White Shore and Long Path Loop Trail, a 3.8-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 761ft. With challenging terrain, it even includes a rock scramble and beautiful views of the Hudson River. Dogs are allowed and are required to be on a leash, so keep that in mind. Out of all the reviews, many considered this hike more challenging than it led on. For reference, my dad recently recovered from knee surgery, and my little sister (7yo at the time) managed with little complaints, so it is doable!
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com
3. Harriman State Park: Another great hike in Jersey is the Harriman State Park Lake Trail to Pine Meadow Lake. This 8-mile hike takes an estimated 3hr 30 minutes to complete with an elevation gain of 1,154 ft. Aside from just hiking, it’s a popular spot to backpack and camp as well. Along the trail, we ended up finding a cool swimming hole that I know 100% if we were allowed to swim in, so please do it at your own risk!
Images By: TheBrooklyniteAbroad.com
4. Mount Tammy (Red & Blue Dot Trail): This is a great hike with a beautiful view of the Delaware Water Gap! Only 3.6 miles means that you can start the hike at 9 and finish before lunch! After doing this hike in the summer, I’d recommend going to the swimming hole, which you’ll see about 30 minutes before the end of the hike, and the perfect way to refresh. Check out the hike here!
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Best Hikes in New York: 2-Hour Drive from NYC
So now we are cutting into the 2-hour driving mark which means that to have a successful hiking day, it’s recommended to wake up early and be at the mountains by 8:00/9 depending on when the parking lots are open. I have always experienced better hikes when we leave early to avoid traffic both ways, secure a parking spot & you get to enjoy the rest of your day either exploring the local town or at home! As we cut into the 2-hour drive mark, you’ll also find better hiking options with better views and more challenging terrain. I’ll let you be the judge of that though!
1. Overlook Mountain: This is the first hike that I remember going on when I started college here at SUNY New Paltz, and it’s a keeper. You get to enjoy an 8-mile hike (there and back) in the heart of Woodstock with great views overlooking the Hudson Valley. While you’re on this hike, you get to see an abandoned luxury hotel and free parking, what’s not to like! Check out the hike here!
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2. Peekamoose Mountain: Truthfully, to this day, this was my worst hike ever; however, I trust that other people have had great experiences with better preparedness. This 9-mile hike felt like 30 miles, and I didn’t even finish this. That said, only attempt this hike if you’re confident in your abilities. On the brighter side, parking if free, you can bring dogs, and there’s a cool swimming hole nearby (only if you have a permit). If you’re planning on going in the summer, keep in mind that the trees provide the perfect shade, but please bring bug spray! Check out the hike here & check out permit information here.
3. Lemon Squeeze: Making a full 180, the Lemon Squeeze hike in Mohonk Mountain is one of my favorites. If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s, “The Shining”, you’re in for a surprise because he got his inspiration from the very own Mountain House! Exciting right? Look around the hotel and you’ll find its eerie ambiance similar to the movie itself. But back to the hike. This is a more difficult hike with views from the Skytower. It’s a 7.9-mile hike that also incorporates some rock scrambling! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Trust me on this one, YOU HAVE TO DO IT. I have already gone twice and even bike up the mountain now when I visit every year! Price: $15 per person. Did you know that six states can be seen at the top of the Sky Top Tower on a clear day? Here they are: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont (courtesy of Mr. Local History).
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Best Hikes in New York: 2-Hour Drive from NYC (Minnewaska State Park)
So if you don’t want to pay Mohonk prices, Minnewaska is your place to go. For only $10 parking per car, you get access to over 35 hikes. Make sure you get here early if you are going on Weekends because it gets super crowded. The parking lot opens at 9, but at 8:30, there’s already a line wrapped around the interstate. These are some of my favorite hikes from Minnewaska, and a must-see for all! Check out the Minnewaska State Park Map, Minnewaska State Park Information & top hikes in Minnewaska.
4. Awosting Falls: A light 1.4-mile hike leads you to this precious gem! Swipe the photo to see the Awosting Falls viewpoint turn from its classic Summer green into the breathtaking Fall foliage!
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5. Mossy Glen Trail: A relaxing 1.7-mile hike with beautiful views of the Hudson Valley. If you’re lucky, you might even see hawks flying above, looking for prey!
6. Castle Point Trail: Favored by locals over Gertrude’s Nose and for good reason, this trail is beautiful with challenging terrain where you can even see turkey vultures roam on the cliffs!
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7. High Peters Kill (Minnewaska State Park): A scenic hike through the Hudson Valley that will leave you wanting more. Similar to Castle’s Point, you get great views of the turkey vultures. Lots of locals set up their hammocks while taking in the most beautiful views.
8. Bonticou Craig: Having done this hike both during the day and at night can say that both were incredible experiences. From stargazing at night to seeing the iconic fall foliage, this hike is easily a hidden gem in the area. If you’re into rock scrambling this is a great hike that’s more than just pretty views, you gotta work your way to the top! Check out the hike here.
9. Gertrude’s Nose: A great hike with beautiful views of the Hudson Valley. If you have the time to go during the fall foliage, the views are unreal. Just be careful as a portion of the trail is along the cliff!
The Best of the Catskills: 2.5-Hour Drive From NYC
So now you’re at the 2.5-hour drive mark, and to me, this is where you get more local options. Skip the tourist traps and hike like a local with these two awesome trails!
1. Artist Rock: This was such an easy hike that took less than an hour with great views. It’s a hidden gem in the Catskills, and if you have it in you, go all the way up to the top of Newman’s Ledge; it’s worth it! Parking is $10, and keep in mind it’s an out-and-back hike, so what you hike up, you hike on the way back down. Check it out here!
2. Hunter Mountain: Just to start this off, I was so shocked to see Hunter Mountain during the Summer. I usually ski around these mountains, and I was like “WHAT, THERE’S NO SNOW?”. It felt like a huge culture shock for me! I went on a mini backpacking trip along the iconic Devil’s Path hiking trail. Check it out here.
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3. Indian Head in the Catskills: I am going to be 1000%, I have no recollection of what hike this was, but all I know is that we could not finish it because it was that hard. I mean to start things off, the Catskills are NO JOKE. This isn’t Minnewaska anymore. I am telling you, once you go past the 2.5-hour hike, it’s no longer the cute touristy hikes that you go just to take a picture, you gotta put in work.
4. Kaaterskill Falls: Now this hike in the Catskills is SUPER touristy and for good reason because it’s easy, with great views & multiple options depending on your skill level. Keep in mind, due to the easier trails, if you go on a busy day, be prepared for lots of families and kids. Nonetheless, it’s such a beautiful hike that I’ve been to already a handful of times – it just doesn’t get old. Check it out here.
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5. Bash Bish / Sunset Rock: If you’re planning an adventure on the East side of the Hudson River, check out this hidden gem right along the New York/Massachusetts border. The waterfall is so beautiful and a must to check out. The walk to the waterfall was short, so it is perfect for families as the trail is on a carriage road. Since we had the energy to hike more, we hiked up Sunset Rock in the same vicinity. Check out Bash Bish/Sunset Rock here!
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Best Hikes in New York: 3.5+ Hour Drive: Adirondacks
Hikes like these require you to leave at the buttcrack of dawn, but also to consider staying for the weekend! Check out my post on how to spend the best weekend in the Adirondacks here!
4. Mount Phelps: This has recently become one of my favorite hikes for its difficult terrain and rewarding views. It might be lower on the list of the best hikes in New York, but that’s because I can’t put all my top ones at the beginning. True blog supporters will come across this one and enjoy everything it has to offer. To preface, these are not easy hikes. If you are unsure of which hikes to do at your level, they have a guest center right by the parking lot where you can ask the staff and get their expert opinion. While hiking, every mile felt like 5,000, so I mean it when I say bring lots of snacks & water. As anticipated, the views are to die for. Be careful of the cliffs. If you stand too close, you might slip and it’s not worth your life for an Instagram photo.
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5. Indian Head: If you’re in the market to stay an extra day, then you have to try this hike. It’s one of those bucket list excursions that’ll make you have such a great appreciation for the outdoors & nature. In true Brooklynite Abroad fashion, we started the hike a little later than expected & it turned out to be amazing since we got to see the views just before sundown. The reservation system was all booked up, but we still managed to get in thanks to a couple who were members of the ADK mountain club. The hike wasn’t too hard. I’d just be careful that you don’t get lost since the tree markings aren’t always super visible.
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So There You Have It!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best hikes in New York. I must say, after living in Upstate New York for a few years, hiking is one of the most rewarding experiences with a chance to see nature’s beauty with your own eyes. I have learned so much about myself. From pushing my limits to feeding my passions for the outdoors and travel, I hope this helps get you started on your journey to falling in love with hiking. If you are new to hiking and want to get more experience, this is the guide for you, because trust me, at one point, I was in the same position as you guys. Get to know more about New York State and share this link with your friends to get the most out of your hiking experience. Comment below if you have done any of these before and happy hiking!
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