10 Must-Try Hikes in New York's Scenic Mountains
As summer arrives, we all crave outdoor adventures more than ever! Luckily, for New Yorkers, this translates into an opportunity to explore the diverse natural terrain of New York State through hiking! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite summer hikes in New York:
Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail
The most famous of the Fingerlakes State Parks, the Watkins Glen State Park boasts stunning trails, waterfalls, and gorge. The Gorge Trail is a popular 2.4 mile loop that features a waterfall and is moderately challenging. The best time to hike this trail is May through October.
The Breakneck Ridge Trail
The Breakneck Ridge Trail is a 3.2 mile, challenging hike with breathtaking views, located near the quaint town of Cold Spring, New York. It features a waterfall and known for its steep climbs and rock scrambles… so, beware! The best time to hike this trail is April through November.
Note: Hikers recommend following the trail in the counterclockwise direction because descending the trail can be challenging due to its steepness. It’s encouraged to start your hike at the southern Breakneck trailhead at the overpass/bridge.
Kaaterskill Falls Trail Head
This trail in the Catskill mountains is a personal favorite of mine and one of the most popular hikes in the Hudson Valley. It’s an easy and kid-friendly 2.6 mile hike featuring a waterfall with stairs leading up to it. The best time to hike this trail is April though October.
Giant Stairs Palisades
This loop hike explores the northern end of the New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park. The Giant Stairs Palisades hike is said to be the most difficult hike in this park due to its steep climbs and uneven terrain. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear — click here to see a full list of my recommended hiking gear!
Lake Minnewaska
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located in Ulster County, New York, just an hour-and-a-half drive from New York City. It features “numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy.” Sounds pretty good to me!
Castle Point via Mossy Glen Trail
This 15.2 mile moderate hike is located in the Minnewaska State Park near High Falls, New York. It features a beautiful lake and is accessible year-round. The trail passes hemlocks and laurels and is especially spectacular during the fall!
Gertrude's Nose
This rugged 7.5 mile hike in Minnewaska State Park is definitely one for the adventurous type! It’s totally doable and rated one of the best hikes in the Hudson Valley, but be forewarned there are some clifftops and high peaks.
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park covers 52,000 acres and has a huge array of some of the best hiking trails in the Hudson Valley. What’s best — is it’s only about an hour or more north of New York City, so a day hike here is totally feasible.
The Lemon Squeezer
Living up to its name, The Lemon Squeezer is a tight-fitting rock formation that will squeeze a lot of energy out of you (if you can squeeze through it!). Located in Harriman State Park, it consists of a scramble through a narrow rock surface, which is 3 feet high and 1 foot wide. It is rumored to be New York’s most technical trail as you do have to use your arm strength to hoist yourself up. The loop traverses the Appalachian Trail and is definitely one for adventurous types!
Indian Ladder Trail
The Indian Ladder Trail is an easy .5 mile hike in the John Boyd Thacher State Park, located 3 hours north of NYC. Note: Due to new COVID socially distancing restrictions, this trail is now one-way starting at LaGrange parking lot and ending at the Visitor Center with hand sanitizing stations at each end of the trail.