Hit the Trails: A Guide to Hiking Around New York

While known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling urban pace, New York State offers ample opportunities for hiking thanks to its diverse landscape spanning from the rugged Adirondack Mountains to the rolling hills of the Catskills and Hudson River Valley region. With hundreds of trails to explore, hiking around New York allows you to experience pristine wilderness, enjoy scenic vistas, and find tranquility surrounded by nature just a short distance from the lively city.

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Top Regions for Hiking Around New York

Some of the best areas to lace up your boots for hiking around New York include:

• The Adirondacks – Home to the tallest peaks and most remote wilderness ideal for backcountry hiking around New York.
• Catskill Mountains – Epic views and abundant waterfalls reward those hiking around New York on trails like Giant Ledge and Slide Mountain.
• Hudson Valley – Walk riverside trails in the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Parks only an hour north of NYC.
• Finger Lakes – Hike around stunning lakes like Cayuga, Seneca, and Letchworth State Park on trails through gorges and over waterfalls.
• Central NY – Discover Alberta Falls, old-growth forests, and more at Salmon River Falls Unique Area when hiking around New York.

With scenic parks and trail networks across the state, hiking around New York offers diverse routes for every skill level.

Top Day Hike Trails Around New York

Looking for top trails for hiking around New York for a few hours or a full day? Some recommendations include:

• Breakneck Ridge – This challenging Hudson Highlands hike rewards with panoramic vistas of the Hudson River.
• Giant Mountain – Experience above-treeline hiking and epic High Peaks views from one of the Adirondack’s tallest mountains.
• Kaaterskill Falls – Trek to one of the highest waterfalls in New York in the Catskills.
• Sam’s Point Preserve – Walk along cliffs and ice cave formations on loop trails in the Shawangunk Mountains.
• Watkins Glen State Park – Pass through the spray of over 20 waterfalls along this scenic gorge trail.
• Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole Mountain – Enjoy vistas across the Catskills on this loop hike near Cairo, NY.

The range of difficulty, views, and terrain make hiking around New York endlessly rewarding.

BACKCOUNTRY HIKING

For avid trekkers looking for backpacking adventures and multi-day excursions while hiking around New York, some prime locations include:

• The Great Range Traverse – Trek over 9 mountain summits exceeding 4,000 feet in the Adirondacks.
• Northville-Placid Trail – Tackle parts or all of this 130+ mile route through the heart of the Adirondacks.
• Devil’s Path – Considered one of the most challenging hikes in the Catskills traverse 25 rugged miles and five peaks.
• Finger Lakes Trail – Mix forests, meadows, gorges, and panoramas along this over 500-mile path crossing the state.

Wilderness areas like the Five Ponds provide secluded settings for overnight backpacking.

Scenery and Wildlife While Hiking Around New York

The diversity of scenery is a highlight of hiking around New York. Alpine vistas, gushing waterfalls, placid lakes, deep gorges, and rolling hills dot the landscape. Watch for unique sights like:

• Bold 4000-foot Adirondack High Peaks and exposed rocky summits offering panoramas up to 100 miles wide.
• Sheer cliff faces, sloping scree fields, and boulder-strewn terrain in the Catskills.
• Rivers like the mighty Hudson and Genesee River winding through forested gorges.
• Abundant wildlife like black bears, beavers, bald eagles, and common loons.
• Historic sites from crumbling walls, cabins, and graveyards left behind after settlement long ago.

Every trail and region presents new natural beauty.

Packing Essentials for Hiking Around New York

Prepare for changing terrain and weather while hiking around New York by packing:

• Broken-in hiking boots with sturdy ankle support for uneven, rocky trails.
• Layers include moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof shells to adapt to changing temps.
• Plenty of water and nutritious, high-energy snacks to stay fueled.
• First aid supplies, maps, compass, bug spray, and sunscreen.
• Trekking poles for added stability through steep, rocky sections.
• Bear canisters and bags to hang food for overnight backpacking trips.
• Headlamp, fire starter, and emergency blanket for backcountry emergencies at night.

Proper preparation and gear help ensure an enjoyable and safe adventure.

Ideal Time for Hiking Around New York

Late spring through early fall provides the best window for hiking around New York:

• May & June bring lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, gushing spring water sources, and fewer bugs.
• July through September are warm and ideal for hiking, though bug protection is key.
• Early fall offers gorgeous foliage in the Adirondacks and Catskills starting late September.
• October still brings fall colors with cooler temperatures but beware of rainfall.

Snow can linger into May on high peaks while November brings frigid temps, signaling the end of prime hiking season around New York.

An Outdoor Playground

With awe-inspiring wilderness, gushing waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery, New York State offers spectacular hiking. The extensive trail networks make it easy to plan anything from short day hikes to remote backcountry treks. From the soaring Adirondacks to the rolling Catskills and Finger Lakes, hiking around New York allows you to fully experience the diversity and beauty of the state’s natural landscapes.

Related Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking