Spending time on trails has many health advantages. Studies have demonstrated it increases cognition, mood and happiness levels.
New York is blessed with stunning forests, gorges, and marshes that provide challenging hiking with breathtaking vistas – not far from New York city itself! There are several trails nearby; here are five of them that stand out.
1. Camel’s Hump State Park
Camel’s Hump State Park in Vermont is one of the premier hiking trails. Boasting spectacular mountainous terrain with spectacular vistas, Camel’s Hump offers a moderately challenging hike through beautiful landscapes including lush birch forests. Along the route are some steep sections of rugged terrain so be sure to wear sturdy footwear – plus, this trail includes visiting an historic WWII B-24 bomber wreckage for added historic context!
At 4,083 feet above sea level, Camel’s Hump serves as the focal point of this sprawling forest reserve. It was given this name by Abenaki Native American tribes and early European explorers due to its shape resembling that of a “crouching lion.” Over time it became an integral feature in state geography before ultimately being donated to Green Mountain Club as both recreational and educational resource in 1903.
Camel’s Hump State Park covers 21,000 acres near Duxbury and features over 40 miles of trails that wind their way across it, from short accessible loops to the iconic summit. Hikers love Camel’s Hump Park but bikers will also love exploring its eastern flank – there are over 25 miles of mountain biking trails run through there, all carefully managed by Mad River Riders volunteers, providing an exhilarating ride for newcomers as well as veteran mountain bikers alike!
The Monroe Trail is an increasingly popular way to ascend Camel’s Hump, offering a moderately difficult 6.4 mile round-trip hike from its main parking lot on Camel’s Hump Road in North Duxbury to its summit. Starting with seasonal caretaker cabin, cemetery, memorial for B-24 bomber that crashed during World War II training mission crash site crash memorial and well-marked blue blazes before reaching summit climbs with several steep, exposed summit climbs before finally reaching Camel’s Hump itself.
2. Shaupeneak Ridge
This Ulster County hiking trail boasts stunning waterfall and pond, wildflower-filled grasslands, wooded terrain, and spectacular vistas that stretch as far as Hudson River or, when leaves change color, Catskill Mountains. Additionally, its challenging yet enjoyable terrain provides ample space for mountain biking and trail running – the latter will particularly enjoy it for its breathtaking vistas! It is also an ideal location for mountain biking and trail running enthusiasts to experience Ulster County at its best!
Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area is a popular summertime attraction, so plan to arrive early or at non-peak times. Due to the limited parking lot space, carpooling may be necessary; we chose the upper lot off Old Post Road (Ulster County Route 16). There’s also a lower parking lot closer to Shaupeneak Mountain that could potentially help.
As you start your hike, the white trail takes you steeply uphill for approximately five minutes before levelling off slightly and passing over its crest to reveal a small waterfall cascading into a lush glen of mossy rocks and ferns. After another couple minutes walking along this same trail, another path off to your right leads to yet another small waterfall set against an equally stunning landscape – this trail bears the sign “Purple Trail”, signifying its purpose and that of its main counterpart (white trail).
At this park, hikers take precedence over mountain bikes, so keep that in mind if you plan on moving at an increased pace than normal – you’ll be glad that you did!
Esopus Park offers an oasis of nature. Many of its hiking trails feature steep ascents. The park’s waterfall is one of its most striking features and makes for a wonderful stop-off point to enjoy nature and take in its sights. Furthermore, Esopus is home to deer, turkeys and beavers which add further wildlife diversity!
3. Deb’s Park
Deb’s Park is an unexpected find with beautiful hiking trails for exploration. Dog-friendly and dog-sitting facilities are provided, as are picnicking and fishing facilities as well as an Audubon Center. Perfect for family hikes or quick trail walks when time is short – its paved and fire road paths make for easy trekking, with beautiful views of downtown Los Angeles along the way! Additionally, Deb’s Park’s hikes tend to be fairly secluded so it makes for a wonderful option when it comes to exploring nature without encountering too many other people!
The main entrance to Debs Park can be found near the Audubon Center on its western side, from there using Waze to get you to its parking lot in Debs Park as close as possible to its cul-de-sac. When ready, head toward its wooden staircase toward palm trees before taking an uphill trail that goes along their right edge.
Once you begin climbing, Bee Rock offers stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles that will leave you mesmerized. When finished exploring, simply return down the trail until it meets up with a paved path leading back into the park’s main entrance – this trail is great for beginners and kids, offering safe surroundings with moderate climbs over less than 3 miles roundtrip!
Los Angeles offers some excellent hiking trails, and this trail is one of the finest. Perfect for when you have some free time to spare and want a challenging workout, its short length makes it popular among dog walkers, while wide pathways and well-routed routes make this an excellent trail suitable for hiking with children as well as strollers – but unfortunately not suitable for strollers!
4. Overlook Mountain
The Overlook Mountain trail is one of the most beloved hikes in the Catskill Mountains for good reason, featuring old hotel ruins, a fire tower, breathtaking vistas and beautiful terrain. Plus it’s suitable for kids to do independently making this an excellent family hike!
Hikers begin this hike from Meads Mountain Road near Woodstock and park in its parking lot; should it become full, people may park illegally along its side streets (in which case, town officials have been known to ticket such vehicles). There is no fee required to access this trail and its length approximates five miles round trip.
Once hiking begins, the trail follows an old gravel road and should be relatively straightforward. The only significant challenge lies in climbing its consistent incline, while you’ll likely come across plenty of Mountain Laurel along its course that will look amazing when blooming.
After about one mile of hiking, you’ll reach the Overlook Mountain House Ruins. A popular tourist spot and photo op, these ruins attract both photographers and curious onlookers; however, DEC advises only viewing them from outside due to safety considerations. Behind these ruins lies a communications tower which is not open to public view; keep an eye out here as Timber Rattlesnakes may live here as well!
Next stop on the trail is an open fire tower, offering breathtaking views and offering the possibility to see five states at once on clear days!
Once you’ve taken in all the sights and explored all the ruins, return down the trail back to the parking lot or continue further to Echo Lake if desired.
Overlook Mountain offers a breathtaking and rewarding hike, perfect for family outings. The breathtaking ruins and views make this journey worth your while, with climbing not being too challenging; be sure to bring along traction gear during winter hikes!