Quick Answer
The best hiking trails in New York span four major regions: Catskills (Hudson Valley, 2-4 hours from NYC, family-friendly to challenging), Adirondacks (largest park east of Mississippi, High Peaks 46ers challenge), Hudson Valley (Bear Mountain, Hudson Highlands), Long Island (coastal beaches and Pine Barrens). Top picks: Mt. Tammany (Catskills, 4 miles, panoramic), Mt. Marcy (Adirondacks, 14.8 miles, NY’s highest peak 5,344 ft), Bear Mountain (Hudson Valley, 4 miles, NYC skyline views), Anthony’s Nose (Hudson, 2.5 miles, easy stunning views). Best season: September-October for foliage, May-June for waterfalls. Permits: free for most hikes, parking fees $5-15. Safety: bears active spring/summer, rattlesnakes in Hudson Valley, hypothermia possible Adirondacks year-round.
Catskills (Hudson Valley)
- Mt. Tammany (Slide Mountain): 4 miles round-trip, 1,200 ft gain, 3-4 hours. Panoramic views of Catskills + Hudson Valley.
- Hunter Mountain Fire Tower: 5 miles, 2,000 ft gain. Historic fire tower, wide views.
- Plattekill Falls: 0.5 miles, easy. Waterfall hike for families.
- Awesome Loop (North-South Lake): 4 miles, easy-moderate. Beach + ledge views.
- Devil’s Path: 24.2 miles, 4-day backpack. One of East’s hardest trails.
- Best time: September-October peak foliage. May for spring waterfalls.
Adirondacks
- Mt. Marcy: 14.8 miles, 3,200 ft gain, NY’s highest peak (5,344 ft). 46er summit. 8-12 hours.
- Algonquin Peak: 9 miles, 2,800 ft gain. NY’s 2nd highest. Clear days see Mt. Washington (NH).
- Cascade Mountain: 4.4 miles, easiest 46er. 2,000 ft gain, beautiful summit.
- Mt. Van Hoevenberg: 4.2 miles, easy. Olympic Trail, 360 views.
- Avalanche Pass: 8 miles loop, dramatic mountain pass with cliffs.
- 46ers challenge: hike all 46 Adirondack High Peaks (named in 1925). Recognized by ADK 46-R organization.
- Best time: June-October. Winter for snowshoers.
Hudson Valley
- Bear Mountain: 4 miles, 1,300 ft gain. NYC skyline views (50 miles south). 1.5 hours from Manhattan.
- Anthony’s Nose: 2.5 miles, 750 ft gain. Easy, stunning Hudson + Bear Mountain views. Best Hudson Valley hike for time invested.
- Storm King Mountain: 3 miles, 1,000 ft. Storm King Sculpture Park visible from summit.
- Breakneck Ridge: 4 miles, 1,300 ft. Scrambling required. Famous for views — but BUSY.
- Hudson Highlands: Putnam County, multiple options. Quieter alternative to Breakneck.
- Best time: April-November. Winter accessible but icy.
Long Island
- Sunken Forest (Fire Island): 1.5 miles, easy boardwalk. Maritime forest below sea level. Unique ecosystem.
- Pine Barrens (Suffolk County): Carmans River trail 8 miles. Pine forest unusual for area.
- Caleb Smith State Park: 4-mile loop. Peaceful, family-friendly.
- Connetquot River State Park: 7-mile river trail. Trout fishing alongside hiking.
- Brookhaven National Lab trails: open weekends. Scientific reserve with trails.
- Beach hikes: Robert Moses, Jones Beach. Long flat hikes with ocean views.
Practical hiking tips
- Permits: free for most NY hikes. State park parking $5-10/day. Adirondack Trailhead Centers $5/car.
- Bears: active April-October in Catskills/Adirondacks. Use bear canisters for camping. Make noise hiking.
- Rattlesnakes: Eastern timber rattlesnakes in Hudson Valley/Catskills. Watch step on rocky terrain.
- Ticks: Lyme disease epidemic in NY. Long pants, DEET, check after hikes.
- Black flies: Adirondacks May-June, vicious. Cover skin or wait June.
- Weather: Adirondacks/Catskills cold even summer (45°F nights at elevation). Hypothermia possible year-round.
Best season for NY hiking
- September-October: peak foliage, mild temps, fewer bugs. Most popular hiking season. Crowded weekends.
- May-June: spring waterfalls, blooms, fewer crowds. Black flies in Adirondacks.
- July-August: warm, but humid. Thunderstorms afternoons. Lakes and waterfalls best.
- November-March: snowshoeing in Adirondacks. Many trails accessible. Ice safety equipment needed.
- April: shoulder season. Trails muddy from snowmelt. Lower attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in New York?
Best balance of view + accessibility: Anthony’s Nose (Hudson Valley, 2.5 miles, easy with stunning views). Best foliage: Catskills October. Best challenge: Mt. Marcy (Adirondacks, NY’s highest peak).
How long does it take to drive from NYC to Catskills?
2-4 hours depending on destination. Catskills front range (Bear Mountain, Storm King): 1-1.5 hours. Catskills heart (Hunter Mountain): 2-3 hours. Adirondacks: 4-6 hours.
Are NY trails free?
Most yes. Some state parks charge parking ($5-15/day). Adirondack Trailhead Centers $5/car. Bear Mountain weekend $10/car. Most Catskill trails free with parking.
What’s the best Adirondack hike for beginners?
Cascade Mountain: 4.4 miles, the easiest 46er with great views. Mt. Van Hoevenberg: 4.2 miles, very easy. Hurricane Mountain: 4.6 miles, moderate but rewarding.
When is the best time for fall foliage hiking in NY?
Last week September to mid-October peak. Catskills slightly later than Adirondacks. Hudson Valley peaks last week September. Use NY State Foliage Reports for live updates.
Are bears dangerous on NY hikes?
Black bears in Catskills/Adirondacks generally avoid humans. Make noise while hiking. Use bear canisters for camping. Don’t run if encountered — back away slowly. No fatal attacks in NY in over 70 years.
Recommended on Amazon
grandgo.com is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Links open your local Amazon store.
- Catskill hiking guide book — detailed trail descriptions.
- Adirondack 46ers patch — completion patch.
- NY hiking pole REI — durable for rocky terrain.