It may be easy to cozy up next to a warm fire with hot chocolate all winter long, but if you’re willing to bundle up and brace the cold, New York has some of the best winter hikes around. From easier paths that will keep you low to the ground to some of our state’s tallest mountains that will give you unforgettable views, these 10 picturesque trails and winter hikes in New York are perfect.

1. Cascade Mountain - Essex County
Cascade Mountain Trailhead, Cascade Mountain Foot Trail, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
stillwellmike/Flickr
A favorite one of our High Peaks for adventurers to hike all year, Cascade Mountain comes in at just under five miles roundtrip. The trail's length and unbelievable panoramic views make it popular for hiking in the winter, taking anywhere from two to three hours to reach the summit. Learn more about hiking Cascade Mountain.
2. Gorge Trail - Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail, 1738 NY-89, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Seabamirum/Flickr
We all love to walk the Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park during the summer, making our way through to the refreshing spraying water. But if you've never explored this trail when it's completely covered in snow, then you've been missing out! This awesome winter hike in New York is just under one mile and leads you right to the beautiful 215-foot-tall Taughannock Falls. Discover more about the Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park.
3. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville
Green Lakes State Park/Facebook
Featuring two unique glacial lakes that will steal your breath away, this state park features several different trails. One of the most popular trails to explore will take you around both Round and Green Lakes, with pathways that follow along the shore and give you wonderful views of the frozen-over water. If you've only ever visited this park during the summer, you'll want to check out some of the best winter hikes covered in beautiful snow. Discover more about Green Lakes State Park.
4. Filmore Glen State Park - Moravia
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Tonyruff/TripAdvisor
Open all year long, visitors can come and explore this amazing state park during the winter to see some of New York's beautiful waterfalls frozen over. Featuring several trails that are all either roughly one mile or just under two miles, you'll get to find five gorgeous waterfalls within the park. This is some of the best NY hiking in the winter. Learn more about the waterfalls at Filmore Glen State Park.
5. Prospect Mountain - Warren County
Prospect Mountain, Lake George, NY 12846, USA
Wreachell/TripAdvisor
The road up to Prospect Mountain may be closed for the year, but those who are willing to reach the top by foot can still hike their way up this Adirondack summit. Coming in at just under three miles, the trail is considered to be moderate and may be trickier for some explorers during the icy winter months. Well worth the effort, you'll fall in love with the view you'll have of Lake George and our surrounding mountains from this winter hike in New York. Read up on what the drive is like up to Prospect Mountain.
6. Hadley Mountain - Saratoga County
Amanda Distasio/All Trails
It's always exciting to hike a mountain that has a fire tower at its summit, allowing you to achieve even greater views from the top! The highest point in Saratoga County, Hadley Mountain is a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike. The fire tower's cab may not be open during the winter, but you still can climb up to the top of the stairs for panoramic views. Get more details on this beautiful hike and other short hikes in New York.
7. Belfry Mountain - Essex County
Belfry Mountain, Mineville, NY 12998, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
A quick hike with rewarding views, this trail comes in under one mile roundtrip! Another mountain that features one of our fire towers, you'll be able to see New York's High Peaks along with Vermont's Green Mountains from the top! One of the best winter hikes, you'll have a difficult time finding another easy hike like this in the area that has such a stunning view. Check out more information on Belfry Mountain and other incredible hikes in New York.
8. Walkway Over The Hudson - Poughkeepsie
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, 61 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA
Malka G/TripAdvisor
That's right! Some of our residents may be surprised to hear that the Walkway Over The Hudson is actually open all year long. The walkway is cleared of snow throughout the winter and only closes during severe winter weather which wouldn't make this such a safe adventure for visitors. This historic walkway is over one mile and allows you to see the winter wonderland that is created on the Hudson River during our coldest months. Learn more about what a visit to the Walkway Over the Hudson has in store for you.
9. Hurricane Mountain - Essex County
Hurricane Mountain, New York, USA
Florin Chelaru/Flickr
Roughly five miles roundtrip, Hurricane Mountain is yet another one of our summits that has a fire tower. The gorgeous bald summit has views that would lead you to believe it is one of our High Peaks, yet the mountain only reaches an elevation of 3,678 feet. If you've yet to cross this one off of your bucket list, then make sure you explore this trail in the winter. Discover more about Hurrican Mountain and other out-of-this-world hiking in New York.
10. Kaaterskill Falls - Greene County
Slab/Trip Advisor
One of the best parts about visiting Kaaterskill Falls is that you have several different ways to view the 260-foot waterfall, even if you are hiking in winter. From the bottom, you can park just off of Route 23A and enjoy a half-mile hike to the base of the falls. During the winter, if you're brave enough and conditions aren't too icy, you can make your way to the top of the stairs and follow the trail further up the mountain that will eventually lead you to the viewing platform at the top.

If you have zero interest in straining yourself that much, you can also make things easy by parking at the end of Laurel House Road in the town of Hunter. A quick walk from the parking lot that requires little to no effort on your part will lead you right to the viewing platform, giving you a spectacular view from the top of the falls and down into the valley. Read more on hiking at Kaaterskill Falls.

What do you think are the best winter hikes in New York? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for something more than just NY hiking in winter? Check out these spots for snow tubing in New York.

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More to Explore

New York in the Winter

Rachel Raimondi | November 20, 2022

Where can I see the best light displays in New York?

There are many places where you can see some of the best light displays in New York. When you’ve had your fill of the best winter hikes, check out some of these light shows:

Lights on the Lake: Taking place on Onondaga Lake in Liverpool, one of the 11 Finger Lakes, this event begins in mid-November and goes until mid-January. It is a two-mile driving experience that features themed holiday lights, such as a twinkling fantasy forest.

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland: Located in Valhalla, this is another driving experience that features thousands of beautiful lights along a 1.2-mile ride. Aside from the lights, there are even some live displays. It begins at the end of November and goes through to the new year.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights: Located in the Bronx borough of Manhattan, from mid-November to the beginning of January, the zoo is lit in the evening with magical holiday lights and lanterns, all with an animal-centric theme. It is a walk-through experience and also features entertainment, music, food, and a holiday train.

Are there any Christmas tree farms in New York? 

There are several Christmas tree farms in New York to choose from when you are looking for the perfect tree for your home. Here are just a few:

Battenfield Christmas Tree Farm: Located in Red Hook in the Hudson Valley, this 80-acre farm has been in operation since the 1950s. There is an assortment of trees to peruse and pick the perfect one for your home.

Saltsman Tree Farm: Located in Rhinebeck, you can grab a pre-cut tree here or search for your own. The trees range from anywhere between six and 12 feet high. There are also treats available on-site like donuts, warm apple cider, and roasted chestnuts.

Where can I go ice skating in New York?

There are many places to go ice skating in New York if hiking in the winter is not your thing. Here are a few of the very best:

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink: Located in Albany, you can skate here from December until March. It is free to skate and there are lockers and rentals available. There is also a snack bar and an assortment of events to take part in throughout the season.

Bear Mountain Ice Rink: Located within Bear Mountain State Park, from November until March, you can skate at this outdoor rink. There are lockers, rentals, and lessons available. As a bonus, you can also explore the park’s over 5,000 acres.

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