Posted in New York Hiking, Nature March 18, 2022 by

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In New York, Make Them These

For any true adventurers, living in New York State is like constantly being surrounded by paradise. With beautiful mountain ranges, gorgeous waterfront destinations and secluded forests that are amazing to explore, it oftentimes feels impossible to cross every outdoor activity off of your bucket list. If you’ve been longing to dive into nature but haven’t been able to decide where to start, try planning a trip to one of these five amazing trails that showcase our state’s true beauty. These could be considered the five best hikes in New York. Keep reading and see if you agree.

1. Gorge Trail - Watkins Glen State Park
Matt/Flickr
It's nearly impossible to find another trail in New York that has so much natural beauty packed into such a short trail. It's truly one of the most scenic hikes in New York. The two-mile long Gorge Trail features beautiful stone staircases, bridges and a total of nineteen waterfalls, some of which you'll find yourself walking behind, over and right along next to. For obvious reasons this hike is one that sees a lot of visitors, so the earlier you can arrive here the better!

To read our original post and to find out more about Gorge Trail, check out this article.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
2. Gorge Trail - Letchworth State Park
gardener41/Flickr
If you weren't already aware of it, Letchworth is considered to be one of the best state parks in our entire country. So if you haven't already made the trip out here? Planning a day to go hiking along this famous Gorge Trail is something you'll want to get done ASAP. While the hike is one that's a bit long, coming in at seven miles long, it's one that's well-worth the effort. Taking you to some of the tallest waterfalls in our state that can be found along the Genesee River, this hike showcases what New York is all about.

To read our original post and to find out more about Gorge Trail, check out this article.
Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
3. Lemon Squeeze - Mohonk Mountain House
WhatsAllThisThen/Flickr
Now it's time to test your bravery! Taking on the Lemon Squeeze isn't a trail that's difficulty comes in length, but rather your ability to put mind over matter and literally squeeze your way through small spaces and a large crevice in one of New York's mountains. Taking you roughly two-miles to reach the top, after crawling through tight cracks and rocks you'll eventually get to climb a staircase and make your way to the top of the Sky Top Tower. From the top you'll have a view of the Mohonk Mountain House and surrounding mountain ranges, a rewarding end to a quite unusual hike. So while not one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New York, it is definitely one you should absolutely check out. It's definitely one of the best hikes in New York.

To read our original post and to find out more about Lemon Squeeze, check out this article!
Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
4. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Greg S/TripAdvisor
Downstate you can find all sorts of unique scenery in the Hudson Valley, but there's one hike that will make you feel like you're in another world. Something easy with a view waiting for you at the end that you'll love, the Constitution Marsh Trail is roughly two miles long round trip. After starting off with rocky terrain, you'll eventually find yourself with a 700-foot long boardwalk in front of you that takes you out into the tidal marsh. Surrounding you with views of the Hudson Highlands, this spot is incredibly serene. It's one of the top easy hikes in New York, but has some of the most spectacular scenery.

To read our original post and to find out more about this sanctuary, check out this article!
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
5. Gorge Trail - Taughannock Falls State Park
Erica R./Yelp
If you haven't already caught on, New York's Gorge Trails are some of our absolute greatest. Part of the reason why Ithaca is so "gorges", Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a 215-foot tall waterfall. The view you'll have once you reach the end of this Gorge Trail, you'll walk along Taughannock Creek until you reach a waterfall that's taller in size than our famous Niagara Falls. Passing smaller waterfalls along the way, you'll love how adventurous this trail will make you feel. So if you live in Ithaca, don't search for "best hiking trails near me," just check out this one!

To read our original post and to find out more about the Gorge Trail, check out this article.
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

If you had to suggest one of these best hikes in New York to an out-of-towner, which one would you choose? To explore another noteworthy trail, hike to This One Aboveground Cave In New York That’s Like Visiting Another World!

Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Address: Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
Address: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in New York

March 23, 2022
Jessica Bohl

What are some kid-friendly hikes around New York?

There are so many wonderful hiking opportunities in New York. Some are reserved just for the experienced hikers. But other trails are perfect for the entire family. And what better way to spend the day with your kids than to get out into nature and explore it together. When hiking with kids, especially small kids new to hiking, be sure to stick to shorter trails without large elevation changes. And don’t worry, short, flat hikes can be gorgeous too. For instance, Shelving Rock Falls is only a .8-mile hike that leads you to a stunning waterfall. What’s more enticing than a waterfall? Well, perhaps fairy houses. Tinker Nature Park Loop in Henrietta is a magical 1-mile trail filled with over 20 different fairy houses and doors for the kids to keep an eye out for when hiking. It’s an easy stroll, with lots of fun and beautiful scenery. Finally, at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, they have an awesome boardwalk bridge that makes the hike truly special for kids. This center covers more than 115-acres, so you can easily spend the day there exploring. For more easy hikes, check out this great article about family-friendly hikes in New York.

Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Address: Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
Address: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.