14 Of The Best Hikes In New York For Your Bucket List
New York State is home to some amazing hikes, from gorgeous riverfront treks to tower mountain hikes that sometimes feel like marathons. From waterfront trails that will keep you low to the ground to epic hikes that will bring you to the tops of our tallest mountains, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to decide which adventure you want to start with. To help narrow things down for you, we’ve put together a list of 14 of the best hikes in New York for your bucket list. Happy hiking!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
You've most likely already crossed off visiting the American Falls from your bucket list, but if you're looking for something that's a bit more adventurous you'll want to explore the Niagara Gorge. Those looking to explore the Niagara Gorge can take in the sights from both Devil's Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park of Niagara Falls. If you decide to explore the Devil's Hole Trail, you'll have an 2.5 mile long round trip adventure where you'll be able to see the stunning water that makes up the Niagara River. For more information on exploring this trail, click here.
No matter how many times you've explored this state park, it never gets old to hike along the Gorge Trail. Over the two-mile long hike you'll see nineteen waterfalls that will drop your jaw. A place that many of our residents consider to be the most beautiful destination in the Empire State, there's simply no place like it. To find out more information about this trail and state park, click here.
If you haven't already caught on, some of New York's most beautiful trails are ones that run through our epic gorges. At Letchworth State Park you'll find a variety of trails that will lead you through forests and to breathtaking waterfalls and overlooks, but it's the Gorge Trail that will give you all the bang for your buck. This epic hike is one that is long and will undoubtedly tire you out, but every drop of effort will be worth it for the views along the way. Plan ahead and find out more about this amazing hike by checking out our previous article.
Seeing the views from the summit of Mount Jo is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. This hike is perfect for adventurers who are looking to enjoy gorgeous views of our High Peaks without having to deal with the strenuous effort it takes to reach the tops of New York's tallest mountains. From the top of Mount Jo you'll be able to see Heart Lake, a view you'll never forget. The hike comes in at roughly 2.6 miles round trip and is considered by most to be a moderate trail. To find out more information about this hike, click here.
A favorite hike for those who are living in the area of the Capital Region, the Indian Ladder Trail is one that you'll wish you knew about sooner. The most popular trail to explore in Thacher State Park, you'll get to enjoy panoramic views from the top and even get to experience walking behind Minelot falls along the way! To learn more about this beautiful trail, click here.
Exploring the surrounding areas of Kaaterskill Falls is a truly unforgettable and epic experience that everyone should experience in their lifetime. Most visitors will park in the parking lot along Route 23A, where you'll walk down the road and hike a .05 mile long trail that leads you right to the base of the falls. While the view from the bottom is certainly memorable, to experience all there is to see here you'll also want to follow the staircase up to the second tier and eventually go all the way to the top where you'll find an overlook platform that gives you sweeping views of the Catskills. Find out more information about exploring Kaaterskill Falls in our recent article.
7. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary - Garrison
One of the most beautiful hikes to explore in all of New York, the Constitution Marsh Trail is only one-mile long and will win your heart over quickly. At the end of the trail you'll find a 700-foot long boardwalk that will bring you right out into the 270-acre tidal wetlands. Like something out of a painting, this hike will surround you with wildlife of the Hudson Valley and unique views that you won't find just anywhere. To learn more about this hike, click here.
Hiking one of New York's High Peaks can be something that is a bit intimidating to our residents, no matter how much of an experienced explorer you are. Those who are looking to begin their journey of becoming a 46er will often start with Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge. One of our favorite parts about hiking Giant Mountain is that along the way you'll have several overlooks that are breathtaking to say the least and will make the pain of this long hike sting quite a bit less. To reach the top of Giant it generally takes most hikers around three hours give or take, an amazing way to spend your day up in the Keene Valley. To find out more about this hike, click here.
Not interested in taking on something as strenuous as one of our High Peaks? Then keep yourself low to the ground as you explore the trail that leads you to Dover Stone Church. An aboveground cave that looks like it'd be the perfect home for magical gnomes and faeries, this gem of Dutchess County is simply enchanting. The hike to the cave is short but relatively rocky, so you'll still want to make sure you have a good pair of shoes on for this one! To find out more information about this cave and how to get to it, click here.
Just east of Rochester out along Lake Ontario is a state park that will give you never-ending views of the water. The 600-acre park features beautiful natural wonders that you'll be able to soak in along the 1.25 mile long Bluffs Trail. Down along the shore you'll find a beach made up of colorful stones where you'll be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll and look out for miles and miles. To find out more about this state park and its gorgeous trails, check out our previous article.
11. Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail Hike - Sam's Point Preserve
Another hike that's a bit lengthy but worth every minute of your time, exploring the Ice Caves and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail of Sam's Point Preserve is one that's so unique. Self explanatory, the trail features Ice Caves that you'll get to squeeze yourself through that feature ice even during our warmer months! Beautifully strange, huh? The other epic feature of this trail is the 180-foot waterfall that's the tallest in the entire preserve.
Another Gorge Trail that you won't want to miss out on, Robert H. Treman State Park is a place you'll never want to leave. A popular state park to visit during the summer if you're looking to go camping and bask in New York's waterfalls, the Gorge Trail comes in at just over 2-miles long. Bringing you down staircases that look like something out of your favorite fairytale, you'll pass by twelve waterfalls including the epic 115-foot Lucifer Falls. To find out more about this park and to view the trail maps, click here.
For this trail, it's the final destination that makes this such a magnificent experience. Right within Chestnut Ridge Park in Erie County, this trail leads you to a waterfall that features an actual flame! Possibly the most epic waterfall that you'll find in all of New York, the trail to Eternal Flame Falls comes in at just under one-mile long. To learn more about this hike and Chestnut Ridge Park, visit the NY Falls website.
One last Gorge Trail and then we'll send you on your merry way! Leading you to one of New York's tallest waterfalls, the Gorge Trail of Taughannock Falls State Park is one that's quite popular. The 215-foot waterfall is extraordinary to see up close in person, with the trail being considered easy by most and great for explorers of all ages. To learn more about this park and amazing trail, click here.
Address: Devil's Hole State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA
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: Mt Jo, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Address: 830 Thacher Park Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Address: 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
Address: Giant Mountain, Keene, NY 12943, USA
Address: Stone Church Brook, New York 12522, USA
Address: Chimney Bluffs State Park, 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590, USA
Address: 400 Sams Point Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Address: Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Address: Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls, Ulysses, NY 14886, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In New York
February 15, 2021
Kim Magaraci
What are the best wildflower hikes in New York?
One wildflower hike in New York is so spectacular that it’s made headlines for being one of the best wildflower hikes in the country. Read to Teatown Lake Reservation and hike towards the Lakeside Trail. You’ll stumble upon a bridge that takes you across to Wildflower island, where more than 230 species of native and endangered wildflowers bloom from April through the rest of early spring.
Which hikes in New York are best in the winter?
Hiking in New York during the winter months can be tricky! You’ll need microspikes and plenty of warm clothing if you want to travel along the popular mountain trails, and snowshoes and more advanced equipment like ice axes and GPS beacons if you hope to adventure farther from the broken-out paths. That being said, Cascade Mountain is one winter hike you’ll never forget, because the views from the summit will show off a winter wonderland. Another great winter hike, closer to New York City, is through Harriman State Park. Of course, you can always try a different kind of winter adventure and hit the slope at Hunter Mountain. The lifts take you to the top – the trickier part is getting back down.
What are the best waterfall hikes in New York?
There are so many beautiful waterfall hikes in New York. The best, though? Well, the most famous waterfall hike in New York may be the trail to Kaaterskill Falls – but it’s also one of the most crowded. If you’re looking for a quieter waterfall adventure, enjoy the 2-mile trail to Taughannock Falls, which is the tallest free-falling cascade east of the Mississippi River. Another fun waterfall hike in New York can be found at Taconic State Park. You’ll take a short trail along the Bash Bish Brook and find yourself crossing the Massachusetts border and staring up at the stunning Bash Bish Falls. We can’t pick a favorite; you will just have to experience these epic hikes for yourself!
Address: Devil's Hole State Park, Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA
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: Mt Jo, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
Address: 830 Thacher Park Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Address: 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
Address: Giant Mountain, Keene, NY 12943, USA
Address: Stone Church Brook, New York 12522, USA
Address: Chimney Bluffs State Park, 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590, USA
Address: 400 Sams Point Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, USA
Address: Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Address: Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls, Ulysses, NY 14886, USA
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Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
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