These 10 New York Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History

With weather cooling down and our foliage setting a beautiful scene, this time of year in New York is the perfect time to get outdoors and go exploring. It may be nice to go for a peaceful stroll through the woods, but what if you could go exploring scenic areas that are also home to amazing pieces of our state’s history? Well, if this sounds like something you’d be interested in then you’re just in luck! Because below you can find ten trails in the Empire State that will take you to historic places that will leave you in awe.

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Located up in Saratoga County where you're overlooking a more rural part of New York, Saratoga National Historical Park features various trails that you can explore. The trails here will take you to pieces of history involved in the Battles of Saratoga, with the grounds being declared a national historical park since 1938. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 648 Route 32 Stillwater, NY 12170

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A popular hiking spot down in Rockland County, Doodletown in Stony Point is considered to be one of New York's most well-known ghost towns. Back in the 1960s, the town that is now part of Bear Mountain State Park was bought by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. Today those who come and explore the trail that takes you to Doodletown can find the remains of old homes, staircases and other pieces of the town's history that have been left behind. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: To view the trailhead on Google Maps, click here.

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Widow Jane Mine/Facebook

Part of Ulster County not terribly far from the Thruway is an incredibly fascinating piece of history that's been left behind for visitors to explore. Some may not realize that the town of Rosendale use to be widely known for its cement manufacturing, something Widow Jane Mine largely contributed to. The now abandoned mine dates back to the 1800s and is taken care of by the Century House Historical District Society. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 668 Route 213 Rosendale, New York

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There are obviously plenty of historic spots that you can visit in the Lake Placid area, but one that's incredible to explore outdoors is the John Brown Farm State Historic Site. Once the home of abolitionist John Brown, the historic home that was originally purchased by the family back in 1849 has been well-preserved. The site has a few different trails, all of which are roughly a mile long and will give you the chance to see John Brown's farm house, barn, gravesite and other significant parts of the property. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 2 John Brown Road Lake Placid, NY 12946

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Down in Cold Spring where you're right near all the scenic marshes of the Hudson River, the West Point Foundry Preserve is an interesting and charming place to visit. The property was once an ironworks between 1817 and 1911 until it began to deal with bankruptcy issues. Considered to be an outdoor museum of sorts, you can view different pieces of West Point Foundry's history by exploring the several miles of trails that are offered here. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 80 Kemble Avenue Cold Spring, NY 12601

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Out along the northern shores of Long Island is the breathtaking Caumsett State Historic Park. The park covers over 1,5000 acres and is made up of nature trails and a historic estate that dates back to the 1920s. The historic home is one of the largest mansions to be built along the Gold Coast and continues to fascinate visitors to this very day. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 25 Lloyd Harbor Road Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743

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The main attraction in the town of Crown Point, these gorgeous ruins are some of my personal favorite to visit. Set within the scenic surroundings that are hidden away in this area of our northern New York regions, the historic site dates back to the 1700s. The limestone fortress is gorgeous to see in person, a great outdoor adventure that's wonderful for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 21 Grandview Drive Crown Point, NY 12928

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Clermont State Historic Site/Yelp

Right near the shores of the Hudson River in Columbia County, you won't believe the view that you'll have from this beautiful historic site. Once occupied by the Livingston family, not too many things about this site have changed since when it was occupied during the 1700s. Turned over to the state by the Livingston family in 1962, since then New Yorkers from all over have been able to come and visit to learn about the history of this interesting site. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 87 Clermont Avenue Germantown, NY 12526

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A more saddening piece of history, hike your way up Kaaterskill High Peak in the Catskills and you can find multiple plane crashes on this mountain. In both 1983 and 1987 planes crashed into the mountain, now making it a popular place to go hiking and for urban explorers to visit. The trail is one that's difficult and long, but if this kind of stuff is what you're interested in then it's positively worth all the effort. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 2425 Platte Clove Road Elka Park, NY 12427

Ganondagan State Historic Site/TripAdvisor

One of the many towns you'll find surrounding the city, Victor is just a quick half-hour drive from Rochester. The Ganondagan State Historic Site is where a Seneca town once thrived during the 17th century. Visitors today can explore the nature trails and learn more about the art, history and culture of the Seneca people. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) Victor, NY 14564

Looking to take on some more interesting hikes? Then start tackling these 11 Trails In New York That Will Lead You To The Most Incredible Fire Tower Views!