For anyone who enjoys hiking, New York state is a popular and adventurous destination to explore along the East Coast. With amazing waterfall trails all throughout the Finger Lakes and both our Adirondack and Catskill mountain ranges, there are so many incredibly scenic hikes in New York. The trouble is, not all of us are experienced hikers who have the energy (or time) to trek up to the tops of the state’s high peaks. Luckily, you don’t have to be an avid outdoorsman to enjoy the state’s beauty – and that’s because some of the best hikes in New York are also some of the easiest. Check out this list of easy hikes in New York, which are all 1 mile long or less!

1. Constitution Marsh - Garrison
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
Julian Colton/Flickr
Fully known as the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, this roughly 1-mile-long trail winds through an exciting area of the Hudson Valley, surrounding you with the gorgeous scenery that makes up the Hudson Highlands. At the end of this easy trail, you'll find a 700-foot-long boardwalk that takes you out into the marsh!
2. Auger Falls Trail - Wells
Auger Falls, Wells, NY 12190, USA
Mike Inrichmond/AllTrails
Up north in Hamilton County, the Auger Falls Trail is a 1.1-mile loop trail that's considered by most hikers to be quite easy. The trail you'll explore here is very well marked and maintained and is a favorite spot for New York families to check out.
3. Tinker Nature Park Loop - Henrietta
Tinker Nature Park Nature Trail, Henrietta, NY 14534, USA
Jessica B/TripAdvisor
Just south of Rochester, the small town of Henrietta is home to a nature park that's been quite the talk of the town. After appearing overnight back in 2014, Tinker Nature Park has become filled with over 20 different fairy houses and doors that you can see while exploring the Tinker Nature Park Loop, a 1-mile-long loop trail in the park. The perfect place to bring your kids to look for fairies or simply go for an easy stroll, the trails here are quite magical!

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4. Grimes Glen - Naples
4703 Vine St, Naples, NY 14512, USA
VacationclubOMolly/TripAdvisor
Only becoming a public park back in 2008, Grimes Glen has beautiful waterfalls and a 1-mile long trail that's absolutely stunning. Taking you along Grimes Creek, you'll have waterfront views while exploring this park and will even get to cross a quaint little bridge that was painted by a local artist!
5. Mineral Springs Trail - Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Spa State Pk, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Ruth M/TripAdvisor
Within Saratoga Spa State Park and right off of Geyser Loop Road, the Mineral Springs Trail is a half-mile loop that's great for all ages to explore. During the summertime, you'll see families hiking along this nice flat trail, often stopping to dip their toes in Geyser Creek. The most difficult part of this loop? Walking up (or down) a quick flight of stairs!
6. Shelving Rock Falls - Fort Ann
Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
James S/TripAdvisor
A popular trail to check out during the summer, Shelving Rock Falls is only a .8-mile long out-and-back trail up near Lake George! The trail is almost entirely flat, with the beginning portion of the hike requiring explorers to walk over some small rocks. The great part about this easy trail that leads you to a waterfall is that if you're willing to hike a little bit past Shelving Rock Falls, you can actually walk all the way out to Lake George!
7. The Wild Center Trails - Tupper Lake
The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA
The Wild Center/Facebook
At The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, you can actually explore quite a few family-friendly trails that will take you through the woods and all over this 115-acre campus! In 2017, The Wild Center added the magical iForest trail, a 1,000-foot loop that features music poured out from over 20 different speakers that are hidden within the woods. So whether you're exploring the exciting treetop canopy or walking through their singing forest, the easy trails here are ones that you'll love.

What are your favorite easy hikes in New York? Do you think these are the best hikes in New York? Ever embarked on any (or all) of the trails above? If so, which ones and what’d you think? We want to hear from you!

Looking for another scenic hike in New York? You’re in luck! There are tons of spectacularly scenic hikes in New York, but if it’s a unique trek you’re after, you’re sure to be pleased with the hike to this frozen ice cave in New York, which is positively surreal!

 

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Best Hikes In New York

Daniella DiRienzo | April 22, 2022

Are there any other can’t-miss scenic hikes in New York?

There are so many scenic hikes in New York that it’d be easy to overlook a few. One that you definitely don’t want to miss is the Devil’s Hole Trail. Located in Devil’s Hole State Park, it was recently named the best trail in New York. Well deserving of the recognition, the trail includes a winding stone staircase, which leads to the base of a gorge and boasts stunning views of the Niagara River.

What are the most unique hikes in New York?

When it comes to unique hikes in New York, the Labyrinth Trail can’t be beat. Part of the Mohonk Mountain House Resort in New Paltz, this aptly-named 1-mile trek winds through a rocky maze comprised of lots of tiny crevices. You’ll have to crawl, squeeze, and climb your way throughout the Labyrinth Trail, so this isn’t a great choice if you’re claustrophobic or afraid of heights. Keep in mind that hikers must pay a fee to utilize the Labyrinth Trail.

Aside from the state's best hikes, what are some other ways I can enjoy the outdoors in New York?

There are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in New York. One place that shouldn’t be missed is Governors Island. Just 800 yards from lower Manhattan, the island, which can be reached via a short ferry ride, provides a peaceful respite from city life. Today, the island is managed by both the state and National Park Service and provides an idyllic setting for hiking, biking, and more. What’s more, the 172-acre park plays host to a variety of programs and events throughout the year.

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