13 Unbelievable Hikes In New York That Locals Want To Keep Secret
Secret spots? All of our residents have them. The majority of us even have secret spots scattered throughout New York that we aren’t even willing to share with anyone but ourselves. With so many beautiful trails that will lead you to mind-blowing views, it’s hard to want to share these 13 unbelievable hikes with anyone else!
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Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Drive through to the Dacy Clearing Parking Lot and this hike will come in at just under 4-miles long round trip! If you have a car that can't handle more rough terrain, then you can always walk from the Sleeping Beauty parking lot, making this round trip closer to 7-miles long. The perfect half-day hike and a great place to start for beginners, the summit of the mountain gives you panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.
My tip? Since this trail is a popular one that we wish no one else knew about, if you're up for make this a sunrise hike then take on the challenge and you'll have a better chance of getting the mountain to yourself!
My tip? Since this trail is a popular one that we wish no one else knew about, if you're up for make this a sunrise hike then take on the challenge and you'll have a better chance of getting the mountain to yourself!
One of New York's most epic waterfalls, the trail to Eternal Flame Falls comes in at just under one-mile long. Inside of Chestnut Ridge Park, the trail features uneven terrain that will require a good pair of sneakers if not hiking boots. After following the trail markers that have the image of a flame on them, you'll arrive at the jaw-dropping waterfall which features a flame!
A trail that's short but sweet and features not only one, but two waterfalls from start to finish, this enormous waterfall hiding away in the Catskill Mountains is one you can't miss. Park right off of the Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway and take a quick walk down the winding road to where you'll begin your hike at the start of the trailhead. You'll know you're at the trailhead once you see the marker and the first waterfall of this adventure, Bastion Falls. Hike a half-mile and you'll find yourself standing right before one of New York's tallest waterfalls, Kaaterskill Falls!
Inside Sam's Point Preserve of Minnewaska State Park you'll find an incredible trail that not only features an unbelievable waterfall, you'll also find yourself climbing through ice caves along the way. Wow! At the end of the trail you'll find VerKeerderkill Falls, a waterfall that reaches nearly 200-feet in height.
A spot that's often overlooked due to visitors spending their time at the American Falls, this state park right in the city of Niagara Falls is one that will leave you speechless. From the color of the gorgeous water to the powerful rapids you'll find flowing down it, Whirlpool State Park features a variety of trails that will all give you insane views of this the Niagara River Gorge.
One of the most beautiful hikes you can discover in New York, this one-mile long trail is perfect if you're looking to get a lot of bang for your buck. The trail ends once you reach the 700-foot boardwalk that brings you out amongst the gorgeous tidal marsh.
One of the many places within the city of Ithaca where you'll find a variety of waterfalls, the Gorge Trail is just over 2-miles long and will take you to unbelievable views. Taking you down staircases through the gorge and right near some of our state's most stunning waterfalls, this is just one of our state parks out in this region that's worth exploring and we hate to share with others.
An amazing place to visit during the summer when you can take advantage of this state park's beautiful beach, Green Lakes is also an incredible place to check out all throughout the year. Take the loop that brings you around both Green & Round Lakes, coming in just under 5-miles long you won't believe how clear and gorgeous the water is that you'll see along the way!
A trail that's only open to our residents for roughly one more week, the Indian Ladder Trail of Thacher Park is one that will literally bring you behind a waterfall. An amazing state park with panoramic views that are perfect to soak in during our fall foliage, the four-mile long trail is one that's perfect for our residents looking to enjoy a remote area outside of the Capital Region.
Inside of Shadmoor State Park out on Long Island you can find a trail that's just over 2-miles long and will bring you right along the coast. Accessible all year long, this trail is one that is generally not too busy yet will give some of the most beautiful and remote views you can experience on the island.
A hike that will get your blood pumping and considered to be moderate, the nearly 3-mile long trail up Prospect Mountain is one that is undoubtedly rewarding. Giving you an endless view of Lake George and the village down below, this trail is accessible to hikes all year long.
Take the four mile long loop around the entire park and you'll end up passing five beautiful waterfalls! If you're looking to enjoy a shorter hike, the park is made up of a Gorge Trail, North Rim Trail and South Rim Trail as well that all fall under 2-miles long.
A part of the MacIntyre Range in our High Peaks, Algonquin Peak is just one of the several summits you'll get to experience while you explore this particular range. The trail that comes in at just over 8-miles long can easily be paired up with other nearby trails and is one of our 46 high peaks that we wish we didn't have to share with anyone else!
Inspired to take an adventure after checking out all of these stunning trails? Then you’ll love reading about one of America’s Best Adventure Towns That’s Right Here In New York and it’ll bring out the explorer in you!
