Posted in New York Hiking, Nature January 20, 2020 by

12 Peaceful New York Hikes Under 3 Miles That Are Full Of Gorgeous Views

Not all of us have the time or energy to take on the task of exploring New York’s full-day hikes. So for those of us who are looking for shorter adventures that still offer impressive views, unforgettable hikes like the twelve you’ll find below are perfect to explore. Giving you a variety of trails that have views of the Empire State’s tallest mountains and some that will provide you with waterfront sights, there’s something for everyone on this list. Believe us, you’re going to love these short and beautiful hikes in New York.

1. Avalon Park & Preserve - Stony Brook
Dianne L./Yelp
Right on Long Island's North Shore, the park spans across roughly 70 acres of land. The park is made up of magical boardwalks and staircases and even a whimsical Labyrinth that features a yarn-bombed tree and art. Avalon has five different trails for visitors to check out, with the longest 2.2 miles long. To find out more information about this park and to see the trail maps, click here.
2. Fillmore Glen State Park - Moravia
Yespage/TripAdvisor
Fillmore Glen State park is home to some of the most glorious hiking trails in New York. Just south of Owasco and Skaneateles Lakes in Cayuga County is one of our favorite state parks to explore. Fillmore Glen is another park that offers a handful of trails that all come in under 3 miles, but the most popular one to explore is the Gorge Trail where you'll have a view of the waterfalls that are hiding here. To find out more information about this park and to see the trail map, click here.
3. Watkins Glen State Park - Schuyler County
David H./Yelp
When it comes to exploring short but sweet trails, you won't be able to have a conversation without hearing Watkin Glen's Gorge Trail being brought up. Hike along the two-mile long trail and you'll have the chance to see 19 waterfalls, some of which you'll be able to walk behind! One of the most breathtaking destinations in our state, you can find out more information about this amazing state park if you click here.
4. Mount Jo - Lake Placid
Louis Bernstein/AllTrails
Taking you up to the Adirondack Loj, Mount Jo is one of the most rewarding hikes you'll ever experience. Coming at just over 2-miles long, the hike is steep but gives you incredible views of our surrounding High Peaks and Heart Lake. Come and experience some of the most mind-blowing scenic views in New York. To find out more information about this hike, click here.
5. Buttermilk Falls State Park - Ithaca
Roobydoo5/TripAdvisor
One of the many beautiful places you'll find in the city of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State park is home to waterfalls, stone staircases and a shimmering lake. Those who explore the 1.29-mile long Lake Treman Trail will be led through the forest to waterfront views of the lake. Or you can explore the well-liked .65-mile long Gorge Trail that brings you by waterfalls along Buttermilk Creek. Come see why this destination is considered to be one of the best state parks in New York. To find out more information about this park and to see the trail map, click here.
6. Chimney Bluffs State Park - Wolcott
Emily H./Yelp
Just an hour east of Rochester in Wayne County, Chimney Bluffs State Park sits along the shores of Lake Ontario. A place unlike any other in our state, the park has 1.2-mile long Bluff Trail that gives you spectacular views of the water and this unique natural wonder. To find out more about this park and to view the trail map, click here.
7. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Seneca Falls
Travelpapi153/TripAdvisor
If you want to enjoy a hike that will promise you the opportunity of seeing New York's wildlife up close and personal, then it's time you head out to Seneca Falls. At the northern end of Cayuga Lake, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has quite a few trails that are just over a mile long. The trails here will give you views of endangered species and a variety of wildlife that you won't find just anywhere. To find out more information, click here.
8. Shelving Rock Falls - Fort Ann
Marco van der Haar/Flickr
Another short hike in New York that's very rewarding, Shelving Rock Falls is a .8-mile long out and back trail that's an Adirondack favorite. The hike is one of the easiest ones you'll ever experience in this region and leads you to an over 50-foot tall waterfall that's beautiful to see all throughout the year. Bonus? Right near the trailhead for the waterfall you can also find the trailhead for Shelving Rock Mountain. Another easy hike to complete, the out and back trail is only 3.4 miles total! To find out more information about this hike, click here.
9. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville
Jenna L./Yelp
Less than a half-hour outside of Syracuse, this state park is home to some of New York's most unique bodies of water. The two lakes inside of the park don't experience any turnover, meaning that the top and bottom levels of the lakes never mix - making for one extremely clear body of water. The park has a variety of waterfront trails that are under 3-miles long, taking you through the woods and giving you a stunning view of the vibrant water. To find out more information about this park and to view the trail map, click here.
10. Hadley Mountain - Saratoga County
Chris Oakley/Flickr
At the very southern end of our Adirondack Park is a relatively easy hike that just makes the cut with a length of 3-miles long. At times the trail can be a bit rocky, but once you reach the summit you'll be glad you made the trip! Adding an extra cherry on top, the summit also has a fire tower that will give you extended views of the Adirondacks. To find out more information about this hike, click here.
11. Kaaterskill Falls - Greene County
Christin M./Yelp
A 1-mile long out and back trail that ends once you reach one of New York's tallest waterfalls, Kaaterskill Falls a destination worthy of your bucket list. The trail starts off with a smaller waterfall, taking you along Kaaterskill Creek until you reach the towering natural wonder. Those looking to continue exploring can follow a staircase on the mountainside that leads you right to the very top of the waterfall. To find out more information about this trail, click here.
12. Vroman's Nose - Middleburgh
buffaloveli/TripAdvisor
A roughly 1.5-mile long loop trail that gives you expansive views of the area from the top, Vroman's Nose is a popular hiking spot for those living in the Capital Region. Just under an hour away from Albany, the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. To find out more information about this hike, click here.

What’s your favorite half-day hike to take in the Empire State? For another quick and easy adventure, see if you’ve explored This Hike That Might Just Be The Most Beautiful In All Of New York!

Address: Stony Brook, NY, USA
Address: Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Mt Jo Trail, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls State Park, South Hill, NY 14850, USA
Address: Chimney Bluffs State Park, 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590, USA
Address: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Address: Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
Address: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
Address: Hadley Mountain, Hadley, NY 12835, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Address: Vromans Nose, Fulton, NY 12122, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

short and beautiful hikes in New York

February 07, 2020
Elisa Regulski

Where are the best scenic views in New York?

Panama Rocks Scenic Park, located in New York’s western corner, is one of the most gorgeous places in the state. This stunning natural area has been a local favorite since 1885, and it’s easy to see why. The rock formations and unique passageways look like something from another planet. If you want to soak up some astonishing scenic views in New York, this is the place to go. Whiteface Mountain is another must-visit place to enjoy New York’s beautiful scenery. From the top, you’ll be able to stare into the beauty of Lake Placid and enjoy the views along the Adirondack’s High Peak Region. To learn more about the best scenic views in New York, read our article here.

What are the best kid-friendly hiking trails in New York?

There’s a lovely kid-friendly hike in Minnewaska State Park Preserve that’s full of awe-inspiring sights. Bring the young ones along to stare at the rushing cascades and lovely foliage. At only 1 mile long, this stroll is great for even the youngest adventurers. The Auger Falls Trail, located in Wells, is another fantastic outdoor family adventure in New York. This 1.1-mile loop trail has level terrain and is easy to follow. The Tinker Nature Park Loop in Henrietta should also go on your nature bucket list. There’s no shortage of exciting hiking trails in New York!

What are the best state parks in New York?

Moreau State Park in Gansevoort is one of the best little-known state parks in New York. When the weather is warm, visitors love spending time along Moreau Lake. It’s a great place to kayak, fish, and swim. If you loved this, you should also visit Taconic State Park. It’s a gorgeous camping destination.

Address: Stony Brook, NY, USA
Address: Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Mt Jo Trail, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls State Park, South Hill, NY 14850, USA
Address: Chimney Bluffs State Park, 7700 Garner Rd, Wolcott, NY 14590, USA
Address: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Address: Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
Address: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
Address: Hadley Mountain, Hadley, NY 12835, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Address: Vromans Nose, Fulton, NY 12122, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.