12 Scenic Trails To Explore In New York, One For Each Month Of The Year
There’s far from a shortage of scenic hiking trails in New York. Since the choices are endless, we’ve put together the following list of some of the most beautiful spots in the Empire State. As you’ll soon see, the best hiking in New York includes walking along the water, exploring ruins, strolling through the mountains, walking through New York City, and much more. With so many options, feel free to hit a trail (or two) each month of the year. Just remember to bring your sunblock, water, a hat, and, of course, your camera when you hike one of these best trails in New York.
The Gertrude's Nose Trail is one of the most popular New York hiking trails at Minnewaska State Park. At 6.7 miles, it's a little on the long side, but it's stunning. Many consider it to be the best hiking trail in New York. Parts of the trail can get pretty wet if there have been recent rains. Therefore, make sure to wear waterproof shoes. You can get more information about one of the best trails in New York from this article.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
Note that the Gorge Trail is closed seasonally, so this is one hike you may want to save for the warmer months.
This loop is about 2.6 miles and is an absolute gem in Watkins Glen State Park. The trail is popular and can get a little crowded at times too. The views of one of the most scenic hiking trails in New York are magnificent as well.
This loop is about 2.6 miles and is an absolute gem in Watkins Glen State Park. The trail is popular and can get a little crowded at times too. The views of one of the most scenic hiking trails in New York are magnificent as well.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
If you want challenging New York hiking experiences, this is a great option! This loop trail has an impressive 1,900 feet in elevation gain over 10.6 miles. You'll have amazing views from the overlooks that make the strenuous hike more than worth it.
Adirondack Mountains, Adirondack Mountains
This is one of the most
scenic hiking trails in New York and a great option for spending the day in nature with your family. If you hike the whole thing, it's quite challenging. If you want to stop around Marcy Dam and head back to the car, you'll miss the rocky terrain and have an easier time of it. Mount Marcy is the highest point in the High Peaks region, so you'll get amazing views of Canada.
Note that some of the roads to this area are closed in winter, so this is another hike that may be best left for the other three seasons.
Note that some of the roads to this area are closed in winter, so this is another hike that may be best left for the other three seasons.
High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
This beautiful New York hiking trail loops around South Lake and provides nature lovers with amazing views. It's about 6.2 miles long and contains lots of overlooks and resting points, such as beautiful waterfalls. Be safe while hiking, as this area contains quite a few black bears! Bring bear spray and go in a group, if possible. Discover why this is one of the best trails in New York.
Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464, USA
At a little under two miles, this New York hiking trail is one of the shorter hikes on our list. However, it's certainly got enough beauty to compete with the rest of the trails on this list! It's a loop and it's a good option for kids or people who may not be in the best physical shape. It can get pretty icy if the temperatures have been low, so wear spikes when you go.
High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
This is the quickest way to get from the main entrance of the park to the bottom of Taughannock Falls. At 215 feet in height, this gorgeous fall belongs on any list of natural wonders in New York. You'll also pass by the 20-foot Lower Falls on your 1.8-mile trek to your destination. The trail can be a little steep in some areas, but overall, this is a fairly easy hike. You can find out more about why this is one of the best trails in New York in this article.
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
This 7-mile hike has some moderate steepness on most levels, and the overall elevation gain is nearly 1,350 feet. You'll get great views throughout the trail as it loops around a small pond and through wooded areas. Learn more about why this is one of the best scenic hiking trails in New York.
Lake George Wild Forest, Queensbury, NY, USA
This easy 1.8-mile hike in New York is unique in that it will take you through an abandoned place. Most of the trail is over concrete, so it's easy and accessible. You'll head right to the remnants of the Stern-Cornish Estate. You'll learn lots about the history of the area thanks to the numerous placards placed along the trail. Find out more about this New York hiking experience.
Hudson Highlands State Park, Philipstown, NY 10516, USA
This 4.8-mile out-and-back trail is nice and shaded, making it a good option for sunny days. There are quite a few rocks, so make sure to wear shoes with good soles, and bring poles if you have them. If you are looking for an easier go of it, turn around after the first mile. Decide to go the whole way? The fire watch tower provides gorgeous panoramic views of the park.
Blue Mountain Wild Forest, New York, USA
Just because you're in the city doesn't mean you can't enjoy nature! Central Park has been providing New Yorkers with a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery amid the chaos of the Big Apple for over 150 years. One of our favorite paths through the park is the East and West Drive Loop. The 6.1-mile New York hiking trail in Central Park is flat throughout and gives you great views of Manhattan's skyscrapers and the park's natural beauty.
Central Park North, Central Park N, New York, NY, USA
The Eternal Flame Falls is one of the best trails in New York! This 1.4-mile trail in Chestnut Ridge Park can get quite slippery, so watch your step. You've got to cross the water in several areas, making waterproof shoes a must.
Chestnut Ridge Park, 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
Did we miss any of your favorite New York hiking trails? Feel free to share suggestions to add to the list in the following comments section.
After visiting the scenic hiking trails in New York that made this list, how about driving to other outside points of interest? For ideas of where to go, take a look at this New York road trip.
Address: Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Adirondack Mountains, Adirondack Mountains
Address: High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464, USA
Address: High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Address: Lake George Wild Forest, Queensbury, NY, USA
Address: Hudson Highlands State Park, Philipstown, NY 10516, USA
Address: Blue Mountain Wild Forest, New York, USA
Address: Central Park North, Central Park N, New York, NY, USA
Address: Chestnut Ridge Park, 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
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Scene Hiking Trails In New York
December 17, 2022
What are some of the best hiking trails in New York with waterfalls?
Some of the best hiking trails in New York with waterfalls include the following destinations.
- Gorge Trail at Letchworth State Park
- Taughannock Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park
- Lucifer Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park
- Eternal Flame Falls at Orchard Park
- Indian Lake in OK Slip Falls
- Montour Falls in Havana Glen Park
Take a look at these and other best hiking trails in New York with waterfalls.
What are some of the best short and easy scenic hiking trails in New York?
Following is an overview of some of the best short and easy scenic hiking trails in New York.
- Kaaterskill Falls in Tannersville
- Nine Corner Lake in Cargo
- Cascade Mountain in Keene
- Sleeping Beauty Mountain in Fort Ann
- Auger Falls Trail Loop in Wells
- Roaring Brook Falls in Keene Valley
Learn more about these and other short and easy scenic hiking trails in New York as well.
What are some of the most unique New York hiking trails?
Here are some of the most unique New York hiking trails.
- Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo
- Doodletown in Bear Mountain State Park
- Cornish Estate in Beacon
- Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale
- Kaaterskill High Peak in Greene County
Address: Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Adirondack Mountains, Adirondack Mountains
Address: High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464, USA
Address: High Peaks Wilderness, 46 timber lane, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
Address: Lake George Wild Forest, Queensbury, NY, USA
Address: Hudson Highlands State Park, Philipstown, NY 10516, USA
Address: Blue Mountain Wild Forest, New York, USA
Address: Central Park North, Central Park N, New York, NY, USA
Address: Chestnut Ridge Park, 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
