Uniquely Beautiful Hikes Near NYC From Easy to Hard

The vast state of New York is often tucked behind the shadow of New York City, one of the world’s biggest metropolises. But did you know that NYC is less than 1% of New York State’s landmass? Yet 64% of the NY population lives in NYC? That often leaves many of us New Yorkers hungry to get out of our tiny apartments and explore the beauty and natural wonders of our state, which offers so many hidden gems! So if you’re like many of us New Yorkers, looking for the best day trip hikes near NYC and free things to do in NYC then this insider’s guide to hiking from New York City is for you. Below are hikes that are less than 2 hours from NYC.

If you want the freedom to see different towns, restaurants, and outdoor gems, consider renting a car to explore these beautiful outdoor gems. Or, you can order Ubers and coordinate with the drivers.

Important Things to Know Before Planning Your Hike Near NYC

But first, some important things all hikers need to be aware of. This is especially helpful if you’ve just begun hiking in the outdoors.

• If the garbage bins are overflowing, take the garbage with you and dispose of it elsewhere. Unlike the street corners of major cities, these parks do not have garbage removal every day.
• Have compassion if you see someone not doing something listed above. A lot of people are new to hiking in the outdoors and didn’t have the privilege of growing up with access to it. So extend some empathy for those who are just learning.
• Consider bringing a bag to pick up any plastic trash you may see.
• Please do not play loud music. Most people are in the outdoors to escape the sounds of society and embrace nature’s tunes.
• Stay on the trails. Veering off designated trails damages the terrain and natural ecosystem.
• Tick checking 101: Take ticks very seriously!!!! They can transmit incurable Lyme Disease to humans. This is a big problem in New York State, so check yourselves/your dogs for ticks afterward!
• Do not park illegally; you will either get a hefty ticket or have your car towed. Yikes!
• Carry out every single thing you brought. Please do not leave any garbage anywhere. Leave no trace.
• Reconnect and refresh and try to let go of that phone!

18 Gorgeous Hikes to Visit Near NYC

Remember, you can always turn this into a fun overnight experience by staying in some of the best glamping spots in New York or combine your hiking trip with a visit to one of the many charming small towns in upstate New York. Now that you’re more prepared and informed, without further ado, here are the best hikes from NYC!

If you have other hikes that you recommend, please leave them below in the comments. We can lessen the impact on the overcrowded parks by sharing other spots, thus thinning out the visits to several instead of a zillion people in the same few mountains.

1) Artist’s Rock & North-South Lake ★

This refreshing and rejuvenating hike is a favorite among avid hikers as it offers a little bit of everything without crowds. The hike can be done as a loop or as two different trails (red and blue). Along the trail, you’ll pass a beautiful waterfall, streams, cliffs, dry hemlock forest, and many others places to stop, including 3 magnificent viewpoints. The prized gem point of the hike is: North Point which overlooks the Hudson River.

Please note there will be areas with steep uphill walking over large rocks. If you want to choose one trail instead of doing the loop, don’t miss the waterfalls on the red trail!

Hiking boots are a must, especially if it’s rained (for the mud) and consider bringing a bathing suit to swim in the North-South Lake. This is one of the most underrated lakes in New York to visit.

• Location: Catskill Park
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate with some scrambles
• Length: 5.5 miles
• Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle at the North Lake campgrounds parking (cash only)
• Elevation: 1,000 feet

2) Anthony’s Nose

This piece of the Appalachian Trail is a perfect mix of easy and moderate. Cardio and relaxation. You begin with a steep incline of vertical rocky stairs as you zigzag your way up to the summit. After about half a mile of going up, the path opens up to a flat, peaceful oasis for another half mile until reaching the summit. At the top, you’re rewarded with views of the Bear Mountain Bridge, Bear Mountain State Park, the Hudson River, and other bucolic sights from above.

There are a few ways to get to the summit of this trail. The most popular route is by parking your car on the side of the road near the official trailhead, right where you see the “Westchester County” sign. Another is the Camp Smith Trail which offers even nicer views, but it’s a bit longer (2.7 miles).

On your way home, stop by Farmer & the Fish restaurant in Tarrytown. Everything they serve there is amazing! And/or, grab some lobster rolls at one of the many seafood restaurants in town overlooking the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate (first half); easy (second half)
• Length: 1.9 miles
• Elevation: 675 ft
• Route: Out & back

3) Awosting Falls + Minnewaska Lake ★

This hike is super easy, flat, and relatively accessible for beginners. All while providing two major payoffs: Awosting Waterfall and Minnewaska Lake, among other treats in between. There are also different parking lots, which determine how long your hike will be. We parked in the southern parking lot, so it was about 15 minutes of walking to Awosting Waterfalls and then 30 minutes walking/hiking up to Minnewaska Lake. From there, you can turn around or continue exploring the many trails around the lake.

Before going home, stop by Mountain Brauhaus for some German food and drinks in a cozy cabin-esque setting. They even have hot cider and mead! Or, head to Rough Cut Brewing Co. for some yummy beers and good food. Or go to both! Since they’re nearby stops.

Distance from NYC: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy peasy
Length: 1-2 miles +
Elevation: 118-260 ft
Route: Out & back

4) Bash Bish Falls

Bash Bish Falls is technically in Massachusetts. But it’s on the New York/Massachusetts border and you can access it via Taconic State Park in New York. Pictures of Bash Bish Falls never seem to do it justice. It’s so much bigger in person. The hike to the waterfalls from the Massachusetts side is short but steep. The hike on the New York side is a little longer but more gradual. The former is perfect if you want something short that packs a punch.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.5 miles
• Route: Out-and-back
• Entrance Fee: $5 at Taconic State Park
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours

5) Bull Hill (Short or Loop Loop)

The Bull Hill trail is in the heart of the Hudson Highlands State Park. This trail is perfect if you don’t want a hike that’s too easy or hard. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete, has a lot of inclines at the start with some “easier” scrambles,, then flatter walking. This hike also provides many rewards, including views of the Hudson River, Cornish Estate Ruins (the trail below), sights of Storm King Mountain, and several beautiful summits (like the one pictured above, which is just 20 minutes into the start).

Bull Hill is one of at least four hiking trails that begin in the cute town of Cold Spring, NY. You can easily take the Metro-North train from Grand Central here.

Please note: In the early hot spring, avoid the peak sunny hours as there is no shade under the bare trees.

• Location: Cold Spring, New York
• Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 4.5 (short loop) and 5.5 miles (full loop)

6) Cornish Estate Trail

This short and easy hike offers lots of unique rewards. Just the start of this trail opens up to magnificent views of the mountains along the Hudson River. Most of this trail is paved and thus very easy. It ends when you hit the ruins of an old estate. There, you can read up on the history of this abandoned mansion and get some cool shots. Perfect for kids, outdoor newbies, and elderly. Or, if you just want to relax on an easy trail.

Note: This trail is located in the town of Cold Spring, NY, within the Hudson Highlands State Park. This means you can also take the train into town and walk to the trailhead. The start of this trail is also the start of the Bull Hill trail mentioned above. It’s all connected!

• Location: Cold Spring, NY
• Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours (or 75 minutes by train from Grand Central)
• Difficulty: Easy peasy
• Length: 1.8 (round trip)

7) Kaaterskill Falls ★

Kaaterskill Falls is the highest “cascading waterfall” in the state of New York and also one of the most popular waterfalls to visit in New York. This easy 30-minute hike each way takes you through a beautiful bosque of forested trails and pine trees. You can also take small detours to discover magnificent viewpoints, camping grounds, and different parts of the waterfall.

The waterfall is actually broken up into two, the bottom part is actually much more crowded because many travelers fail to see the detour to the top half of the waterfall. From the bottom, the top half looks like a cliff but it’s actually almost like a beach and allows for much easier access to swimming without the tall flight of stairs to reach the bottom half.

This trotted trail is one of the most popular hikes on the East Coast, so travelers must arrive early to avoid crowds and get a parking spot. Otherwise, you risk waiting 2+ hours in line for parking. Despite seeing dozens of cars parked on the side of the road, do not be tempted to do the same. It is illegal and you are almost guaranteed to get a $150 ticket.

• Location: Near Hunter Mountain, NY in the Catskills
• Distance from NYC: 2.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.7 miles
• Elevation: 416 ft
• Route: Out and back

8) Sam’s Point Look Out + Ice Caves + Verkeerderkill Falls ★

The Sam’s Point Area is on the other side of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Once you enter, there’s the well-maintained Sam’s Point Visitor Center where you can pay $10 entrance, get information on the trails, learn the natural history, and meet people who can answer your questions. They also have bathrooms here! Of the seven-ish trails you can do there, the main three are:

1. Sam’s Point Lookout: This takes like 20 minutes of walking on flat grounds and then up some beautiful but steep steps to get panoramic views. (20 minutes)
2. Ice Caves: This is the star of the show here! The Ice Cave trail consists of crevices and caves formed from boulders of the cliffs. It is about 2 hours round trip, first on flat grounds and then through gorgeous cave systems where you go in and out of caves, through the crevices, and a few scrambles. I’d say this is beginner-friendly if you’ve hiked before. And if you haven’t just take your time and follow the white marks! Because of its unique formation, the air within the caves stays trapped allowing for a cold enough temperature that can maintain snow/ice inside even in the summer! (2 hours)
3. Verkeerderkill Falls: This is about 4 hours round trip and not shaded, so do this one when the sun isn’t as strong. And make sure it’s rained recently so that there is water in the cascade. Ask at the visitor’s center to check the status if you’re not sure if it’s worth the hike. Bring snacks to eat when you get there. (4 hours)

I recommend starting with Verkeerderkill Waterfalls in the early morning, then the Ice Cave trail, and finishing at Sam’s Point for a magnificent panorama view. There is also a little beach at the bottom of the lake. But swimming is not allowed. Or, break it up into two-day hikes, first Ice Cave trail + Sam’s Point Lookout, and then save Verkeerderkill Waterfall for the next day.

Walk through a rare and endangered ecosystem featuring one of the last Rare Dwarf Pitch Pine barrens in the world. On this epic trail, you’ll see stunning viewpoints, ice caves, and the waterfall pictured above.

You don’t need reservations on weekdays. But on summer weekends, you need reservations and to arrive early for a parking spot.

• Location: Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, NY
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate (20 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours)
• Length: 3-7+ miles
• Elevation: 994 ft
• Route: Loop
• Entrance fee: $10

9) Blydenburgh County Park

One of my favorite hikes on Long Island, this 6-mile hike is perfect for beginners with its gradual inclines/declines and beautiful waterscape views. The trail is mostly shaded so you can come on one of the hottest days of the year (we did) and it’s still fresh and breezy to walk through.

Visitors can choose to hike, bike, or horseback ride this trail which also provides several off-trails to explore. The total time usually 2 hours, or 3 hours if you make stops along the way to enjoy the views, take photos and eat some snacks.

You can easily reach this park by taking the LIRR to Brentwood and then from there taking an Uber/getting a ride for about 10 minutes to the park’s entrance to begin your hike.

• Location: Smithtown, Long Island, NY
• Distance from NYC: 1 hour (or 90 minutes by train)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 6+ miles
• Route: Loop
• Entrance fee: $15

10) Labyrinth + Lemon Squeeze ★

If you’re looking for a unique hike near NYC that is short but challenges you with big payoffs, head to the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze in the Mohonk Preserve.

The first portion of the hike feels leisurely. However, once you reach The Labyrinth this is where the fun begins. This portion of the hike is just 30-45 minutes, involves climbing, ducking into caves, sliding under rocks, and squeezing through crevices on your way to the top. It’s not as scary as it looks, I promise. You got this.

The final stretch is the Lemon Squeeze, named as such because you’re literally squeezing your way through this opening. As you walk through a narrow pathway you will be surrounded by rocks on both sides. You also will find ladders here to assist you with climbing through to the top.

Once you get to the very top you will be rewarded with views of the preserve which are absolutely stunning. “If you have time, consider spending more time in the Hudson Valley where you can go wine tasting, apple picking, and checking out some of the other hiking near NYC.” – Taima Ramsey

Please be advised that this hike is very popular on summer weekends. So either get there VERY early or visit during the weekdays when there are fewer people.

• Location: Mohonk Mountain House (private), New Paltz, NY
• How far is it from New York City? 2 hours by car
• Difficulty: Medium / Hard
• Length: 1 mile (Labyrinth) + 7 miles (Lemon Squeeze)
• Entrance Fee: $15-$26/per person

11) Overlook Mountain

Overlook Mountain is near the hippie town of Woodstock, one of the best small towns to visit in New York. This hike combined with a visit to downtown Woodstock makes for a perfect getaway from New York City. The trail starts as an old carriage road that led to the Overlook Mountain House, a once-popular vacation resort. The path begins fairly flat but quickly begins to ascend and continues to do so until the summit is reached.

The continuous uphill journey makes the trail more challenging for beginner hikers, but still doable. At the mile and a half mark, hikers will run into the concrete outer wall remnants of the Overlook Mountain House. The ruins are pretty safe and hikers are permitted to explore them. Continue past the ruins for another half mile and you will soon reach the rocky summit and fire tower. Heed the signs and watch your step-the area is populated by rattlesnakes. Once you reach the summit you will find the fire tower, a small museum about the mountain’s history, and directly behind the museum, you will find a ledge giving you great views of the surrounding mountains. – Navigation Junkie

• Location: Near Woodstock, New York
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 4.6 miles
• Elevation: 1,397 ft
• Route: Out and back

12) Cranberry Lake Preserve (Short & Sweet)

This one initially looked boring, but when I got there I realized it’s actually a gorgeous hike that expands into different little trails around a lake and pond ranging from easy to barely moderate trails. You also get all sorts of treats along the way: an overlook tower, a babbling brook, marshland, a teeny tiny scramble up some rocks for a gorgeous lake view, and even a cute bridge along tall phragmites (wheat-looking grass).

This hike is just a 5-minute Uber ride from the Valhalla Metro-North Station or 10 minutes from White Plains Metro-North Station. And to get to those stations in Westchester, it’s just 1-2 stops from Manhattan! So easy.

BEWARE, it can get buggy in the summer. Go when it’s cold (early spring, late fall, or a warm winter day).

• Location: Whiteplains, NY
• Distance from NYC: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to very lightly moderate
• Length: 1 to 2.5 miles
• Route: Different loops that interconnect
• Elevation: 270 ft

13) Gertrude’s Nose (Hard)

This is one of the hardest and longest scenic hikes from New York City, enveloped in tall pine trees that offer hikers a verdant path no matter what time of the year. It is a challenging but rewarding trail that leads hikers through a conglomerate of steep slopes and plateaus, often along cliff ridges where you’ll be climbing up/down boulders, some easier wooden sections, and also parts along a cliff over rock formations. But don’t worry there are plenty of dramatic panoramic views to keep you inspired between summits.

• Location: Minnewaska State Park Preserve near New Paltz, NY
• Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Hard
• Length: 7.8 miles
• Elevation: 1,187 ft
• Route: Loop
• Entrance fee: $10

14) Bear Mountain (Easy)

One of the most popular places for hiking from NYC is Bear Mountain State Park. Located on the west bank of the Hudson River, this 5205-acre state park is located just a short 30-minute drive from Westchester!

This spacious state park features numerous trails of various difficulties, but the one that yields the best views for your effort is the Perkins Memorial Tower Trail, sometimes just known as the Bear Mountain Trail because of its popularity. This trail starts conveniently at the Hessian Lake Parking and reaches the summit of Bear Mountain at 1000+ ft above sea level.

The path up is filled with steep sections and big rocks, requiring hikers to have good mobility and flexibility. Once you arrive at the peak of Bear Mountain, you are rewarded with views of the stunning Hudson Valley. Thanks to Sean for this tip!

Don’t have a car? Take the train to Peekskill and then a 10-minute taxi ride to Bear Mountain.

• Location: Hudson Valley, within Rockland & Orange Counties
• Distance from NYC: 1 hour driving
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate trails
• Length: varies

15) Breakneck Ridge (Hardest)

Breakneck Ridge is one of the best hikes from NYC because it is easy to get to, challenging to complete, and has spectacular views. However, please note that a good portion of the hike is a rock scramble. It’s simply not easy. And at times, it’s not easy finding the way up. I was tempted to just turn around, but then I looked down at how steep it was and continued to climb. The views of the Hudson Valley at the summit are gorgeous. The trail going back down was not as steep, so I could relax and enjoy the woodlands. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment once I had completed the hike! It took us a little over 5 hours to do the 3.7-mile loop. But hiking over giant boulders is not for everyone. It is HARD.

There is a direct train from Grand Central Station in New York City to Breakneck Ridge on the weekends– making it the perfect add-on to an NYC Day Trip. After a scenic 90-minute train ride, it’s just a short walk to the trailhead. It’s best to go early as it is a popular hike and the trails will get crowded!

• Location: Beacon & Cold Spring, NY (Hudson Highlands State Park)
• Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours
• Difficulty: HARD AF (with scary cliffs)
• Length: 3.7+ miles (various)
• Elevation: 1,250 ft
• Route: Loop

16) Storm King Mountain

Rising more than 1,300 feet above the Hudson Valley, Storm King Mountain offers extraordinary for those looking for hikes near New York City.

While the trek to the scenic viewpoint isn’t long, consider doing some early stretches as the trail may challenge your leg muscles with steep climbs. With 600+ feet of elevation and some rock scrambling, the trail provides a nice leg workout. After the intermediate strenuous ascent, the path softens in difficulty and starts to reveal the majesty of the Hudson River.

The trail is marked fairly well, but it would be smart to have a phone app guide handy. As you venture toward the summit of Butter Hill, the views open up for a glance of the Hudson Valley. The highest elevation of the trail \ gives you a sensational panorama overlooking the Hudson River.

Storm King Mountain only scratches the surface of places to explore in the Hudson Valley and heading farther north uncovers more beautiful sights of Upstate New York. – Daniel

Please note Storm King Mountain’s trail is not to be confused with Storm King Art Center.

• Location: Cornwall-On-Hudson, New York
• Distance from NYC: 2 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (some scrambles and steep climbs)
• Length: 2.6 miles
• Route: Loop
• Elevation: 620 ft

17) Poet’s Walk

Poets’ Walk is named after several writers who used to walk here and were inspired by the location. In fact, Washington Irving supposedly came up with the idea for Rip Van Winkel while admiring the view of the nearby Catskill Mountains from this walk.

Along this trail, there are lovely views of the Hudson River, the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and the Catskills. This path is actually a created landscape, designed as ‘outdoor rooms’ with several landscapes separated by trees and rock walls. The first part is through fields of grass and wildflowers. Then through the large open-air Overlook Pavilion where it dips down into woods. The trail also passes over three small bridges and ends in an overlook of the river at one end and a small ‘summerhouse’ gazebo at the other.

The trail is open all year but is especially lovely on a sunny summer’s day and in the fall when the beautiful fall color makes this one of the top Hudson Valley fall activities. Dogs on a leash are allowed.

Bonus: After a rejuvenating hike, consider fruit picking at Greig Farm, just minutes from Poet’s Walk in Red Hook, New York.

• Location: Red Hook, New York
• Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy peasy
• Length: 2.2 miles
• Route: Loop

18) Bushkill Falls

This wooden trail features a waterfall (Bushkill Falls) which you can admire from a bridge-like railing perched on a cliff. Unlike other waterfall hikes, here you cannot dip your feet in the water or climb any of the rock formations. This looped trail is also divided into a blue and red trail. We suggest doing the entire loop, so you can read the lower gorge to see both Bridal Veil Falls and Bushkill Falls, the perfect view.

Avoid weekends as there will be crowds, especially with tourists traveling through the Poconos. Visiting in the early morning on weekdays is strongly recommended.

• Location: Bushkill, Poconos, Pennsylvania
• Distance from NYC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 1.8 miles
• Entrance fee: $16.50

More of Our New York State Travel Guides

If you’re interested in exploring more of our beautiful New York State, here are some of our top New York travel guides to continue reading:

• Hidden Gems to Visit in Upstate New York by Region
• 27 Easy Day Trips from New York City from the Catskills to Long Island!
• 17 Special Places to Go Glamping in New York + Cute Cabins
• 31 Beautiful New York Waterfalls to Explore This Summer
• 34 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Upstate New York For All Levels

A Note On Classism & Racism in the New York Outdoors

Gatekeeping is when someone or some people limit others from certain spaces, information, hobbies, or activities. Many gatekeepers take it upon themselves to decide who should have access to the New York outdoors. You’ll see this from hiking trails in upstate New York to pockets of Long Island.

Thus, many outdoor spaces in New York State are intentionally gatekept so that others do not gain access to these natural wonders and spaces. It sounds innocuous initially, but there is a rude disdain that many of us experience from villagers who do not want “outsiders” in these public parks. Yes– you read that right. They do not want us in the public spaces towards which we New Yorkers all pay taxes.

The prejudice is even harsher if you’re from New York City; and if you’re a person of color? Forget it. The nasty comments on my Tik Tok videos, Facebook posts, and New York blog articles that I’ve received from residents of Upstate New York telling me “GO AWAY!” or “Dominicans are [insert something racist and unwelcoming].” It’s particularly jarring to hear after a joyous day embracing the healing properties of nature. We all deserve access to the outdoors.

Read more: Five Reasons Why You Should Keep Geotagging

Prepping & Packing List for a Day Hike From NYC

SLEEP & EAT: Always try to get a full night’s sleep and have a full meal before embarking on a hike. This way you’re energized for your hike and don’t risk getting extremely tired halfway. Or worse, fainting.

DOWNLOAD ALLTRAILS: One of the best ways to plan your hike more seamlessly is by downloading the AllTrails apps. The app will provide: offline maps (which come in handy if you lose signal), interactive trail maps (that are not on conventional maps like Google’s), can record your trail (so you know how many steps you took, how long you hiked for and exactly what kind of loop you made on the map), and up-to-date trail information!

And here is a basic packing list of the things to bring on your day hike:

More of Our New York State Travel Guides

If you’re interested in exploring more of our beautiful New York State, here are some of our top New York travel guides to continue reading:

• Reasons to Visit the Majestic Finger Lakes in New York
• 29 Charming Small Towns in Upstate New York
• Best Lakes in New York to Visit for a Lovely Vacation
• Cute Small Towns to Visit on Long Island
• Interesting Cities in Upstate New York to Check Out

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