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. We’ve got some of the best hikes in New York that will lead you to views that are beautiful that you’ll want to keep them all to yourself.
- Sleeping Beauty - Fort Ann
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State Drive through to the Dacy Clearing Parking Lot and this scenic hike in New York 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! Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
- Eternal Flame Falls - Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park
Rob W./Yelp 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! Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
- Kaaterskill Falls - Haines Falls
Jeff P/TripAdvisor 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! Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
- Ice Caves & VerKeerderkill Falls Trail - Sam’s Point Preserve
BrandonLord/Flickr 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. Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420, USA
- Whirlpool Pool Rapids Trail - Niagara Falls
Denice S./Yelp 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. These are also some of the best kid-friendly trails in New York, so bring the whole family along for this scenic stroll. Niagara Falls, NY, USA
- Constitution Marsh Sanctuary - Garrison
Family Road Traveled N./Yelp One of the most beautiful hikes 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. It’s certainly one of the easiest hikes in New York, so feel free to bring the kids, but remember to bring a hat, too, because this trail doesn’t offer much in the shade department. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
- Robert H. Treman State Park Gorge Trail - Ithaca
brian k/TripAdvisor 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. Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville
Jason T./Yelp 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! Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
- Indian Ladder Trail - John Boyd Thacher State Park
bobistraveling/Flickr 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. John Boyd Thacher State Park, New Scotland, NY 12186, USA
- Shadmoor State Preserve Trail - Montauk
Leon S/TripAdvisor 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. Shadmoor State Park, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
- Prospect Mountain Foot Trail - Lake George
justinanewton/Flickr 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 scenic hike in New York is accessible to hikes all year long. Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail, 75 Smith St, Lake George, NY 12845, USA
- Fillmore Glen State Park - Moravia
Tonyruff/TripAdvisor 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. Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
- Alongquin Peak - North Elba
Brett Hodnett/Flickr 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! Algonquin Peak, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
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!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Drive through to the Dacy Clearing Parking Lot and this scenic hike in New York 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!
Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
Rob W./Yelp
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!
Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA
Jeff P/TripAdvisor
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!
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
BrandonLord/Flickr
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.
Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420, USA
Denice S./Yelp
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. These are also some of the best kid-friendly trails in New York, so bring the whole family along for this scenic stroll.
Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Family Road Traveled N./Yelp
One of the most beautiful hikes 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. It’s certainly one of the easiest hikes in New York, so feel free to bring the kids, but remember to bring a hat, too, because this trail doesn’t offer much in the shade department.
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, USA
brian k/TripAdvisor
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.
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Jason T./Yelp
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!
Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
bobistraveling/Flickr
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.
John Boyd Thacher State Park, New Scotland, NY 12186, USA
Leon S/TripAdvisor
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.
Shadmoor State Park, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
justinanewton/Flickr
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 scenic hike in New York is accessible to hikes all year long.
Prospect Mountain Hiking Trail, 75 Smith St, Lake George, NY 12845, USA
Tonyruff/TripAdvisor
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.
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Brett Hodnett/Flickr
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!
Algonquin Peak, North Elba, NY 12946, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in New York July 04, 2022 Jackie Ann Which hikes in New York are short and sweet? With so many beautiful hikes in New York, it can become a full-time job exploring them all. There are plenty of short and sweet hikes in New York that don’t compromise on scenery and still allow you to have the majority of your day free for other activities. The Swan Lake Loop is a quick and easy hiking trail in New York that clocks in at just about 1.5 miles and showcases the beauty of the lake it is named after. Since you won’t run into much elevation change and the trail is fairly flat, it’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes around New York for introducing the next generation of nature lovers to New York’s natural landscape. What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Did you know there are over 2,000 waterfalls in New York? New York is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, and when you combine that with the 70,000 miles of rivers and streams that weave through the Empire State, it’s no wonder there are so many! The Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in New York that falls under two miles in length. At 215 feet, it’s truly an impressive sight to see. If you’re looking for a more calming waterfall, try the 1.6-mile loop trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park where you can swim at the base of the falls. What are the best hikes with a view in New York? One of the best things about New York is that no matter what part of the state you’re in, there’s a scenic hiking trail nearby. The Anthony’s Nose Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in New York, offering incredible overlooks, mountain views, and more. Meanwhile, the Roaring Brook Trail in Keene is one of the best hikes in New York when it comes to the scenery. Don’t let the 1.6 miles fool you, this trail leads to mesmerizing mountain views, peaceful streams with crystal clear water, and even a waterfall!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in New York
July 04, 2022
Jackie Ann
Which hikes in New York are short and sweet? With so many beautiful hikes in New York, it can become a full-time job exploring them all. There are plenty of short and sweet hikes in New York that don’t compromise on scenery and still allow you to have the majority of your day free for other activities. The Swan Lake Loop is a quick and easy hiking trail in New York that clocks in at just about 1.5 miles and showcases the beauty of the lake it is named after. Since you won’t run into much elevation change and the trail is fairly flat, it’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes around New York for introducing the next generation of nature lovers to New York’s natural landscape. What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Did you know there are over 2,000 waterfalls in New York? New York is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, and when you combine that with the 70,000 miles of rivers and streams that weave through the Empire State, it’s no wonder there are so many! The Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in New York that falls under two miles in length. At 215 feet, it’s truly an impressive sight to see. If you’re looking for a more calming waterfall, try the 1.6-mile loop trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park where you can swim at the base of the falls. What are the best hikes with a view in New York? One of the best things about New York is that no matter what part of the state you’re in, there’s a scenic hiking trail nearby. The Anthony’s Nose Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in New York, offering incredible overlooks, mountain views, and more. Meanwhile, the Roaring Brook Trail in Keene is one of the best hikes in New York when it comes to the scenery. Don’t let the 1.6 miles fool you, this trail leads to mesmerizing mountain views, peaceful streams with crystal clear water, and even a waterfall!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With so many beautiful hikes in New York, it can become a full-time job exploring them all. There are plenty of short and sweet hikes in New York that don’t compromise on scenery and still allow you to have the majority of your day free for other activities. The Swan Lake Loop is a quick and easy hiking trail in New York that clocks in at just about 1.5 miles and showcases the beauty of the lake it is named after. Since you won’t run into much elevation change and the trail is fairly flat, it’s one of the best kid-friendly hikes around New York for introducing the next generation of nature lovers to New York’s natural landscape.
What are the best waterfall hikes in New York?
Did you know there are over 2,000 waterfalls in New York? New York is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes, and when you combine that with the 70,000 miles of rivers and streams that weave through the Empire State, it’s no wonder there are so many! The Gorge Trail to Taughannock Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in New York that falls under two miles in length. At 215 feet, it’s truly an impressive sight to see. If you’re looking for a more calming waterfall, try the 1.6-mile loop trail at Buttermilk Falls State Park where you can swim at the base of the falls.
What are the best hikes with a view in New York?
One of the best things about New York is that no matter what part of the state you’re in, there’s a scenic hiking trail nearby. The Anthony’s Nose Hike is one of the most scenic hikes in New York, offering incredible overlooks, mountain views, and more. Meanwhile, the Roaring Brook Trail in Keene is one of the best hikes in New York when it comes to the scenery. Don’t let the 1.6 miles fool you, this trail leads to mesmerizing mountain views, peaceful streams with crystal clear water, and even a waterfall!
