With so many beautiful hikes in upstate New York, it helps to narrow them down to a list of exciting adventures you can conquer over the course of the next year. From picturesque waterfalls to overlooks that will make your jaw drop, New York is full of surprises for even the most experienced hikers. Here are 12 of the best hikes in New York, one for each month of the new year.
- Crane Mountain Loop Trail
All Trails Website Sam Cherubin The 3.1-mile loop trail at Crain Mountain is an adventurous trek through the Adirondacks that’s worth a weekend trip, no matter the season.
Read more about Crane Mountain Loop Trail. Crane Mountain, Johnsburg, NY 12843, USA
- Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Lake George
All Trails Website Shane Holmes If you’re looking for a longer hike in one of New York’s most popular areas, head to Lake George for a hike full of awe-inspiring views. Explore this 7-mile trail near Lake Ann for a day of serenity and inspiring views of the lake. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in New York!
Learn more about Lake George. Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
- Rainbow Falls Trail, Minnewaska State Park
All Trails Website Aman Sagar Hit the Rainbow Falls Trail for a beautiful 6.5-mile hike through one of the state’s most gorgeous landscapes at Minnewaska State Park.
Check out more ideas for a fun getaway to Minnewaska State Park. Jenny Lane, Jenny Ln, Rochester, NY 12446, USA
- Inspiration Point, Letchworth State Park
All Trails Website Luxia Hong Letchworth State Park is one of the most famous parks in New York, and for good reason; the views you’ll soak in while exploring this upstate paradise are simply stunning.
Learn more about Letchworth State Park. 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
- Niagara Gorge Trail, Niagara Falls
Tripadvisor Kari D The views of the river from the Niagara Gorge Trail are absolutely breathtaking.
Read more about hiking in Niagara Falls. 14303, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
- Goodnow Mountain Trail, Adirondack Park
All Trails Website Chris Dunn At over 1,000 feet, Goodnow Mountain is an ideal perch from which to soak in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
Read more about Adirondack Park. New York 28N, NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852, USA
- North Rim Trail, Taughannock Falls State Park
All Trails Website Max McGinnis There’s never a bad time for an impromptu visit to Taughannock Falls State Park, and the park’s North Rim Trail features some of the most gorgeous views you’ll find in the area.
Learn more about Taughannock Falls State Park. Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
- Indian Trail, Watkins Glen State Park
All Trails Website Frank Roth Plan to take a trip to this New York staple at some point over the next year. A hike along the Indian Trail is hard to beat. Just make sure you don’t miss the waterfalls!
Read more about Watkins Glen State Park. Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
- Van Hoevenberg Trail, Mount Marcy
All Trails Website Jenny Bello This scenic 7.4-mile trail will take you right to the top of Mt. Macy; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more incredible view in the entire region.
Check out more about hiking around Mount Marcy. 1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
- Mount Haystack Trail
All Trails Website Eric Riberdy The Mount Haystack Trail isn’t for the faint of heart; nearly 16 miles of trails draw adventurers from all over the region. It’s not the best kid-friendly hike in New York, but if you’re enjoying a day with some fellow experienced hikers, the views of the Adirondacks are their own reward.
Read more about hiking in Adirondack State Park. Mount Haystack, Mt Haystack, Keene, NY 12943, USA
- Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
All Trails Website Bob Bollas This charming hike outside Ithaca, New York features a gorgeous waterfall and is a great hike for a diverse array of explorers, from beginners setting out on their first adventures and looking for easy hikes in New York to seasoned veterans looking for scenic respite.
Learn more about Buttermilk Falls State Park. 112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Lucifer Falls via the Gorge Trail, Robert H. Treman State Park
All Trails Website Ar No Rounding out our list of the best hikes in New York is the beautiful Lucifer Falls. The breathtaking waterfall is a sight to see, during both the winter and summer!
Check out more about Lucifer Falls. Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
If you’re near any of these parks in New York, be sure to plan a day of hiking so you can soak in the scenery. These are by no means the only parks where adventurers can experience the immense beauty of the state; Mohonk Preserve and Rockefeller State Park are just a couple others where visitors get a front-row seat to the raw, natural beauty of New York.
All Trails Website Sam Cherubin
The 3.1-mile loop trail at Crain Mountain is an adventurous trek through the Adirondacks that’s worth a weekend trip, no matter the season.
Read more about Crane Mountain Loop Trail.
Crane Mountain, Johnsburg, NY 12843, USA
All Trails Website Shane Holmes
If you’re looking for a longer hike in one of New York’s most popular areas, head to Lake George for a hike full of awe-inspiring views. Explore this 7-mile trail near Lake Ann for a day of serenity and inspiring views of the lake. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in New York!
Learn more about Lake George.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
All Trails Website Aman Sagar
Hit the Rainbow Falls Trail for a beautiful 6.5-mile hike through one of the state’s most gorgeous landscapes at Minnewaska State Park.
Check out more ideas for a fun getaway to Minnewaska State Park.
Jenny Lane, Jenny Ln, Rochester, NY 12446, USA
All Trails Website Luxia Hong
Letchworth State Park is one of the most famous parks in New York, and for good reason; the views you’ll soak in while exploring this upstate paradise are simply stunning.
Learn more about Letchworth State Park.
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Tripadvisor Kari D
The views of the river from the Niagara Gorge Trail are absolutely breathtaking.
Read more about hiking in Niagara Falls.
14303, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
All Trails Website Chris Dunn
At over 1,000 feet, Goodnow Mountain is an ideal perch from which to soak in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
Read more about Adirondack Park.
New York 28N, NY-28N, Newcomb, NY 12852, USA
All Trails Website Max McGinnis
There’s never a bad time for an impromptu visit to Taughannock Falls State Park, and the park’s North Rim Trail features some of the most gorgeous views you’ll find in the area.
Learn more about Taughannock Falls State Park.
Taughannock Falls State Park, 1740 Taughannock Blvd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
All Trails Website Frank Roth
Plan to take a trip to this New York staple at some point over the next year. A hike along the Indian Trail is hard to beat. Just make sure you don’t miss the waterfalls!
Read more about Watkins Glen State Park.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
All Trails Website Jenny Bello
This scenic 7.4-mile trail will take you right to the top of Mt. Macy; you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more incredible view in the entire region.
Check out more about hiking around Mount Marcy.
1002 Adirondack Loj Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
All Trails Website Eric Riberdy
The Mount Haystack Trail isn’t for the faint of heart; nearly 16 miles of trails draw adventurers from all over the region. It’s not the best kid-friendly hike in New York, but if you’re enjoying a day with some fellow experienced hikers, the views of the Adirondacks are their own reward.
Read more about hiking in Adirondack State Park.
Mount Haystack, Mt Haystack, Keene, NY 12943, USA
All Trails Website Bob Bollas
This charming hike outside Ithaca, New York features a gorgeous waterfall and is a great hike for a diverse array of explorers, from beginners setting out on their first adventures and looking for easy hikes in New York to seasoned veterans looking for scenic respite.
Learn more about Buttermilk Falls State Park.
112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
All Trails Website Ar No
Rounding out our list of the best hikes in New York is the beautiful Lucifer Falls. The breathtaking waterfall is a sight to see, during both the winter and summer!
Check out more about Lucifer Falls.
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New York May 05, 2022 Danielle Schwartz Where can I hike to a cave in New York? One of the best cave hikes in New York is The Stone Church in Dover Plains in Dutchess County. The above-ground cave is certainly a unique place to take a nice hike. It has been a popular place to visit since the 1800s, and there is good reason for that. You will feel immediately more relaxed upon embarking on the hike. The sound the peaceful water will give you a nice, tranquil feeling. You will be awestruck by the gorgeous waterfalls and fascinating cave. This is one hike that is definitely worth the trek! What are the best beaches in New York? In the warm months, there is nothing better than a trip to the beach on a hot New York day. There are so many options, even beaches in New York that will remind you of the Caribbean! These pretty places will make you feel like you’ve taken a vacation far away from home, even if you only travel a short distance to get there. Some of the best beaches in New York are Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, Coopers Beach in Southampton, and Robert G. Wehle State Park in Jefferson County. Any of these striking beaches will make you feel like you’ve embarked on a tropical getaway. What are the most well-known parks in New York? While New York has lots of choices if you’re looking to see natural beauty, if you love to meet your fellow hikers and enjoy the outdoors camaraderie, head to one of the well-known parks in New York for some friendly fun! Wildwood State Park has an amazing shoreline that will make you want to sit in the sand and gaze out at the water all day. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville will have you feeling like you’re in the middle of a lush paradise. And if you like peaceful lakes, head to Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in New York
May 05, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
Where can I hike to a cave in New York? One of the best cave hikes in New York is The Stone Church in Dover Plains in Dutchess County. The above-ground cave is certainly a unique place to take a nice hike. It has been a popular place to visit since the 1800s, and there is good reason for that. You will feel immediately more relaxed upon embarking on the hike. The sound the peaceful water will give you a nice, tranquil feeling. You will be awestruck by the gorgeous waterfalls and fascinating cave. This is one hike that is definitely worth the trek! What are the best beaches in New York? In the warm months, there is nothing better than a trip to the beach on a hot New York day. There are so many options, even beaches in New York that will remind you of the Caribbean! These pretty places will make you feel like you’ve taken a vacation far away from home, even if you only travel a short distance to get there. Some of the best beaches in New York are Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, Coopers Beach in Southampton, and Robert G. Wehle State Park in Jefferson County. Any of these striking beaches will make you feel like you’ve embarked on a tropical getaway. What are the most well-known parks in New York? While New York has lots of choices if you’re looking to see natural beauty, if you love to meet your fellow hikers and enjoy the outdoors camaraderie, head to one of the well-known parks in New York for some friendly fun! Wildwood State Park has an amazing shoreline that will make you want to sit in the sand and gaze out at the water all day. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville will have you feeling like you’re in the middle of a lush paradise. And if you like peaceful lakes, head to Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the best cave hikes in New York is The Stone Church in Dover Plains in Dutchess County. The above-ground cave is certainly a unique place to take a nice hike. It has been a popular place to visit since the 1800s, and there is good reason for that. You will feel immediately more relaxed upon embarking on the hike. The sound the peaceful water will give you a nice, tranquil feeling. You will be awestruck by the gorgeous waterfalls and fascinating cave. This is one hike that is definitely worth the trek!
What are the best beaches in New York?
In the warm months, there is nothing better than a trip to the beach on a hot New York day. There are so many options, even beaches in New York that will remind you of the Caribbean! These pretty places will make you feel like you’ve taken a vacation far away from home, even if you only travel a short distance to get there. Some of the best beaches in New York are Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, Coopers Beach in Southampton, and Robert G. Wehle State Park in Jefferson County. Any of these striking beaches will make you feel like you’ve embarked on a tropical getaway.
What are the most well-known parks in New York?
While New York has lots of choices if you’re looking to see natural beauty, if you love to meet your fellow hikers and enjoy the outdoors camaraderie, head to one of the well-known parks in New York for some friendly fun! Wildwood State Park has an amazing shoreline that will make you want to sit in the sand and gaze out at the water all day. Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville will have you feeling like you’re in the middle of a lush paradise. And if you like peaceful lakes, head to Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg.
