Hiking fanatics in upstate New York are getting ready to hit the trails for some springtime adventure, and there are countless beautiful hikes throughout the state that will be brought to life under the sunshine and blue skies. Whether you’re looking to go on a serious weekend trek or a scenic stroll in the city, here are a few of the best hikes in New York to check out.
- Bear Mountain State Park
AllTrails/Stefanie Levanos This gorgeous state park on the Hudson River is one of the best hiking destinations you’ll find in the Hudson Valley, and the overlooks are absolutely incredible, making this home to some of the most scenic hikes in New York. Take the Popolopen Torne Loop, a 4.3-mile loop trail full of picturesque forest scenes. Bear Mountain State Parkway, Bear Mountain State Pkwy, Mohegan Lake, NY, USA
- Ampersand Mountain
Tripadvisor/Sarah Jane You can’t beat the High Peaks Wilderness when it comes to springtime hikes, and this is a great place to start. The 4.8-mile Ampersand Mountain Trail overlooks Saranac Lake, and while this trail is rated as difficult, the views of the region are worth it. Ampersand Mountain Trail, Harrietstown, NY 12983, USA
- Tifft Nature Preserve
Facebook/Tifft Nature Preserve This Buffalo nature preserve is one of the most beautiful gems of western New York, and it’s the perfect destination for a weekend adventure, whether you’re looking to spend the morning birdwatching or strolling through 264 acres of bliss. Try the Boardwalk trail for one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New York. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain
AllTrails/Adam Ginsburg For those who are looking to get spring started with some more serious mountain trekking, the Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain is an 8.9-mile hike in Keene, New York. Experiencing the Adirondacks doesn’t get more magnificent than this. Giant Mountain Wilderness Area, North Hudson, NY 12855, USA
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail
Tripadvisor/MartinCATO This is a more casual trail located in the Cornell Botanical Gardens in downtown Ithaca, and it’s a great option for anyone looking for easy hikes in New York. Walk along Cascadilla Creek and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls on this route that is a favorite among locals. Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Walkway over the Hudson
Tripadvisor/Melastica Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a landmark in Poughkeepsie, New York. It is one of the most fun spots to hit in the Hudson Valley, and you can see for miles in every direction as you’re walking across the bridge. It also connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail. Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, NY, USA
- Taylor Pond
AllTrails/Melanie Gagnon This trail in the Taylor Pond Wild Forest is another Adirondack gem, and there’s nothing more refreshing on a weekend than a lakeside trail in the mountains. Hit this 3.7-mile trail near Au Sable Forks for a great mountain exploration. Silver Lake Mountain Trail, Black Brook, NY 12985, USA
Which of these best hikes in New York are you excited to visit this spring? We’d love to hear about your favorites on our nomination page!
AllTrails/Stefanie Levanos
This gorgeous state park on the Hudson River is one of the best hiking destinations you’ll find in the Hudson Valley, and the overlooks are absolutely incredible, making this home to some of the most scenic hikes in New York. Take the Popolopen Torne Loop, a 4.3-mile loop trail full of picturesque forest scenes.
Bear Mountain State Parkway, Bear Mountain State Pkwy, Mohegan Lake, NY, USA
Tripadvisor/Sarah Jane
You can’t beat the High Peaks Wilderness when it comes to springtime hikes, and this is a great place to start. The 4.8-mile Ampersand Mountain Trail overlooks Saranac Lake, and while this trail is rated as difficult, the views of the region are worth it.
Ampersand Mountain Trail, Harrietstown, NY 12983, USA
Facebook/Tifft Nature Preserve
This Buffalo nature preserve is one of the most beautiful gems of western New York, and it’s the perfect destination for a weekend adventure, whether you’re looking to spend the morning birdwatching or strolling through 264 acres of bliss. Try the Boardwalk trail for one of the most kid-friendly hikes around New York.
Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
AllTrails/Adam Ginsburg
For those who are looking to get spring started with some more serious mountain trekking, the Ridge Trail to Giant Mountain is an 8.9-mile hike in Keene, New York. Experiencing the Adirondacks doesn’t get more magnificent than this.
Giant Mountain Wilderness Area, North Hudson, NY 12855, USA
Tripadvisor/MartinCATO
This is a more casual trail located in the Cornell Botanical Gardens in downtown Ithaca, and it’s a great option for anyone looking for easy hikes in New York. Walk along Cascadilla Creek and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls on this route that is a favorite among locals.
Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Tripadvisor/Melastica
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a landmark in Poughkeepsie, New York. It is one of the most fun spots to hit in the Hudson Valley, and you can see for miles in every direction as you’re walking across the bridge. It also connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail.
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland, NY, USA
AllTrails/Melanie Gagnon
This trail in the Taylor Pond Wild Forest is another Adirondack gem, and there’s nothing more refreshing on a weekend than a lakeside trail in the mountains. Hit this 3.7-mile trail near Au Sable Forks for a great mountain exploration.
Silver Lake Mountain Trail, Black Brook, NY 12985, USA
If you’re looking for parks with a variety of scenic hikes, Letchworth State Park in western New York and Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes are two incredible state parks that are just about impossible to beat!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In New York April 08, 2022 Libby Monson What are the best wildflower hikes in New York? Wildflower season kicks off in April most years, depending on whether it is an early or late spring. Head to Tinkers Falls Trail in Labrador Hollow Unique Area for one of the best wildflower-spotting, kid-friendly hikes around New York. In addition to beautiful spring blooms, you’ll be treated to the sounds of a lovely little waterfall. Watch out on the stairs as they can get a bit slippery. Be on the lookout for painted trilliums while you meander through the forest. These spectacular white flowers have a violet inside and are usually found in the cooler woods. Remember to leave the wildflowers where they are for everyone to enjoy and just take home your memories of a fabulous adventure. Are there any lavender farms in New York? Yes! A trip to Lavender By the Bay is truly one of the unique things to do around New York. You can plan your trip to the farm in either Calverton or East Marion. Lavender By the Bay grows more than 80,000 plants of English and French Lavender. You’ll find Purple Bouquet, Melissa, Gosso, Hidcote Giant, and others in full bloom the first few weeks of July. Try some lavender honey made by the bees who pollinate the lavender for a truly unique treat. Which state park should I visit in New York? There are 180 state parks in New York. The New York State park system includes everything from beaches to mountains, ranging from a few acres to six million acres. If you are looking for some of the most scenic hikes in New York, check out Letchworth State Park. Just south of Rochester and alongside the Genesee river, you’ll be dazzled by three waterfalls and stunning cliffs that have earned this park the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In New York
April 08, 2022
Libby Monson
What are the best wildflower hikes in New York? Wildflower season kicks off in April most years, depending on whether it is an early or late spring. Head to Tinkers Falls Trail in Labrador Hollow Unique Area for one of the best wildflower-spotting, kid-friendly hikes around New York. In addition to beautiful spring blooms, you’ll be treated to the sounds of a lovely little waterfall. Watch out on the stairs as they can get a bit slippery. Be on the lookout for painted trilliums while you meander through the forest. These spectacular white flowers have a violet inside and are usually found in the cooler woods. Remember to leave the wildflowers where they are for everyone to enjoy and just take home your memories of a fabulous adventure. Are there any lavender farms in New York? Yes! A trip to Lavender By the Bay is truly one of the unique things to do around New York. You can plan your trip to the farm in either Calverton or East Marion. Lavender By the Bay grows more than 80,000 plants of English and French Lavender. You’ll find Purple Bouquet, Melissa, Gosso, Hidcote Giant, and others in full bloom the first few weeks of July. Try some lavender honey made by the bees who pollinate the lavender for a truly unique treat. Which state park should I visit in New York? There are 180 state parks in New York. The New York State park system includes everything from beaches to mountains, ranging from a few acres to six million acres. If you are looking for some of the most scenic hikes in New York, check out Letchworth State Park. Just south of Rochester and alongside the Genesee river, you’ll be dazzled by three waterfalls and stunning cliffs that have earned this park the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wildflower season kicks off in April most years, depending on whether it is an early or late spring. Head to Tinkers Falls Trail in Labrador Hollow Unique Area for one of the best wildflower-spotting, kid-friendly hikes around New York. In addition to beautiful spring blooms, you’ll be treated to the sounds of a lovely little waterfall. Watch out on the stairs as they can get a bit slippery. Be on the lookout for painted trilliums while you meander through the forest. These spectacular white flowers have a violet inside and are usually found in the cooler woods. Remember to leave the wildflowers where they are for everyone to enjoy and just take home your memories of a fabulous adventure.
Are there any lavender farms in New York?
Yes! A trip to Lavender By the Bay is truly one of the unique things to do around New York. You can plan your trip to the farm in either Calverton or East Marion. Lavender By the Bay grows more than 80,000 plants of English and French Lavender. You’ll find Purple Bouquet, Melissa, Gosso, Hidcote Giant, and others in full bloom the first few weeks of July. Try some lavender honey made by the bees who pollinate the lavender for a truly unique treat.
Which state park should I visit in New York?
There are 180 state parks in New York. The New York State park system includes everything from beaches to mountains, ranging from a few acres to six million acres. If you are looking for some of the most scenic hikes in New York, check out Letchworth State Park. Just south of Rochester and alongside the Genesee river, you’ll be dazzled by three waterfalls and stunning cliffs that have earned this park the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.”
