Looking for the Best Hiking Trails in Upstate NY? Well, Look No Further! Here is Our Comprehensive List!
Upstate New York offers an astounding set of mountain ranges and breathtaking landscapes that can be explored by hikers of all levels. It shouldn’t come as a shock that Upstate New York has some of the most quaint small towns, beautiful hikes, scenic overlooks, stunning lakeshores and beautiful gorges and waterfalls. All you have to do is venture away from New York City for a mountainous escape!
New York State is more than just a bustling city. It has a vast variety of landscapes from the Finger Lakes region, to the high peaks of the Adirondack region to the beautiful Catskill Mountains. No matter what kind of hiker you are, you will find some beautiful outdoor space to refresh and enjoy the fresh air in Upstate New York. Who knows, it may even be your next ideal vacation location!
Now, whether you’re new to hiking and you’re looking for leisurely strolls and scenic views, or if you’re a seasoned trekker looking for a challenging ascent (or if you’re somewhere in between) there are many Upstate New York hiking trails! The Adirondacks and the Catskill Mountains offer some of the most remarkable Upstate New York hiking trails in this great state.
Adirondack High Peak Hikes
The high peaks of the Adirondacks offer some of the most challenging, and therefore rewarding hikes in Upstate New York. This stunning, historic mountain range definitely deserves your attention! Here is our list of high peaks in the Adirondack’s that will offer you beautiful views of Upstate New York.
Mount Marcy
Well, there’s no better place to start than the highest! Mount Marcy is the highest peak in New York State at 5,344 feet. The most popular trailhead starts at the Adirondak Loj which is right near Lake Placid. The most common trail among hikers is the Van Hoevenberg Trail which is a 14 – 15 mile hike round trip. This stunning hike is strenuous due to it’s length and elevation gain. You’ll pass through forests, rocky paths and even the alpine zone where the tree’s stop growing. However, the reward at the end of your long trek will be worth it once you gaze upon the breathtaking views of the surrounding Adirondack region and wilderness.
Cascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain is a much less strenuous trip than Mount Marcy. At 4,098 feet near Keene Valley, the trail to Cascade Mountain is only 4.8 miles round trip. However, even though the trail is shorter it is not necessarily easier. It offers a challenging ascent with steep sections. Cascade Mountain is a popular choice because of its rewarding views. If you want extra mileage you can pair it with its neighboring peak, Porter Mountain. Either way, the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, without having to put in the mileage that’s required to summit Mount Marcy.
Giant Mountain
Giant Mountain is the 12th highest peak in the Adirondacks. This giant mountain offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. At an elevation of 4,627 feet the Ridge Trail leading up to the mountain is approximately 6.6 miles round trip. This hike is known for having steep and rocky sections, so good shoes are a must! This hike can be enjoyed by kids who like to scramble over the large rocks but beware of the look out over the 100m drop at the washbowl. This drop can be hard to see at night or in bad weather. Danger aside, the nearby peaks and valleys provide stunning views.
Gorges and Waterfalls
If you’re looking for more beautiful, peaceful Upstate New York hiking trails then make sure to check out the variety of gorge and waterfall hikes that Upstate New York has to offer.
Letchworth State Park
Did you know there’s a “Grand Canyon of the East”? Well, now you do! It’s right here in Upstate New York! The Gorge Trail in Letchworth State Park is one of the most beautiful hikes that Upstate New York has to offer. You’ll walk about 7 miles along the western rim of the Genesee River Gorge. You’ll get to view the stunning Upper, Middle and Lower Falls along the way! Enjoy the the natural beauty which has been sculpted by the Genesee River for the past millennia.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Did the 3 waterfalls at the Gorge Trail not fix your itch? Well, head to Taughannock Falls State Park! Come see the tallest single-drop waterfall this side of the Rocky Mountains. The Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail is moderately easy and very accessible. You’ll be led along the edge of the gorge for 0.9 miles which will provide you with stunning vistas of the majestic 215-foot waterfall. This magnificent waterfall get’s over 50,000 visitors a year! The trail is well-maintained, and you’ll get an up-close, personal view of the waterfall and the surrounding rivers and landscape. It truly is a site to behold.
Kaaterskill Falls
Heading up into the Catskills is Kaaterskill Falls. This short but steep 1.4 mile hike leads hikers through a picturesque forest ending in a two-tiered waterfall. It’s important to stay on the marked path in order to avoid slippery rocks, but it will lead you to stunning views.
If you want a more moderate hike then head to the Poet’s Ledge Trail. This trail rewards you with views of the mountains, forests and the Hudson Valley surrounding the Kaaterskill Wild Forest. At 7 miles it will take you about 4.5 hours to complete. Meanwhile, the beautiful views along the trail will make it worth the work.
Bash Bish Falls
The trail to Bash Bish Falls is nestled away in Taconic State Park in the Hudson Valley. Bash Bish Falls will provide you with a relatively short hike before you end up at the picturesque waterfall. This 60 foot fall ends in a serene pool which hikers can enjoy a dip in during the warmer months. Keep in mind this hike has some rugged terrain. This stunning waterfall is right on the border of Massachusetts and New York – in fact there’s a parking lot for it in each state! Enjoy the 1.5 flat trip stroll from the New York parking lot and make sure you bring your camera.
Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop
Another Gorge trail that is worth the work is the Rim Trail and Gorge Trail Loop in Robert H. Treman State Park. These trails wind through the stunning Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca, NY. This particular hike is known for its rugged beauty and stunning 115-foot Lucifer Falls. The Rim Trail is a 4.5 mile loop which leads you straight to the Falls. From there you can continue to a high vantage point as well. Once you begin your descent you’ll join up with the Gorge Trail which will take you past some of the most beautiful waterfalls in New York. It does have some moderate difficulty but it is kid and dog-friendly. Just be aware of some steep elevations and some stone step sets.
Hiking in the Catskill Mountains
If you have decided to make the Catskills your next destination make sure to check out some of their stunning peaks. Just like the Adirondacks, the Catskills offer some challenging trails and high peaks.
Slide Mountain
Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills residing at 1,794 feet. The Slide Mountain Trail offers you a challenging hike that is about 6.6 miles round trip. You’ll walk through dense forests and rocky terrains, but it is moderately easy and will take you about 4 hours to complete.
Overlook Mountain
Offering panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, Overlook Mountain is home to a moderate hiking trail that leads to the ruins of an old hotel and fire tower. This 5.6 mile hike offers diverse terrain on an up and back trail. It’s not the prettiest hike, it’s an old gravel road, but once you reach the end you’ll want to make sure your phone is charged and your camera is ready. This stunning hike takes about 3 hours and is well worth it at the end of it!
Devil’s Path
It may come as a shock that a trail called Devil’s Path is known for its difficulty, but it really shouldn’t be given the name. This trail is rugged, demanding and spans about 25 miles as it traverses over several peaks. However, all of your hard work will be paid off once you’ve seen the breathtaking views. However, this is not a beginner trail, so make sure you prepare properly and research what you need to do in order to traverse the trail safely.
Huckleberry Point
Huckleberry Point is more of a scenic trek than a hike. It’s moderately challening and will lead you to a stunning overlook. This trail is only about 4.5 miles long round trip, and you’ll easily get to enjoy the views of the Hudson Valley and the surrounding Catskill Mountains. This out and back trail will take you about 2.5 hours to complete and is very popular.
A Finger Lakes Trail Hiking Guide
If you decide to travel further North into the great state of New York then you’ll find yourself in the Finger Lakes region! Bordered by Ontario Canada, the Finger Lakes is, obviously, known for its eleven, long narrow lakes. However, there is still hiking to be done! You can do small sections of the trail, or stop at different campsites and small towns along the way, depending on how much you intend to hike. With about 5.76 miles miles worth of interconnecting trails there’s no limits to what you can explore (with the right preparation and knowledge of course). Use this set of trails to explore everywhere from Allegheny State Park to the end of Catskill Park on the Pennsylvania border.
Western Gateway & The Bristol Hills Trail
If you start in the Allegany State Park you’ll find the Western Gateway & The Bristol Hills Trail. This 11.7 mile loop will bring you to 1,952 feet in about 5.5 hours. It’s a popular trail for bird watching, hiking and mountain biking. This section of the Finger Lakes begins in the westernmost park of New York and will gradually lead you through woodlands, fields and rolling hills. Some highlights of hiking on this trail are the views of the Genesee River Valley and panoramic views of Canandaigua Lake.
Interstate Route 90 (I-90) to the Catskills
If you want to hike towards the east, this segment of trail will bring you through diverse landscapes which include farmlands, woodlots and small towns as it meanders near to the Catskill Mountains. Being close to the Catskills means you will have stunning views of the beautiful mountain range of Upstate New York.
Finger Lakes National Forest & Interloken Trail
The Interloken Trail will bring you north to south in the Finger Lakes National Forest. You’ll cross through woodlands and fields with stunning views of the region’s glacial lakes and valleys. The south portion of the trail is steeper with more dense forests, while the northern parts of the trails are flatter and more open. You’ll end up enjoy outstanding vistas to the west, and breathtaking views of Seneca Lake.
To Summit All Up…
At the end of the day, one of the most important aspects of any type of hiking is knowledge. Make sure you are dressed properly, have the proper footwear and have researched the trails you intend to trek. The north east is known for weather that changes on a dime, so it’s important to check weather conditions (especially in the colder months), and to consider difficulty levels before embarking on any hike.
If you’re planning on longer hikes that require camping, make sure to look up campsites or small towns nearby. If you just want an afternoon stroll, then make sure you aren’t signing up for something bigger and harder than you planned!
At the end of it all, leave no trace, don’t build any cairns, stay on the marked paths, and respect wildlife and other hikers. Going out into nature is a great way to escape the monotony of everyday life, it’s refreshing and good for your mental health. So get a move on and get hiking!
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