From stunning waterfall trails to panoramic mountain summits, Upstate New York is home to some of the best hiking in the Northeast. To help you discover the perfect path for your skill level, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top hikes in the state, from beginner-friendly routes to the most challenging ascents!
15 Best New York Hikes
Easy & Beginner-Friendly Hikes: Epic Views with Minimal Effort
Looking for the best easy hikes in New York? These beginner-friendly trails offer stunning scenic views of waterfalls and gorges with minimal effort. Perfect for families and those just getting started, these short hikes in New York State’s beautiful parks prove you don’t need to be an expert to find a perfect outdoor escape.
1. Glen Creek Gorge Trail
📍Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen
Distance: 2.2 Miles
Elevation: 492 Feet
The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park is one of the most photographed upstate New York hikes. Glen Creek Gorge is pure magic; if its 19 waterfalls don’t leave you spellbound, I’m not sure anything ever will.
Intricate stone steps and beautiful bridges lead you through the magic of it all. Within a tenth of a mile from the gift shop, you’ll come across your first waterfalls, and for the remainder of the out-and-back, prepare to be awed.
The Finger Lakes region is home to so may incredible hiking trails – Watkins Glen State Park and the Glen Creek Gorge Trail are just the start! Check out the nearby Hector Falls, Aunt Sarah’s Falls, and the falls at Havana Glen Park. All located within a 10-minute drive from one another, you’ll have to make time for all of these stunning views to your list of upstate New York hikes.
2. Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail
📍Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg
Distance: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 183 Feet
This trail’s claim to fame is that you’ll see the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. Taughannock Falls State Park typically receives over 560,000 visitors each year and they’re all there to see the epic 215-foot tall waterfall. There aren’t too many upstate New York hikes with as big a payoff for as little effort as this one!
From the main entrance of Taughannock Falls State Park take the wide, very easy to follow footpath to your destination. Along the way, you’ll pass the 20-foot cascade known as little or lower falls. You may see people swimming here, but please know that it is prohibited! About a mile into your hike you’ll cross a wooden foot bridge that leads to a viewing area at the bottom of the falls.
The Finger Lakes region is home to so many incredible waterfalls. Taughannock Falls is one of the most photographed in the region; it’s claim to fame alongside the short hike it takes to get there mean’s it is often busy but worth the crowds. The best part of this hike? It’s the perfect hike for you to enjoy all year round.
3. Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim Loop
📍 Buttermilk Falls State Park, Ithaca
Distance: 1.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 462 Feet
Known for it’s spectacular views, it’s no wonder Buttermilk Falls State Park is home to one of the best Upstate New York hikes. The cascading falls of Buttermilk creek leads to a natural swimming pool that is open to the public in the summer months. With a variety of woodland nature trails, a small lake, and playing fields there is quite a bit to do here.
Complete this hike counter clockwise if you want to start with the views and the stairs! Make your way through the gorge along a stone path as Buttermilk Creek descends more than 500 feet through a series of cascades and rapids. Cross the bridge and return to the parking lot through a wooded rim trail.
Buttermilk Falls Gorge and Rim Loop is open in late Spring through November. You can view the main waterfall in winter as it’s just a short walk from the lower parking area but you cannot access the Gorge Trail. This area is particularly stunning in mid to late October for fall foliage but if you’re interested in waterflow, Spring is the time to visit.
4. Ausable Chasm
📍 Adirondack Park, Ausable
Distance: 1.69 Miles
Elevation Gain: 398 Feet
Pay to play for this unique Adirondack Experience. Affectionately called the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. As one of the oldest attractions in the USA, over 10 million guests have witnessed this natural attraction since 1870.
Payment is required to explore the uniquely-carved, vertical-walled canyon made of 500 million year old rock is worth it. There are a variety of different activities Ausable Chasm offers, however, we recommend the Riverwalk and surrounding trails to really get a feel for this areas beauty. From waterfall views to dry chasms, you won’t be disappointed by your visit.
With so much do to at Ausable Chasm, why not make a weekend out of it? Stay at the campground or rent a cabin and spend the weekend enjoying all of the amazing activities this destination has to offer! Check out some incredible upstate New York hikes nearby while you’re at it… both Mount Marcy and Indian Head are less than an hour away.
5. Rondaxe Fire Tower
📍 Adirondack State Park, Old Forge
Distance: 1.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 410 Feet
An easy hike for a mountain in the Adirondacks, Rondaxe Fire Tower, is a very popular trail with incredible views of second and third lake. The long, craggy summit provides ample space for hikers to enjoy the beauty of the lower Adirondacks even on crowded days.
The hike begins as a stroll in the woods before you come to a widely eroded incline. Luckily, this is the steepest section of the trail. It spits you out on the spine which will have a few minor ups and downs alongside a few viewpoints before you reach the summit and fire tower. Recently restored, the Rondaxe Fire Tower on Bald Mountain is a must-climb. It has a map inside to help you get the lay of the land from above!
The Old Forge area is known as the Adirondack Base Camp and is a great place for adventurous couples and families to set up. There are seemingly endless things to do in town and a handful of incredible hikes to choose from. Some of my local favorites include Black Bear Mountain, Sis & Bub Lake, and Rocky Mountain but here’s a list of 10 Old Forge hikes worth checking out.
Moderate Day Hikes: Scenic Overlooks & Historic Fire Towers
Ready for a rewarding challenge? These are some of the most popular moderate day hikes in New York, offering the perfect blend of physical activity and breathtaking scenic views. Ascend to historic fire towers and stunning viewpoints in the Catskills and Hudson Valley, making for a truly memorable day trip on the best trails.
6. Lucifer Falls
📍 Robert Treman State Park, Ithaca
Distance: 1.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 282 Feet
Located 10 miles west of Ithaca, this stunning trail doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves! It’s easily one of the best waterfall upstate New York hikes. The 115-foot cascade has numerous viewpoints, not only of the waterfall and Enfield Creek but also a mile and a half down the wooded gorge.
The easiest version of this hike begins at Upper Parking Area on Upper Park road. Begin your hike on the Rim Trail for a nice walk in the woods that leads to an epic view of Lucifer Falls through the trees and a whole lot of stone steps before spitting you out on the the stunning Gorge Trail. You’ll have to climb a whole lot of stone steps to get back up to the parking lot, but the good news is that the views along the way are incredible.
Lucifer Falls is located in Robert Treman State Park. If you plan on visiting Ithaca for a few days we highly recommend camping here! We stayed in a cute little cabin near the lower falls and enjoyed daily hikes in the park and close proximity to the city of Ithaca and all of the incredible upstate New York hikes the area has to offer.
7. Bull Hill Full Loop
📍 Hudson Highlands State Park, Cold Spring
Distance: 5.4 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,391 Feet
A popular hike in the Hudson Valley Region, Bull Hill can be done as a longer, full loop or as a short loop which cuts the mileage and elevation a bit. The ability to choose between either, both providing great views, make this a hike frequented by outdoorsy folks of all experience and ability level.
The hike begins at the Washburn Trailhead on a wide gravel bath before becoming a bit more steep and craggy. With views of the New York City Skyline, the Hudson River, and across the river to Storm King State Park, Bull Hill is a beauty that should not be overlooked! Regardless of which trail you choose, you’ll end your hike along the Cornish Estate Trail. The ruins of this mansion lie in the middle of the woods; the house’s dramatic stone and brick remains overlooking the Hudson River and is pretty neat to check out!
This trail can be very popular; I recommend trying to get there early on a week day. It is recommended that you complete the trail counter clockwise to get the steepest portion out of the way first! If you’re heading in from the city, you can take the Metro North to the Breakneck Ridge station and walk the 1.4 miles to trailhead. This would effectively take the worry out of not getting a parking spot!
8. Overlook Mountain Trail
📍 Catskill Park, Woodstock
Distance: 4.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,397 Feet
One of the most popular hikes in Catskill Park, Overlook Mountain trail is one of those Upstate New York hikes you simply cannot miss. With a fire tower at the top, plane crash wreckage (if you know where to look), and incredible views it’s no shock that this parking lot fills up all summer and fall long.
A steady climb along a wide, gravel road will lead you first to the Overlook Mountain House ruins. The old, abandoned luxury hotel gives the perfect spooky fall vibes and a great spot to rest before pushing on to the summit. A bit further up the trail you’ll find yourself at the fire tower. The cab might be locked but you can still climb to the highest platform and take in the views!
The original parking area holds about 15 vehicles. A new parking area was recently constructed about a mile down MacDaniel Road. It includes an additional .5-mile hike through the woods to get to start of the Overlook Mountain Trail. This will add one total mile to your hike!
9. Bear Mountain Loop
📍 Bear Mountain State Park, Tomkins Cove
Distance: 3.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,154 Feet
Bear Mountain State Park is famous for its close proximity to New York City. This makes it a popular destination for city-folk looking to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Boasting over 230 miles of trails across 5,000 acres of land, there are a variety of incredible trails at Bear Mountain to help you beat the crowds.
The Bear Mountain Loop is a staple! Walk alongside Hessian Lake for a short distance before reaching the Major Welch Trail. It’s at this point in the hike that you start to gain some elevation. Enjoy some light rock scrambling along the way to reach the summit and site of Perkins Memorial. Here you’ll enjoy views of the Hudson River, New York City Skyline, and Bear Mountain Bridge!
There is a negative to the Bear Mountain Loop. You can drive to the summit… a winding drive up Perkins Memorial Drive will lead to 360-degree views of the Hudson River Valley. Knowing this, the only time you’ll likely have this summit to yourself is if you chose to complete this hike in the winter months or if you hike up prior to 8AM during the Tower’s open season.
10. Three Falls Gorge Trail
📍 Letchworth State Park, Genesee Falls
Distance: 4.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,023 Feet
The Grand Canyon of the East does not disappoint. It’s sheer magnitude is so impressive that it attracts nearly one million visitors annually. At only 17 miles long as it follows the Genesee River and about 14,000 acres, its main attraction is the three waterfalls you’ll see on this trail!
Begin your hike at the parking area near the Footbridge Nature Shop and make your way down to the Lower Falls viewing area. Then make your way back up and head West on the Gorge trail toward Inspiration Point and the William Pryor Letchworth Museum. Enjoy your time at Middle and Upper Falls; maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see a train over the Genesee Arch Bridge or a hot air balloon over the gorge.
Letchworth State Park is one of those places that never gets old. I definitely recommend arriving early and enjoying a sunrise as the clouds hang low in the gorge. Start your hike nice and early to avoid crowds in the popular areas (Middle and Upper Falls). If you have the time and the means, try to see the gorge from a different perspective. Try white water rafting for a worms-eye view of gorge and balloons over Letchworth for a birds-eye view!
Challenging Hikes: Conquering NY’s Highest Peaks & Rugged Trails
For the seasoned adventurer, the ultimate challenge awaits. These strenuous and rewarding trails are a rite of passage for experienced trekkers looking to summit New York’s highest peaks and tackle its most rugged terrain. Prepare for a true test of endurance and be rewarded with unmatched panoramic views from the top of the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains.
11. Indian Head
📍 Adirondack Park, Keene Valley
Distance: 8.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,430 Feet
A lot of people may say this is one of the most overrated upstate New York hikes, but I totally disagree! This iconic hike is often referred to as the Fjord of the Adirondacks. Although we know there aren’t any Fjords in the Mountains of Upstate New York, that hasn’t stopped Indian Head from becoming one of the most popular hikes. So much so that is now requires a permit between May 1 and October 31.
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs is one of the best Upstate New York hikes because the view of Lower Ausable Lake and the Lower Great Range is unparalleled. The first 3.3 miles of the trail are considered easy and follow Lake Road. At the end of Lake Road, the remaining 0.8 miles includes a steep ascent up to Indian Head. The hike is considered difficult, more so for its distance than anything else.
The Adirondacks are a great place for hiking, with over 2,000 miles of trails and some of the most scenic views in the Northeast. From easy day trips to difficult multi-day hikes, you’ll find a wide variety of hiking trails in the Adirondack Mountains to suit your skill level.
12. Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop
📍 Minnewaska State Park, Kerhonkson
Distance: 6.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,141 Feet
Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop are located in the stunning Hudson Valley. Picturesque Lake Minnewaska attracts nearly half a million visitors annually. The lake loop is appropriate for nearly any skill level but Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain will help you shake the crowds with its increase in difficulty.
Gertrude’s Nose includes sheer, white cliff edges and a variety of stunning rock formations. It includes hiking on a carriage road to start, however, the terrain becomes more rugged as you continue towards Gertrude’s Nose. Luckily, hiking along the cliff edges provides scenic views for a great portion of the trail. Continuing on to Millbrook Mountain provides stunning views of the Wallkill Valley and Palmaghatt Ravine before returning to Lake Minnewaska and the carriage road.
The Hudson Valley includes some of the best trails upstate New York has to offer! Although their are 22 State Parks in the Hudson Valley, Minnewaska State Park is one of the most unique & beautiful parks in all of New York state. With features like waterfalls, lakes & great cliff-edge views, you should definitely plan to spend more than just one day here!
13. Gorge Rim Trail
📍 Devil’s Hole State Park, Niagara Falls
Distance: 9.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 623 Feet
An incredible flight of stone steps leads to views of unique rock figures alongside the impressive Niagara river and rapids below. Be sure to keep a healthy distance from the river and dangerous rapids.
Overlooking Devil’s Hole Rapids, this is a lesser visited State Park. On our list of best upstate New York Hikes, the Gorge Rim Trail at Devil’s Hole State Park might be the least busy. Luckily, there are a handful of nearby natural spaces you can explore as well; they will definitely be more busy.
The lower portion of this trail is frequently closed due to rock slides. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to know what to expect when hiking the Gorge Rim Trail.
14. Mount Marcy
📍 Adirondack Park, Lake Placid
Distance: 15.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 3562 Feet
Hike to the highest point in New York State to experience panoramic views. Located in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park, Mount Marcy is 5,343 feet tall and a difficult day hike. One of the upstate New York hikes that act as a rite of passage for many looking to hike in the Adirondack High Peaks region and become a coveted ADK 46er.
To hike Mount Marcy via the VanHoevenberg Trail you’ll have to start your day bright and early at the Adirondack Loj. The trail is fairly easy until you reach Marcy Dam. It is here that it begins to climb. You’ll feel like you’re on a Stairmaster, frequently lunging up huge boulders while working towards New York state’s highest point. Once you’ve reached the summit, you’ll have 360-degree views of the Adirondack high peaks region.
Hiking to the summit of the highest peak in New York is no easy task. It requires a lot of preparation. Physically you need to improve your fitness level and make sure you have the right gear. Mentally, you need to educate yourself on the rules and regulations of the Adirondack High Peaks. Most importantly, carry out everything you carry in (including your toilet paper), be considerate to others and respect wildlife while also staying off the alpine vegetation found at New York’s high elevation summits.
15. Escarpment Trail
📍 Catskill Park, Tannersville
Distance: 21.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 5,072 Feet
This point to point trail is tough and most often hiked as a point to point backpacking trip. You can, however, hike the full Escarpment Trail in a day if you are experienced and have a shuttle. Most often, people hike sections of this trail as day hikes to experiences the beauty of the Catskills.
(important to note that this photo was taken prior to NYS regulating drone use in state parks)
If you plan to hike the full trail, it is important to know that the trail is easier when you start at the Southern Terminus near North-South Lake and head North. Also know that water is scarce along the trail. You may be required to take a spur trail to lower elevation in the summer heat to find water sources for hydration and camp cooking. You’ll pass over several Catskill summits providing stunning views of the Catskill mountains as well as the Hudson Valley.
If you’re looking for an easier day hike of the Escarpment Trail, try the 6.5 mile-loop that begins on S Lake Road. This route alone could make it onto our best upstate New York hikes list! This route includes views of North and South Lake, Ashley Falls, Newman’s Ledge, Lookout Rock and Sunset Rock, and Artists Rock. A much more doable day hike that provides stunning views of the great outdoors along the Escarpment Trail.
Bonus Hikes: Top 3 Long Island Hiking Trails
As someone who grew up on Long Island, I definitely did not take advantage of its natural beauty. I’m a sucker for a steep climb so a flat trail like the ones you find on the island don’t generally excite me but that doesn’t mean they aren’t stunning! Here are three of the best Long Island, New York hikes.
Joan C. Coles, Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Loop
📍 Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island
Distance: 7.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 321 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Long Island’s Mashomack Preserve is a hidden gem that most people never make it to. Make taking a ferry out to Shelter Island a priority this summer and explore this incredible area of the island. The Red, Yellow, Blue and Green Loop will really give you the perfect feel for this stunning area.
Montauk Point Loop
📍 Montauk Point State Park, Montauk
Distance: 6.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 285 feet
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Stunning views of ‘the end’ and its famous lighthouse. Explore the bluffs along the very end of Long Island and see up to five different species of seal if you visit at the right time. This hike actually traverses both Montauk Point State Park and Camp Hero State Park.
Planting Fields Arboretum
📍 Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 104 Feet
Difficulty: Easy
Such an incredible place to visit in the Spring! With perfect temperatures and flowers – it’s a great way to spend a a few hours before or after brunch. The trails are stunning!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, Upstate New York offers a diverse range of trails to suit every skill level and preference. From breathtaking waterfalls and lush forests to panoramic mountain views and historic sites, these hikes provide an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
Lace up your boots, pack your essentials, and discover the hidden gems of Upstate New York’s hiking trails. Start planning your next adventure today and immerse yourself in the beauty of this stunning region.
✌🏼💙NY
you wanted some more NY, so you got it! heheh