Is the hustle and bustle of New York City over? Want some fresh air? With creeks, waterfalls, rocky marshes and bluffs just a few miles from New York City, there are plenty of places to explore, a vast canvas to lay your feet on and sights worth capturing forever. The Big Apple has some hiking trails that are very popular for weekend trips. Take a look at the best places listed below Hiking near New York.
7 Best Places for Hiking Near New York
Hiking and camping is always a lot of fun, especially when done as a group activity. So, visit these places with a group of friends and have an amazing time.
1. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is known as the longest hiking trail located between Georgia’s Springer Mountain and Maine’s Mount Katahdin in the eastern United States. The path is approximately 2,200 miles long and touches approximately 14 states which are Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Not exciting? The trail is maintained by the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and a non-profit organization called the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Every year more than 20 lakh people come here for padayatra. For beginners looking for easier trek routes, Greenwood Lake Recreation Park provides a nice respite. There is also a possibility of seeing deer, bear and elk here. Have your cameras ready.
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2. Buttermilk Falls
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The foamy nature of the waterfall gives it its unique name. The state park is located southeast of Ithaca, New York and contains about ten waterfalls. Nature trails in the park include the George Trail which follows Buttermilk Creek at an elevation of 600 feet and the Rim Trail which loops around the other side of the creek over a distance of 1.5 miles. There is also a bear trail that ends at Treiman Lake. The natural beauty of autumn attracts painters who try to reflect the natural beauty in their paintings. So, prepare your canvases and head here to capture the beauty of these waterfalls. The nearby Edward Hopper House Art Center is an added attraction here.
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3. Palisades Interstate Park
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Barely a 30-minute car drive from Manhattan, Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey is a place that gives hikers a chance to have a beautiful view of the Palisades cliffs and the eagles flying high above their heads. There are more than 30 miles of hiking and skiing trails, a boat-launch ramp, a cliff-top parkway that overlooks the riverbank, and many other attractions. Grab your backpack and head here this weekend!
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4. Harriman State Park
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The second largest state park in New York State, Harriman State Park is located in Rockland and Orange Counties. It includes 31 lakes, over 200 miles of hiking trails, and several camping areas for hikers. Other attractions here are sailing and biking. The park is maintained by volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. There are some reserved forests around the park which make sighting of wild animals an added attraction here. Are you ready for an exciting weekend?
5. Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
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Also known as Fahnestock State Park, it is a beautiful place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It has an area of approximately 14,000 acres and is located in Putnam and Dutchess Counties of New York State. It has plenty of hiking trails, a beach on Lake Canopus and offers hikers fishing, camping and swimming opportunities. The weekend here will be both thrilling and fun-filled. So, if you’re looking for hiking trails near New York City then go here.
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6. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
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It is the only wildlife refuge in New York managed by the National Park Service and is composed of the open waters and intertidal salt marshes of Jamaica Bay. Very close to JFK International Airport, yet unknown to many, it offers an excellent diversity of flora and fauna, both marine and terrestrial. It is a prime place to view migratory birds and is home to over 330 bird species, reptiles, amphibians and 60 species of butterflies.
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7. Storm King State Park
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An additional attraction for visitors to Storm King State Park, a 1972-acre state park in Orange County, New York is the Storm King Art Center as well as an excellent view of Storm King Mountain. At the summit of the hike, one can view the scenic beauty of the Hudson and Catskill Valleys below. The park is somewhat undeveloped except for some limited parking and trails. It also offers seasonal deer hunting. After your adventure, you can enjoy local cuisine like burgers, fries and milkshakes at Woody’s in Cornwall.
8. Black Mountain Loop Trail
The Black Mountain Loop Trail is part of more than 200 hiking trails in Harriman State Park. The first part of the trail requires climbing up with all your energy, which may leave you feeling exhausted, but the view at the top is worth it. This 8 mile long route will take you through moss covered roads, bridges, wide rivers and pine forests.
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9. Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore (FINNS) is a 26-mile trail where you can take in the beauty of lush dunes and the vast ocean along the Gulf shoreline. During this test you will find a variety of insects and many terrestrial and marine animals on Fire Island. For one of the best hikes near New York, trek on this trail that will not tire you but bring a wave of freshness.
10. Stairway to Heaven
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Stairway to Heaven is one of the best hiking trails in New York as the views from this trail give you those amazing moments that will be engraved in your heart forever. This trail gives you a chance to pass through a suspension bridge, rocky climbs, wild flower fields and cow pastures which will definitely make you forget all your worries. Don’t wait any longer and go hiking this weekend!
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These are some of the adventurous joys that New York State has to offer you. Don’t wait! Pack your bags and discover these exciting hiking trails near New York. Book your tickets to America with TourTravelHotels and have an adventurous time at these parks and other hiking destinations nearby!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the best hike in the Adirondacks?
One. There are many hikes you can choose from in the Adirondacks, such as Mount Colden, Mount Marcy, Big Slide Mountain, and Rocky Peak Ridge, but the best is the Cascade Mountain Trail.
Q. How long does it take to climb Mount Marcy?
One. The summit stands at an elevation of 5,343 and it takes approximately seven hours to complete the climb of Mount Marcy.
Q. Which is the easiest highest peak to climb?
One. The Cascade Mountain Trail is considered the easiest hiking route with the best views.
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