Top 10 Best Places to Hike in New York

New York's second-largest state park offers over 200 miles of trails through diverse terrain including lakes, forests, and mountain summits. Located just 30 miles from Manhattan, it's a favorite escape for serious hikers seeking wilderness without traveling far.

This iconic Hudson Highlands hike rewards climbers with spectacular 360-degree views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. The challenging ascent through rocky terrain leads to one of the most photographed vistas in the Northeast.

A 36-acre woodland in the heart of Manhattan, the Ramble offers winding paths through dense forest, rustic bridges, and hidden viewpoints. It's a renowned bird-watching destination and provides a genuine wilderness experience amid the urban landscape.

Considered one of the most challenging day hikes near New York City, Breakneck Ridge features steep rock scrambles and exposed ledges with breathtaking Hudson Valley views. The trail is not for the faint of heart but rewards with unforgettable scenery.

A classic Hudson Valley destination, Bear Mountain offers well-maintained trails to a scenic summit with panoramic views. The park features the oldest section of the Appalachian Trail and connects to the extensive Harriman trail network.

This elevated linear park built on historic freight rail lines offers a unique urban hiking experience through Manhattan's West Side. The 1.45-mile pathway features gardens, art installations, and stunning city views.

Manhattan's last remaining natural forest features old-growth tulip trees, Native American cave shelters, and trails through pristine woodland. The park offers a genuine wilderness experience at the northern tip of Manhattan.

This paved multi-use trail follows a historic rail corridor through the scenic Hudson Valley, offering easy walking with views of the Shawangunk Ridge. Perfect for casual hikers and families seeking accessible nature.

Part of the Shawangunk Ridge, this park features crystal-clear sky lakes, dramatic cliff views, and miles of carriage roads and trails. The unique white cliffs and pristine lakes create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the region.

Brooklyn's flagship park designed by Olmsted and Vaux features a 90-acre meadow, dense woodlands, and miles of walking paths. The park's varied landscapes offer urban hikers multiple loop options through forests, around the lake, and over rolling hills.

The newly completed 750-mile trail system connecting New York City to Canada and Buffalo has opened new sections perfect for day hikers. The trail's Hudson Valley segments offer accessible waterfront walking with historic sites.

The world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge continues to draw visitors with new programming and improved connections to surrounding trails. The 1.28-mile walk offers unparalleled views of the Hudson Valley.

The man-made hills on Governors Island offer unique Manhattan skyline views and have become a popular destination for urban hikers. New landscaping and expanded ferry service make this car-free island more accessible than ever.

Spring transforms Central Park with over 1,700 cherry trees blooming from late March through April. The Reservoir loop and Cherry Hill offer the most spectacular displays, rivaling Washington D.C.'s famous blossoms.

Spring wildflowers carpet Harriman State Park from April through May, with trillium, violets, and jack-in-the-pulpit blooming along forest trails. The Seven Lakes area offers particularly vibrant displays and waterfall views.

Beat the summer heat with a hike to Minnewaska's pristine sky lakes, where swimming is permitted in crystal-clear mountain waters. The combination of cliff views, forest trails, and refreshing swims makes this the ultimate summer destination.

The Catskill region offers shaded creek-side trails that provide relief from summer heat. Swimming holes, waterfalls, and hemlock-shaded gorges create cool microclimates perfect for hot-weather hiking.

Fall transforms Storm King into a tapestry of color with Hudson Valley foliage stretching to the horizon. The crisp air and clear skies of October provide the best visibility for the famous river views.

The diverse tree species at Bear Mountain create extended fall color from late September through early November. The summit loop offers changing vistas of the colorful Hudson Highlands throughout the autumn season.

Winter reveals Central Park's architectural beauty with bare trees framing Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and the Mall's famous elm trees. Light snowfall transforms the park into a magical landscape.

When snow blankets Harriman State Park, snowshoeing opens up new possibilities for exploring the winter wilderness. The lake trails and forest paths offer peaceful solitude and tracking wildlife in fresh snow.