Are you an outdoor enthusiast and visiting Upstate New York? Don’t miss out on these 7 best hikes in Upstate New York and take advantage of the great outdoors!
When most people think of New York they instantly conjure up imagery of the fast-paced concrete jungle that is NYC. Yet, New York state has so much more on offer to visitors, especially those wanting to escape the bustle of the city and looking to connect with nature and the outdoors that isn’t Central Park!
Thankfully, the wider state of New York has an array of incredible mountain ranges, waterfalls, and forested areas that you can discover if you’re an avid hiker like we are!
In this guide, we’ve put together some of the most popular and best hikes in Upstate New York that include The Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley, other spectacular regions!
So, get your hiking boots and gear at the ready, and let’s explore these spectacular and best hikes Upstate New York has on offer!
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5 Hiking Essentials – Best Upstate New York Hikes
Before you explore these stunning hiking trails in Upstate New York, be sure to get your hiking gear at the ready and make the most of your trip!
- A hiking day backpack
- Comfy pair of men’s boots, or woman’s hiking boots
- Hiking water bottle for hydration
- A cozy men’s and woman’s windbreaker for those gusty summits
- A set of hiking poles
Best Hikes in Upstate New York
1. Ausable Chasm
By Kelly of Girl with the Passport
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 1.9 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
A quick and easy hike with great views can be found at Ausable Chasm, New York. Located in the Adirondacks region of Upstate New York, the natural attraction has been open to the public since 1870 and it is considered the Grand Canyon of the East Coast.
During the summer there is tubing and rafting down the Ausable River for adventurous types. Otherwise, throughout the year there is plenty of nature to see with well-laid trails and scenic views. It is not a state park so there is a fee to enter, plus additional fees depending on the type of activity chosen.
There is even a paved trail so hiking can be done by anyone. The 1.9-mile loop allows visitors to walk through the center of the park and view the unique vertical wall of the canyon made of 500 million-year-old sandstone.
All-in-all it is a must-do hike when in the Adirondacks that has much more to offer than most nature parks and is definitely one the best easy hikes in Upstate NY.
2. Bonticou Crag Rock Scramble
By Ian James from Hudson Valley Discovered
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 3 to 4.1 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Bonticou Crag trail is located in the Mohonk Preserve in the mid-Hudson Valley. The trail starts at the Spring Farm Trailhead and follows the red trail markers. The trail is a 3-mile loop, that can be extended to 4.1 miles by including the Northeast Trail (recommended).
A highlight of the trail is a dramatic vertical rock scramble. If you take this route to the top of the crag, the trail is rated as difficult, but if this seems too daunting, you can get to the top via a trail rated as moderate.
The trail starts easy, through woods along a clear path and a section of a former carriage road, before arriving at the rock scramble. This involves pulling yourself up large boulders that form a rockslide on an almost vertical slope. The route is clearly marked but has sheer drop-offs on one side, so is not suitable if you’re afraid of heights. An alternate path goes around the rockfall.
At the top are stunning views over Mohonk Preserve and the Hudson Valley. You can continue down a path looping back to the trailhead or extend the hike along the ridge on the Northeast Trail. There are incredible views of the Catskill Mountains from several viewpoints along this route making it one of the best hikes Upstate NY has to offer.
There is a $15 a day-use fee (or $60 annual membership) for Mohonk Preserve. It’s best to get there early, as this is a popular hike. It’s strongly recommended to do the loop in a counterclockwise direction so that you climb up the rock scramble, rather than down, as up is easier and safer.
3 Breakneck Ridge
By Anisa from Two Traveling Texans
- Type: Circular
- Distance: 3.7 Miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
Breakneck Ridge is one of the best hikes in upstate NY because it is quite challenging. The 3.7-mile circular trail includes ascending 1400 feet, most of that in the first mile. Allow 4-5 hours to do the hike depending on how many times you stop for breaks to catch your breath or take photos.
The hike starts out with a steep rock scramble where gloves would come in handy. At times, you may be tempted to turn around but power through it and you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley.
If you choose to do this hike on a weekend, there is a direct train from New York City’s Grand Central Station to Breakneck Ridge. After an hour and a half train ride, it’s just a short walk to the Breakneck Ridge trail. You will want to go early as it is a popular hike and will get crowded!
4. Indian Head
By Samantha from Seeing Sam
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 10.8 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Indian Head, located in the Adirondacks High Peak region in Keene Valley, is one of the most Iconic upstate New York hiking trails there is. This 10.8+ mile loop rewards you with stunning valley and lake views and is particularly spectacular during peak fall foliage.
A free permit (apply at Hikeamr.org) is required to hike and park in the ADK trailhead lot. The actual trailhead is on private property 2 miles from the parking lot through a residential neighborhood and manicured golf resort. You are forced to walk as trailhead drop-offs are not allowed.
Although rated as hard, it is a fairly moderate hike that levels out frequently, has no crazy rock scrambles, and is under 2,000 ft of elevation gain. There are two beautiful waterfalls to enjoy along the way, Beaver Falls and Rainbow Falls.
The best idea is to start the loop hike going clockwise along Gill Brook Creek to Indian Head then take the East River Trail back to the parking lot, making sure to stop at both waterfalls. It is one long hike, but the views, nature, and easy-to-follow trail, make it exceptionally worth it!
5. Mount Beacon
By Bernadette of Live a Relaxed Life
- Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 4 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
The highest peak in Hudson Highlands is Mount Beacon with its two summits. Located in the south of Beacon, the hike up the mountain is easy enough for beginners.
A good place to start the hike is at Mount Beacon Park which has a parking lot and street parking around it. At the beginning of the trail are ruins from a railhead and then a 200-step stairway that leads to the paths up the mountain. Once up the stairs look around for discarded tree branches left behind by hikers to use as a walking stick. It will prove useful later navigating up and down the steeper sections.
From there, the path goes from woody to full of rocks, and at the top of the first summit are the ruins of a casino and views of Beacon. At this point, hikers can continue on the trail to the Mt. Beacon fire tower or they can decide to go back down. The views are great at the Casino ruins and easily make for a good hike.
Beacon has a wonderful main street with awesome cafes and restaurants plus plenty of cute shops. It is definitely worth a stop before and after a hike!
6. Mount Jo Loop Trail
By Ruma from TheHolidayStory
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 1.3 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
The Loop trail hike of Mount Jo is a pleasant all-season hiking trail. The trail begins near Lake Placid on the Adirondack Loj Road in North Elba, New York. There are two trails to climb the mountain: the short trail and the long trail. The Loop trail or the long trail is frequently used as it is less steep and has fewer boulders and obstacles.
The trail is 1.3 miles long and takes less than 2 hours to reach the top. The trail ends at the mountain top, 700 ft above sea level. Even though the loop trail is a relatively easy hike, beginners might find it difficult.
Go on the straight path from the base to start your hike. The path gradually starts steeping and goes around the mountain in loops. Obstacles are more frequent in the middle course.
Similar to the Epping forest trails in the UK, this trail meets the short trail near the summit and forms a smooth end road. Mount Jo is surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, which yields to a beautiful view of nature throughout.
Wear proper hiking shoes and carry sufficient amounts of drinking water. There is a car park at the starting point for hikers to use at a minimal price of $15. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trail.
7. Walkway Over-the-Hudson
By Kelly of Travel New York Now
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 3.6 Miles
- Difficulty: Easy
The Walkway Over-the-Hudson is one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Located over the Hudson River, it was a former railroad bridge connecting Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York. Since 2009, the footbridge has been part of the New York State Historic Park System.
It is definitely more of a walk and for those that want to get in a lot more steps, they can follow a 3.6-mile loop trail that goes across the Walkway Over the Hudson and then back via the nearby Mid-Hudson Bridge. It really is meant to be pedestrian-friendly and for all ages, as there is an elevator to access the bridge.
It is best to visit it early in the morning to avoid the crowds and snag a parking spot. Since there isn’t any shade and the sun can be pretty harsh, so a cooler day or a day in the Spring or Fall is more manageable than one in the Summer.
There is plenty to do, see, and eat around the area aside from the hike – everything from farmer’s markets to fireworks for the 4th of July. A visit to the bridge can easily turn into a day trip.
