10 Best Hikes near NYC
Artists Rock and Sunset Rock
Length: 2.1 miles, out and back
Where it is: Catskill Park
How to get there: 3hr drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Incredible eastern views from Artists Rock cliff edge, you can do a little bit of rock hopping at the end of the trail for better views at Sunset Rock
Things to keep in mind: The trail starts at a campground, which is seasonal, so if you hike in the off-season you may have to part at the entrance and walk a bit further to get to the trailhead
In the area: Combine this with a visit to Kaaterskill Falls just 10min away
Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls
Length: 8.6 miles, loop
Where it is: Minnewaska State Park Preserve
How to get there: 2hr 15min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Varied terrain, cliff edges with sweeping views, waterfall, and a river crossing (so be prepared to get your feet wet!)
Things to keep in mind: If you’re planning to park in Sam’s Point Area Visitor Center, $10 reservations are required on the weekends and holidays April-November (reserve here, available up to 14 days in advance)
In the area: You can also check out some ice caves
Storm King Mountain
Length: 2.3 miles, loop
Where it is: Storm King State Park
How to get there: 1hr 45min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Very peaceful and easy to do with great views of the Hudson River, great autumn trail for leaf peeping
Things to keep in mind: Parking can be a bit competitive, so come early or be patient
In the area: Head to the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre sculpture park only 7min away
Anthony’s Nose
Length: 2 miles, out and back
Where it is: Hudson Highlands State Park
How to get there: Accessible via 1hr 30min ride on the ShortLine Hudson bus line from Port Authority, 1hr 30min ride on the Hudson train line from Grand Central, or 1hr 30min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Short but rewarding hike with views of the Bear Mountain Bridge, plenty of space to spread out and take in the scenery at the summit
Things to keep in mind: You can also access this via the Camp Smith Trail
In the area: For a post-hike meal, stop by The Central in Peekskill - a train station turned bistro along the waterfront
Breakneck Ridge
Length: 6 miles, point-to-point
Where it is: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
How to get there: Accessible via 1hr 30min ride on the Hudson train line from Grand Central, or 1hr 45min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Demanding rock scramble section in the beginning, but rewarding once you’re at the top with awesome views of the Hudson River. You can also really choose your own adventure for the remainder of the hike - longer or shorter, point to point or loop - take your pick.
Things to keep in mind: Get there early to avoid crowds, it’s a popular hiking destination due access by train
In the area: Cold Spring is a cute town nearby (walkable distance from the trailhead) with lots of cute shops and good food for post-hike snack
Wyanokie High Point
Length: 5.6 miles, loop
Where it is: Norvin Green State Forest
How to get there: 1hr 30min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Beautiful forest landscape with overlooks that you can see the NYC skyline from, parts of the trail can get waterlogged so may require some rock hopping or log crossing
Things to keep in mind: This is a beautiful park to explore in the fall
In the area: Visit one of the lake’s nearby for mirror-like reflections, such as Sterling Lake 20min away
Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mountain
Length: 6.7 miles, loop
Where it is: Minnewaska State Park
How to get there: 2hr 30min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Beautiful lake setting with carriage roads and trails all around, you’ll encounter dense wooded areas and sheer cliff edges with incredible rock formations
Things to keep in mind: The carriage roads are shared with bicyclists, so keep an ear out while walking
In the area: John Fazio Farms Barbecue is a great family-owned restaurant close to the park
Reeves Brook Loop
Length: 3.6 miles, loop
Where it is: Harriman State Park
How to get there: Accessible via 1hr ride on NJ transit train from Penn Station (with 1 transfer and 40min walk from station to trailhead), or 1hr 20min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Streams, small falls, and even some rock scrambling; may feel crowded at the beginning but quiets down as you continue the trail
Things to keep in mind: This trail intersects with a bunch of other trails, so be sure to pay attention to your trail markers
In the area: Seven Lakes Station is in the heart of Sloatsburg, visit for a post-hike flight of beer and a meal in their cozy backyard
Popolopen Thorne Loop
Length: 3.6 miles, loop
Where it is: Bear Mountain State Park
How to get there: Accessible via 1hr 30min ride on the ShortLine Hudson bus line from Port Authority, or 1hr 30min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Rock scrambling and sections with rope to help you up or down sections of smooth rock, sweeping views at summit, and forested gorge with bridges
Things to keep in mind: The trail we recommend is still closed due to storm damage, but you can still do a shorter out and back peak trail
In the area: On your way back south, stop by Red Barn Cidery for some great vibes, food trucks, and of course, ciders
Stairway to Heaven
Length: 7 miles, out and back
Where it is: Vernon Township, NJ
How to get there: 1hr 50min drive from Brooklyn
What to expect: Crosses through various landscapes (marshland boardwalk, forest, open cow pasture), this trail will keep you on your toes
Things to keep in mind: It’s basically flat the first 2.5-3 miles but then there’s 1,105 elevation gain at the end for the main viewpoint
In the area: There’s a lot of lakes in the area for post-hike dip!