BEST HIKES IN NEW YORK
Image: Clay Banks
The funniest moment we encountered on an adventure is when someone told us “Theres nowhere to hike in New York! Its just all concrete and skyscrapers!”
If you’re looking to travel to New York but can’t see beyond the 5th Ave designer stores, michelin star restaurants, the empire state building and dozens of pizza places - we’re here to tell you that New York spans way beyond the smokey streets of Manhattan. The NY range is vast and continues for miles beyond the Big Apple. With its endless foresty wilderness and bountiful mountains waiting to be explored. There are still a magnitude of mountains we are yet to encounter ourselves (and we live here!!) so you can imagine how extensive it is!
For all you newcomers that are coming to New York, or New Yorkers who need some inspiration on the best hikes around NYC - look no further! We have put together the 3 very best hikes in New York!
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Image: Clay Banks
3. Whiteface Mountain
Coming in at No.3 for the best hikes in New York is the legendary ‘Whiteface Mountain’
Leave it to us New Yorkers to offer the best in trails, mountains and adventures. This mountain is not to be missed and thats why its one of the best hikes in New York! Whiteface also has a famous hiking trail called the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ which is an epic staircase that anyone hiking Whiteface is going to want to climb. This trail is 8-miles long and will have you climbing its steps at 2,300 feet in elevation. Whiteface is also the 5th highest mountain in the State of New York and one of the highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.
With so much diversity, views and challenges this mountain brings - it boasts to being one of the most epic mountains to climb. There are plenty of trails to choose from (fitness depending) but if you can climb to the top - the bountiful views will not disappoint. The stairs can be a little rocky and worn in places so be sure to wear a good pair of hiking boots. And if you’re having a particularly lazy day, then there is a cheats way out and you can opt for the elevator which takes you to the top. Whatever trail you choose to hike - you’ll be rewarded by experiencing one of the best hikes in New York.
If you’re thinking “Where can I walk upstate NY?” - Walk upstate with us! Click here to read about our epic NY hiking adventure and rated one of the best hikes in New York
Image: Abigail Ducote
2. The Appalachian Trail
Coming in at No.2 for the best hikes in New York is The Appalachian Trail.
If you’re looking for a trail that virtually never ends - The Appalachian Trail stretches over 2000 miles and is your best bet! Not only is it famous but a real hikers mecca and starts from Georgia and ends in Maine. Thousands of hikers hike this trail every year and its considered to be one of the best hikes in New York. To complete this hike in its entirety will take you a few months.
Itching to get out of NY? Then this hike is prefect for a day trip out of the city and one of the best hikes in New York. The Appalachian Trail is 90 miles within the NY state area so is perfect to dip in and out for a short adventure.
Wondering “Can you hike in upstate New York?” - You sure can hike in upstate New York! Click here to read about our epic NY hiking adventure and rated one of the best hikes in New York
Image: Thomas Loizeau
1. Overlook Mountain
Coming in at No. 1 for the best hikes in New York is Overlook Mountain.
A mere 2 hours drive from NYC leads you to one of the most famous towns in the whole of the world - Woodstock! Aside from it being a mecca for ‘Rock n Roll’ - its still as magical, artsy and majestic as it was in the 60’s. Along with that comes Overlook Mountain which is renowned to be a very magical and spiritual mountain. Through its colourful history - its attracted artists, painters, hippies, worshippers and still many come to the mountain today. Since the mountain has entered human consciousness many thousands of years ago, it has served people in innumerable ways and has attained high recognition worldwide. Overlook Mountain is hugely popular and attracts hundreds of hikers every week to experience one of the most important and sacred mountains in the region.
On our Secret Ruin Hike we get to honour the mountain and its unique status by taking you on a historical but beautiful route where you get to encounter its beauty in many ways. The ‘secret ruins’ are in fact the overlook mountain hotel, a once thriving Catskill Hotel which is our first stop on our adventure. We watch eagles soar over the mountain tops at Eagles Point and climb the towering Overlook Fire Tower to see a 360 views stretching as far as Massachusetts. Our adventure ends at the Buddhist Temple as we catch a glimpse of the beautiful golden shrine room.
Making this one of the best hikes in New York!
“Where can I hike near Manhattan?” We hike an epic mountain 2 hours away from Manhattan - perfect for a day-trip! Rated the best hikes in New York
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