NEWSLETTER
Lace up your shoes and round up the kids for an adventure at some of New York State’s most kid-friendly hiking destinations. These shorter, easy-to-follow trails feature gentle terrain, scenic views, and accessible options, making them ideal for hikers of all ages and abilities. From splashing beneath waterfalls and spotting wildlife to reaching beginner-friendly summits and uncovering hidden natural wonders, these hikes offer plenty of opportunities for the whole family to make memories while exploring the diverse landscapes of the Empire State.
Adirondacks
Coney Mountain (Tupper Lake)
You don’t have to conquer a strenuous High Peak to enjoy postcard-worthy Adirondack views. A short one-mile hike with just 560 feet of elevation gain leads to the 2,267-foot summit of Coney Mountain, one of the three peaks that make up the Tupper Lake Triad. Offering one of the region’s best views for the least amount of effort, Coney Mountain is a family-friendly favorite, with a vast, smooth summit that’s ideal for soaking in the scenery or even enjoying a picnic lunch. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of Tupper Lake’s sparkling waters, the forested hills of Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, and several distant Adirondack High Peaks. After your hike, continue the adventure at The Wild Center, where you can explore interactive exhibits and outdoor trails like the Raquette River Roll, an elevated track where you release special wooden balls and watch gravity do its thing. Make time to marvel at the center’s newest larger-than-life exhibit, TROLLS (open through October 31).
Copperas Pond (Lake Placid)
Tucked away just off Route 86 between Wilmington and Lake Placid, Copperas Pond is a hidden haven worth finding. A half-mile hike leads to the crystal-clear pond, where the water reflects the magnificent “Forever Wild” mountainscape, including Whiteface Mountain. Walk along the shoreline to discover scenic overlooks, a lean-to with a fireplace, and numerous campsites. Copperas Pond is a prime place to fish, swim, and rock climb. Keep the family fun going with a visit to the nearby Olympic Legacy Sites, where everyone can immerse themselves in the gold medal action.
Capital-Saratoga
Christman Sanctuary (Duanesburg)
Head to Christman Sanctuary, a peaceful nature preserve where a flat, easy-to-follow trail winds alongside a creek to a majestic 30-foot waterfall cascading into a large pool enveloped by sandstone and shale formations. Along the way, spot wildlife, listen to the sounds of smaller cascades, and splash through spots perfect for exploring. Just under 30 minutes away, NYZipline adds to the outdoor family fun, featuring a 10-zip canopy tour over a 500-foot gorge, a high-ropes course, and a 40-foot Leap of Faith.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve (Albany)
Minutes from downtown Albany, the 3,400-acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve protects one of only 20 remaining pine barren ecosystems in the world. Hike through more than 20 miles of trails that wind through rolling sand dunes, rare and native plantlife, and habitats brimming with wildlife, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly. At just under three miles, the Karner Barrens Yellow Trail offers an easy and scenic loop through rolling sand dunes and some of the best pitch pine-scrub oak barrens in the preserve. At the on-site Discovery Center, kids can learn more about nature through interactive activities like touching real snakeskin or building their own sand dune. The all-season preserve hosts a full calendar of family-friendly events including Moth Mania, Turtle Time, and Karner blue butterfly walks.
While you're in the area, experience more of natural New York at the New York State Museum, featuring larger-than-life exhibits like Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals (open through January 7, 2027), Adirondack Wilderness, Ice Ages, and the Cohoes Mastodon.
Catskills
Ashokan Reservoir (Shokan)
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Capture the spectacular scenery of the Catskills with minimal effort as you roam the wide, paved 2.8-mile Ashokan Reservoir trail. The trail hugs the shoreline of the shimmering reservoir and is ideal for hiking, biking, blading, and strolling. Keep an eye out for soaring bald eagles, anglers casting a line, and mountains surrounding your every step. Save some energy to pedal your way through a Rail Explorers rail bike excursion on the Ulster & Delaware Railroad along the scenic Esopus Creek through some of the region’s most gorgeous greenery.
The Windham Path (Windham)
Perfect for kids, adults, and dogs, the 1.5-mile Windham Path offers an easy and scenic way to bask in the beauty of the Great Northern Catskills. Winding through open meadows, woodlands, and along the pristine Batavia Kill stream, the trail’s scenery stuns in every season and even features a charming covered bridge crossing the water. Just five minutes away, Windham Mountain Club continues the Catskills’ charm with seasonal activities for overnight guests including mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, sporting clays, and more.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Jamestown River Walk (Jamestown)
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Take a jaunt to Jamestown for a downtown kid-friendly hike. The Jamestown Riverwalk is a fun and feasible 5-mile urban trail that follows the Chadakoin River, providing a nice route for all ages and abilities. The trail connects you to popular attractions like the Jackson-Taylor Park, McCrea Point Park, the JTNY Power House Skatepark, and the renowned National Comedy Center, which is the perfect place to laugh the day away and test out your best (or worst) dad jokes.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park (Panama)
Photo courtesy of Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
Caves, massive rock-forming crevices, and the largest outcropping of quartz conglomerate in the world come together across 15 acres of ancient forest at Panama Rocks Park. The storybook scene feels straight out of Lord of the Rings. Wander through winding corridors carved out of dramatic 60-foot rock formations and explore hidden nooks and caves while taking in unforgettable views. The climb continues 20 minutes away at Peek'n Peak Resort, where you and the kids can traverse the zip line, ropes course, scenic chairlift, mini golf, and more.
Central New York
Glimmerglass State Park: Beaver Pond Trail (Cooperstown)
Take a peaceful nature walk along the Beaver Pond Trail at the versatile 593-acre Glimmerglass State Park. This easy and accessible .7-mile loop highlights the quieter side of the park's natural beauty. Winding through serene woodlands and around the beautiful Beaver Pond, this hike is as smooth as it gets, and you might even spot a beaver! While you’re in the park, make your way to the historic Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, the oldest covered bridge in the nation, celebrating its 200th anniversary last year. Cool off with a swim or unwind in the sun on the sandy, serene shores of Glimmerglass State Park.
Marsh & Pond Trail Loop (Binghamton)
Explore the natural beauty of Binghamton University’s Nature Preserve, a 190-acre oasis of forests, wetlands, ponds, and abundant wildlife. Follow the Marsh Trail, a wide, flat path that runs the width of the preserve. On your walk you’ll pass through a mix of brushy second growth, meadowlike areas, and marshland, where migrating spring warblers, summer insects, and vibrant wildflowers bloom. Along the way, you'll connect with the Pond Trail, the preserve’s centerpiece. Crossing a scenic boardwalk, this trail offers views of beaver dams and abundant wildlife, including muskrats, basking turtles, snakes, frogs, dragonflies, and a variety of bird species. Together, the Marsh and Pond trails are less than two miles. If you're still in the mood for wildlife, Ross Park Zoo is just down the road! As America's fifth-oldest zoo, it's home to over 34 species including leopards, red pandas, African penguins and also features a Children’s Zoo where you can feed some friendly goats and sheep.
Finger Lakes
Taughannock Falls State Park: Gorge Trail (Trumansburg)
Credit: @annam228 on Instagram
Looking for a natural wonder the whole family can enjoy? The tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains is right in the Finger Lakes at Taughannock Falls State Park! The Gorge Trail is a scenic and well-maintained one-mile path, taking you through unique ecological communities before bringing you to the showstopping Taughannock Falls. Watch in awe as Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet into a dramatic 400-foot gorge carved through ancient layers of shale, sandstone, and limestone. Another highlight within the park is a newly expanded playground overlooking the shore of Cayuga Lake.
Chase even more waterfalls in nearby Ithaca, home to more than 150 falls, including family-friendly favorites like Buttermilk Falls and Ithaca Falls. When it’s time to chill after a day of hiking, treat yourself to homemade ice cream at Cayuga Lake Creamery.
Grimes Glen Park (Naples)
Get your feet wet at Grimes Glen, a welcoming Finger Lakes gem known for its two stunning 60-foot waterfalls and enjoyable creekside hiking experience. After crossing a footbridge, follow a well-marked portion of the one-mile trail to the first waterfall before the adventure continues through Grimes Creek through an enchanting forest setting. Beyond its natural beauty, Grimes Glen holds a remarkable place in New York history as the site of the oldest fossilized tree ever unearthed in the state (the Naples Devonian Tree). The prehistoric relic now resides in Albany’s New York State Museum. Explore Finger Lakes charm when you take a scenic 20 minute ride north to Canandaigua. In this lakeside small city you’ll find fun at Kershaw Park which has a public beach area and playground, and nearby is Motion Junction, a completely accessible and inclusive playground.
Greater Niagara
Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Trail (Niagara Falls)
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If the crowds at Niagara Falls aren’t your thing, a quieter adventure with equally spectacular scenery awaits on the Great Gorge Trail. This one-mile route winds between the Niagara River and the Niagara Scenic Parkway, offering a peaceful but unforgettable way to experience one of North America’s most iconic landmarks. Along the trail, a series of overlooks showcase sweeping views of the river, the falls, and the impressive bridges connecting the United States and Canada. You’ll also come upon remnants of mills, factories, and other infrastructure that relied on the power of the falls during the height of America’s Industrial Revolution.
Conveniently, the crushed-stone trail begins beneath a pedestrian bridge leading to the Aquarium of Niagara, making it simple to pair your hike with another memorable outing. Visit with more than 1,500 aquatic animals, including sharks, piranhas, sea lions, seahorses, a giant Pacific octopus, and a colony of Peruvian penguins.
Glen Falls Loop Trail (Williamsville)
The Glen Falls Loop Trail begins next to the Noll Nature Center trailhead, where restrooms, benches, and other convenient amenities make for an easy outing. From here, the northern section of the trail leads into Amherst State Park, offering scenic overlooks of Ellicott Creek, while the southern section brings you to the star attraction, the 27-foot Glen Falls, cascading over the Onondaga Escarpment. Paved pathways throughout the park make the trail highly accessible for all, and you're perfectly positioned to explore the historic and charming neighborhood of Williamsville.
Hudson Valley
West Point Foundry Preserve (Cold Spring)
History and nature come together at the 90-acre West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring. This “outdoor museum” is one of America’s most important industrial sites, telling the story of the site’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War along two miles of easily navigable paths. A detailed map at the Preserve’s trailhead kiosk guides you through large-scale installations, old rail bed trails, and the centerpiece of the preserve, the foundry’s 1865 office building. Enhance your visit with a variety of all-ages walking tours of West Point.
Saugerties Lighthouse (Saugerties)
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A flat, half-mile walk through tidal wetlands leads to the historic Saugerties Lighthouse, making it a memorable and kid-friendly Hudson Valley hike. The trail winds across boardwalks, sandy shores along the Hudson, and quiet marshland filled with native plants and wildlife before reaching the iconic lighthouse, built in 1869 and now a Living Museum, bed-and-breakfast, and picturesque picnic destination. Because sections of the trail are impacted by the tides, make sure to check tide tables before making your trek (posted at the trailhead kiosk.) For another area lush landmark, venture to Opus 40, an environmental bluestone sculpture built from an abandoned quarry, enveloped by 63 acres of meadows.
Long Island
Sands Point Preserve (Sands Point)
On the North Shore of Long Island, Sands Point Preserve offers a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly hiking experience across 216 acres of coastal estate. With six marked trails ranging from half a mile to a mile, you can easily explore wooded paths, open fields, freshwater ponds, and even a dino trail! Along the way, you’ll be treated to vibrant views of the Long Island Sound, century-old stone bridges, and even a beach stop perfect for soaking in rays and the ocean breeze.
Making the scenery even more captivating, the preserve’s most popular attractions are Castle Gould and the Hempstead House, both architectural marvels and historic displays of Gold Coast opulence. Add to your experience with a fun-for-all-ages event on-site, like Poetry in The Garden, Princess Day at The Castle, or Nature Detectives and Story Makers.
Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park)
Set along the shores of Long Island Sound, Sunken Meadow State Park boasts a stunning mix of sandy beaches, tidal flats, marshes, wooded hills, and glacier-formed bluffs. Beyond its three miles of shoreline, acres of rolling forest provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor recreation. For an easy, family-friendly hike, follow the 1.6-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop via Old Dock Road. This route winds through various landscapes, from wooded paths and boardwalks to sandy stretches, showcasing beautiful views of Sunken Meadow Creek and the Nissequogue River along the way. After your hike, take advantage of the park's many amenities, including swimming in the Long Island Sound, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and three nine-hole golf courses complete with a driving range and putting green.
NYC
Van Cortlandt Park (The Bronx)
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Escape the city without ever leaving it at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, New York City’s third largest park spanning 1,146 acres. Journey through three ecologically distinct forests on a two-mile shaded trail past freshwater wetlands and a lake area, perfect for birdwatching! Glimpse into history as you discover remnants of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the Grand Central Stones. Also part of the park is the oldest public golf course in America, countless athletic fields, playgrounds, a pool, and an abundant calendar of events that make this attraction fun for the whole family. While you’re in the area, stop into the New York Botanical Garden for more kid-friendly nature experiences.
Greenbelt Nature Center (Staten Island)
Photo courtesy of Emma Frisbie
Home to New York City’s largest remaining forest preserve, the Greenbelt on Staten Island offers a rare retreat of wilderness in the hustle and bustle of the city. Explore more than 2,800 acres of interconnected parks and over 35 miles of hiking trails, along with a 2.5-mile multi-use perimeter path. Along your trek, you’ll pass through a mix of tidal and freshwater wetlands, oak and beech forests, open meadows, and rolling hills that showcase Staten Island’s natural beauty. Before or after your hike, stop by the Greenbelt Nature Center for interactive exhibits or join a naturalist-led hike to learn more about the landscape. A visit to the Greenbelt wouldn’t be complete without a ride on The Carousel For All Children in Willowbrook Park, a fully accessible, Victorian-style merry-go-round featuring 51 carved wooden figures of mythical beasts and endangered species, plus twenty hand-painted renderings of Staten Island landmarks.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Minna Anthony Common Nature Center (Fineview)
Set on the St. Lawrence River, the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center is the crown jewel of Wellesley Island State Park, showcasing nine miles of trails through forests, fields, wetlands, and shoreline. Families will find well-marked loops under 1.5 miles with minimal elevation, including the ADA-accessible Friendship Loop and the popular-with-kids Barnett Marsh Trail, complete with a floating boardwalk over the wetlands. The seasonal butterfly house is a huge hit, and the Nature Center’s interactive exhibits, live animals, and event calendar add to the flora and fauna-filled fun.
Breitbeck Park (Oswego)
Along the shores of Lake Ontario, Breitbeck Park waves you in to explore its variety of waterfront amenities and activities. Beautiful Great Lakes views surround you as you take a walk, cool off at the splash park, enjoy the playground, play a round of mini golf, or enjoy some snacks in one of the picnic areas. Stroll along the one-mile Harbor Trail and catch vibrant views of the Oswego Lighthouse. Just steps away, Wright’s Landing Marina provides kayak and paddle boat rentals, while the H. Lee White Maritime Museum offers lighthouse tours, historic vessels on display, and engaging exhibits.
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