New York State is covered in beloved hiking trails that guide trekkers through its diverse natural terrains. Popular hikes are well-traveled for good reason, but don’t sleep on New York’s hidden gem hikes! Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature mostly to yourself with these hikes organized by easy, medium, and difficult. Be aware of weather conditions before heading out, and familiarize yourself with how to practice responsible recreation in New York State. Photo credit: @adksocialmedia on Instagram

Updated 04/08/2025 | Originally published: 08/08/2019

EASY

Wetland Trail (NYC)

Wetland Trail, Staten Island, NYC
Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

A true hidden gem, Mount Loretto proves there’s beautiful hiking to be found right in New York City! The Staten Island Greenbelt contains meadows, wetlands, and hiking trails on its nearly 3,000 acres of natural greenery. Who knew?! Head to the Mt. Loretto Unique Area, where you can explore the Wetlands Trail, an easy trail with eight stops where you can learn about birds, wildlife, and the local ecology. It’s so beautiful and lush you’d never guess how close you are to Manhattan.

Clear Pond Trail (Adirondacks)

Up in the northwest corner of the Adirondack forest preserve lies the 9,856-acre White Hill Wild Forest and inside it, the 2.2-mile Clear Pond Trail. It’s great for all skill levels, is dog-friendly, and will lead you to Clear Pond. Clear Pond is one of several beautiful little ponds in the forest, all of which are considered to be some of the calmest and quiet waters in Adirondack Park. The forest is fairly remote, so you’re sure to find some alone time with nature.

Point Woods Loop Trail (Long Island)

This 3.1-mile loop trail within Montauk Point State Park is open all year and has lots of interesting features. You’ll pass swamp areas and forest, cross over little bridges, and catch views over bluffs and the ocean beyond. Plus, it’s dog-friendly so bring your four-legged hiking buddy!

Grimes Glen (Finger Lakes)

Grimes GlenCredit: @panoramichacker on Instagram

Anyone can enjoy Finger Lakes waterfalls thanks to this trail near Naples, clocking in at just 1.1 miles. Remember to wear waterproof shoes as you’ll be walking along a stream. There’s a second waterfall that you can continue on to, but it requires using installed ropes to reach the top, so while that part of the trail doesn’t qualify for the “easy” category, it's still a good option! There’s also a lovely shallow swimming hole where you can peel off your socks and shoes after your hike and dip your feet.

Long Point State Park (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

View of Chautauqua Lake with two boats in the water as seen from the rocky shorelineCredit: @pandagoatmedia on Instagram

This beautiful little loop trail near Bemus Point is perfect for a family outing. It’s just 2.3 miles and easy for all levels, and there’s even a park for kiddos to enjoy after you finish the hike. Fido can come too, as long as he stays on-leash. There is a small ($7) entry fee for parking but it’s worth it to gaze out over Chautauqua Lake. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach!

MEDIUM

Vernooy Kill Falls (Catskills)

Venture into the Catskills’ Sundown Wild Forest for a 3.5-mile hike to Vernooy Kill Falls. This moderately challenging trail is perfect for those looking to spend time surrounded by shady forests with a steady incline scattered with small plateaus. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful Vernooy Kill Falls!

Owl Head Lookout (Adirondacks)

View form the Owl Head Lookout looking out at the Adirondack Mountains spotted with fall colorsCREDIT: @MOZMOUNT ON INSTAGRAM

Hikers looking for a moderate route and spectacular 360-degree views should head 30 minutes south of Lake Placid to the Owl Head Lookout in Giant Mountain Wilderness. The trail is 5.2 miles out-and-back and includes a steady, but never steep incline until the last .2 mile, where you’ll hike up to the rewarding, jaw-dropping overlook

North Rim and South Rim Red Trail Loop (Capital-Saratoga)

This trail is one the kids should probably sit out. You’ll loop around 5.4 miles of streams and lots of dense forest throughout the Plotter Kill Nature Reserve, and you’ll most definitely feel the workout. Beware, the elevation gains can sneak up on you but it is incredibly beautiful with several step falls and two tall waterfalls. There are smaller loop trails as well, if you want to enjoy the views and spare your thigh muscles.

IBM Glen (Central New York)

IBM Glen hiking trail, Central NY
Credit: @bluebooking on Instagram

This hike is short and falls on the easy side of moderate, so it’s a great option for when you want to bring the kids along. On the 2.5-mile loop in Endwell, you’ll follow a mostly paved trail with heavy shade thanks to the surrounding trees. You’ll walk alongside a gorgeous babbling creek until you reach a small but lovely waterfall and pass over two stone bridges. 

Black Mountain and Lake George Trail (Adirondacks)

Black MountainCredit: @adksocialmedia on Instagram

This gorgeous hike increases in difficulty as you go, so you’ll basically get a warm-up before your legs are put to the true test! It’s a 7.5-mile loop with everything you could want in a hike. You’ll reach epic views of the Adirondacks and Lake George, diverse and interesting plant life, and the chance to go for a swim after you’re done. Be sure to bring your bug spray for this one; thanks to the lake water it can get a bit buggy at the top.

DIFFICULT

Cascades of Attica (Greater Niagara)

This hike is just 2.2 miles long but don’t let that fool you—it’s challenging! In some places, you’ll need to hold onto a rope as you hike a very narrow path to the side of a waterfall, so it’s best to leave young ones and animals at home for this one. Your hard work will be rewarded with fantastic views.

Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains Trail (Catskills)

You’ll reach not one but two peaks on this 8.6-mile hike on Wittenberg and Cornell Mountains. Locals rave that the views from the Wittenberg Mountain Ledge are some of the most impressive in the state, so you might run into a few other people at the top but the trail should be relatively low trafficked. You’ll need to pay $6 to park at the Woodland Valley State Campground but it pays off with views worth writing home about. Expect to scramble!

Tongue Mountain Range and Northwest Bay Trail (Adirondacks)

Tongue Mountain Range

We saved the hardest for last. Not only is the Tongue Mountain Range and Northwest Bay Trail a long hike, but at approximately 12 miles, you’re passing over three mountain peaks. This makes it great for an overnight camping trip. You’ll get lake views, a glimpse of little islands, and rock scrambles. It’s hard, underrated, and rewarding!

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