NEWSLETTER
Feel liberated while you hike through New York State this fall. From the Appalachian Trail to the Catskill Mountains to Adirondack Park, there is endless natural beauty - and foliage - across our great state, and now is the time to experience it!
Originally published: 09/06/2022 | Updated: 07/30/2025
Catskill Scenic Trail
Head to Stamford for some high-quality hiking in the Catskills region. The Catskill Scenic Trail was once composed of rail lines that transported produce and timber from the Catskills to NYC. Trek along the West Branch Delaware River, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride 26 miles of picturesque beauty. The trail is wonderful for beginners as well as more experienced hikers. While you’re in the area, explore more of the Western Catskills!
Allegany State Park Red House Area
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Travel to the Red House region of Allegany State Park where you will find miles of hiking as well as paved bike paths, boat, and bike rentals, and sandy beaches for swimming and fishing. Known for its lakes and majestic camping experiences, Allegany State Park has both woodlands and pristine waters with 125 campsites and 144 cabins to choose from on your fall adventure. Make sure to check out the idyllic mountain town of Ellicottville while you’re nearby.
Mohonk Preserve
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How does a beautiful hike followed by a visit to a butterfly garden sound? Frommer's Travel Guide rated the 8,000+-acre Mohonk Preserve as one of the best hiking trails in the state. Hike on 70 miles of carriage roads and trails, bike on historic carriage roads, climb on the world-famous Gunks cliffs, horseback ride from the Spring Farm Trailhead, and run through forests, fields, and mountains. Afterwards, check out the Preserve's Butterfly Garden and exhibits before or after you soak in the fresh air. For even more vibrant vistas, head 10 minutes down the road to the Mohonk Mountain House and purchase a day pass to hike steep trails over boulders and cliffs or take a leisurely stroll along carriage roads on the private property of the historic house.
Prospect Mountain
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Climb Prospect Mountain for unbe-leaf-able autumn views! This moderate 3.2-mile roundtrip hike begins in the heart of Lake George Village, and the 360-degree views at the 2,030-foot summit are second to none. At the top, you'll be rewarded with views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, New York’s Adirondack High Peaks, and on especially clear days you can even spot the Laurentian Mountains of Canada. Prefer to drive? A scenic 5.5-mile highway leads to three picturesque points before bringing you to the summit, where you'll find wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, restrooms, BBQ and picnic areas. Make your way from land to sea and experience the “Queen of American Lakes” during a historic steamboat tour.
Mt Van Hoevenberg
Get a glimpse into the pristine and untouched world of the "Forever Wild” Adirondacks when you hike Mt Van Hoevenberg, which is also a Lake Placid Olympic legacy site! There are two trail options to summit the mountain, both around 4 miles (roundtrip) and rated moderate, and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the High Peaks. If you’re in town October 3-5, the mountain is hosting the cross-country portions of the WHOOP 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Series. You’ll be just feet away from the action as elite riders race by in a high-octane blur of mud, muscle, and adrenaline. Beyond races, the weekend fall festival will have live music, craft brews, local cuisine, and fun for all ages.
Mashomack Preserve
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Long Island's Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island has more than 2,350 acres full of diverse habitats for plants and animals alike, and 11 miles of coastline. Walk what has become a natural museum of ecosystems free from human interference. The Preserve was initially established to protect one of the densest populations of breeding Ospreys on the east coast, so bring binoculars for bird watching. And leave your bike at home - only hiking is allowed to preserve the natural flora or fauna of the area. Make time to stroll the serene shorelines of Shelter Island beaches before you leave.
Wellesley Island State Park
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Venture to Wellesley Island State Park, a 2,600-acre retreat offering miles of scenic hiking trails, sandy beaches, and sweeping views of the Thousand Islands. The park’s crown jewel is the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, home to nine miles of hiking trails through forests, fields, and wetlands, all along the St Lawrence River. The Nature Center also features educational exhibits, a seasonal butterfly house, a ¼-mile accessible trail, and three miles of shoreline. The green at Wellesley Island isn’t just in the lush landscape…the park also features a 9-hole golf course! If you want to spend the night, you have your pick from 432 campsites.
Silver Mine Lake Trail
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Just 30 miles north of New York City is Harriman State Park - the second largest state park in New York. With more than 47,000 acres, 31 lakes, 3 beaches, and over 200 miles of hiking trails, where do you begin? The Silver Mine Lake Trail is a 3.6-mile loop that combines lakeside serenity, historic trails, forest roads, and natural Hudson Valley beauty. This leisurely wooded hike will take you to the top of Black Mountain, where you'll find a stunning view of the city's skyline amid the jaw-dropping beautiful autumn treetops.
Letchworth State Park
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Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth sits along the Genesee River just south of Rochester. Hike the canyon with cliffs as high as 600 feet or stroll the Upper and Middle Falls for an up-close look at the cascading water. The river meets the 400-foot-deep gorge to form three major waterfalls, an especially gorgeous sight in the fall months. Elevate your hiking expedition when you soar with Balloons Over Letchworth, offering exclusive panoramic views of America’s favorite state park!
Appalachian Trail
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Stretching from Maine to Georgia, 90 miles of the AT lies within New York State. Travel to the portion of the trail on Bear Mountain (check the website for current trail closures) and wind your way along the Greenwood River, where you can stop along the way at the Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park. There, you can explore four different museums, ranging from geological formations to the history of the region's earliest Native American settlers. Not only is this trail world-famous, but it's also a great spot for wildlife sightings and auburn to yellow foliage.
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