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: 9/6/22
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.
Allegany State Park Red House Area
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.
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, climb, bike, horseback ride, hunt, camp, and more along the Preserve's 40 miles of trails. Check out the Preserve's Butterfly Garden and exhibits before or after you soak in the fresh air.
Mount Marcy
Hike and climb to the highest point in New York State, the summit of Mount Marcy. Located in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks region, the mountain offers 360-degree views of the region, including the peaks of the Adirondack range and the surrounding pine forest.
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 2 miles and rated moderate, and you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the High Peaks. Want to zoom through the mountains from a different perspective? Hop on board the Cliffside Coaster, the longest coaster in North America!
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. 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.
Grindstone Island Preserves
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The fourth-largest island in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, Grindstone Islands Preserve has it all - wetlands, grasslands, and forest. Stop by Potters Beach, one of the only naturally occurring sandy beaches in the region, to sunbathe and splash around after a long hike. The Grindstone Island Nature Trail winds its way from Canoe Point to Picnic Point State Parks.
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 an abandoned ski area. 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.
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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