Mt Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid
Traverse some of America's greatest terrain, including the Appalachian Trail, winding through the beautiful Hudson Valley, or revel in the gorgeous overlooks of the North Country National Scenic Trail. For hikes at every level, head north where lush valleys, sparkling lakes, and towering granite peaks thread through the Adirondack Park, home to the highest point in New York State, Mount Marcy standing at 5,344 feet.
The “Grand Canyon of the East” can be found at Letchworth State Park, which offers 66 miles of picturesque hiking trails. Cascading waterfalls await you as you trek through Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park (The Gorge trail home of all 19 waterfalls reopens May 2025). Once a railway, the Catskill Scenic Trail is now 26 miles of hiking waiting to be conquered. Long Island's Mashomack Preserve offers top-ranked trails, while the Mohonk Preserve offers 6,000 acres of exploration. Hikers love Allegany State Park for its enchanted mountains, while John Boyd Thacher State Park is cherished for its Indian Ladder Trail, which culminates in a waterfall you can stand beneath while soaking in views of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys, Adirondacks, and beyond.
Before heading out, visit the Department of Environmental Conservation website for information about how to recreate responsibly, plan ahead, and follow Leave No Trace principles to help eliminate litter at New York's favorite trails.
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