My 22 All-Time Favorite Hikes in Upstate New York (A Local’s Guide)

When most people think of New York, they picture skyscrapers and crowds of people. But as an Upstate New York local, I can tell you the real magic of the state lies far beyond the city. It’s a world of towering mountains, ancient gorges, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the East Coast.

After a lifetime of exploring these trails firsthand, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best hikes in Upstate New York.

This is a curated collection of my 22 all time favorite trails for all skill levels, spanning from the Hudson Valley to the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack High Peaks.

Here you’ll find the trail details, planning tips, and insider advice you actually need.

So lace up your hiking boots, and let’s find your next adventure!

Quick Guide: Find Your Perfect Upstate NY Hike

Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide to find a trail that matches your style.

🌲  If you want Waterfalls & Gorges:

• Watkins Glen Gorge Trail
• Devil’s Hole Trail
• Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
• Kaaterskill Falls
• Taughannock Falls
• Letchworth Gorge Trail

🏔️  If you want Epic Mountain Views (for less effort):

• Cobble Lookout
• Vroman’s Nose
• Mt. Jo
• Overlook Mountain
• Balanced Rocks
• Anthony’s Nose

🥾 If you want a Challenging High Peaks Adventure:

• Cascade Mountain
• Indian Head & Fish Hawk Cliffs
• Mount Marcy
• Big Slide via The Brothers
  

  Short on time? Pin this post for later!

  

What to Know Before You Hike in Upstate New York

Planning & Safety

• Best Time to Hike: Fall is unbeatable for fall foliage. Summer is great for swimming but expect crowds. Spring is perfect for powerful waterfalls but can be muddy with black flies. Winter is beautiful but requires snowshoes and microspikes.
  .
• Get an Early Start: On summer and fall weekends, parking lots at popular hikes can fill up by 8 AM.
  .
• Download Offline Maps: Cell service is unreliable in many of these areas. I always download trail maps on AllTrails before I go.
  .
• Tell Someone Your Plan: This is Hiking Safety 101. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
  .
• Getting Around: The easiest way to get around is by car. You will have trouble accessing most of these trails without one, especially in the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks.

On the Trail

• Leave No Trace: These are fragile ecosystems. Please pack out everything you bring in, stay on marked trails, and respect the land.
  .
• Consider an Empire Pass: If you plan to frequent NY State Parks like Watkins Glen or Letchworth, an Empire Pass can save you money on parking fees.
  .
• Not sure what to pack? My complete What to Pack for a Day Hike guide has my full gear list and essentials for every season.

 

 

20 Best Hikes in Upstate New York by Region

The Finger Lakes

1. The Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen is the crown jewel of the Finger Lakes for a reason. The Gorge Trail takes you through an ethereal landscape, where you’ll walk behind wispy waterfalls, climb stunning stone staircases, and cross picturesque bridges. It feels like stepping into another world.

• Location: Watkins Glen, NY
  .
• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Easy
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s one of the most unique and breathtakingly beautiful short hikes you’ll find anywhere in the USA.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Your $10 parking pass is good for any other NY State Park for the entire day. Combine your visit with nearby Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls.

2. Buttermilk Falls Gorge & Rim Trail

There are dozens of beautiful waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, but none are as accessible as the spectacular Buttermilk Falls.

While you can see the main falls from the parking lot, it’s well worth your time to explore the other beautiful pools and cascades along the Gorge Trail.

To make a quick loop, follow the Gorge Trail (0.65 miles) until you reach the upper park entrance. From there, cross Buttermilk Creek onto the Rim Trail, which loops around the top of the gorge and leads back to the parking area. Note that this hike is mostly uphill, so I would consider it more moderate if you’re not a strong hiker.

• Location: Ithaca, NY
  .
• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The deep, clear pool at the base of the main falls is a wonderful place to swim during the summer months.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: If you aren’t planning to swim, arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds that flock here on hot summer days.

3. Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail

 

A quick, easy hike through a wooded gorge delivers you directly into the massive amphitheater of Taughannock Falls. At 215 feet, it’s one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Upstate New York, plunging into a pool surrounded by cliffs towering over 400 feet high. Look around and you’ll see that you’re almost perfectly encircled by cliffs towering over 400 feet high. Look even closer and you might find fossils embedded in the rock layers!

• Location: Trumansburg, NY
  .
• Distance: 1.8 miles (Gorge Trail) / 0.2 miles (Overlook Trail)
  .
• Difficulty: Easy
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: You can experience the falls from two incredible perspectives: feeling its power from the base and seeing its epic scale from the iconic overlook above. The gorge walls are also full of fossils!
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Do both! Start with the flat, easy Gorge Trail to walk to the base. Then, drive up to the Falls Overlook for that postcard-perfect photo. Visit in the spring for the most powerful flow, as the falls can dry to a trickle in late summer.

Your visit to Taughannock Falls can be easily combined with Buttermilk Falls, Robert H Treman and Watkins Glen State Parks as part of a Finger Lakes NY road trip.

The Adirondacks

The largest protected natural area in the contiguous United States, the Adirondacks are a paradise for hikers, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to the rugged challenge of the 46 High Peaks.

4. Cobble Lookout

This is the perfect hike if you want stunning Adirondack views without a grueling climb. The payoff you get for such little effort is almost hard to believe.

The trail gently winds through the forest before opening up to an incredible, unobstructed view of Whiteface Mountain, Mount Esther and several other Adirondack High Peaks. I love to do this hike in late September to catch one of the most brilliant fall foliage displays in Upstate New York.

• Location: Wilmington, NY
  .
• Distance: 2.6 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Easy
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It delivers High Peak-level views on an easy, family-friendly trail.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Visit in late September or early October to catch one of the most brilliant fall foliage displays in the entire state.

Read next: When and Where to Catch the Best Fall Foliage in New York

5. Chimney Mountain

Calling all geology lovers! Chimney Mountain is one of the most unique and exciting short hikes in the Adirondacks.

The summit offers 360-degree views  of the Central Adirondack Mountains. You can spend hours here exploring the natural stone formations, caves, peaks and crevasses that serve as a testament to the near constant erosion that has worn away at the mountain over time.

• Location: Indian Lake, NY
  .
• Distance: 2.6 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The summit is a geological wonderland, perfect for scrambling and exploring.
  .
• Price to Park: $5 (cash) in the pay box at the Chimney Mountain Cabins

Note: The caves on the mountain are only accessible from June 1 to October 14 to protect hibernating bats.

Looking for more unique trails nearby? Check out the Castle Rock Trail near Blue Mountain Lake to explore some interesting caves and unusual rock formations.

6. Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs

Thanks to Instagram, this has become one of the most recognizable and sought after views in New York State. And for good reason…it’s totally mind-blowing. But at nearly 11 miles, you have to put in the work to get there.

• Location: Keene Valley, NY
  .
• Distance: 11-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The view of Lower Ausable Lake nestled between the mountains is truly one-of-a-kind and feels more like Norway than New York.

Permits are required between May 1 and October 31. You can get a permit at hikeamr.org

Make sure you’re prepared by reading my full guide on Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs (The Complete Hiking Guide)

7. Balanced Rocks

In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated hikes on this entire list. In only 1.6 miles, you reach some of the most dramatic views in the Adirondacks, with two giant boulders left behind by a glacier balanced precariously on the edge of the summit.

The Balanced Rocks trail derives its name from – you guessed it – two giant rocks balanced on the edge of the bald mountain summit. The rocks were left behind by a glacier during the last Ice Age and make for epic photo ops and a great vantage point to take in the views of the surrounding High Peaks and the valley below.

• Location: Keene, NY
  .
• Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The photo opportunities with the balanced rocks are epic, and the view of the surrounding High Peaks is phenomenal for a relatively short hike.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: The trailhead is directly off Route 73, just across from Cascade Mountain. The trail can be tricky to follow in spots, so I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map.

8. Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail

 

At 4,867 feet, Whiteface is the fifth highest peak in New York. The good news? You don’t have to make the difficult 5-mile trek to enjoy the views! You can drive the scenic Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway to a parking lot just below the summit.

The paved road twists and turns up the side of the mountain, before reaching a parking lot just below the summit. From there, you just have to hike the remaining 0.5 miles. The final stretch of trail is made of stone staircases and can be slippery when wet. Once you get to the top, be sure to hang out for awhile and soak in the views that span miles in every direction.

• Location: Wilmington, NY
  .
• Distance: 0.5 miles out-and-back (from the parking lot)
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate (due to stairs and elevation)
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It offers one of the best summit views in the Adirondacks with minimal hiking effort.
  .
• Price to park: $20 per vehicle + driver and $20 for each additional passenger. Visit the website for more details.

The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway is open daily from 8:45am – 5:30pm between mid-May to mid-October.

9. Mt. Jo

 

Whether it’s your first or 100th time to the Adirondacks, Mt. Jo is always a good idea. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors for its stunning views and close proximity to Lake Placid. I’ve personally hiked this trail about 50 times over the last 20 years.

The trail offers two ways to the top: a steep “short” trail (1.1 miles) or a more gradual “long” trail (1.3 miles). Both trails rejoin at the summit, where you’re treated to incredible views of Heart Lake, the surrounding High Peaks, and the McIntyre Range.

• Location: Lake Placid, NY
  .
• Distance: 2.4-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s the quintessential Adirondack experience with an iconic view over Heart Lake and the surrounding High Peaks.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: After your hike, drive over to the Olympic Training Center and hike the 1-mile trail up nearby Mount Van Hoevenberg for another incredible view.

10. Cascade Mountain

If you want a taste of the Adirondack High Peaks, Cascade is the perfect place to start. While it’s generally considered the “easiest” of the 46 High Peaks, don’t be fooled – it’s still a challenging climb. The reward is one of the best 360-degree summit views in the entire park.

• Location: Lake Placid, NY
  .
• Distance: 5.8 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a challenging but achievable introduction to High Peaks hiking with an absolutely phenomenal payoff.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Have extra energy? You can bag a second High Peak by taking the short spur trail from Cascade’s summit over to the adjacent Porter Mountain. Like many of the Adirondack High Peaks, it’s important to always stay on the trail or bare rock only to avoid trampling sensitive alpine vegetation.

Note: Cascade Mountain is a very popular hike so parking fill up very quickly. If you can’t find parking, I recommend choosing a less popular hike nearby. Check out this list of Best Hikes Near Lake Placid for some back up options that are just as gorgeous!

11. Mount Marcy

Looking for the ultimate challenge? Welcome to Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York State at 5,344 feet.

Conquering this Adirondack High Peak is an all-day affair (sometimes two days) that should only be attempted by experienced and well-prepared hikers.

The shortest route to the summit is 7.4 miles (one way). From the trailhead, the the hike begins relatively easy as it approaches the former Marcy Dam. From there, it ascends over varied terrain up to the bald summit, where you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the Adirondack wilderness.

• Location: Keene, NY
  .
• Distance: 14.8 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult / Strenuous
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The feeling of standing on the highest point in the state, with 360-degree views of the endless Adirondack wilderness, is unbeatable.

The summit is home to fragile and endangered alpine vegetation. It’s critical to only walk on the open rock and designated paths at all times to protect it.

12. Big Slide via The Brothers

In my opinion, Big Slide is one of the best and most beautiful High Peaks in the Adirondacks. The hike itself is fantastic, climbing over a rocky ridge with multiple viewpoints before a rugged ascent to the summit, where you’re rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the Great Range.

There are a few different routes to reach the Big Slide summit, but my favorite way is via The Brothers. Like all of the Adirondack High Peaks, this hike is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced, and well prepared, hikers.

• Location: Keene, NY
  .
• Distance: 7.6 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The journey is just as good as the destination, with constant views as you climb over the three “Brothers.”
  .
• Price to Park: $10 per car (cash) at The Garden parking lot. Parking is limited, so arrive as early as possible in peak seasons to get a spot.

The Catskills & Hudson Valley

Known for their dramatic cliffs, panoramic vistas, and proximity to NYC, this region is a hiker’s playground with a rich history and some seriously challenging scrambles.

13. Kaaterskill Falls

At a combined 260 feet, this two-tiered waterfall is one of the tallest in New York State and an absolute icon of the Catskills. A short hike on a well-maintained path takes you to the base of the falls for an impressive view.

The most straightforward parking is in the lot at the end of Laurel House Road. From there, follow the signs for the descent to the base.

• Location: Palenville, NY
  .
• Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a massively impressive waterfall that is very easy to access.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Ice forms on the trail near the falls between late fall and early spring, so you’ll need sturdy hiking boots and microspikes.

14. Vroman’s Nose

Tiny mountain, giant view. That’s the promise of Vroman’s Nose. A short but steep hike leads to a series of rocky outcrops with spectacular, sweeping views of the the Schoharie Valley. It’s a local favorite and the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

This popular Upstate New York hike takes less than an hour to complete, making it the perfect hike to catch sunset.

• Location: Middleburgh, NY
  .
• Distance: 1.5-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Easy
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a quick hike but delivers views that rival much longer treks.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: The flat rocky overlook at the top is known as the “dance floor.” It’s the best spot to sit and soak in the views. To return the parking lot, you can make a loop by walking along the cliffs edge to the final outcrop and following the trail that steeply descends down. However, I recommend turning around and returning the way you can, which lets you soak in the views all over again.

15. Gertrudes Nose/Minnewaska Trail

I have three words for you: panoramic clifftop stroll. This incredible 7 mile loop trail in Minnewaska State Park cuts through dense forest before opening up onto dramatic, bare rock ledges with views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Gertrudes Nose is also one of the best trails in NY for leaf peeping in the fall. Visit between mid October – early November to catch fall foliage at its peak. Just make sure to get there early! This hike gets super busy and parking tends to fill up by late morning.

• Location: Kerhonkson, NY
  .
• Distance: 6.7-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The unique experience of walking along the exposed white cliffs is unlike any other hike in the Hudson Valley.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Hike the loop counter-clockwise. This gets the harder part done first and saves the easy, flat carriage road for the walk back. Combine the Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail with the trail to Awosting Falls.

Price to park is $10 (cash or card). This trail is subject to seasonal closure due to weather conditions. Check for closures before you go by visiting the park website.

16. Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail

Mountains of Upstate New York

 

This popular trail offers some of the best and most expansive views in the Catskills. The hike up to Giant Ledge is a worthy destination in itself, with multiple ledges to spread out and enjoy the scenery.

• Location: Shandaken, NY
  .
• Distance: 3.2 miles (to Giant Ledge); 6.9 miles (to Panther)
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It delivers “bang-for-your-buck” views that are hard to beat in this region.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: Most people stop at Giant Ledge. If you want to bag one of the Catskill 3500′ summits, continue on to Panther Mountain for a more strenuous and secluded hike. This route adds about two miles (one-way) and about a 1,000ft vertical climb.

17. Overlook Mountain Trail

This hike is a fan favorite for a reason. It has a little bit of everything: interesting ruins of an abandoned hotel, a historic fire tower with 5-star views of the Hudson Valley, and a stunning cliff-side overlook.

• Location: Woodstock, NY
  .
• Distance: 4.6 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The combination of history and incredible views makes it more than just a hike.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: After you check out the fire tower, follow the small trail to the right of the ranger station. This leads to the cliffs, which is where you’ll find the jaw-dropping view you came for.

18. Anthony’s Nose

This is the best ‘nose’ you can pick near NYC! A short but steep hike takes you along a piece of the Appalachian Trail to one of the most iconic overlooks in the Hudson Valley, with sprawling views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge below.

For even more views on the way up, follow the Camp Smith Trail (also known as “Anthony’s Nose Trailhead II”, which comes up from the other side.

• Location: Cortlandt, NY
  .
• Distance: 2.0 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a quick, rewarding hike that’s easily accessible from New York City.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: No car? No problem. Take the Metro-North train from Grand Central to Cortlandt and book an Uber for the last 10 minutes to the trailhead.

19. Breakneck Ridge

Prepare to use your hands! This is not a walk in the park; it’s an exciting and challenging rock scramble nearly straight up the side of the ridge. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the views of the Hudson River are insane.

Visiting from New York City? This is one of the few hikes in Upstate New York that is easily accessible without a car. On weekends, you can take the Metro North to Breakneck. During the week, you have to get off at the nearby town of Cold Spring and call a ride to the trailhead.

• Location: Cold Spring, NY
  .
• Distance: 3.2-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a fun, hands-on climb that feels like a true adventure, just an hour north of NYC.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: This trail gets extremely crowded. Show up as early as possible to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. To navigate using Google Maps, use the address on Route 9D in Beacon.

20. Wittenberg Mountain

While it’s one of the hardest hikes in the Catskills (and in all of New York), Wittenberg offers some of the best views in the entire range. The rocky clearing on the summit feels like it was custom-designed to serve hikers the perfect panorama of the surrounding peaks and the Ashokan Reservoir.

• Location: Phoenicia, NY
  .
• Distance: 7.8 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Difficult
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: If you’re willing to make the effort, the view from the summit is arguably the best in the Catskills.
  .
• My Pro-Tip: If you’re an extra seasoned hiker, you can extend this hike to include the summits of Cornell Mountain and the even more challenging Slide Mountain.

Western NY / Great Niagara

Experience the “Grand Canyon of the East” and the powerful Niagara River gorge with these incredible hikes.

21. Devil’s Hole Trail in Devils Hole/Whirlpool State Park

Looking for a fun and unique hike near Niagara Falls? This is my favorite riverside gorge trail featuring a well-maintained path and several stone staircases that are sure to get your heart pumping as you descend to the bank of the powerful Niagara River.

• Location: Lewiston, NY
  .
• Distance: 2.4-mile loop
  .
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: It’s a great way to experience the power and beauty of the Niagara Gorge away from the main tourist crowds.
  .
• Caution: Under no circumstances can you swim here! The rapids are Class 5. Also, don’t attempt this hike in winter without microspikes due to the ice on the stairs.

22. Gorge Trail at Letchworth State Park

 

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is home to noteworthy waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and scenic views overlooking its massive gorge. The best trail is the Gorge Trail, which runs for 7 miles along the rim.

Also, you don’t have to hike the whole thing! For the best “bang-for-your-buck” experience, start at the Upper Falls parking lot and hike past the Middle Falls to the Lower Falls. This scenic stretch is just under 4 miles one-way.

• Location: Castile, NY
  .
• Distance: Up to 14 miles out-and-back
  .
• Difficulty: Moderate
  .
• Why It’s a Favorite: The views are consistently spectacular.
  .
• Price to Park: $10 day use fee to enter between 5/7 – 10/24. Entrance is also permitted with an Empire Pass Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike in Upstate New York?

Fall (late September to mid-October) is my absolute favorite for the incredible fall foliage. However, summer is the best for season for swimming, camping, catching sunrise, and planning longer day hikes. Just be prepared for some crowds.

What about bugs? Do I need to worry about black flies?

Yes. Black fly season in the Adirondacks and Catskills can be brutal from mid-May to late June. They are less of an issue in July and August. I always recommend carrying a good bug repellent and avoiding standing water just in case.

Do I need a special pass for these hikes?

For most of these hikes, no. However, if you plan to frequent NY State Parks like Watkins Glen or Letchworth, an Empire Pass can save you money on parking fees. Some specific areas, like the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (for Indian Head), require a free online permit. Always check the specific requirements before you go.

My Complete Interactive Map of Upstate New York

Feeling inspired but not sure how to connect all the dots? I’ve spent years compiling all of my favorite spots into one interactive map.

My Upstate New York Map includes over 150+ of the best hiking trails, cabins, swimming holes, restaurants, and more. It’s the perfect tool for building your own custom road trip itinerary.

 

Have you hiked any of these beautiful Upstate New York hiking trails? Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

 

Adirondack Hiking Guides: A Deeper Dive

If you’re planning a trip specifically to the Adirondacks, I’ve got a whole collection of in-depth guides to help you explore my favorite region of the state.

Epic Views Without the Effort: Short Hikes With Incredible Views in the Adirondacks

Planning a Lake Placid Trip: 10+ Amazing Hikes Near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks

That Famous Instagram Spot: Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs in the Adirondack Mountains (The Complete Hiking Guide)

Finding the Perfect Place to Stay: 17 Cozy Cabins to Rent in the Adirondacks this Season

More New York Travel & Hiking Gear Guides

My Go-To Hiking Pack: Best Hiking Backpacks for Women: Find the Perfect Hiking Pack for Your Next Adventure

The Only Traction You Need for Ice: The Best Microspikes for Hiking on Ice and Snow: Top Picks

Pins for your Pinterest!