15 Of The Absolute Best Hiking Spots Near New York City

You don't have to travel far to find a nature-y escape from the city.

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1. Breakneck Ridge

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This steep but rewarding 3.2-mile loop is just over 60 miles north of the city (one and a half hours by car; two hours by train). And while you shouldn’t let the name of this trail scare you off, you should show up prepared for a grunt of a hike. After reaching the ridge (and enjoying a celebratory snack), you’ll pass Sugarloaf Mountain on the descent and enjoy endless Hudson River views.

2. Anthony’s Nose

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An hour car ride from the city, or one hour and 15 minutes by train on the Hudson Line, is the trailhead for Anthony’s Nose. It may be only 1.3 miles to the top, but make sure you bring plenty of water because the climb is steep (and includes a 500-foot rock staircase). At the top, head to the overlook for views of Bear Mountain Bridge and the rolling hills surrounding the Hudson. If you’re feeling up for it, you can continue on the trail for another 3–4 miles before looping back to the start.

3. Bonticou Crag

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Just two hours north of the city by car, this trail passes through open fields (with wildflowers, if you time it right) and woods before reaching the Bonticou Crag — the highlight of this 2.3-mile excursion. From the striking-white crag it’s nothing but greenish-blue views of the rolling hills below.

4. Suffern-Bear Mountain

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If you’re craving a weekend in the woods (with mountain lake swimming to boot), this long but stunning trail might be just what you’re looking for. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail is a 23.2-mile point-to-point trail that takes hikers from Suffern, New York (one hour by car; one hour 15 minutes by train) to the northern entrance of Bear Mountain State Park. This challenging trip is best done over the course of two to three full days, and if you get lucky, you might have the trail (almost) to yourself.

5. Pine Meadow Trail

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In Harriman State Park, a short 46 miles from the city, is the 10-mile Pine Meadow Trail. Ambitious hikers (or early risers) can do the full hike in a day, while others might want to make this a backpacking trip or turn around after a few miles. Either way, make sure you put aside time to sit on the shore of Pine Meadow Lake (around 2.5 miles in) and take in the view.

6. Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

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For an easy escape from the city, head north to Yonkers where the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail takes off. The full route is 26.5-miles long, but for a short day walk, try hiking the 10-mile out-and-back trail from the town of Ossining to the New Croton Dam. This trail is more like a stroll than a hike, and the end goal — the picturesque dam — is well worth the trip.

7. Lake Skenonto Loop

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When the buzz of the city becomes too much, head to Lake Skenonto via the moderate 8.1-mile Lake Skenonto loop in Harriman State Park. The forested trail is just over an hour from the city by car, and a day spent on the shores of the lake provides the ultimate refresh.

8. Carpenter’s Loop

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For a dose of history alongside your day in nature, you only need to traverse the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey. Here, on the other side of the Hudson River, you’ll find Fort Lee Historic Park atop a 33-acre cliff. The park is home to a reconstructed Revolutionary War encampment and miles and miles of trails. To start, we suggest taking the 5.5-mile Carpenter’s Loop trail, which takes hikers along the Englewood Cliffs and down near the shore of the Hudson.

9. Arden Point and Glenclyffe

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Along this 3.8-mile hike, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Benedict Arnold, who used part of this trail to escape during the Revolutionary War. If that isn’t enough to seal the deal, this route also includes a waterfall, a bamboo forest, and views over West Point Naval Academy and the Hudson River.

10. Storm King Mountain

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Just up the Hudson from the popular Bear Mountain is Storm King State Park, home of the impressive Storm King Mountain. You can take on the peak — and enjoy the views — on the 2.6-mile Storm King Trail loop. The moderate excursion has a few different routes to the top, so you can choose a trail (and corresponding difficulty rating) that suits your hiking style.

11. Mount Beacon Trail

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The vast views from the fire tower near the end of the Mount Beacon trail are sublime, but to get there, you have to climb the highest point in the Hudson Highlands. The secret to taking on this 5.9-mile loop? Plenty of water, an extra Clif Bar, and a leisurely pit stop at Rainbow Falls.

12. Stairway to Heaven Trail

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For a day trip that takes you somewhere other than the hike-rich Hudson Valley, head northwest to Wawayanda State Park in New Jersey. Here, you’ll find the Stairway to Heaven Trail, a 2.9-mile out-and-back route with a waterfall, wildflowers (if you time it right), and views for days. If you’re into bouldering, the way up has plenty of large boulders just waiting to be conquered.

13. Gertrude's Nose Trail

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Traversing through the Minnewaska State Park Preserve is the 7.8-mile Gertrude's Nose Trail, a loop that features chalky white rock outcroppings and dense forest. You’ll start and end the hike at Lake Minnewaska, so pack along picnic supplies so you can nosh and dip your feet in the water before heading home.

14. John Muir Trail

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If you don’t have time for a two-hour train ride or the funds to rent a car, take the 1 train to the end of the line in the Bronx and head to Van Cortlandt Park. The 3-mile out-and-back John Muir Trail crosses the park from east to west, taking hikers through three distinct wooded areas — the Northeast Forest, Croton Woods, and the Northwest Forest — covering terrain most New Yorkers don't even realize is in their backyard.

15. Ken Lockwood Gorge Trail

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This easy trail takes New Yorkers 55 miles west into New Jersey. Here, near the small town of Califon, hikers can stretch their legs on the 3.8-mile out-and-back trail that runs alongside the picturesque South Branch of the Raritan River.

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