What are the best hikes in New York?

Standouts include Watkins Glen Gorge, Kaaterskill Falls, Indian Head (Adirondacks), Breakneck Ridge — 5 trails in all, mapped with difficulty, distance, and elevation on Roamward.

When is the best time to hike in New York?

Late spring–fall. Big wild north, accessible south.

Roamward

Hikes · New York

Best hikes in New York.

New York surprises people: the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, Catskill waterfalls, gorge trails past dozens of falls, and scrambles an hour from the city. The Adirondack summits are a real undertaking with a short snow-free window; the gorge and Hudson hikes go three seasons. Big wild north, accessible south.

Curated trails5

Distance range2–14.8 mi

Biggest climb3,200 ft

Difficulty3 moderate · 1 hard · 1 expert

TerrainHigh Peaks, gorges & Hudson cliffs

Best seasonLate spring–fall

Don’t missMount Marcy (Adirondacks)

Boots on

5 hikes worth the detour.

Sorted easy to expert. Every one mapped with distance, route type, and elevation gain — built for everyone from the RV & camping crew to the bucket-list crowd.

Watkins Glen Gorge

Moderate · 2 mi · Out & back · 520 ft

stone steps past 19 waterfalls

Kaaterskill Falls

Moderate · 2.6 mi · Out & back · 700 ft

a two-tiered 260-ft Catskills waterfall

Indian Head (Adirondacks)

Moderate · 10 mi · Out & back · 1,300 ft

the classic overlook above the Ausable Lakes

Breakneck Ridge

Hard · 3.7 mi · Loop · 1,250 ft

a scrambly Hudson Highlands climb near NYC

Mount Marcy (Adirondacks)

Expert · 14.8 mi · Out & back · 3,200 ft

the highest peak in New York

Plan the New York trip

Hikes, gems, scenic drives — all in one New York guide.

See everything worth the detour in New York, then let Roamward build the trip around it. Know a New York trail we’re missing? Add it — we’re building this with the people who actually hike it.

Full New York guide →All states