Born and raised upstate New Yorkers, we have traveled all over the state exploring some of the best hikes you can find and we’re excited to share them with you!
Adirondacks
Indian Head
You can see a full guide in another blog post here. This is a long one and needs permits but one of my all time favorite hikes. You'll get the best views in the fall but that's also the hardest time to secure permits.
Bear Den
Truly a hidden gem, this has a shorter but steep climb to beautiful views of Whiteface. This is a must in the fall, but really any NY hike is.
Owl’s Head Lookout
This one is getting more and more popular but if you go early you can still have it with few people. Many gorgeous viewpoints of the high peaks!
Catskills
Kaaterskill Falls
Hugely popular, especially with its proximity to the city. This hike is pretty short and easy other than the many steps down to the falls which require climbing back up to the trailhead. Go early and you can still have it to yourself!
Huckleberry Point
We hiked this one at sunset but it would probably be better suited for sunrise. Very doable at 4.5 miles but you still get a workout without anything super steep. This one does have a tough stream crossing that can be impossible to cross after rain.
Plattekill Falls
Located very close to the Huckleberry Point trail, this is a short but sweet downhill to a really neat waterfall that you can even get up close to!
Finger Lakes
Buttermilk Falls State Park
We've only ever been here in the winter when the trails are closed but you still get a great view of the waterfall. I've heard the gorge trail is also pretty amazing where you walk beyond the falls!
Watkins Glen State Park
This is truly the best of the best in the Finger Lakes, maybe even all of New York state. Beautiful stonework staircases and pathways bring you past 19 waterfalls along a natural gorge. Every time we go the sites are breathtaking.
Taugannock Falls State Park
Another one of my faves, a short dirt path takes you to this waterfall which is beautiful frozen or thawed. Note sometimes this last section of the path seen here is closed in the winter but you can still get a great view from the bridge. Don't forget to go above the waterfall as well for some more great photo opportunities.
Western NY
Chimney Bluffs State Park
This park looks like something from another world. A short, slightly hilly path takes you above the lakeshore, with incredible views of these natural sand bluffs. Stay off of the bluffs to prevent erosion!
Eternal Flame Falls
This is really the definition of a natural wonder. I would love to go back when the water is flowing a little more since this was in August. This is still such a neat spot to see a natural flame behind a waterfall. The path is easy to get there too.
Akron Falls
I love these falls! Just outside of the famous Niagara Falls, here you'll find a lot less crowds. You can get views above and below the falls, both are pretty great. They look like something out of a rainforest.
There is so much more to New York state than the city and incredible places go well beyond this list. Stay tuned for future blog posts on hidden gems throughout the state!
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