New York State has many well known trails that crowd your Instagram feed. Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, Letchworth State Park, Indian Head, Kaaterskills Falls, just to name a few. These are all really great trails that are worth visiting, but with these trails come the crowds that want to see them as well. The following trails all over New York state will offer some solitude compared to their more popular counterparts.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains stretch across over 6 million acres of wild scenery, providing a perfect backdrop for those looking for quiet adventures. While many trails attract large crowds, plenty offer tranquility and stunning views.
One of these trails is Crane Mountain in St. Johnsburg. This 3.2 mile hike takes you through dense forests, up ladders, around a peaceful pond and finishes with a moderate stroll back to the trailhead. If heights aren't your thing, you may want to take the long way up and back to the top to avoid the ladder.
Another noteworthy option is the Swede Mountain Firetower. Newly designated as a firetower trail, this 2.1 mile trail is a gradual climb through a young forest. This trail is never too steep and is a nice walk through the woods to the open firetower at the top. Great for families or if you're six months pregnant like I was!
The Catskills
The Catskill Mountains are known for their stunning landscapes, yet many trails remain off the beaten path and provide a sense of calm.
One trail worth exploring is Plattekill Falls. This trail does have the potential to be popular but it is much less popular than the neighboring Kaaterskill Falls. The trail, only about .4 miles long is a gradual downhill to a cove of this gorgeous waterfall. Parking is limited but it's very worth the trip!
Another hidden gem is the trail to Artist's Rock and Sunset Rock. You can do this trail as a longer, 6.2 mile loop but we just went out and back to Artist's Rock and Sunset Rock which give great views. This trail is never too steep, will give you lots to look at along and way and you'll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, all while enjoying the peace of nature.
The Finger Lakes Region: Peaceful Paths by the Water
The Finger Lakes region features beautiful lakes and rolling hills, presenting a wonderful hiking experience. Not every trail in this popular area is packed with visitors, offering you the chance to explore serene landscapes.
While Watkins Glen State Park is a well-known destination, consider exploring the upper rim trail which is going to be way less crowded than the gorge trail and presents some really pretty views. This is also a good alternative when the gorge trail is closed in the winter.
Another gem off the beaten path is Havana Glen park. Subject to seasonal closures, this is a cute little trail to a nice waterfall. Even in the winter though you can catch views of the waterfall. Very short trail for rewarding views!
The Capital Region: Scenic Trails with Less Foot Traffic
Located centrally between NYC and the Adirondacks, the Capital Region has a plethora of trails both popular and off the beaten path.
One excellent option is the Myosotis Lake Trail. This 3.6-mile loop boasts trails lined with water views of the lake and waterfalls. The best part is the tiered waterfall at the beginning of the trail but the whole thing offers serenity.
Another lesser-known trail is Christman's Sanctuary. While nicer days draw visitors, often you'll find solitude and enjoy tranquil water views with little interruption.
A Call to Explore Quiet Trails
New York State is filled with quiet hiking spots waiting to be discovered. From the tranquil backcountry of the Adirondacks to the serene paths in the Finger Lakes, there are numerous options for anyone seeking a peaceful moment in nature. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone just looking to unwind, these tranquil trails promise a rejuvenating experience. So grab your hiking gear and get ready to explore the quieter side of New York State.
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