Wilderness, waterfalls, and wonder from the Catskills to the Adirondacks

New York might be synonymous with skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and a certain iconic skyline—but trust me, beyond the hustle of the city, the Empire State hides some of the most jaw-dropping trails in the Northeast. We’re talking misty mountaintops, mossy forests, gorges carved by ancient rivers, and lakes so still they reflect the sky like glass.

Whether you’re a casual wanderer or someone who eats switchbacks for breakfast, there’s a trail in New York calling your name. So lace up your boots, pack a snack (or three), and let’s dive into ten of the best hikes across the state that’ll feed your soul and maybe leave a bit of mud on your boots.

Breakneck Ridge – Hudson Highlands State Park

Length: 3.7 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Hard

This one’s not for the faint of heart—but oh man, it’s worth every scramble. Breakneck Ridge earns its name honestly. The trail launches almost vertically right out of the gate, with rock scrambles that’ll have you using both hands to climb. But once you’re above the treeline, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson River snaking through the hills like a silver ribbon.

On a clear day, you can spot Storm King Mountain across the river and even glimpse the Manhattan skyline in the distance. It’s a hike that demands effort but delivers views that’ll leave you breathless in the best way.

Kaaterskill Falls Trail – Catskill Forest Preserve

Length: 1.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Short and sweet with a dramatic payoff. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York, dropping in two stunning tiers for a total of 260 feet. The trail is gentle, winding through a lush forest that smells like pine and damp earth.

As you approach, the sound of the falls grows louder, like distant thunder. When you finally arrive at the viewing platform, the mist cools your face, and the falls tumble down into a dreamy, fern-lined basin. If you’re feeling brave (and conditions allow), you can carefully make your way to the base for an up-close experience.

Mount Marcy – Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness

Length: 14.8 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard

The tallest mountain in New York doesn’t hand out its summit easily. Mount Marcy is a full-day endeavor—long, rugged, and demanding. But the summit? Absolute magic. You’ll move through dense spruce forests, cross wooden footbridges over burbling streams, and scramble across open granite slabs as you climb higher.

At the top, 5,344 feet above sea level, you’ll stand above it all—clouds curling around the other High Peaks like whipped cream on mountaintops. It’s a place that feels far from the world, a quiet, windswept kingdom of sky and stone.

Indian Ladder Trail – Thacher State Park

Length: 0.9 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy

This trail is short, sweet, and packed with character. The Indian Ladder Trail is tucked into a dramatic limestone escarpment just outside Albany. The trail hugs the cliff edge, offering expansive views of the Hudson-Mohawk Valley, before dropping down beside waterfalls and threading through lush glades beneath the rock face.

You’ll actually walk behind a waterfall—an experience that feels both peaceful and cinematic, like something out of a fantasy movie. It’s the perfect low-key hike for families, beginners, or anyone short on time but big on scenery.

Overlook Mountain – Catskill Mountains

Length: 4.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate

This hike combines natural beauty with a dose of eerie, crumbling history. The wide gravel trail climbs steadily to the summit, where you’ll find the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House, a once-grand hotel now reclaimed by vines and graffiti.

Beyond the ruins, a short spur leads to a fire tower. Climb it if you dare—the views stretch across the rolling Catskills, and on a clear day, you might even catch sight of the Hudson River winding far below. There’s something haunting and beautiful about this place—a blend of past and present, wild and forgotten.

Watkins Glen Gorge Trail – Watkins Glen State Park

Length: 2.4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

If waterfalls are your thing, Watkins Glen is your playground. The Gorge Trail leads you through a narrow, mystical canyon where water has carved through shale and limestone for thousands of years.

There are 19 waterfalls along this trail—yes, 19. Stone staircases and arched bridges carry you along the gorge, often right beside or behind cascades that glimmer in the dappled sunlight. It’s humid, lush, and cool even on hot summer days. Bring your camera. You’ll want to remember this one.

Bear Mountain Loop – Bear Mountain State Park

Length: 4 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate

Located just north of NYC, Bear Mountain feels like a breath of fresh air after a week of subways and streetlights. The loop trail includes the famous Appalachian Trail section with well-built stone steps (thanks, trail crews!) that guide you to the summit.

At the top, a stone tower and open viewpoint offer sweeping vistas of the Hudson River below. It’s a favorite for good reason—especially in the fall when the hills burst into a firestorm of reds, oranges, and golds. Bring a thermos of coffee and watch the morning fog roll through the valley. It’s pure magic.

Devil’s Path – Catskill Mountains

Length: 24.2 miles (point to point, can be done in sections)
Difficulty: Very hard

The name doesn’t lie. Devil’s Path is legendary—and notorious. This trail chews up and spits out hikers with its relentless climbs and descents, often straight up and down rocky outcroppings. But those who tackle it are rewarded with solitude, raw wilderness, and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat.

Even doing one section—like the climb up Twin or Plateau Mountain—offers jaw-dropping views and a serious workout. Mossy forests, stony scrambles, sweeping vistas… it’s wild, rugged Catskills hiking at its finest (and gnarliest).

Taughannock Falls Rim and Gorge Trails – Near Ithaca

Length: 3 miles (combined)
Difficulty: Easy

Just outside the lively college town of Ithaca, Taughannock Falls drops a jaw-dropping 215 feet—taller than Niagara. You can view it from above via the Rim Trail, or hike into the gorge itself and stand at its base, dwarfed by the sheer cliffs that rise on either side.

The gorge feels ancient, carved out with slow, patient force. Dragonflies hover above the creek, and the water crashes down in a thundering roar, echoing off the rock. It’s an easy hike, but the kind that stays with you.

Avalanche Pass Trail – Adirondack High Peaks

Length: 10 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

This one feels like an expedition. The trail begins calmly enough, winding through forest and alongside Marcy Dam. But soon you’re navigating narrow boardwalks pinned to sheer rock walls above Avalanche Lake, squeezing through boulders, and scrambling across landslide paths.

Avalanche Pass is like a corridor between giants—massive cliffs tower on either side, and the lake lies still and black like a mirror. It’s dramatic, cinematic, and wildly beautiful. Every step feels like a journey deeper into the heart of the Adirondacks.

Final Thoughts:

New York’s wilderness is as diverse and full of character as its cities. You’ve got trails that whisper ancient stories, falls that roar with life, and mountaintops where the wind carries your thoughts away. From quick morning hikes to full-day treks that leave you deliciously sore, these ten trails capture the soul of this wild, wonderful state.

So whether you’re escaping the city or chasing solitude deep in the mountains—get out there. Wander. Explore. Breathe in the pine-sweet air. Because out here, under the open sky and between the trees, you’ll find something rare: clarity, beauty, and maybe even a little piece of yourself.

Have a favorite New York trail I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for my next excuse to hit the trail.

Happy hiking. 🥾🌲✨