10 Beautiful Hikes You Wouldn’t Believe are in Upstate New York
If you’re unfamiliar with Upstate New York, then you’re in for a surprise. From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, there’s beauty everywhere you look - crystal clear lakes, babbling brooks, mountains covered with hues of deep green.
What better way to experience the state’s natural wonders than to spend a few hours on some of the most incredible trails. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best hikes in Upstate just for you and your adventurous soul.
Most of the hikes listed are challenging, so use your best judgement before you embark on any of these trails. I’ve provided the AllTrails link for each hike where you can find the trail length, elevation gain, maps, and most up-to-date trail conditions. ALWAYS look at AllTrails before you travel to the trailhead. If you do decide to venture out, I promise the views will be worth the strenuous journey.
In no particular order, these are some of the most incredible hikes in New York with views that will blow your mind.
1. Kaaterskill Falls
Where: Palenville, NY
Trail difficulty: moderate
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/katterskill-falls-from-laurel-house-road
The first time I saw Kaatterskill falls I was in awe. It’s honestly still one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen in my life. The three tiers make up it’s uniqueness and there are viewing spots at every level. You can even climb behind the falls for a different perspective. There are lots of steps and they can be slippery, so use caution when descending.
2. Big Slide
Where: Keene Valley, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/big-slide-mountain-via-phelps-trail
In this post, some of the hikes I mention are high peaks, meaning they are above 4,000 ft., with Big Slide being the first. All high peaks are considered difficult, but I found this one to be on the easier side compared to the others I have done. I love this hike because there are so many openings throughout the trail where you get great views of the Adirondacks, unlike some trails where you’re just walking through a dense forest and you can’t really see your surroundings. I did this hike in the fall, so I got to experience the fall colors at their peak which was pretty awesome.
3. Avalanche Pass
Where: Lake Placid, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/avalanche-pass-and-avalanche-lake-trail
Avalanche pass to Avalanche Lake is tucked away deep in the Adirondack wilderness. The trail to the lake feels like a giant playground. There are so many fun bridges and ladders on the waters edge that you get to traverse. Although this is a long hike, there is little elevation gain making it a perfect trail for new hikers wanting to get comfortable with longer hikes. This trail does connect to several high peaks if you’re looking for more of a challenge.
4. The Labyrinth
Where: New Paltz, NY (Mohonk Mountain House Property)
Trail difficulty: moderate - but the lemon squeeze section is challenging
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/the-labyrinth-trail
If you’re looking for another fun hike like Avalanche Pass mentioned above but a lot shorter, this is it. It feels like you’re in some canyon out west, when you’re actually at the Mohonk lake house (which reminds me of the lodge in the film Dirty Dancing). Because it’s on private property, there is a fee to use the trails. The Labyrinth lives up to it’s name, since you really do feel like you’re in a rock maze that takes up, down, and around massive boulders. The section at the end called the “lemon squeeze” is appropriately named, and if you’re not a fan of tight spaces this may not be the hike for you.
5. Mt. Jo
Where: Lake Placid, NY
Trail difficulty: moderate
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/mount-jo-loop-trail
I did Mt. Jo while camping one summer at the Adirondack Loj. Because the trail is so short, it was the perfect sunset hike. Watching the sun fall behind the mountains and cast its last rays on the treetops was an unforgettable experience. This is a great hike if you’re looking for some spectacular views, but don’t want to spend all day outside.
6. Breakneck Ridge
Where: Cold Spring, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/breakneck-ridge-notch-trail-and-wilkinson-trail
This trail was a lot harder than I thought, so be more prepared than I was when I did this trail. In my defense it was the first hike of the season and I didn’t have my hiker legs yet. The start of this hike is basically a scramble to the top and is not for the faint of heart. But the views from the top are stunning as you tower over the Hudson River and feels like you have a birds I view of the entire Hudson Valley. Bring lots of water and take breaks!
7. Mt. Marcy
Where: Lake Placid, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/mount-marcy-via-van-hoevenberg-trail--5
Mt. Marcy is the tallest peak in the state of New York. Not only are the views from the top epic, since you’re overlooking all the high peaks in the Adirondacks, but the entire trail feels magical. This trail is long, but the elevation gain is pretty gradual most of the way, until the last mile when you summit. Hiking this trail was such an accomplishment for me since I had been working up to this point for so long. Reaching the top was the most satisfying experience and I’m so glad I reached this goal before I moved away.
8. Indian Head
Where: Keene Valley, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/lower-ausable-lake-loop
This is probably the most iconic hike in New York. The hike to Indian Head takes you to an open rock face that overlooks Lower Ausable Lake. It is breathtaking and feels like you’re overlooking a fjord you would find in Norway. This destination attracts people from all over the Northeast and Canada. Everytime I’ve hiked this trail I’ve heard more French speakers than English speakers. It’s such an incredible experience and would highly recommend this trail to anyone in the area. Although it’s not a high peak, it is another long, challenging hike, so come prepared with the appropriate gear, food, and water.
9. Whiteface Mt.
Where: Wilmington, NY
Trail difficulty: hard
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/whiteface-mountain-summit-trail
This is the last high peak on this list. I would definitely consider this one of the more challenging ones. The reason why this makes the list is because I think it has one of the most incredible summits and view from the top. The hike to the summit is super exposed so you get some pretty cool views when you descend. So many high peaks start to look the same from the peak, but this one stands out. The view from the top is unique because you get a crystal clear view of Lake Placid. The is one of the only high peaks that you can drive to the top. So if you’re not a hiker, you can still experience the rugged summit of Whiteface.
10. Wellesley Island State Park Trail
Where: Fineview, NY
Trail difficulty: easy
AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/wellesley-island-state-park
An underrated hiking destination in New York is on Wellesley Island in the Thousand Island region of New York. I camped here two years in a row and the second time was just as remarkable as the first. Unlike eastern New York, the region isn’t mountainous, but it’s positioned in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, on the Canadian border, and is surrounded by tiny Islands. This trail takes you along the rim of the island to an overlook called The Narrows.
Thanks for reading! I hope you get to plan your next Upstate adventure around one of these incredible hikes.
