With summer officially here this is the time to get out and take a little adventure while the suns out! Each of these hikes near NYC are accessible by public transport, perhaps with a bit of walking (or even a short cab ride if you’d prefer) to reach the trailhead…but you’re there to hike so might as well start early!
We’ve organized these hikes from easiest to hardest to make the decision of where to go easier. Don’t leave your cameras at home either, each of these hikes offer stunning views. It’s time to enjoy nature before it becomes unbearably cold—here’s where to go:
1. Franny Reese State Park
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie
Time to complete: 2 hours
Experience level: Beginner
Walk on the Walkway Over the Hudson: it’s the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, (212 feet above the river) and head west into Franny Reese State Park.
2. Arden Point and Glenclyffe
How To Get There: Metro North to the Garrison
Time to complete: 2.5 hours
Experience level: Beginner
A 3.7-mile circuit passing stunning panoramic viewpoints over the Hudson River.
3. 13 Bridges Loop
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Tarrytown and take the 0013 towards Ossining Railroad Station from N Broadway @ Neperan Rd to Phelps Hospital then walk to the preserve
Time to complete: Over an hour
Experience level: Beginner – Intermediate
This gorgeous trail takes you over 13 bridges throughout the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. It’s sure to be gorgeous at every twist and turn.
4. Anthony’s Nose Hike
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Manitou (1 min walk to trail)
Time to complete: 2 – 3 hours
Experience level: Intermediate
This short section of the Appalachian Trail will lead you to Anthony’s Nose. It’s an incredible rocky ridge with an amazing view of Bear Mountain Bridge. It’s not exactly for the faint of heart though, you’ll climb a 500-foot rock staircase before the trail levels out for rest of remainder of the 2.6-mile hike to the ridge.
5. Camp Smith Trail
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Peekskill Station (free shuttles to the bear mountain inn)
Time to complete: 3 hours
Experience level: Intermediate
This hike is great for escaping some of the more popular trails on this list and a perfect trail to bring Fido along.
6. Wanaque Ridge Trail
How To Get There: NJ Transit’s #197 bus to Ringwood Ave at Meadowbrook Ave (20 min walk to trail)
Time to complete: 3.5 hours
Experience level: Intermediate
Expect stunning views on this 5.5-mile hike. This trail has everything you might want. You’ll visit the beautiful Ramapo Lake and follow the trail along the western ridge of the Ramapo Mountains. Take in the breathtaking view of Ramapo Lake.
7. Storm King State Park
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon, Shuttle Services to Storm King (shuttle hours here)
Time to complete: 3 hours
Experience level: Beginner – Intermediate
Storm King offers a variety of hiking options that differ in steepness and range anywhere from 3.6 to 5 miles. Regardless of the trail you take you’ll still take in stunning views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
8. Stairway to Heaven
How To Get There: NJ Transit bus #196 or #197 to Warwick, then a 10-minute cab to the trailhead
Time to complete: 2 – 3.5 hours
Experience level: Beginner – Intermediate
Boasting a wildflower field, suspension bridge, and cow pastures this hike is full of surprises. The most magical moment is the view you’ll get once you’ve reach the top of Wawayanda Mountain, at 1,470-feet high. If you want an easier trail, however, you can stroll through the 2 mile boardwalk.
9. Bull Hill
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Cold Spring (20 minute walk to trail)
Time to complete: 3 hours
Experience level: Intermediate
Bull Hill is a trail very close to Breakneck Ridge, but not as popular which means less people. You’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley from 1,350 feet high.
10. Yellow Trail at Mount Beacon
How To Get There: Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon, walk 2 miles (or cab)
Time to complete: 1.5 hours
Experience level: Intermediate – Expert
This beautiful but challenging hike is actually pretty quick. It’s only 2.5 miles total! To the summit and back.
11. Appalachian Trail on Bellvale Mountain
How To Get There: NJ Transit bus #197 to Route 17A and Kain Road, then walk to Continental Road
Time to complete: 6 hours
Experience level: Expert
This trail is definitely not for a beginning hiker, but it’s worth the breathtaking views of Sterling Forest and Greenwood Lake from the highest point of the trail in New York, Prospect Rock. For an avid adventurer, this is a must-do hike.
12. Breakneck Ridge Trail
How To Get There: Metro North Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge (only on weekends)
Time to complete: 4 – 6 hours
Experience level: Expert
The most difficult of the hikes on this list, this trail isn’t for amateurs, and it lives up to its name. Breakneck Ridge is a 9.6-mile loop with steep ascensions and occasional rock climbing.
Also published on Medium.