NYC has no shortage of day trips — but one of the best hikes in the entire country is just 90 miles away, and yes, you can take a train to it.
The Trapps Trail System at Mohonk Preserve just ranked #2 in USA Today’s list of Best Hiking Trails in America, beating out trails in Utah, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.
And it’s practically in our backyard!
Located just outside New Paltz in the Shawangunk Mountains, this 5-mile trail weaves through one of North America’s most iconic climbing destinations.
Known locally as The Gunks, the Trapps trail cuts through mid-mountain hardwood forests, skirts towering cliffs, and opens up to jaw-dropping views over the Hudson Valley.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll pass massive boulders stacked like sculptures, natural rock staircases, and stone overhangs dripping with moss — all with zero city noise in the background.
And it’s not just for hardcore hikers. The trail is more of a scenic 2-hour walk than a rugged trek — flat enough for strollers but scenic enough to stop you in your tracks.
You can walk under dramatic cliff faces that attract climbers from around the world, catch golden sunlight filtering through tall maples and oaks, and find hidden lookout spots perfect for snapping a quiet selfie above the treetops.
This is the kind of hike where the air smells like pine needles, the rocks are older than your worries, and even a casual stroll feels like a nature reset.
According to USA Today, the Trapps ranked so highly thanks to its blend of stunning views, family-friendly accessibility, and unique access to “one of North America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.”
In short: it fits all the criteria for an elite summer hike.
So you ready for the challenge? Pack water, wear real shoes, and thank us later.
Want something even closer? Check out these other great hiking spots under an hour from the city by public transit.
The 10 best hiking trails in the U.S., according to USA Today
- Devil’s Kettle Trail (Grand Marais, Minnesota)
- The Trapps (New Paltz, New York)
- Gorge Trail (Watkins Glen, New York)
- Whispering Cave (Logan, Ohio)
- Porters Creek Trail (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
- Ripley Falls Trail (Bartlett, New Hampshire)
- Miners Castle Trail (Munising, Michigan)
- Bridal Veil Falls (Highlands, North Carolina)
- Delicate Arch Trail (Moab, Utah)
- Fairyland Loop (Bryce, Utah)
How to Get to The Trapps hiking trails from NYC
- By Train & Shuttle: Take Amtrak or Metro-North to Poughkeepsie, then hop on a local UCAT shuttle or rideshare to Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. You’ll be on the trail in under 2 hours.
- By Car: Drive up the I‑87 North (New York State Thruway) to Exit 18 for New Paltz. From there, it’s about 15 minutes to the trailhead. Expect about 1.5–2 hours total travel time from NYC.