
The state of New York is famous for so much. Especially one of the most popular cities in the world, the Big Apple, New York City. It is a stunning city with so much culture, leisure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From The Statue of Liberty to The Empire State Building, this city has many things to tick off your bucket list.
However, on the outskirts of the city, this state has so much more to offer for the avid nature lover. New York has some amazing hiking trails to tackle. So, if you’re eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, one of the best hiking trails in New York is perfect for you.
1. Gertrude’s Nose & Millbrook Mountain Loop
First up, we have Gertrude’s Nose & Millbrook Mountain Loop. This trail is found in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Gertrude’s nose spans a lengthy 10.8 kilometres long. Many consider this route moderately challenging, so be prepared before attempting it. With an elevation gain of 348 metres, this loop-type trail is extremely popular.
The best time to tackle this trail is from April through October, in the warmer months. It moves through densely wooded areas until you reach beautiful views. The main highlight of this trail is Gertrude’s Nose. The various cliff formations and rocky edges make this trail unique and challenging. It is the perfect way to test yourself and get in tune with nature. This is why it is one of the best hiking trails in New York.
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2. Bull Hill Full Loop
Next up is the Bull Hill Full Loop trail. This is an 8.7-kilometre loop trail. And it usually takes 3 hours and 1 minute to tackle, that’s if you’re fit enough, of course. It has an elevation gain of 424 metres. Furthermore, the perfect time to hike this trail is April through November. And one of the best parts is that your dog is welcome on Bull Hill if they’re on a leash.
Furthermore, Bull Hill gets quite steep but never reaches the point of rock scrambling. The most exciting part of this trail is seeing the New York City skyline from specific points in the hike. Another great feature is that you get views of the Hudson River. You get to see some of the most popular attractions in New York from a secluded perspective, thus making it so much more special. Therefore, Bull Hill is one of the best hiking trails in New York.
3. Overlook Mountain Hill
Next, we have the Overlook Mountain Hill Trail. This out & back trail spans 7.4 kilometres and has an elevation gain of 426 metres. Many regard this trail as challenging but not the most difficult. It takes approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete if you’re fast enough.
Overlook Mountain has a steady incline to the summit, with views worth the trek. Furthermore, there are old hotel ruins along the trail. These include a fire tower, a plane crash and extraordinary views. The Overlook Mountain House ruins are the most popular reason why many hikers come to explore. It is a unique feature on a hiking trail if you ask me. Furthermore, the mountain boasts stunning views of the Hudson Valley. There is no doubt that Overlook Mountain Hill is one of the best hiking trails in New York.
4. Cascade Mountain
Finally, we have the Cascade Mountain Trail. This trail spans 7.2 kilometres and has an elevation gain of 581 metres. This out & back trail usually takes an average of 3 hours and 18 minutes to complete. This is an extremely popular trail, so you’ll definitely encounter many other eager hikers. Many people also attempt this trail for snowshoeing.
The trail is in excellent condition, and you might need microspikes along the way. There is a decent incline from the get-go, so the challenge is always present. Many advise not to attempt this trail when it rains, as it can get very muddy and slippery. Furthermore, Cascade Mountain is the perfect trail for your furry friends. Thus getting everyone’s cardio in. This is why Cascade Mountain is one of the best hiking trails in New York.
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Hike One of the Best Trails in New York
New York City is a magical place to visit, but unwinding in mother nature is just as magical. Hiking these trails is a great way to enjoy the city from afar and marvel at its beauty. Not to mention the physical and mental benefits of hiking and being in nature. And if you’re up for more than a hike, visit a unique wellness location in New York.