New York City may be known for its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, but just outside the city, you’ll find incredible hiking trails that offer breathtaking views, fresh air, and a much-needed escape into nature. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful day trip away from the city, these hiking spots are perfect for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts.
So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the best hiking trails near NYC!
1. Breakneck Ridge – A Thrill Seeker’s Dream
📍 Location: Cold Spring, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours by train/car
🥾 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 2.8 – 4 miles (various loop options)
For those looking for a challenging and rewarding hike, Breakneck Ridge is the ultimate test. This steep, rocky climb offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, making it one of the most popular hikes near NYC. Expect a tough ascent, but once you reach the top, the views are absolutely worth it.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring gloves for grip on the rocky scramble, and start early to avoid crowds!
2. Bear Mountain State Park – Scenic & Family-Friendly
📍 Location: Bear Mountain, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: 4 – 5 miles
Looking for a beautiful, less strenuous hike? Bear Mountain offers a variety of trails, including the Major Welch Trail and Appalachian Trail Loop, which lead to stunning summit views of the Hudson River. The park also features picnic areas, a lake, and even a small zoo, making it a great choice for families.
🍂 Best Time to Visit: Fall, for stunning foliage views!
3. Anthony’s Nose – The Perfect Hudson Viewpoint
📍 Location: Cortlandt Manor, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 1 hour by car/train
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
📏 Distance: 2 miles round-trip
If you want breathtaking views without an intense workout, Anthony’s Nose is the perfect hike. A short but steep climb brings you to an incredible panoramic view of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge. This is a great beginner-friendly trail with high-reward scenery.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spot: The top viewpoint overlooking the bridge is a must for photos!
4. Storm King Mountain – A Must for Fall Foliage
📍 Location: Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours by car
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
📏 Distance: 2.5 – 4 miles
For one of the best fall foliage hikes, Storm King Mountain delivers. The well-marked trails lead to breathtaking views of the Hudson Highlands, and the variety of loops lets you customize your hike. While there are some rocky scrambles, it’s less intense than Breakneck Ridge.
🌟 Why Hikers Love It: Less crowded than Breakneck, but equally stunning!
5. Palisades Interstate Park – Riverside Cliffside Hiking
📍 Location: Fort Lee, NJ
⏳ Distance from NYC: 30 minutes by car
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: 3 – 8 miles (multiple trail options)
For a hiking escape just minutes from NYC, head to Palisades Interstate Park. This park features cliffside trails with gorgeous views of the Hudson River, plus waterfalls, rock scrambles, and historic landmarks. The Long Path and Shore Trail Loop are the best for scenic variety.
🚗 No Car? Take the NJ Transit bus to Fort Lee and walk to the park entrance.
6. Mount Beacon – A Historical Hike with Epic Views
📍 Location: Beacon, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 1.5 hours by train
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
📏 Distance: 4 miles round-trip
This scenic hike takes you up to the ruins of an old fire tower and casino, with jaw-dropping views over the Hudson Valley. It’s a steady uphill climb, but well worth the effort! Beacon is also home to great restaurants, breweries, and art galleries, making it a fantastic day-trip destination.
🍻 Bonus: Reward yourself with a drink at a local brewery after the hike!
7. Greenbelt Trail – A Hidden Gem in Staten Island
📍 Location: Staten Island, NY
⏳ Distance from NYC: 30 minutes by ferry
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: 3 – 12 miles
Who says you need to leave NYC for a great hike? The Greenbelt Trail on Staten Island is a hidden gem that offers wooded trails, wildlife spotting, and peaceful nature walks—all within city limits! It’s one of the best urban hiking escapes for those who don’t want to travel far.
🌳 Best Feature: Serene nature, without the crowds!
Tips for Hiking Near NYC
✔️ Take the Train – Many trails are accessible via Metro-North (Cold Spring, Beacon) or NJ Transit.
✔️ Start Early – Popular hikes like Breakneck Ridge can get crowded—go early for a peaceful experience.
✔️ Wear Proper Gear – Sturdy shoes, a backpack, and water are must-haves.
✔️ Pack Snacks & Water – Many trails have no food stops, so bring energy-boosting snacks.
✔️ Check the Weather – Trails can get slippery after rain, so plan ahead!
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Hiking near NYC offers the perfect balance of nature, adventure, and breathtaking views—all within a short trip from the city. Whether you’re craving a thrilling climb or a peaceful riverside walk, there’s a trail waiting for you.
💚 Gear Up for Your Hike! Explore our selection of eco-friendly hiking gear, reusable water bottles, and sustainable outdoor essentials before your next adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a quick nature escape or an epic adventure, these hikes offer the perfect way to reconnect with the great outdoors. Happy hiking! 🥾🌿✨
