Photo of Hiking Trails in New York, NY

The Best Hiking Trails in New York, NY

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Trail adventures just a few minutes from downtown Manhattan

Ok, New York isn’t exactly a world famous hiking destination, but there are great hiking trails within just a few miles of Manhattan that are worth a trip. Escape the buzz of downtown and check out our list of the best hikes near New York City.

Many of the popular hikes near New York City can be found just across the Hudson River in Palisades Interstate Park. There are also popular hiking trails on Staten Island and along Jamaica Bay. The long path loop is the most popular hike in New York City. For a more family friendly hike, try the loop at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

We use the data from millions of hikes to create the most accurate trail maps possible so you can have a great time on the trail. Join us on Strava.

Top 16 hiking trails in New York, NY

Giant Stairs Hike

The Giant Stairs Hike is a fun and challenging adventure that involves scrambling through a boulder field in Palisades Interstate Park. This hike follows a loop route and uses a number of differently named trails. Although the loop doesn’t have an official name, it’s one of the most popular hikes near New York City for Strava members and is sure to be a fun time. Because you’ll need to scramble over boulders for nearly a mile, most consider this a hard hike. We recommend bringing grippy shoes to help negotiate the rocky sections.

Cold Spring Harbour Hike

This hike through Cold Spring Harbour State Park is a perfect city escape. You’ll stroll through old hardwood forests and take in beautiful views of Cold Spring Harbour. The hike follows an out and back route. It’s got a few hills but nothing major, so most consider this an easy hike. Cold Spring Harbour is a great place to get family or friends together and enjoy some nature away from the buzz of the city. This is one of the most popular hiking trails among Strava members in the New York Metropolitan area.

Central Park Outer Loop

With nearly 40 million visitors a year, Central Park is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the world. Its geographic prominence makes it one of the most iconic and internationally recognized landmarks in New York City....

Central Park Inner Loop

With nearly 40 million visitors a year, Central Park is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the world. Its geographic prominence makes it one of the most iconic and internationally recognized landmarks in New York City....

Central Park Reservoir Loop

With nearly 40 million visitors a year, Central Park is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the world. Its geographic prominence makes it one of the most iconic and internationally recognized landmarks in New York City....

Fairy Trail

If you are looking for a magical hike that will delight both children and adults, you should visit the fairy trail at South Mountain Reservation in New Jersey. This half-mile trail has been inhabited by fairies who have built their homes in tree hollows, roots, and natural materials....

Shore Trail, Ross Dock Out and Back.

A fun walk along the shore of the Hudson River just north of the George Washington Bridge. The Shore Trail runs for miles along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. This particular section is popular with Strava members. The trail follows an out and back route and can be extended in either direction if you’d like to add more mileage. Most consider this an easy hike which can be perfect for families, beginner hikers, or those just looking for a beautiful walk near the city.

Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail

When you think of hiking in New York, the Catskills and Adirondacks are often the first things to come to mind. Long Island, however, is home to a surprisingly challenging and diverse trail that dissects the island between Cold Spring Harbor and the Massapequa Preserve....

Blue Mountain Reservation Summit Loop

Blue Mountain Reservation is home to a massive network of trails, both for hiking and mountain biking. Roughly an hour north of NYC, it's easy to forget how close you are to such a massive metropolitan area....

Hartshorne Park Loop

This hike loop in Hartshorne Woods Park is a beautiful and welcoming hike option within a hour’s drive of downtown Manhattan. The trail has great views of the mouth of the Navesink River and Sea Bright across the water. This trail follows a loop route. Most consider this an easy hike. This hike is popular with Strava members who live in the New York Metropolitan area.

Bear Mountain Loop

This hiking loop takes you from the shore of the Hudson River to the summit of Bear Mountain then returns via the Appalachian Trail. At the summit, there’s a tower with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape and the beautiful Bear Mountain Suspension Bridge. Most hikers choose to complete the loop in a counterclockwise direction, but both ways are fun. This hike is one of the most popular trails among Strava members in the New York Metropolitan Area. It’s only an hour drive from downtown Manhattan.

Rockleigh Woods / Lamont Reserve Hike Loop

This loop combines several of the Rockleigh Woods & Lamont Reserve hiking trails into a pleasant loop. Most Strava members start the loop in the clockwise direction along the Yellow Trail. This trail meets up with the White Trail then returns to the start. Most hikers consider this an easy trail although there are a few steep sections. This is a great place to spend a few peaceful hours in the woods. It’s only a 30 minute drive from downtown Manhattan to the trailhead.

Pine Meadow Trail

The Pine Meadow Trail is a peaceful hike to the shore of Pine Meadow Lake in Harriman State park. The trail follows an out and back route. Because of the length, most consider this a moderate hike. Pine Meadow Lake is a great place to soak in some peaceful minutes in the comfort of nature. This hike is popular with Strava members living in the New York Metropolitan area.

Kakiat Park Loop

This popular hike in Kakiat Park climbs to a pretty and peaceful north facing viewpoint. Most Strava members take the loop clockwise, starting along the Mountain trail then returning via the Kakiat trail. This hike is popular with Strava Members in the New York Metropolitan area. Most consider this a moderately challenging route. If you’re looking to escape the city, the trailhead is just about 45 minutes from downtown Manhattan.

Ramapo Reservation Loop

The Ramapo Reservation loop is a fun hike option just 45 minutes from New York City. You’ll find the trailhead near the headquarters of the NY & NJ Hike Conference in Continental Soldiers Park. Most Strava members take the loop counterclockwise. The trail isn’t particularly long, but there are a few steep sections. Most consider this a moderate trail. Ramapo Reservation is a popular place for New York and New Jersey residents to escape the buzz of the urban sprawl and take some time in nature.

Anthony’s Nose

Anthony’s Nose is a scenic rock outcropping overlooking the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. The hike to get there follows an out and back route. Because the first half mile has consistently steep grades, most consider it a hard hike. The Bear Mountain area is a popular hiking spot with New Yorkers and is less than an hour from downtown Manhattan. You’re sure to find other Strava members out there enjoying the trail!

A view of the area

Top regions for hiking trails on Strava