Hiking in Upstate NY

From LoveToKnow Camping

Hiking in upstate NY provides a variety of trails with challenges at every level and an ever-changing diversity with the change of seasons. Whether you're a recreational hiker seeking an easier day hike or a veteran looking for a more strenuous mountain trail, you can find what you're looking for in upstate NY.

Overview of Hiking in Upstate NY

An abundance of hiking opportunities awaits hikers ready to explore the trails in upstate New York. Along with this wealth of trails, hikers will also find possibilities for dog walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bicycling, and even bird watching. The peaks of the Adirondacks present challenging trails or less difficult treks allowing hikers to meander along clearly defined routes for an afternoon of basking in the magnificent alpine beauty.

For beginners, Adirondack and Catskill parks maintain clearly defined hiking trails making your experience easy to follow while taking in the scents, majestic views and in many cases glimpses of wildlife. In some parks, trail guides and maps are also available.

If you decide to take on more of a challenge and head into the backcountry, it is recommended that hikers carry their own topographical map before exploring these more difficult amorphous trails which may be overgrown in spots.

Another good idea as you prepare for your hike is to contact the local Forest Ranger to ask about current conditions. Weather affects these wilderness settings. If things get muddy, or snowy, your hike may require special equipment or backpacking adventure gear. It's important to plan ahead. Don't forget that backcountry trails are not maintained like the walkways within parks.

Skylight Peak

If you are planning on hiking in upstate NY to take in spectacular mountain views, Skylight Park is one place that will provide that and more. From these demanding trails, you'll be rewarded with views of some of the highest mountains in upstate NY.

Skylight is one of the high peaks and is accessible by following Calamity Brooks Trail for the easiest and shortest way to reach the Lake Colden--Flowed Lands area. To get there, park at Upper Works trailhead; here you'll find plenty of parking and it's free. Start out on the Feldspar Brook Trail which will take you to Four Corners. From Four Corners, the Calamity Brooks Trail's straight-up incline climbs to Skylight's summit. Most of the trail is bare rock and takes you through and around small gardens and alpine vegetation. From this trail, you'll enjoy seeing other high peaks including Haystack and Marcy.

Adirondacks State Park

Adirondacks State Park and Forest Preserves presents 2,000 miles of hiking trails, high peaks, thousands of lakes and seasonal changes which make each trip a unique experience across the park's 6-million plus acres. The High Peaks Region offers plenty of challenges, and has generated a club known as the 46'ers which evolved over time to include those who have succeeded in hiking to the summits of all 46 high peaks.

Catskill Park

Catskill Park's hiking and backcountry camping provides many options when hiking in upstate NY. Camping is restricted to certain areas to protect wildlife and some of the unique, pristine areas, so you'll want to plan your trip and time your hikes to coincide with where you intend to spend the night. If you decide to bring along a mountain bike as part of your hiking experience, special requirements apply so be sure to check on what hiking and camping rules apply.

Peebles Island

Peebles Island's well-maintained perimeter trail offers a great short-hike experience (about an hour) complete with river rapids, wildlife, steep cliffs, open meadows and allows for an easy-to-enjoy wilderness experience during this two-mile loop. Along with the Perimeter Trail, hikers will find a good number of criss-crossing trails to take them across the island. The uninhabited island provides not only hiking but a great place to picnic so it makes a perfect choice for a day trip for nature lovers not ready for a more rigorous hiking experience. Wildlife on the island includes white-tail deer, hawks, owls, beavers, skunks, and in the morning hours waterfowl can also be seen, but make sure to carry your mosquito spray.

Plan Ahead

Don't forget to plan ahead and check trail conditions before you head out for your hiking pleasure. At times trail closures or other notices may affect your plans so be sure to call ahead and find out specific information pertaining to the trails you plan to hike.

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