There are not many locations on the East Coast that can offer more to hiking enthusiasts than New York State. This is a perfect destination for basically everyone from the casual one day hiker to the hardcore trail hunter.
Adirondacks
You can easily consider the Adirondacks, which is an area that will cover around one fifth of NY State. Hiking is simply tremendous here with a perfectly organized hiking trail system leading to secluded lakes, waterfalls and high peaks.
If you are a serious hiker, you will want to go to High Peaks. You there have Mount Marcy, which has a height of 5,300 feet, standing out as the state’s highest mountain. It offers a really heavy tree cover though so the views are not as great as you could experience somewhere else. As an example, Bald Mountain hiking, to the east of Old Force, is a climb of just 2 miles and tremendous vistas. You have another very good trail that leads up to Avalanche Lake and you can also consider Phelps Mountain for a moderate hike that offers incredible 360 degrees views of really beautiful high peaks. If you want to go to the Andirondacks, do consider the free literature and trail maps offered by Adirondack Mountain Club, located in Lake George.
Catskill Mountain Area
If you are interested, you can also go to the Catskill Mountain area. Fantastic hiking options are available there. The really good trails that you want to think about are the Mohonk Preserve and the Minnewaska Preserve. Shawangunks is incredibly popular among the climbers. It is located in the southeastern edge. When you want something that is more hilly and not mountain based, do visit the Hudson River Valley. Alternatively go for something mixed in Hudson Highlands, Fahnestock and Bear Mountain state parks.
Finger Lakes Hiking
There are many beautiful glens and gorges available in the region. Finger Lakes National Forest has 9 trails that make up a total of twelve hiking miles. When thinking about length, the Finger Lakes Trail is superior, offering a 559 miles system made out of wilderness foot trails all around the state. This system is a part of North Country National Scenic Trail, a huge 4,200 mils system covering the area from North Dakota to New York.
New York State Canalway System
There are 230 miles that are multiuse here, including a really great 90 miles Erie Canal Heritage Trail. If you want to go for something that is not so long, the 8 miles Glens Falls Feeder Canal Trail is something that can be taken into account.
