Whether you’re strolling along Central Park’s rambling lawns or riding the city’s infamous tangle of subway lines, you can find adventure in every city block of New York City. But sometimes, wilderness calls, and what better way to answer than by taking to the trails and going hiking around NYC? Rugged outdoorsy types, avid birders, and born and bred Manhattanites simply looking for a change of scenery can find their fix just one train ride or hour-long drive away. From stunning views that have captured the hearts and imaginations of American icons like the Hudson River School painters, to the brisk, endorphin-inducing exercise that comes with navigating the region’s woody terrain, these trails embrace the country’s wealth of natural scenery. While the best spots for hiking around NYC whisk you to mountains, valleys, and rivers that feel like they’re a hard-earned road trip away, getting yourself there might just be the easiest leg of the journey. Below, we’ve gathered our favorite paths, trails, and climbs near the city, plus a couple of suggestions on how to get there and where to stay, should you wish to extend your day trip into a weekend. Happy trails!
Read our complete New York City travel guide here, which includes: