5 Best Hikes Near NYC

Go for a Hike Around Surprise Lake Loop

Distance from the city: 50 miles

Difficulty level: medium to difficult

Estimated time: 2-3 hours

Length: 4.4 mi

If you’re looking for easy hikes near NYC, this isn’t one of them. But if you’re searching for breathtaking views and a physical challenge, Surprise Lake Loop in New Jersey is the place for you. If you’re moving with pets, you’ll be happy to know dogs are allowed on the trail. However, it is up to you to estimate if they are fit enough to keep up with you through this rocky terrain.

Other Things to Do at Surprise Lake

This is one of those destinations where you can truly connect with nature and forget all about moving stress. Aside from being one of the best hiking trails near NYC, it is also a great spot for birdwatching, observing wildlife, and even fishing.

Storm King State Park Has Public Transport from NY

Distance: 60 miles

Difficulty level: easy to medium

Estimated time: depends on the trail

Length: depends on the trail

If you’re looking for the best day hikes near NYC that don’t require a car to get there, Storm King State Park is your best bet. It’s easy to get there: the Storm King Art Center organizes a bus from the City for all visitors. Although the line is temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, you can still catch a train or the weekend shuttle service. There are several different routes you can take depending on your preferences and skills.

Trail Options in Storm King State Park

Some hikes we think you shouldn’t miss out on include:

• Storm King Trail – moderate, 2.6 mi
• North Point and Pitching Pont Loop – moderate, 3.8 mi
• North Point Summit – easy, 1.3 mi

Blue Mountain Reservation Loop

Distance: 48 miles

Difficulty level: easy to medium

Estimated time: 3-4 hours

Length: 5 mi

You’re probably already familiar with all the breweries in Manhattan and other boroughs. But have you ever had a cold one after a long, tiring day of hiking? If you ask us, all NYC hiking day trips should feature a visit to a spot such as the Peekskill Brewery.

The Blue Mountain Loop Up Close

Does this sound like something you’d enjoy (we know we would)? If so, check out the video below to see what the trail looks like up close and make sure to add it to your moving to-do list.

Bull Hill

Distance: 62 miles

Difficulty level: medium to difficult

Estimated time: 3 hours

Length: 5.5 mi

Don’t let the “Hill” in the name fool you – this is definitely not one of the easier day hikes near NYC. Bull Hill, also known as Mt. Taurus, provides magnificent views of the Hudson Valley and Hudson River from its highest point of 1350 feet. What’s more, it is not one of those popular destinations tourists flock to, which makes it a great destination for a weekend getaway or an NYC staycation.

Manitou Point Preserve

Distance: 55 miles

Difficulty level: easy to medium

Estimated time: 3 hours

Length: 2.5 mi

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newbie, you’ll enjoy this trail. It runs along the Hudson River and climbs to a cliffside with great views. You’ll even get to see a historic landmark – the Livingston Mansion built in 1897. Other notable landmarks you’ll get to see include the Manitou Marsh and Sugarloaf Hill.

Following the Rules of Manitou Point Preserve

The Livingston Mansion, along with the area around it, is privately owned and isn’t open to the public. The private estate encompasses a part of the trail, but the owners have agreed to grant hikers access to the trail, as long as they stick to the rules highlighted on the signs along the way and steer clear of the areas marked as private. So if you decide that this is one of the NYC hiking trails you want to visit, make sure you stick to the rules.

More of the Best Hikes Near NYC

Needless to say, this doesn’t scratch the surface of all the great hiking locations you can visit. Here are some other destinations we highly recommend in and near NYC:

• SI Greenbelt, which will be just around the corner if you’re planning on living in Staten Island,
• Central Park, for those of you living in Manhattan who don’t like leaving The City,
• Breakneck Ridge, the most popular hike among locals and tourists alike.

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