9 Hiking Spots Near NYC That’ll Blow You Away
City life comes with sirens, skylines, and eventual burnout. But if you’re craving trees, trails, and fresh air, you don’t need a plane ticket or a packed car—just a MetroCard, maybe a regional rail pass, and a good pair of walking shoes.
Many people don’t know, but there are some amazing hiking spots near NYC that will take you by surprise. If you’re ready to make some interesting itineraries, read below.
Breakneck Ridge
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This Hudson Valley ridge offers rock scrambles, thigh-burners, and huge payoffs in the view department. The dedicated train stop is currently on break (ironically), but you can hop off at Cold Spring or Beacon. Expect a crowd, especially on weekends, and a serious physical challenge.
Storm King
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At Storm King, you start climbing pretty much right away, but your legs will forgive you. The views are solid, and if you tack on a visit to the nearby Storm King Art Center, you’ve basically turned your hike into a cultured day trip.
Stairway to Heaven Trail
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Fields of wildflowers and wooden boardwalks give this New Jersey trail a softer introduction before it earns its name. The Stairway to Heaven Trail is approximately 2.6 miles round trip, with steep sections leading to Pinwheel Vista.
Verkeerder Kill Falls and Ice Caves
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As one of the more unusual hikes near NYC, this route runs through quartz rock formations, not your average limestone caves. Tight pathways open up to Verkeerderkill Falls, which is a rewarding sight on a hot day. If you have the stamina, continue to Sam’s Point.
The New York Section of the Appalachian Trail
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You’ve heard the name. But did you know part of it cuts right through New York? The only train-accessible stop is at Pawling, and from there, you can dabble in the AT life for a few hours or keep going until your knees say “nope.”
Blue Mountain Reservation Loop
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This calm, woodsy escape in Westchester comes with river peeks, forest quiet, and enough trail variety to fill a few solid hours. The old bathhouse and stone structures add some vintage charm. Reward yourself post-hike at the nearby River Outpost Brewery. You’ve earned it.
Arden Point and Glenclyffe
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If you want sweeping water views with very little elevation, this is the spot to go for. It’s accessible by train and sits just outside the Garrison station. The path is shaded, relatively level, and full of Revolutionary-era trivia, including a link to Benedict Arnold’s notorious escape. It’s an excellent option for history enthusiasts who need a low-impact route.
High Rock Park, Staten Island
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High Rock is one of the city’s more underappreciated green spaces. Its six main trails go past wood ducks, warblers, and tree-ringed ponds. Mt. Moses, a 260-foot hill, has a modest view and a satisfying payoff. Summer sees patches of wild blueberries along the path.
Inwood Hill Park
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Yes, there are bald eagles in Manhattan. Inwood Hill Park’s wild ridges, glacier-carved valleys, and native trees make it an unusual pocket of wilderness at the city’s northern tip. Urban Park Rangers have released eagles here since 2002. There are also amenities like playgrounds and athletic fields for some versatility.
Marshlands Conservancy
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At Marshlands, the herons don’t mind an audience. There are three miles of trail and plenty of birdwatching, so it’s a great space for reflection or photography. Wildlife sightings might include otters and wild turkeys.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
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An easy entry point for new hikers, this Queens refuge offers multiple flat trails across salt marshes and wetlands. Over 325 bird species pass through or settle here. The loop of West Pond, North Garden, and South Garden trails totals under two miles.
Storm King Art Center Trails
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Separate from the challenging Storm King loop, these trails thread through the 500-acre sculpture park. Though not a traditional hike, it requires decent stamina to explore thoroughly. Artists like Alexander Calder and Sol LeWitt have contributed to the open-air installations in this area.
Bear Mountain State Park
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This hiking spot is considered a classic for a reason. The park has it all—views, paved paths, and even a zoo. The Appalachian Trail slices through, and the Perkins Memorial Tower offers 360-degree photo ops.
Hudson Highlands Gateway Park
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Different from Breakneck and more relaxed, this park near Peekskill offers a mellow contrast with forested paths and less foot traffic. Trails are well-marked, and gradual elevation changes make it approachable for families.
Pelham Bay Park
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Central Park may get the headlines, but Pelham Bay quietly holds the title for NYC’s biggest park. Forest trails, coastal paths, and the Kazimiroff Trail mix make it perfect for an afternoon of low-stakes exploration.