Whether you’re looking for an easy family stroll, a waterfall-filled trail, or a tough mountain climb, the Empire State has something for everyone.
From the rolling Hudson Valley to the rugged Adirondacks, here’s a roundup of the best hiking spots you should explore this September.
Table of Contents
1. Trapps Trail – Mohonk Preserve
The trail is beginner-friendly, but if you’re into rock climbing, you’ll see people tackling the cliffs all around.
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours round trip.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to catch the mist rising over the cliffs—it feels like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie.
2. Gorge Trail – Watkins Glen State Park
If there’s one trail in New York that deserves to be on every hiker’s bucket list, it’s the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen.
You’ll walk through stone-carved pathways, cross arched bridges, and pass by 19 different waterfalls in just a couple of miles.
September is perfect because the waterfalls still flow strong, and the cooler weather makes it easy to enjoy every corner.
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours depending on stops at each waterfall.
Nearby Attractions: Watkins Glen International racetrack, Finger Lakes wineries, and Seneca Lake boat tours.
Pro Tip: This trail can get crowded. Start as soon as the park opens for that quiet, magical experience.
3. Devil’s Path – Catskills
Want a challenge? Devil’s Path is often called the toughest hike in the East.
With steep ascents, rugged terrain, and a series of mountain summits, this trail is no joke.
But the reward? Epic panoramic views of the Catskills drenched in fall colors.
Estimated Time: 6–10 hours for the full trail (can be split into sections).
Pro Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks—the trail is demanding, and there aren’t many spots to restock.
4. Giant Ledge – Slide Mountain Wilderness
This trail is proof that big views don’t always need big effort. In just a short hike, you’ll reach ledges that open up to sweeping Catskill landscapes.
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours round trip.
Pro Tip: Bring a light jacket. Even in September, mornings can get chilly on the ledges.
5. Anthony’s Nose – Hudson Highlands
If you’ve ever driven across the Bear Mountain Bridge, you’ve probably noticed a giant peak standing over the Hudson River—that’s Anthony’s Nose.
Estimated Time: 2 hours round trip.
Nearby Attractions: Bear Mountain Zoo, Perkins Memorial Tower, and Hudson Highlands State Park boat launch.
Pro Tip: Pair this hike with a picnic at Bear Mountain State Park for a perfect fall day.
6. Taughannock Falls Gorge Trail – Finger Lakes
This trail is gentle, flat, and family-friendly, but don’t let that fool you—it leads to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies.
Taughannock Falls drops a dramatic 215 feet, and in September, the mix of fall foliage and waterfall mist creates a postcard-worthy scene.
It’s one of those hikes where the payoff is much bigger than the effort.
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours round trip.
Public Transport Options: Take short rides from Ithaca via TCAT buses, which connect to the park entrance.
Insider Tip: For the best view, check out the overlook before heading down into the gorge—it gives you a different angle of the falls.
7. Dater Mountain Nature Park – Rockland County
Just a short drive from NYC, Dater Mountain feels like a hidden retreat.
It’s not as crowded as other hiking spots, which makes September an ideal time to enjoy the peace of the woods.
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours.
Pro Tip: This is a great hike if you don’t have a full day—plan a morning visit and still be home by afternoon.
8. Genesee Valley Greenway
If you like long walks with plenty of history along the way, the Genesee Valley Greenway is perfect.
Stretching for miles, it follows old canal paths and railroads, passing through forests, fields, and small towns.
September is a great time to soak in the countryside vibes and enjoy a mix of hiking and biking.
Estimated Time: Varies, from 1 hour to full-day excursions.
Public Transport Options: Rochester and nearby towns offer bus connections to trailheads.
Pro Tip: Carry a bike if you want to cover more ground—the trail is smooth and perfect for cycling.
9. Chimney Bluffs State Park – Lake Ontario
This is one of New York’s most unique hikes. Instead of mountains or waterfalls, you’ll walk along dramatic clay cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario.
The formations look almost otherworldly, and the lake views stretch endlessly. In September, the weather is cool enough to enjoy the open lakeside trail without the summer heat.
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours.
Pro Tip: Sunset here is breathtaking—plan your hike to end just as the sun dips over the lake.
10. Lake Placid Region Hikes – Adirondacks
Lake Placid isn’t just for winter sports—it’s also a hiker’s paradise in September. If you want something easy, Mount Jo offers stunning views for minimal effort.
Cobble Hill is perfect for families with kids, while Hurricane Mountain gives you that classic Adirondack fire tower experience.
Each of these trails delivers fall beauty in its own way.
Estimated Time: Mount Jo – 2 hours, Cobble Hill – 1.5 hours, Hurricane Mountain – 3–4 hours.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Placid village, Olympic sites, Mirror Lake kayaking.
Pro Tip: Stay overnight in Lake Placid village—it makes for a cozy base camp with plenty of post-hike food options.
Conclusion
September is truly the sweet spot for hiking in New York. From easy waterfall walks to tough mountain climbs, the trails light up with color and energy this time of year.
Read More: 15 Best Camping Spots in New York for September 2025
Share this content: