10 Best Hiking Spots In New York For Fall 2025 You Must Explore -

Whether you’re after a family-friendly trail or a thigh-burning mountain climb, New York has a hiking spot waiting for you.

Here’s a curated list of the 10 best hiking spots in New York for Fall 2025—trails that combine breathtaking foliage with unforgettable outdoor experiences.

🥾 Best Hiking Spots in New York for Fall 2025

1. Oak Brush Plains State Preserve – Suffolk County

Flat trails with miles of woodland paths, making it ideal for beginners and families.

Drive Time & Distance: ~1 hour 10 minutes from NYC (55 miles).
Difficulty: Easy.
Duration & Mileage: 2–3 miles, 1–2 hours.
Elevation Gain: Minimal.
Parking: Free parking available at trailheads.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Local diners and farm stands along Long Island.
Lodging Nearby: Long Island hotels and B&Bs in Suffolk County.

2. Giant Ledge – Slide Mountain Wilderness (Catskills)

A Catskills classic. Short but steep, this trail rewards you with sweeping views of fall foliage that seem endless.

Drive Time & Distance: ~2.5 hours from NYC (120 miles).
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
Duration & Mileage: 3.2 miles round trip, 2–3 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft.
Parking: Limited roadside parking at trailhead.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Phoenicia diners and Catskill cafés.
Lodging Nearby: Woodstock inns, Catskills cabins.

3. Petersburg Pass – Taconic Crest Trail

Tucked on the border of New York and Massachusetts, this trail is a hidden gem with ridge views stretching for miles.

Drive Time & Distance: ~3 hours from NYC (160 miles).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration & Mileage: 5 miles, 3–4 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft.
Parking: Free roadside parking.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Local cafés in Petersburg, NY and Williamstown, MA.
Lodging Nearby: Small-town inns and Berkshires B&Bs.

4. Azure Mountain – Franklin County (Adirondacks)

The Adirondacks glow in fall, and this spot gives a panoramic sweep of the Franklin County wilderness.

Drive Time & Distance: ~6 hours from NYC (300 miles).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration & Mileage: 2 miles round trip, 1.5–2 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~950 ft.
Parking: Small lot at trailhead.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Tupper Lake eateries.
Lodging Nearby: Adirondack lodges, rustic cabins.

5. Mohonk Preserve – Shawangunk Ridge

Famous for its rugged cliffs and golden valleys, Mohonk has trails for every level.

Drive Time & Distance: ~2 hours from NYC (90 miles).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (varies by trail).
Duration & Mileage: Multiple options from 2 to 8 miles.
Elevation Gain: Varies from 500–1,200 ft.
Parking: Paid parking with reservations recommended.
Entry Fees: $15 per hiker.
Food Nearby: New Paltz cafés and restaurants.
Lodging Nearby: Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz inns.

6. Genesee Valley Greenway

A trail that winds through farmlands, forests, and river valleys. It’s less about steep climbs and more about long, relaxing fall strolls.

Drive Time & Distance: ~5.5 hours from NYC (280 miles).
Difficulty: Easy.
Duration & Mileage: Flexible—up to 90 miles of connected trail.
Elevation Gain: Minimal.
Parking: Multiple access points with parking lots.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Rochester and nearby towns.
Lodging Nearby: Rochester hotels, Finger Lakes B&Bs.

Pro Tip: Rent a bike if you want to cover more ground and catch multiple foliage views.

7. Breakneck Ridge – Hudson Highlands

This challenging scramble rewards hikers with unmatched views of the Hudson River surrounded by blazing fall colors.

Drive Time & Distance: ~1.5 hours from NYC (60 miles).
Difficulty: Challenging.
Duration & Mileage: 3.7 miles, 3–4 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~1,250 ft.
Parking: Limited; Metro-North train stop nearby.
Entry Fees: Free.
Food Nearby: Cold Spring cafés.
Lodging Nearby: Cold Spring inns, Hudson Valley rentals.

8. Letchworth State Park – Gorge Trail

Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this trail winds past waterfalls and dramatic cliffs framed by fall foliage.

Drive Time & Distance: ~6 hours from NYC (320 miles).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration & Mileage: 7 miles, 4–5 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~600 ft.
Parking: Multiple lots inside the park.
Entry Fees: $10 per vehicle.
Food Nearby: Local diners near Castile and Mt. Morris.
Lodging Nearby: Park cabins, Finger Lakes inns.

9. Bear Mountain State Park – Major Welch Trail

Close to NYC, Bear Mountain offers a mix of moderate climbs and spectacular views of the Hudson Valley in full autumn display.

Drive Time & Distance: ~1 hour from NYC (45 miles).
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration & Mileage: 4 miles, 3 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~1,100 ft.
Parking: Large paid parking lot available.
Entry Fees: $10 per vehicle.
Food Nearby: Bear Mountain Inn and local delis.
Lodging Nearby: Bear Mountain Inn, Hudson Valley B&Bs.

Pro Tip: Perfect for day trips from the city; pack a picnic and enjoy it at the summit.

10. Mount Jo – Adirondack Park

A short but scenic hike with one of the best bang-for-your-buck summit views in the Adirondacks.

Drive Time & Distance: ~5 hours from NYC (260 miles).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Duration & Mileage: 2 miles round trip, 1–1.5 hours.
Elevation Gain: ~700 ft.
Parking: ADK Loj parking lot (fee required).
Entry Fees: ~$15 parking fee.
Food Nearby: Lake Placid restaurants.
Lodging Nearby: Lake Placid hotels, Adirondack lodges.

Pro Tip: Ideal for families or first-timers who want a quick hike with epic rewards.

📸 Best Photo Spots on These Trails

Giant Ledge: Cliff edges overlooking endless Catskills.
Breakneck Ridge: Sweeping Hudson River shots.
Letchworth Gorge: Waterfalls framed by autumn trees.
Azure Mountain Fire Tower: Full 360° foliage view.
Mohonk Preserve: Cliffside panoramas with lakes below.

🧭 Insider Tips for Fall Hiking in 2025

Timing: Early October = peak Adirondacks, mid-to-late October = Catskills & Hudson Valley.
Crowds: Go on weekdays for quieter trails.
Parking: Many popular hikes require early arrival or pre-booking.
Snacks: Apple cider donuts make the perfect trail snack (pick them up at local orchards!).

🏕️ Nearby Attractions & Add-Ons

Scenic Hudson Valley drives lined with foliage.
Cozy inns, cabins, and B&Bs for weekend getaways.
Local breweries and cideries offering seasonal flavors.
Farm stands with pumpkins, apples, and homemade pies.

🍁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing ridge views, waterfalls, or peaceful forest strolls, these 10 best hiking spots in New York for Fall 2025 guarantee crisp air, vibrant leaves, and unforgettable memories.

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10 Best Hiking Spots in New York for Fall 2025 You Must Explore

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