15 beautiful hikes near New York City

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The 3.5 mile hike to Anthony's Nose includes several ascents and descents, with the final peak offering stunning views. While the initial viewpoint at Anthony's Nose is impressive, continuing a short distance further to the right will lead to an even more spectacular lookout point. From this vantage point, hikers can enjoy a direct view of the Bear Mountain Bridge and observe birds of prey in their natural habitat.

Hiking the segment of the Appalachian Trail from Route 9D to the Anthony's Nose overlook is like climbing a 500-foot staircase. This well-maintained outdoor staircase rewards hikers with one of the most breathtaking views in the Hudson Valley. The rocky clearing at the top provides ample space for hikers to relax and take in the panoramic scenery. This challenging yet rewarding hike is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning views and a taste of the great outdoors.

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The Yellow Trail and White Trail Loop in Franny Reese State Park offer a rewarding hiking experience, as evidenced by its high rating from numerous reviews. The 3.6-mile trail boasts an elevation gain of 557 feet, providing a challenging yet manageable hike for many. The trail showcases the natural beauty of the park, from its lush forest to the stunning views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge.

Hikers can explore the park’s rich history by discovering the ruins scattered throughout the trail. The trail’s moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to hikers of various skill levels, making it a popular choice for those looking to connect with nature and learn about the park’s past. With its scenic vistas and historic charm, the Yellow Trail and White Trail Loop is a must-visit destination for any avid hiker.

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A hike along the Stillman Trail is consistently challenging due to its numerous elevation changes, making it a rewarding experience for experienced hikers. The breathtaking views of the Hudson River from vantage points like Storm King and Pitching Point are perfect for taking a break and soaking in the natural beauty.

The hiking trail is easy to access with ample parking and is not typically crowded, making it a peaceful getaway. Dog owners will be happy to know that the trail is dog-friendly, and the well-maintained conditions ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. The trail offers stunning views of Cold Spring and Breakneck Ridge, and hikers who continue along the trail will be rewarded with panoramic views in both directions.

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Hiking Arden Point and Glenclyffe during New York City's pandemic lockdown proved to be a refreshing change of scenery. This hike offered a perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining social distancing protocols. The experience was both enjoyable and fulfilling, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

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A delightful winter hike awaits those who are well-prepared for the challenge. The hike up South Beacon Mountain is often regarded as the best in the Hudson Valley region due to its strenuous nature and the breathtaking views it provides. The soft winter sunlight adds to the tranquility and elegance of the landscape, making the journey even more worthwhile. Once at the lookout tower, hikers are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the extended ranges and the Hudson River.

Excellent conditions and breathtaking views characterize this hike, but it is not for the faint of heart. The name "breakneck" gives an indication of the steep inclines that hikers will encounter. A group of helpful hikers made the journey possible for some, who might have otherwise found the terrain too challenging. The hike covers more than 10 miles and takes hikers past the ruins, providing stunning views at every turn. The highlight of the hike is the incredible 360-degree view from the tower, a sight that makes every challenging step worthwhile.

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The loop hike to Awosting Falls and Dickie Barre is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. The hike features a stunning 65-foot waterfall and awe-inspiring views of the valley from the ridge of Dickie Barre. Along the way, hikers will also cross Peters Kill, adding to the scenic beauty of the trail.

The hike is not heavily trafficked, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for hikers to enjoy. The trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of varying skill levels. The combination of waterfalls, valley views, and a refreshing stream make this loop hike a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

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The conditions and views during this hike were excellent, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Following the counterclockwise direction proved to be a great choice as it allowed for tackling the more challenging parts early on, followed by an easy and enjoyable trek through a mystical forest. The anticipation of doing this hike again is already building up.

This hike turned out to be an exceptional outing, with good conditions and wonderful views accompanying us throughout the journey. Being able to share this experience with cherished friends only added to the overall delight of the experience. The parking area offered convenience with its free and small lot, catering perfectly to the needs of visitors.

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Upon arriving at Verkeerderkill Falls, located at Sam's Point, visitors are greeted with a sign declaring the area as one of the Earth's Last Great Places. This designation is fitting, as the falls drop an impressive 180 feet into what seems like a private canyon.

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This picturesque location offers an excellent hiking experience with numerous trails to explore and stunning scenery to enjoy. One of the main attractions is the presence of several intriguing rock formations, including the famous Tripod Rock, a 170-ton glacial erratic that appears to be defying gravity. The area can become quite popular, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot and avoid the crowds.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted with the challenging terrain and the opportunity to witness unique geological features. Tripod Rock, in particular, is a sight to behold, as it rests precariously on three smaller rocks, creating an impressive display of nature's power. The area is not only beautiful but also educational, providing insights into the region's geological history. Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and bring water and snacks to fully enjoy the hiking experience.

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Navigating through the Lemon Squeezer rocks proves to be an enjoyable and entertaining experience, just as one would anticipate. Upon successfully passing through, the chosen paths diverged, with the youngest explorers opting to ascend the rock formation, while this reviewer took the more forgiving blue path.

This beloved attraction, Lemon Squeezer in Southfields, ranks highly on Tripadvisor with a commendable position among the top 3 attractions in the area. Certainly, it catches the eye of many visitors seeking leisurely adventures and family-friendly explorations, offering memories filled with excitement and accomplishment. An afternoon at Lemon Squeezer pays tribute to nature's wonders while promising delightful experiences cherished by both children and adults alike.

Just two hours north of the city by car, this trail passes through open fields (with wildflowers, if you time it right) and woodland before reaching Bonticou Crag, the highlight of this 2.3 mile excursion. From the stunning white crag there are nothing but blue-green views of the hills below.

 If you're craving a weekend in the woods (and swimming in a mountain lake), this long but stunning trail might be just what you're looking for. you seek. 'What are you looking for. The Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail is a 23.2-mile point-to-point trail that takes hikers from Suffern, New York (one hour by car; one hour and 15 minutes by train) to the north entrance of Bear State Park mountains. This challenging trip is best done over the course of two or three full days, and if you're lucky, you may have the trail (almost) to yourself.

Located about a half mile from New Jersey Transit's Tuxedo Station, you can start this eight-mile loop by looking for the red trail on your NYNJTC map. From there, head to Parker Cabin Mountain, where there is a perfect spot for lunch, with flat rocks and lake views. Continue to the blue Victory trail, which will take you along the edge of Skenonto Lake, past Black Ash Swamp, and then back to the start.

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Hiking this trail marked as moderate proved to be more challenging than anticipated due to the presence of numerous rocks and boulders that needed to be climbed. Despite the difficulty, the effort was rewarded with breathtaking views from various vantage points. The parking area is a large lot, and the convenience of free parking adds to the appeal of this hiking destination.

The conditions of the trail were good, and the incredible views made the journey worthwhile. Arriving early is recommended to secure a parking spot, as the area tends to get crowded. The hike features some rock scrambling, but it's nothing too strenuous. This mountain offers a solid workout without requiring extensive mileage, so it's a great option for those looking for a more physically demanding yet manageable outdoor activity. Remember to bring plenty of water, sturdy boots for ankle support, and an eagerness to have fun. The stunning views are a just reward for the effort and are accessible without having to travel great distances.

Suitable for all levels, this four-mile hike parallels the Hudson River and eventually leads to a bluff with panoramic views of the river. To get there, simply take the Metro-North Line to the Manitou Station and follow the signs to the trail. About halfway through the three-hour walk, you'll have the pleasure of passing a historic mansion that once belonged to the Livingston family.