Albany, New York
Looking for the best hiking in Albany? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Albany. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Albany
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North Adams, Massachusetts
The Cascades Trail
4.31.97 mi / 315 ft gainThe Cascades Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near North Adams, Massachusetts.Read more -
Palenville, New York
Kaaterskill Falls via Laurel House
4.51.67 mi / 360.89 ft gainThis short hike is one of the most popular in the Catskills — and for good reason. From the Laurel House Road Trailhead, it’s less than a mile round trip to reach Kaaterskill Falls, New York’s tallest two-tiered waterfall, with a dramatic 260-foot drop into a rocky amphitheater. The trail itse...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Layman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls
3.05 mi / 892 ft gainLayman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you to one of New York's tallest waterfalls at 231 feet and to the historical monument for Frank D. Layman, who passed away in 1990 while fighting a forest fire. This trail is located near Haines Falls, New York.Read more -
Tannersville, New York
Kaaterskill Rail Trail + Kaaterskill Falls
5.03.61 mi / 246 ft gainThe Kaaterskill Rail Trail begins near Haines Falls, New York heading toward North and South Lake. The trail is set in a gorgeous forest, and is used for hiking, trail running, and birding trips. The trail provides exceptional views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, forests, and towns.Read more -
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Laura's Tower and Ice Glen
5.02.4 mi / 676 ft gainYou will park at the end of Park Street in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. From the parking are you will cross a beautiful bridge over the Housatonic River. The trail crosses railroad tracks and immediately begins to climb into the woods. You will reach a split in the trail, a left will take you...Read more -
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Hike Monument Mountain
4.52 mi / 720 ft gainAt 1642 feet (with a total elevation gain of 720 feet), Squaw Peak is a great spot to see both Mt Greylock along the Vermont border, and the Catskills in New York. There are several trail options here to get to the summit, but no matter which combination you choose, you can keep your trip under ...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Hike to Huckleberry Point
4.54.5 mi / 644 ft gainThis is a 4.5 mile hike that is great for hikers of all skill levels. Because it is short and not overly difficult, beginners will enjoy this hike. There are some steep sections that will get your heart pumping, though, and a stunning payoff is waiting for you at the end.From the trailhead, follo...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Kaaterskill High Peak Trail
7.85 mi / 1982 ft gainThere are no direct views from the summit, so it is recommended to take the .25 mile shoot-off trail to Hurricane Ledge for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the spring, wildflowers line the trail. If you look carefully in the brush, you'll find wreckage from two old pl...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Hike to Plattekill Falls
0.5 mi / 137 ft gainJust outside of Elka Park, New York, Plattekill Falls is accessible from Albany and New York City alike. This is a great hike for families and all skill levels. The falls are spectacular year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring. From the trailhead, walk left past the red house unt...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Hike Twin Mountain
6 mi / 1586 ft gainThe DEC Parking lot, is located at the very end of a dead end, along Prediger Rd. Start at the trail head to the right of the trail kiosk and sign in sheet. The trail starts out very easy going as you approach the base of Twin. At mile 0.25, you’ll hit a junction where you’ll turn RIGHT towards T...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Hike Indian Head Summit via Jimmy Dolan Notch Overlook
4.9 mi / 1512 ft gainThe view from the summit of this hike is incredible. Bring a sack lunch and a camera - you'll want to stay for a while! This trail is open for use year-round and provides great snowshoeing in the winter and fabulous wildflowers in the spring and summer. This is also a great location for birding!Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Devil's Path to Devil's Tombstone
5.011.9 mi / 4475 ft gainThe Eastern half of Devil's Path has four major summits: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf and Plateau. Each summit is a straight climb up and down, then back up to as much as 3,900 ft. There are some sparse sections of level ground, but most is a steep descent uphill or steep slide downhill. Your ...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Devil's Path in the Catskills
4.022.04 mi / 7733 ft gainDevil's Path is roughly more than 24 miles long, althought it feels like an eternity of milage. Going thru the summits of Indian head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Hunter, and Westkill Mountains. Its brutal. Its painful, Its unique. Be prepared for anything and everything. You will encounter wild l...Read more -
Elka Park, New York
Camp at Sugarloaf Mountain in the Catskills
4.06 mi / 1500 ft gainBegin by parking at the end of Mink Road in Elka Park (GPS:N42 08.593, W74 09.479). It will be a .7 mile hike to camp. Follow the rocky woods road to the junction where there is a SPRING sign. Continuing straight will take you to the water source. If you do not need water, turn left when you see ...Read more -
Shaftsbury, Vermont
Lake Shaftsbury Loop
4.01.39 mi / 160.98 ft gainLake Shaftsbury State Park is a small park in Southern Vermont between Bennington and Manchester. It is well-loved by locals as swimming spot in the summer, especially for families with kids. Less well known is the nature trail that meanders around the perimeter of the lake. While only a mile in...Read more -
Copake, New York
Bash Bish Falls from Taconic State Park
1.53 mi / 167 ft gainBash Bish Falls from Taconic State Park is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Copake, New York. Swimming is not permitted at Bash Bish Falls.Read more