New Paltz, New York

Looking for the best hiking in New Paltz? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Paltz. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near New Paltz

  • Hopewell Junction, New York

    Beaver Pond via Appalachian Trail

    5.0
    3 mi / 400 ft gain
    Beaver Pond is a small body of water created by a dam that was constructed during the days of iron ore mining in the area.  The pond is crystal clear and has a wonderful tree line right on the water.  The best time to visit here is early morning in the fall.  With the leaves changing color they m...
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  • Hopewell Junction, New York

    Lake Canopus Viewpoint

    4.0
    2.07 mi / 148 ft gain
    Its a great place to explore as it has a beautiful calm lake especially in the fall, the reflection of the water and the awesome colors are unbelievable. Its a short hike but you certainly could go further up. Parking is free by the road, hike towards the lake about a mile or so. The sound of bi...
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  • Phoenicia, New York

    Mt. Wittenberg

    4.3
    6.89 mi / 2608 ft gain
    Looking for a great day hike in the Catskill region of NY? Then you should definitely look into and consider tackling Mt. Wittenberg then. A challenging climb up but a very rewarding summit view. Starting at Woodland Valley Campgrounds visitor registration house (where you can pay for parking fo...
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  • Phoenicia, New York

    Camp at Woodland Valley

    3.0
    If you are looking for a great campground up in the Catskill Mountains of New York then you definitely have to check out Woodland Valley Campgrounds. Located about 2 hours north of New York City, it is the perfect place to go to get off the grid. No service for about 30 minutes in any direction.T...
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  • Woodstock, New York

    Sugarloaf Mountain via Blue Trail

    6.54 mi / 2297 ft gain
    Sugarloaf Mountain, is one the 35 highest peaks in New York's Catskills at 3806 ft. There are many ways to approach this peak, and this is an out-and-back hike via Mink Hollow. The parking area is located at the end of Milk Hollow Rd (42.10405386879072, -74.17148500019927). From here, get on the...
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  • Philipstown, New York

    Indian Brook Falls (CLOSED)

    2.8
    0.59 mi / 157 ft gain
    Indian Brook Falls is CLOSED as of 2022. Learn more at HighlandsCurrent.org. Take a short simple walk to a beautiful waterfall near the Constitution Marsh and Audubon Center. This waterfall is great spot for the whole family to take in its beauty. This is about as short a walk and as little eff...
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  • Big Indian, New York

    Hike Giant Ledge

    4.5
    3.74 mi
    The trail starts across the street from the parking area you will see a sign. After a short walk in you will cross a foot bridge. At approximately 0.75 mile you will reach a junction. You will turn left toward Giant Ledge. The next half mile is fairly flat. At 1.5 miles you will reach a spur ...
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  • Big Indian, New York

    Giant Ledge

    4.5
    3.05 mi / 925 ft gain
    Giant Ledge is a great hike in the Catskills if you are looking for something short, with incredible views, and camping options. There are not many hikes with better views then this in the Catskills, so why not spend as much time as possible up there? There are a few camping spots you can grab wh...
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  • Dover Plains, New York

    Hike Dover's Stone Church

    4.5
    Dover Stone Church has been a beautiful and popular destination in the Hudson Valley for some time, and recently the park purchased a new parcel of land and added three trails through the nearby woods. But the gem of the park is, and always will be, the impressive cave with the creek and waterfal...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike to Plattekill Falls

    0.5 mi / 137 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • Kent, New York

    King's Chamber and Moose Hill Loop

    3.14 mi / 499 ft gain
    King's Chamber and Moose Hill Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Carmel, New York.
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Kaaterskill High Peak Trail

    7.85 mi / 1982 ft gain
    There 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...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike to Huckleberry Point

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 644 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Devil's Path to Devil's Tombstone

    5.0
    11.9 mi / 4475 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Devil's Path in the Catskills

    4.0
    22.04 mi / 7733 ft gain
    Devil'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...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike Indian Head Summit via Jimmy Dolan Notch Overlook

    4.9 mi / 1512 ft gain
    The 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!
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