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

  • Elka Park, New York

    Hike Twin Mountain

    6 mi / 1586 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Monroe, New York

    Hike the Jessup/Highlands/Long Path Trails

    7.8 mi / 500 ft gain
    This trails starts at a small park in Woodbury called Gonzaga Park.  Closed from mid-November to April, you are still able to park just outside the gate if that is the time of year you are hiking.  Three different trail names share this path.  The Jessup trail starts/end at Gonzaga Park and trave...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Camp at Sugarloaf Mountain in the Catskills

    4.0
    6 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Begin 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 ...
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  • Carmel Hamlet, New York

    Ninham Mountain Fire Tower

    5.0
    1.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    This is more of a stroll than a hike, which is nice because you can add it to another hike in the same day if you're in the area. From the dirt parking lot take the trail off to the right. Just stay straight and in about 15 minutes you'll see a huge fire tower (hard to miss). Feel free to climb a...
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  • Big Indian, New York

    Hike to Balsam Mountain in the Catskills

    5.4 mi / 2910 ft gain
    Timeline: Weekend, though can easily be done as an overnight trip or just a day hike Summary: Day 1: Hike to camp (0.7 miles, 340' elevation gain) Day 2: Hike to Balsam Mountain and back to camp (4 miles round-trip) Day 3: Relax & hike back to car (0.7 miles) Details: Park the car at McKinle...
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  • Highland Falls, New York

    Popolopen Torne

    4.5
    1.18 mi / 531 ft gain
    Popolopen Torne is a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley, a surprisingly unknown trail with a beautiful payoff and a far deeper meaning. A short hike to the top puts you at the foot of a memorial to those who have served their country, a pile of painted rocks carried up by those who want to pay their...
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  • Philipstown, New York

    Hike the Osborn Loop

    7.6 mi / 850 ft gain
    The Osborn Loop trail itself is not a loop.  It connects to a 2.5 mile section of the Appalachian Trail.  Hiking these together creates the loop.  Start at the trail head for the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain Pass Road.  There is parking for two or three cars.  Walk up the road a short dist...
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  • Philipstown, New York

    Anthony's Nose via Appalachian Trail

    4.6
    1.95 mi / 682 ft gain
    Parking for the trail runs along both sides of 9D right up until the Bear Mountain Bridge. It can be busy on the weekends so just make sure you're as far off the road as you can and be especially careful unloading kids and dogs. The trailhead is located at approximately 41.322571, -73.975949 and ...
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  • Kent, Connecticut

    Hike the Ridge Loop Trail, Macedonia Brook SP

    3.0
    For a quick weekend trip from Newport, RI, Macedonia Brook State Park had a lot to offer for its size. In three or four hours, with lunch, you can hike the 6.4 mile ridge trail and get some fresh air without having to hike on too busy of trails. The elevation gain is only around 700 ft, however, ...
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  • Bear Mountain, New York

    Hike Bald Mountain, Bear Mountain State Park

    4.7
    6.8 mi / 1080 ft gain
    From your starting point at the Bear Mountain Inn, go left along the Cornell Mine Trail. (This part can be a bit confusing, but go past the carousel to a shaded picnic area; that is where the trail starts.) You will go under a bridge and follow the trail until it takes a sharp left and descends t...
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  • Elka Park, New York

    Layman's Monument and Kaaterskill Falls

    3.05 mi / 892 ft gain
    Layman'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.
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  • Tannersville, New York

    Kaaterskill Rail Trail + Kaaterskill Falls

    5.0
    3.61 mi / 246 ft gain
    The 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. 
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  • Palenville, New York

    Kaaterskill Falls via Laurel House

    4.5
    1.67 mi / 360.89 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Greene County, United States

    Hike to Newman's Ledge

    4 mi / 584 ft gain
    Located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, this is an outdoors-mans(and woman's) dream spot! Although this hike is accessible year round, if you decide to go during the summer you should expect crowds. Luckily, there are so many different trails and activities that it won't even matter. North-S...
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  • Tannersville, New York

    North Mountain

    4.7
    6.16 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Have you ever wanted to feel as if you were hiking two different locations at once? If so, then North Mountain is definitely somewhere to check out. Take the birch tree forests around Aspen, CO and pair it with the spruces/pines of the Adirondacks and you'll have this route in the Catskills. Par...
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  • Cortlandt, New York

    Camp Smith Trail

    4.0
    5.92 mi / 1759 ft gain
    This approximately 3-hour hike borders the Hudson River, and is one of the best in Westchester County. Start off at the parking area at the Bear Mountain Tollhouse, or at a small parking area farther up Bear Mountain Road, if you want a slightly shorter hike. The trail is fairly steep in places, ...
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