New York

There is three different trailheads to access the North Point Loop. I chose the trailhead that would give me the longest hike. That would be the Butter Hill parking area on Route 9W north. From the parking lot, start on the connector trail designated with white markers. Follow this for about .5 mile...

Not all adventures have to involve scaling crazy-steep mountains or paddling down intense white-water rapids. Some of the best adventures are the relaxing and mellow ones right in our backyards. When I cannot get into the woods every day, I go to the Colonie Town Park, just 10 minutes from my house,...

Owls Head Mountain is a hot spot when it comes to hiking. For climbers, it's a great crag to hone in your skills and practice moving fluidly. The height of the wall is on the smaller side, I'd say somewhere around 50-55 feet. The view and rock quality, however, that is the real draw. Once you've par...

This half-mile, steep hike to the 2225 foot summit of Rocky Mountain has some great views of Fourth Lake and the surrounding area from it's open summit. Simply follow the steep, well worn trail (and yellow DEC discs) to the summit. The round trip of this hike is one mile, with an elevation gain of 4...

Park at the dead end designated DEC "Fishing Salmon Creek" lot. Casting anywhere on this stretch of stream leading up to Salmon Creek Falls is excellent fishing, especially near the bridge crossing which is in sight from the parking area. Make sure to check spawning seasons for the area online befor...

Over 3 miles of trails provide access to all parts of the preserve, and end up winding through mixed terrain including a wetland, waterfalls, and old stone walls. The property crosses the Bozenkill Road at two points on either side of private parcels (with beautiful homes), so be vigilant there; peo...

I'd heard two things about this particular waterfall before seeing it: the flame isn't always lit (so bring a lighter) and the current depends on the rain. Parking was simple; the falls is in the corner of Chestnut Ridge Park and there are many entrances, but the hike itself has it's own parking are...

Park in the designated lot directly off Troy Rd and begin the loop at the only trail entering the parking area (the lot only holds about 4-5 vehicles). Because this is a loop trial, when it splits after 200 yards take either route and still end at the parking area. The loop is 2.3 miles long and a g...

Located in DUMBO this is seen as one of of the prime photography spots in NYC for good reason. Off the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street is a perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge sandwiched between two buildings. If you want to take it one step further you are able to get a closer v...

On Townline road, park at the pulloff where you'll see arrows pointing to the "Thayer Loop Trail" and a kiosk describing the trail. This trail is a short trail that travels along the side of Lick Brook overlooking several small cascades and waterfalls. For a section it also passes by a small farm wh...

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 distance unt...

The best place to launch into the Nine-Mile Swamp is along side of Wickwire Road (off from State Route 12) not far beyond the RR Crossing. There is room here for about half a dozen cars. This is a great paddle for the whole family. From the Wickwire Road launch, you will be paddling upstream as you ...

Take in two unique views of the Adirondacks on one hike. Rooster Comb offers a great 5.2 mile round trip hike that gives you some unique vantage points. Starting from the parking lot you cross over a nice wooden bridge to the trail registry. Remember to sign in. Next you'll come up on a pond in whic...

This is a 3-4 day adventure that begins with part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail . Rent a canoe at a local outfitter and make arrangements for your vehicle shuttle. They will drive your car to the end point of the adventure. A couple of options include St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and Raquette Riv...

Looking for a great family hike up in the Adirondacks? Take a look into Cobble Hill right off of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid. This is a perfect hike for those with younger kids and want to expose them to hiking. Cobble Hill has a little bit of everything all packed into the short distance. The trailh...

Watkins Glen South Rim Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Watkins Glen, New York.