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GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Floyd Bennet Field
Building 69
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(718)338-3338
This is an amazing spot, with more than 26,000 acres of wildlife sanctuaries, marshes and trails. Named because it provides a natural gateway between New York and New Jersey, this is America's first ever urban national park. Trails range from paved, multi-use roads day trips to longer, more challenging, coastal, sand and gravel footpaths . Easily passable by all, this is a nice, family oriented area.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Appalachian Trail Conference
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304)535-6331
atc-nero@atconf.org
or
NY Park Office at Bear Mountain
(914)786-2701
From Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail winds through scenic, wooded, wild and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. The footpath in its entirety covers 2,159-miles, though a large variety of short, 88 miles worth of day hikes come to a head in the New York area. Backpackers, campers and all skill level hikers are welcome on this amazing trek. The New York State portion of this trail is wooded, climbs to moderate elevation levels and offers a few steep, rocky pitches and ledges for the super motivated climbers. The New York trail is 88-miles long and is surprisingly close to New York City. Buses travel to trail daily or you can enter through Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park.
ALMOND LAKE
PO Box 400
Hornell, NY 14843
(607)324-5631
Located in the Finger Lake region, Almond Lake is a pretty place that will offer challenge to all skill levels. Hiking trails are well marked and cater to all. This is a dog friendly park that also allows camping, fishing and boating. This is a great area to hook up for a few days. Lots of wildlife viewing!
SARATOGA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
648 Route 32
Stillwater, NY 12170
(518)664-9821
This historical site is the marking spot of the Battles of Saratoga, the first victory during the revolution for Americans. Not only is it jam packed with history, but it also offers up some nicely groomed trails. The Battlefield Tour Road overlooks the Hudson River and loops 4.5 miles around actual battlefield sites. It's easily passable by all skill levels. There are also 6 more miles of historic road trails now groomed for the history buff and hiker. Paths are smooth and easy to walk, well-marked and travel through wooded areas which are thick in flowers and wildlife.
FIRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
120 Laurel Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
(516)289-4810
Here's another history drenched area. With the estate of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence nearby, this park offers a nice blend of wildlife, history, recreation and preservation. Fire Island is just one hour east of New York City and a great place to spend an afternoon. Fire Island is made up of a 32-mile long seashore and wilderness area. The 300-year old holly forest offers a unique walking experience, as does the heavily duned seashore trail. Treks range in difficulty from easy to moderate, but mostly, accommodate all skill levels. Sandy trails and basic cut-from-the-forest paths make for easy maneuvering.
THE ADIRONDACKS
(518)668-4447
There are 2,000 miles of trails through the Adirondack region, making this a hiker's paradise. The Northville to Lake Placid Trail treks some 132 miles into the wilderness and is considered the best and most difficult walk. It is also easily the most scenic, with high peaks, heavily wooded areas and lots of wildlife. This is for serious athletes only! Many shorter trails also run through this area. Maps and more information can be found at the visitor center at the park's entrance.
CASCADE MOUNTAIN
NY Route 73
Lake Placid, NY
This is a 5-mile looped trail that climbs some 4,098 feet. It's an easy to moderate climb, with the trail crossing small brooks and traveling through a white birch forest. There are a few steep grades as your reach the top of the mountain, but the view is unbeatable!
LAKE GEORGE/UPPER HUDSON REGION
Black Mountain
Whitehall, New York
(518)668-4447
Black Mountain is the tallest mountain in the Lake George area, topping 2,646 feet. The 1,200 foot ascent from the trailhead measures 2-1/2 miles and considered moderate to difficult. There are occasional steep sections, a great view from the top and a summit worthy of any hiker's camera!
CATSKILLS
Hunter Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 177
Hunter, NY 12442
(518)263-4900
Catskill terrain is steep and rugged with elevation levels that reach 4200 feet. Moderately fit to serious hikers will find the six different hiking trails a refreshing climb, however. The Escarpment Trail runs from Kaaterskill Creen to East Windham, and measures 24 miles. It hits both South and North mountains and offers a series of steep overlooks from bold cliffs and deep valleys. Indian Head Trail is rugged and also nicknamed, "Devil's Path." Hikers are urged to carry a compass and canteen on this steep climb. The other trails in the region are much the same with steep climbs, cliffs and mountain overpasses. Serious hikers won't want to pass this up. Camping is also available.
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