New York has plenty to offer hikers in the form of many wilderness areas, peakbagging challenges, and long-distance trails / thru-hikes.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks has been a staple of tourism for so long that some claim that the term “vacation” was coined referring to New Yorkers escaping to these mountains. The Adirondack Park is the largest protected wilderness area in the contiguous 48 states and is a very popular hiking destination for the entire Northeastern population.
The Catskills
Closer to Manhattan and slightly more approachable, the Catskills is another popular destination with hikers and peakbaggers.
The Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley contains the Shawangunks which offer easier terrain than the more northern regions. The Appalachian Trail passes through this region.
Long Distance Trails / Thru-Hikes
- Appalachian Trail
- Northville to Placid Trail
- Devil’s Path
- Escarpment Trail
- NY Long Path
Highest Point
The highest elevation in the state is Mount Marcy, located in the Adirondacks. It stands at 5,343 ft above sea level.
Hiking Culture
New York hiking culture is similar to that of New Hampshire and other Northeastern states, with an emphasis on peakbagging and list-based hiking.
Terrain
Much of New York’s hiking is rugged and poorly maintained due to lack of resources, though the popular trails are all well groomed. LIke the rest of the East Coast, most of the trails in the state were developed before understanding of trail sustainability was widespread, and so the trails usually cut straight up the mountain at an extreme grade, without much concern for erosion. The general lack of switchbacks leads to a rigorous hiking experience. Northern New York gets heavy snow almost every year, which allows for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Mud is very prominent, especially in the spring as snow melts.
