1. Minnewaska State Park - Gertrude’s Nose Trail
Located in the Shawangunk Mountains, this 7.5-mile trail offers jaw-dropping cliffside views that overlook forests and lakes that burst into fiery colors each fall. The hike is moderately challenging, with a mix of rocky terrain and scenic paths through dense woodlands. The highlight is reaching Gertrude’s Nose, a dramatic cliff edge with panoramic views of the vibrant valley below — perfect for those Instagram shots.
2. Breakneck Ridge - Hudson Highlands
Famous for its steep, rock-scrambling climb, Breakneck Ridge isn’t for the faint-hearted but rewards thrill-seekers with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River. This 3.7-mile hike features multiple lookouts where you can catch the entire river painted in brilliant fall hues. Ideal for adventurous New Yorkers looking for a challenge, it’s a perfect weekend escape just an hour north of NYC.
Famous for its steep, rock-scrambling climb, Breakneck Ridge isn’t for the faint-hearted but rewards thrill-seekers with sweeping vistas of the Hudson River. This 3.7-mile hike features multiple lookouts where you can catch the entire river painted in brilliant fall hues. Ideal for adventurous New Yorkers looking for a challenge, it’s a perfect weekend escape just an hour north of NYC.
3. Catskill Mountains - Giant Ledge Trail
For a relatively short hike with a big payoff, the Giant Ledge Trail in the Catskills is a must-do. The 3-mile round-trip trek ascends through beautiful wooded trails, culminating at the ledge, where you'll be greeted by stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glowing with fall colors. It’s a favorite for photographers and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in nature’s fall spectacle.
For a relatively short hike with a big payoff, the Giant Ledge Trail in the Catskills is a must-do. The 3-mile round-trip trek ascends through beautiful wooded trails, culminating at the ledge, where you'll be greeted by stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glowing with fall colors. It’s a favorite for photographers and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in nature’s fall spectacle.
4. Storm King State Park - Storm King Trail
This 2.4-mile trail is perfect for a quick but rewarding hike, offering some of the best views of the Hudson Valley. The trail weaves through lush forests that turn into a sea of orange and yellow come fall, leading to a breathtaking summit. Storm King is a favorite among New Yorkers for its accessibility and the picturesque views from the top, making it a great spot for a day trip.
This 2.4-mile trail is perfect for a quick but rewarding hike, offering some of the best views of the Hudson Valley. The trail weaves through lush forests that turn into a sea of orange and yellow come fall, leading to a breathtaking summit. Storm King is a favorite among New Yorkers for its accessibility and the picturesque views from the top, making it a great spot for a day trip.
5. Overlook Mountain Trail - Woodstock, NY
This 4.6-mile hike combines history, adventure, and epic scenery all in one. The trail is a steady climb that passes by eerie, abandoned hotel ruins, giving it a unique, adventurous vibe. At the summit, you’ll find an old fire tower — climb it to get an unparalleled view of the Catskills, covered in vibrant autumn foliage. A perfect mix of culture, history, and nature for a memorable fall outing!
This 4.6-mile hike combines history, adventure, and epic scenery all in one. The trail is a steady climb that passes by eerie, abandoned hotel ruins, giving it a unique, adventurous vibe. At the summit, you’ll find an old fire tower — climb it to get an unparalleled view of the Catskills, covered in vibrant autumn foliage. A perfect mix of culture, history, and nature for a memorable fall outing!
