Our state is far from flat. New York is famously known for its astonishing 46 high peaks, which to aspiring hikers can be more than a bit intimidating. Perhaps you’re looking to view our state from as high up as possible without adventuring a long distance, or maybe you’re just looking to take a short hike to a relaxing spot. Backpacks packed and ready for an adventure? Here are the 12 best easy hikes in New York. Each one is under 5 miles!

1. Kaaterskill Falls, Tannersville
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the best easy hikes in New York, and it should be at the top of your adventure list. From the trailhead, this hike is just a one mile round trip! After driving along one of the Catskill's scenic roads, you'll park in the lot just .2 miles from the trailhead. Greeting you at the beginning of your hike is Bastion Falls, where you'll follow a gorgeous stream that will bring you to the famous Kaaterskill Falls. With little elevation and a short distance, this hike is explored by people of all ages and is one of the most popular hikes in the Empire State.

For more information, click here.
2. Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen
eflon/Flickr
bobistraveling/Flickr
We may be constantly gushing over one of our most famous state parks, but that's only because it's so miraculous! How could we not include this hike, that over a 2.5 mile stretch, let's you see nineteen waterfalls and heart shaped pools? This is a remarkable hike that's sure to leave an impression on even the most seasoned nature enthusiast.

For more information, click here.
3. Goodnow Mountain, Newcomb
Madeleine Deaton/Flickr
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Coming at just under 4 miles round trip, this mountain is a part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge. The restored tower gives you views of over 20 different high peak mountains that will surely take your breath away. Hope you're not afraid of heights!

For more information, click here.
4. Nine Corner Lake, Caroga
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Large parking areas off of NY 29 will welcome you to this short and insanely gorgeous hike. Nine Corner Lake is a hidden gem in the Adirondacks where beautiful clear waters wait to cool you off. Only two miles round trip, this hike has a series of waterfalls just past the halfway point - we suggest you stop to see them and explore the area!

For more information, click here.
5. Cascade Mountain, Keene
Gijs/Flickr
Brett Hodnett/Flickr
Barely making the cutoff, this hike is a total of 4.8 miles. One of the more difficult hikes on our list, Cascade Mountain is part of the Adirondack's 46 high peaks. If you're considering starting your high peak adventure, many begin tackling their list with this mountain. You'll feel accomplished after making the trek! While this is certainly one of the best short hikes in New York, it's not particularly easy. However, if you're up for a challenge, give it a shot!

For more information, click here.
6. Belfry Mountain, Mineville
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Andy Arthur/Flickr
When it comes to putting in little effort but achieving rewarding views, this small but astonishing mountain is exactly that. Generally this hike takes roughly a half hour and is under a mile for the entire loop. Another perk? Once you reach the top you can climb the fire tower, which is a part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge, giving you even more impressive views.

For more information, click here.

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7. Sleeping Beauty Mountain, Fort Ann
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Lea Monroe/Flickr
One of the many reasons our residents are looking for short but sweet hikes is that it's way easier to bring our fur babies along. Panoramic views of the mountains and Lake George, along with big open spaces for you to relax on, await you at the summit of this Adirondack mountain. Depending on who you ask, this mountain may or may not qualify for our list. If you park at the Hogtown Trailhead you will have a roughly 7 mile round trip hike. Although if you have a car that's willing to put up with some rough terrain, you can park at the Dacy Clearing, making your hike to the summit less than two miles and your total round trip just under 4 miles long.

For more information, click here.
8. Auger Falls Trail Loop, Wells
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Located off of NY 30 in the Adirondack Park, the only difficulty you'll encounter here will be finding the parking area! The hike itself doesn't have a lot of elevation to it but the large parking area is unmarked and often goes unseen. Some refer to this hike as the Auger Falls Westside, the loop is a total of 1.2 miles.

For more information, click here.
9. Hadley Mountain, Hadley
Chris Oakley/Flickr
Chris Oakley/Flickr
A round trip hike of 2.6 miles will give you an incredible panoramic view once you reach the top. This trail features a fire tower that brings you views that will make you wonder if you've found the most beautiful place on Earth.

For more information, click here.
10. Roaring Brook Falls, Keene Valley
kezee/Flickr
kezee/Flickr
kezee/Flickr
Roaring Brook Falls is great place to stop and enjoy some tranquil leisure time. This short hike is just about one mile round trip, and the trek is almost entirely flat. That makes it perfect for all ages!

For more information, click here.
11. Plotter Kill Preserve, Schenectady
bobistraveling/Flickr
bobistraveling/Flickr
Surrounding you with beautiful scenery, this New York preserve offers a variety of different length trails, many falling under 5 miles. While it's easy to get caught up in the gorgeous landscape, here is a place you must always remember to be extra careful and responsible. While most of the trails here are considered easy, around many of the waterfalls and muddy areas, it can be a bit dangerous.

For more information, click here.
12. Shelving Rock Mountain, Fort Ann
Lea Monroe/Flickr
Lea Monroe/Flickr
For those looking to take a leisurely hike that has very little elevation, this should be your go to! If you're truly feeling uneasy about whether or not you could take this small hike, I'll reassure you by saying I've literally seen young children and newborns traveling along this trail. A 3.4 mile round trip hike, this mountain has a waterfall nearby as well. The trail to Shelving Rock Falls, just a short walk from the mountain trail head, is .8 miles round trip and provides a refreshing way to cool down after one of the many nearby trails.

For more information, click here.

With hundreds of local trails, these 12 short hikes in New York truly showcase the beautiful and adventurous side of our state. If you’re looking for more amazing hikes to add to your to-do list for this year, read 13 Unbelievable Hikes In New York That Locals Want To Keep Secret.

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More to Explore

best easy hikes in New York

Kim Magaraci | June 28, 2020

What are the top trails in New York to add to my bucket list?

Devil's Hole State Park, near Niagara Falls, is one of the most incredible hikes in the state, so it should go right to the top of your New York hike bucket list. If, somehow, you've managed to miss out on Kaaterskill Falls, that should be a top priority for any New York nature lover. You can find more New York bucket list hikes right here.

What are the best waterfall hikes in New York?

Letchworth State Park is home to the "Grand Canyon of the East", and you'll find three of the most impressive New York waterfalls here. In Taughannock Falls State Park, the namesake cascade is sure to take your breath away. If you're looking for a quick day of waterfall hiking, visit Fillmore Glen State Park. You'll find several beautiful waterfalls along two miles of trail. Read The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In New York Who Loves Waterfall Hikes for more of the natural beauty of the Empire State.

What are the most beautiful lakes in New York?

New York is full of beautiful lakes, and you'll find them scattered throughout the Empire State. In the Fingerlakes region, Skaneateles Lake makes for picture-perfect scenery and memorable summer days on the water. In the Adirondack High Peaks, you can take the beautiful Trail of the Cedars to access Avalanche Lake, where you're sure to want to sit and reflect for a bit.

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Featured Addresses
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Watkins Glen, NY, USA
Goodnow Mountain, Newcomb, NY 12852, USA
Nine Corner Lake, New York 12032, USA
Cascade Mountain, Keene, NY 12942, USA
Belfry Mountain, Mineville, NY 12998, USA
Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA
Auger Falls, Wells, NY 12190, USA
Hadley Mountain, Hadley, NY 12835, USA
Roaring Brook Falls Trail, Keene Valley, NY 12943, USA
3809-, 3953 Mariaville Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306, USA
Shelving Rock Falls, Fort Ann, NY 12827, USA