New York City Trails

Environmental improvement projects are paying off, bringing long-absent species back to cleaner waters.

Twelve trail projects will receive funding through Gov. Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 Plan.

Escape America's biggest city for the trail with a little help from this AMC program manager and hiking expert.

Environmental groups urge city council to rid the city of hard-to-recycle, single-use polystyrene foam.

NYC's 19th-century water system now offers easy-access trails and historic sites.

Amble past amber maples on Kittatinny Ridge as golden eagles and hawks soar overhead on this overnight loop. BY KATRINA ROSSOS

Like your favorite neighborhood watering hole, you can count on New York City's best local hikes to deliver exactly what you need, where you need it.

This 12.2-mile loop rambles through some of the wildest hardwood forest in the northeast and climbs three rugged peaks taller than 3,500 feet in Catskill Forest Preserve.

This hilly 6.8-mile circuit visits the best vistas in southern Harriman State Park, including views of the NYC skyline, after a fine start along one of the area's prettiest streams.

This 14-mile shuttle hike winds tranquil wooded slopes to five peaks over 3,400 feet in a remote section of the Catskills. Off-trail experience and navigation skills required.

Escape the crowds on the Catskill High Peaks with this 5.6-mile bushwhack to the range's highest trail-less summit. Compass skills required; hiking poles recommended.

Visit a lesser-known treasure of Harriman State Park on this 5.7-mile jaunt, which contours through hilly hardwood forest and along cascading creeks to a few peaceful ponds.

This 9.8-mile out-and-back day hike or overnight explores a lesser-known corner of Slide Mountain Wilderness while summiting two rugged peaks taller than 3,800 feet.

Enjoy views north and south along Kittatiny Mountain on this vigorous 10-mile loop.

There are no car horns blowing on this pleasant 5-mile loop--just the therapeutic hum of mountain streams and a peaceful lake in the woods.

You won't find sections of this 8.2-mile hike on any trail map. That's because, until recently, these two 3,500-foot mountains in the Catskill Mountains sat on private land.

This 25-mile  hike climbs six significant peaks in the northern Catskills, accumulating about 8,000 feet each of elevation gain and loss in steep, rocky terrain. This country looks and feel wild, and the views from its many lookouts easily rival those from the more-crowded high peaks.

Bag the best views withing 50 miles of Manhattan on this 6.5-mile loop along open ridges and bucolic forest trails in Harriman State Park.

Climb two peaks, then return through an abandoned village on this historic 6.2-mile loop in Bear Mountain State Park.

This 9.6-mile out-and-back has quad-bustingly steep inclines and hairy downhills, but features long, magnificent views from Sugarloaf Mountain.

Hike, ski, or bike a hidden pocket of sylvan wilderness just an hour from Manhattan.

Solitude. Fresh air. Big views. It all unfolds on this vigorous 5-miler along a lively mountain stream to the highest point in Hudson Highlands State Park.

Hike 9.2 miles to a picturesque peak loved by Hudson Valley painters like Thomas Cole. This lasso loop passes two plane wrecks and provides unmatched views of the Catskills.

This 12-mile loop in Slide Mountain Wilderness connects popular trails with a rough route to secluded campsites and trail-less peaks near the headwaters of the Neversink River.

Enjoy soaring views from open ridges on this easy-access overnight.

Climb miles up to viewpoints over the cool waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar on this 3.8-mile loop through Kettletown State Park.

Hike a section of America's first National Scenic Trail on this 23.2-mile, 3-day loop around Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

This 5.8-miler loops in-and-around secluded islands of rare trees, diverse bird sanctuaries, and tranquil butterfly gardens in Hammonasset Beach State Park.

This easy 4.6-mile loop serves up large tracts of hardwoods, a side of granite ledges, and the continuous pour of a lively brook.

On this 13.2-mile out-and-back, you'll get a StairMaster-type workout as you explore the ridges, ravines and overlooks of Fahnestock State Park.

Climb to some of the best views in the Catskills on this 11.7-mile high-peaks trek. Overnight camping permitted.

This challenging 7.2-mile scramble up rocky West Kill Mountain rewards hikers with stellar views of the Catskills and a waterfall lunch site.

Bring binoculars on this 7.3-mile paddling tour of Long Island Sound, and take time to check out the shorebirds and a historic island lighthouse.

Deep within Manhattan's famed 843-acre greenspace, this 4.1-mile escape offers a quick break from the daily grind.

Summit a Catskills favorite, Slide Mountain, on this 6.7-mile loop with views of the Shawangunks and Taconics.

Relive summer camp on a hike full of mini-habitats, historic relics, and hilltop views.

Traverse steep ridges and swampland north of the Big Apple.

See a different side of North Jersey from the Grand Tour Trail.

A mild Catskills out-and-back, this 6.3-miler on the Long Path climbs gentle grades through light spruce forest to Windham High Peak and views south of the Blackhead Mountains.

Hike to hidden falls, summit views and a Revolutionary War-era landmark on this 6-mile loop in South Mountain Reservation.

Follow George Washington's footsteps through swamplands and forests on this 7.6-mile trek (one-way) to Morristown National Historical Park.

Traipse along the Great Swamp's boardwalk to sprawling, wildflower-speckled everglades and three world-class birding spots on this easy, two-mile loop near Morristown.

Discover 19th century hotel ruins and 360-degree views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills on this 4.5-mile out-and-back to Overlook Mountain.

Leave civilization behind on this 7.4-mile loop that connects mountaintop greenery, sweeping monoliths and low-lying swamps in southern Harriman State Park.

Tour sprawling, green meadows, wetlands lined with tall grass, and quiet forests on this 3.3-miler in Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

Explore bayside birding spots, forest-lined beaches, a historic army base, and the nation's oldest standing lighthouse on this 13-miler at Sandy Hook.

Discover New York City's best birding on this 2-mile loop along bay shores and wetlands at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Walk from the shores of Bear Mountain State Park's most popular lake to a Hudson River lookout on this 2-mile lollipop.

Trace the shoreline of Mohonk Lake before scrambling through limestone crevices to a memorial tower with views of the Shawangunks on this 3-mile lollipop.

Connect quiet forests, wetlands, and an 18th century landmark on this 2.1-mile loop in Van Cortlandt Park.

Hit up some of Manhattan's best outdoor and urban highlights on this 7.6-mile hike that features views of the Statue of Liberty and a scenic spin through Central Park.

This seven-mile hike departs from the Manitou railroad station and climbs 1,000 feet to a flat ridgeline with views of Bear Mountain. Take the AT and Osborn Loop to the Manitoga Point Nature Preseve to add a mile of walking along the Hudson for a perfect blend of woods and water.

Take a different kind of backpacking trip in the concrete jungle.