Outdoors · Hiking & Trails
Hiking & Trails in New York
From the rocky top of Mount Marcy to the long ribbon of the Empire State Trail, New York trails reward a little planning.
New York trails range from flat canal paths and short park walks to Catskill fire towers and long Adirondack mountain days. Pick the terrain that fits the least experienced person in the group, then measure the whole round trip and climb.
Most day hikes are simple to access. The important exceptions are tied to the exact property, season, and trailhead, especially AMR reservations and the tighter rules in the High Peaks.
The useful details
The rules that matter
A trail name is not a trip plan. Match the route to the right property, count the full distance and climb, and then check the few access and seasonal rules that can change the day.
- Start with the property
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Use the official page and map for the exact trailhead, not just a map-app pin.
DEC, State Parks, New York City, the National Park Service, a town, and a private preserve can use different parking, dog, hour, permit, and closure rules. DECinfo Locator shows trails, parking, lean-tos, and other features on DEC-managed land.
DEC statewide hiking guide -> - Day-hike access
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Many DEC day hikes are free, first-come, and need no hiking permit.
That is a baseline, not a promise for every trailhead. A property may have a reservation, paid parking, a capacity closure, or access over private land. Park only in a legal space and never block a gate or roadway.
DEC hiking and access guidance -> - AMR reservation
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AMR entry needs a free reservation from May 1 through October 31. Reservations open up to 2 weeks ahead, and walk-ins are not allowed.
The rule covers parking, day access, overnight access, drop-offs, and arrivals by bicycle. A Greyhound or Trailways passenger may instead show a valid ticket from within 24 hours. AMR also bars dogs, camping, drones, off-trail travel, swimming, fishing, and cell phone use. Bicycles stay at the lot.
DEC Adirondack Mountain Reserve rules -> - Distance and climb
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Plan the whole round trip, total climbing, surface, and daylight, not just the miles to the viewpoint.
A short, steep High Peaks or Catskill route can take longer than a much longer paved trail. Download the official map, set a turn-around time, and keep enough energy and daylight for the return trip.
DEC Hike Smart NY -> - High Peaks groups
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The High Peaks Wilderness allows at most 15 people on a day trip and 8 overnight. Oversized-group permits are not available there.
Those numbers are special High Peaks limits. An overnight trip also brings camping, fire, food-storage, and elevation rules, so use the camping guide and the exact management-zone page before sleeping outside.
DEC High Peaks Wilderness rules -> - Dogs
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Dogs are not allowed on AMR land. In the Eastern High Peaks, dogs must be leashed at all times.
Elsewhere in the High Peaks, a leash is required at trailheads, campsites, and above 4,000 feet. Other properties may be looser or tighter. Keep a dog under control, carry water and waste bags, and check the exact property before the drive.
DEC trail etiquette and dog rules -> - Mud, snow, and closures
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Stay off steep high-elevation trails during spring mud season. In the High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is at least 8 inches deep.
Walk through ordinary mud instead of widening the trail. In winter, traction and snowshoes do different jobs: spikes help on ice, while skis or snowshoes keep you from sinking into deep snow. Seasonal gorge and storm-damaged trails may be closed entirely.
DEC winter hiking safety -> - Registers and rescue
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Sign in and out at trail registers, and leave the route and return time with someone at home.
One person signs for a group. Carry a real light, offline map, layers, water, food, and first aid. Call 911 for an emergency or 1-833-NYS-RANGERS for a lost, injured, or stranded backcountry visitor.
DEC hiking safety -> - Hunting seasons
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Hiking and legal hunting often share the same public land. Wear a bright outer layer and keep pets visible and controlled.
Do not assume a trail closes because a hunting season opens. Check the exact property and current season, stay on marked routes, and respect any temporary closure or posted private boundary.
DEC current hunting seasons ->
Ordinary example
A fall High Peaks day hike
Four friends choose a route that enters through AMR. They reserve access for the group, leave the dog home, download the map, count the full mileage and climb, and set a turn-around time. At the trailhead they sign the register. If they switch to a non-AMR trail, they still open that property's page because parking and current notices can change.
What changes the answer
Facts that change the answer
- The land manager
- A DEC trail, State Park path, city greenway, federal unit, and private easement do not share one access rule.
- The route
- Distance, climbing, water crossings, trail surface, remoteness, and a road walk can turn the same mileage into a very different day.
- The season
- Mud, snow depth, ice, hunting, storms, daylight, fire danger, and temporary closures change what is sensible or legal.
- The group
- Dogs, children, overnight gear, group size, mobility, and experience can change the route and the rulebook.
Do this next
Next steps
- Open the property Find the official map, trailhead, parking rule, land manager, and current notices.
- Measure the route Write down round-trip miles, total climb, likely pace, daylight, and a turn-around time.
- Check the live day Read the forecast and trail conditions, then leave the route and return time with someone at home.
Good first stops
Mount Marcy & the Adirondack 46
This is the crown jewel of New York hiking. On a clear day the summit shows you dozens of other peaks. It's hard, rocky, and unforgettable — and a true rite of passage for Northeast hikers.
Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) & the Great Range
Some of the most scenic High Peaks routes start here, and the reservation is easy to miss. It opens up to two weeks ahead, so handle access before planning the rest of the day.
Slide Mountain (highest Catskill peak)
A great big-mountain feel without an Adirondack-length day. High trailhead elevation means less climbing, and you'll find trailside views on the way up.
Before you go
A few checks make the day easier.
- Most day hikes: free, no permit, first-come first-served.
- AMR near Keene Valley: free access reservation required May 1–Oct 31 at hikeamr.org; no walk-ins; no dogs on AMR land.
- DEC High Peaks rules: bear canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks from April 1 through November 30; camping is prohibited above 3,500 ft except at lean-tos; no campfires in the Eastern Zone.
- Group limits: 15 for day hikes, 8 for overnight — check the current regulations before you go.
- Best all-around: summer through early fall.
Where to go
Mount Marcy & the Adirondack 46
This is the crown jewel of New York hiking. On a clear day the summit shows you dozens of other peaks. It's hard, rocky, and unforgettable — and a true rite of passage for Northeast hikers.
Getting there: Mount Marcy is New York's highest peak at 5,344 feet, inside the High Peaks Wilderness. The most popular route is the Van Hoevenberg Trail from the Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid — a long, full-day round trip of nearly 15 miles. Many hikers chase the 46 High Peaks to become a "46er."
Plan the visit →Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) & the Great Range
Some of the most scenic High Peaks routes start here, and the reservation is easy to miss. It opens up to two weeks ahead, so handle access before planning the rest of the day.
Getting there: The AMR trailhead near St. Huberts in Keene Valley is the gateway to peaks like Mount Colvin, the Great Range, and the Lake Road. From May 1 through October 31 you need a free reservation for parking or access, including a drop-off or bicycle arrival. Walk-ins are not allowed, and dogs are banned on AMR land.
Plan the visit →Slide Mountain (highest Catskill peak)
A great big-mountain feel without an Adirondack-length day. High trailhead elevation means less climbing, and you'll find trailside views on the way up.
Getting there: Slide Mountain rises to 4,180 feet, the tallest in the Catskills, in the Slide Mountain Wilderness in Ulster County. The state trailhead is on County Route 47 (Oliverea–Big Indian Road) near Winnisook. It's the most popular wilderness trail system in the Catskills.
Plan the visit →Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
Climbing the towers earns you a commemorative patch and rewards from DEC. It's a fun, family-friendly way to bag several summits with a clear goal — and the tower-top views are a treat.
Getting there: A set of restored fire-tower summits across the Catskills — including Overlook Mountain (Woodstock), Hunter Mountain (Hunter), Tremper Mountain (Shandaken), Balsam Lake Mountain (Hardenburgh), and Red Hill (Denning). The DEC has added more towers in recent years, so check the current list and rules.
Plan the visit →Empire State Trail
Mostly flat and paved or hard-packed, it's perfect for walkers, runners, and bikers of all abilities. You can do a one-mile stroll or a multi-week adventure — your choice.
Getting there: A 750-mile statewide route — the longest multi-use trail in the country — running from New York City up the Hudson and Champlain valleys to the Canadian border, and from Albany to Buffalo along the Erie Canal. About three-quarters is off-road. Plan your leg and download maps at empiretrail.ny.gov.
Plan the visit →Catskill 3500 Club peaks
A rewarding goal for hikers who want a challenge close to the Hudson Valley and downstate. The peaks are wilder and quieter than the crowded High Peaks up north.
Getting there: The Catskills have a famous list of high peaks topping 3,500 feet. Hiking the qualifying summits — and re-climbing a few of them in winter — earns membership in the Catskill 3500 Club. Many trailheads sit within DEC Forest Preserve lands; check DEC place pages for parking and trail info.
Plan the visit →Permits, parking & access — what you actually need
Many New York trails are free and first-come, first-served. Day hikes on many state lands do not need a permit. The big exception is the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) near Keene Valley.
From May 1 through October 31, you need a free reservation to park or enter through AMR trailheads. Reservations open up to two weeks ahead. Drop-offs and bicycle arrivals also need one. A Greyhound or Trailways passenger may instead show a valid ticket from within 24 hours. This system does not apply to other Adirondack trailheads.
If you're camping overnight in the High Peaks, there are real rules. In the Eastern (Central) Zone, bear-resistant canisters are required for all overnight campers, and you store all food, garbage, and toiletries inside. Group sizes are capped — day-hiking parties at 15 people, overnight groups at 8 — and there are no permits for bigger groups. Always sign the trail register at the trailhead.
- •Most day hikes: free, no permit, first-come first-served.
- •AMR near Keene Valley: free access reservation required May 1–Oct 31 at hikeamr.org; no walk-ins; no dogs on AMR land.
- •DEC High Peaks rules: bear canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks from April 1 through November 30; camping is prohibited above 3,500 ft except at lean-tos; no campfires in the Eastern Zone.
- •Group limits: 15 for day hikes, 8 for overnight — check the current regulations before you go.
Official source — NYSDEC — Adirondack Backcountry Info →
When to go — and when to stay off the high trails
Summer and early fall are the sweet spot, especially for the High Peaks. Foliage season in late September and October is gorgeous, but it's also the busiest — reserve AMR parking early and start at dawn to beat the crowds.
Spring brings "mud season," and this one matters. The DEC asks hikers to stay off steep, high-elevation trails during spring mud season because soft ground erodes easily and the damage lasts for years. When you do hit muddy trails, walk straight through the mud, not around it, to keep the trail from widening.
Winter hiking in the Adirondacks and Catskills is beautiful but serious business — deep snow, ice, and short daylight. It calls for extra gear like traction and snowshoes, plus real experience. If you're new, start with lower trails and build up. Always check the current trail conditions and weather before you head out.
- •Best all-around: summer through early fall.
- •Peak crowds: foliage season (late Sept–Oct) — go early.
- •Spring mud season: avoid steep high-elevation trails; walk through mud, not around it.
- •Winter: deep snow and ice — bring traction/snowshoes and experience.
Official source — NYSDEC — Hiking →
Staying safe — Hike Smart NY
New York's DEC sums up trail safety in one phrase: Hike Smart NY. The idea is simple — be prepared, know the forecast, and don't bite off more than you can chew. Many High Peaks hikes are far longer and harder than they look on a map.
Carry the 10 hiking essentials on every trip: navigation (map and compass), light, extra clothing and food, water, first aid, fire, a knife or tool, and emergency shelter. Sign the trail register and write down your start time — it helps searchers find you if something goes wrong. And remember, the trip back takes about as long as the trip in, so turn around with daylight to spare.
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the backcountry. Tell someone your plan and your expected return time before you leave. Pack out everything you pack in, and follow Leave No Trace so these wild places stay wild for the next hiker.
- •Carry the 10 essentials — map/compass, light, food, water, layers, first aid, and shelter.
- •Sign the trail register with your start time.
- •Check the weather and current trail conditions; turn around early enough to finish in daylight.
- •Follow Leave No Trace and pack out your trash — don't count on cell service.
Official source — NYSDEC — Hike Smart NY →
Quick reference
Mount Marcy stands 5,344 feet, the highest peak in New York State
Yes. It sits in the High Peaks Wilderness, and the most popular route is the Van Hoevenberg Trail from the Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid.
A 46er is someone who has hiked all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks
It's a beloved Northeast hiking goal. Start with the High Peaks Wilderness page on DEC to plan your routes.
For most trailheads, no — they're free and first-come, first-served
The big exception is the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) near Keene Valley, where a free access reservation is required from May 1 through October 31. It also covers drop-offs and bicycle arrivals. Reserve at hikeamr. org; walk-ins are turned away.
For overnight campers in the Eastern (Central) Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness
You must store all food, garbage, and toiletries in a bear-resistant canister. Hanging food or using a sack does not meet the rule. Check the current DEC regulations before your trip.
Try the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
The fire-tower summits like Overlook and Tremper are well-marked, family-friendly climbs with great views, and finishing earns a patch from DEC. Slide Mountain, the tallest Catskill peak at 4,180 feet, is another popular pick.
Absolutely
The 750-mile Empire State Trail is built for walking, running, biking, and in winter, skiing and snowshoeing. About three-quarters is off-road and much of it is flat and paved. Pick any leg at empiretrail. ny. gov — you don't have to do the whole thing.
Steep, high-elevation trails during mud season
The DEC asks hikers to stay off them because the soft ground erodes easily and takes years to recover. When you do cross mud, walk straight through it, not around it, to keep the trail from widening.
The 10 hiking essentials: map and compass, light, extra clothing, extra food, water, first aid, fire starter, a knife or tool, and emergency shelter
See DEC's Hike Smart NY page for the full list and a printable handout.
Not
Backcountry areas in the Adirondacks and Catskills have spotty to no service. Tell someone your route and expected return time before you go, and sign the trail register with your start time so searchers can find you if needed.
Official sources
Use the agency page when dates, fees, closures, permits, or safety rules matter. Reviewed July 2026.
- NYSDEC — High Peaks Wilderness Complex Mount Marcy elevation, bear canister rule, group size limits, camping restrictions.
- NYSDEC — Adirondack Mountain Reserve Conservation Easement Tract AMR parking and access reservation rules and dates.
- AMR Hiker Parking Portal (hikeamr.org) Official site to make free AMR parking and access reservations.
- NYSDEC — Backcountry Information for the Adirondack Park Trail registers, parking, and backcountry rules.
- NYSDEC — Bear-Resistant Canisters What counts as a bear canister and where they're required.
- NYSDEC — Slide Mountain Wilderness Highest Catskill peak (4,180 ft) and trailhead info.
- NYSDEC — Catskills Fire Tower Challenge Current tower list, rules, and rewards.
- NYSDEC — Hiking Statewide hiking hub, including Catskill high peaks and trail conditions.
- NYSDEC — Hike Smart NY 10 hiking essentials, responsibility code, and safety guidance.
- NYSDEC — Adirondack Backcountry Mud season guidance and Adirondack trail planning.
- Empire State Trail (empiretrail.ny.gov) 750-mile statewide trail overview, maps, and trip planning.
- Empire State Trail — Trip Planning Route legs, maps, and downloadable GPX files.
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