Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (4.9-mile loop with rolling climbs (with shorter options available))
Highlights: beautiful lake, multiple views, NYC skyline, waterfall, wild cactus grove
Distance: 4.9 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 3 hours (or 1.5 hours for the up/back to Cactus Ledge)
Total ascent: 948 ft
Max elevation: 800 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a pleasant, moderately difficult hike to see a wide variety of interesting stuff, including views of the NYC skyline, a nice waterfall, and a wild cactus grove that exists in northern New Jersey for some reason.

Fishkill Ridge: Lambs Hill

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (steep, long climb)
Highlights: dwarf pines, multiple views, open summit, steep climbs
Distance: 4.4 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 4 Hours
Total ascent: 1,579 ft
Max elevation: 1,477 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to climb a seriously steep mountain to some unique and awesome Hudson Valley views.

Black Rock Forest

Scenery:
Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (long-ish stroll with some steep sections)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! Starting in October 2019, the cost to park here is $5 per car (annual passes available for $25). Money well spent.
Highlights: multiple views, reservoirs
Distance: 5.4 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 3.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,007 ft
Max elevation: 1,413 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to hike an awesome loop that throws interesting sights at you the entire way. Or you’re a huge fan of the song Black Rock by OAR. Or both.