Harriman State Park: Jackie Jones Fire Tower

Scenery:
Difficulty: 4 out of 10 (short-ish hike with mostly gentle inclines)
Highlights: fire tower, gorgeous views, NYC skyline, ruins, that "new fire tower" smell
Distance: 2.8 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 553 ft
Max elevation: 1,330 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a short hike to a fire tower with awesome views of the New York City skyline (with lots of other non-skyline-related beauty, too).

Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) II: Full Loop

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (long, steep haul over a big fat mountain)
Highlights: abandoned quarry, loopishness, ruins, steep climbs, sweeping views
Distance: 5.9 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,522 ft
Max elevation: 1,421 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re looking for a hard climb with several great views along the way. Also, you want to visit some ruins that will make you feel better about all the home improvement projects you’ve been putting off.