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.

Bushkill Falls

Scenery:
Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (moderately strenuous loop with significant climbs and a zillion stairs)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! $15 per hiker weekdays, $18 per hiker weekends (kids/senior rates cheaper)
Highlights: boardwalks, gift shop, several opportunities to part with your money, viewing platforms, waterfall
Distance: 3.0 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 2.5 hours
Total ascent: 709 ft
Max elevation: 874 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You enjoy gorgeous waterfalls, boardwalks, viewing platforms, stairs, and well-kept trails. Also, you don’t mind exiting nature through the gift shop.

Giant Stairs (Palisades)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 10 out of 10 (long hike with very steep climbs and a one-mile section of boulder scrambling)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! New as of 2023, it’s now metered parking here. $1.5/hr weekdays; $2.50/hr weekends. Money well spent. (First hour is free; Wednesdays are free.)
Highlights: boulder fields, clifftop views, rock scrambling, waterfall
Distance: 5.2 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4 hours
Total ascent: 1,269 ft
Max elevation: 542 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to scramble over a mile-long stretch of boulders while taking in some gorgeous Hudson River views. Also, you LOVE climbing stairs.

Kaaterskill Falls II (upper trailhead)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 5 out of 10 (2 out of 10 for an easy stroll to the viewing platform, 5 out of 10 if you also visit the lower falls, 7 out of 10 for a rugged hike if you follow all the steps below (to lower falls and Inspiration Point))
Highlights: awesome views, viewing platform, waterfall, wheelchair accessibility
Distance: 4.7 miles
Approximate roundtrip time: 3.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,177 ft
Max elevation: 2,211 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to check out a mind-blowing two-tier waterfall, ogle some amazing views, and explore some awesome trail features.

Race Mountain (Mount Race)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 8 out of 10 (rugged climb with some stream-hopping and steep sections)
Highlights: awesome trails, campsites, views, waterfall
Distance: 7.1 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 5 Hours
Total ascent: 2,080 ft
Max elevation: 2,360 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to traverse some of the most beautiful trails in the area, see some pretty waterfalls, and check out a nice view at the top.

Indian Ladder Trail

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (relatively flat, easy stroll with a large staircase on either end)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! There's a new (as of 2018) parking fee here of $6. Money well-spent.
Highlights: cliffs, giant overhangs, Utah-like vibe, waterfall
Distance: 2.5 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 2.5 Hours
Total ascent: 541 ft
Max elevation: 1,207 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a relatively easy hike with a massive payoff, and you’re not scared to drive to Albany to make it happen. Also, you’re cool when your nature comes served with crowds.

Croton Gorge Park

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (short climb up a dirt road)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! Access to the park is $10 per car ($5 if you have a park pass), May through Labor Day only. All other times, it’s free.
Highlights: bridge, dam, scenic reservoir, waterfall, wheelchair accessibility
Distance: 2.1 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 hours (includes playground stop – WHEEEE!)
Total ascent: 188 ft
Max elevation: 254 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a relatively easy stroll up to, around, and over a giant honking waterfall.

Brace Mountain II (South Taconic trailhead)

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (very steep, rocky hike with the odd rattlesnake)
Highlights: even more amazing views, open field at summit, waterfall
Distance: 3.8 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 3.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,515 ft
Max elevation: 2,303 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to climb a difficult, rugged, and awesome trail to one of the best views in the Hudson Valley (or anywhere else).

North-South Lake: North Point

Scenery:
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 (long hike with a few very steep sections)
Fees: Cheapskate alert! There’s a per-car day use fee to hike here ($10 per car as of 2014.) Money well spent.
Highlights: cave, incredible views from multiple ledges, waterfall
Distance: 7 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 4.5 Hours
Total ascent: 1,144 ft
Max elevation: 2,989 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re a fan of incredible views, you appreciate a good ledge and you want to do some serious hiking.

High Falls Conservation Area

Scenery:
Difficulty: 2 out of 10 (short hike with a couple small climbs)
Highlights: nice trails, waterfall
Distance: 1.5 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 251 ft
Max elevation: 469 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You’re in the mood for a stroll and you appreciate a big fat waterfall.

Falling Waters Preserve

Scenery:
Difficulty: 3 out of 10 (short hike with a few rolling climbs)
Highlights: general awesomeness, riverside trails, waterfall
Distance: 2.7 miles, Loop
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 399 ft
Max elevation: 150 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You like cascading waterfalls, river views and beautiful countryside. If that doesn’t apply to you, the Poughkeepsie Galleria might have some good sales going on right now.

Stony Kill Falls

Scenery:
Difficulty: 4 out of 10 (easy stroll with some clambering at the falls)
Highlights: cliff face, naked people, waterfall
Distance: 1.45 miles, Up-and-Back
Approximate roundtrip time: 1.5 Hours
Total ascent: 193 ft
Max elevation: 1,291 ft above sea level
This hike is for you if: You want to take a short, pleasant stroll to a breathtaking 90-ft waterfall.