New York Outdoors

The 46 Adirondack High Peaks challenge draws thousands of hikers every year. Mount Marcy (5,344 ft) is the state's highest point with panoramic views from the exposed summit. Cascade Mountain is the most popular introductory High Peak — 4.8 miles round trip with a stunning 360-degree summit. Start early; trailheads fill by 8am on summer weekends.

The twice-Olympic village (1932, 1980) is the base camp for Adirondack adventures. Paddle Mirror Lake from the public beach, tour the Olympic ski jumps, or take the gondola up Whiteface Mountain for views across five states and Canada. The Olympic bobsled run offers public rides in summer ($95) and winter ($100+).

The Olympic downhill ski mountain has 90 trails and a 3,430-foot vertical drop — the biggest in the East. In summer, drive the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway to the summit ($15/car) or hike the Wilmington Trail (5.2 miles one way). The summit castle offers views into Vermont, Montreal, and across the High Peaks.

The Adirondacks transform into a winter playground from December through March. Cross-country skiing at Cascade Ski Center, ice climbing in Chapel Pond Canyon, snowshoeing through old-growth forest, and world-class downhill at Whiteface and Gore Mountain. Lake Placid hosts the annual Ironman and toboggan championships on Mirror Lake.

The crown jewel of New York State Parks. The Gorge Trail winds through 200 feet of sculpted rock past 19 waterfalls in just 2 miles. You walk behind Rainbow Falls through a natural stone tunnel. Go early on weekday mornings to have the gorge nearly to yourself. Open mid-May through early November. Free parking; $10 swimming.

At 215 feet, Taughannock Falls is taller than Niagara. The 1.5-mile Gorge Trail is flat and easy, ending at the base of the falls with a thundering plunge pool. In winter, the frozen falls create an enormous ice column. The overlook trail offers a top-down view. Just 10 minutes north of Ithaca.

The college town's unofficial motto — "Ithaca is Gorges" — earns every letter. Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Cascadilla Gorge all offer stunning hikes past waterfalls and swimming holes. Six Mile Creek is a local favorite for cliff jumping (at your own risk). Cornell campus connects to Fall Creek Gorge with its 150-foot drop.

Called the "Grand Canyon of the East" — and it delivers. The Genesee River carved a 17-mile gorge with walls rising 600 feet, punctuated by three massive waterfalls. The 66-mile trail system ranges from easy rim walks to challenging canyon descents. Hot air balloon rides over the gorge operate spring through fall ($250+).

New York's tallest two-stage waterfall (260 feet total) inspired Hudson River School painters like Thomas Cole. The hike from Route 23A is just 1.4 miles round trip but steep and rocky — proper shoes are essential. A new observation platform at the base makes viewing safe. Arrive before 9am on summer weekends; the small parking lot fills fast.

Slide Mountain (4,180 ft) is the Catskills' highest peak. The Catskill 3500 Club challenges hikers to summit all 35 peaks over 3,500 feet — four of which must be done in winter. The Slide Mountain Trail via Burroughs Range is a 9.6-mile loop through boreal forest, with summit views that stretch to the Adirondacks on clear days.

The Catskills are the birthplace of American fly fishing. The Beaverkill River, Willowemoc Creek, and Esopus Creek are legendary trout streams. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum in Livingston Manor preserves the heritage. Season runs April through October. Guide services ($350-500/half day) provide gear and local knowledge.

Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain offer the closest serious skiing to New York City (2-2.5 hours). Hunter has 67 trails with aggressive snowmaking. Belleayre Mountain is a state-run hidden gem with lower prices ($70-90 vs $120+) and fewer crowds. Plattekill Mountain is the indie favorite — no corporate feel, natural snow focus, open weekends only.

The most popular hiking destination within reach of New York City. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park — the Perkins Memorial Tower at the summit offers views of the Manhattan skyline, 40 miles south. The Trailside Museums and Zoo is the only zoo on the Appalachian Trail. Merry-go-round, swimming pool, and picnic areas make it family-friendly. $10 parking.

The 8-mile Storm King loop is one of the most dramatic hikes in the Northeast — exposed granite ledges with sheer drops above the Hudson River. Butter Hill offers the money shot looking down at the river bend. Not for anyone afraid of heights. Nearby Storm King Art Center ($18) is one of the world's largest outdoor sculpture parks, with 500 acres of art in rolling hills.

The world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge — 1.28 miles across the Hudson River, 212 feet above the water. A former railroad bridge converted into a linear park in 2009. Connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail on the east and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west for extended walks. Free admission, open year-round, spectacular at sunset.

The most thrilling (and challenging) day hike accessible from Metro-North. The first half-mile involves hand-over-hand rock scrambling up steep granite faces. The views of the Hudson Highlands are extraordinary. Accessible by train from Grand Central — the Breakneck Ridge stop is literally at the trailhead. Not suitable for beginners or young children.

New York City's only surf beach — reachable by A train from Manhattan in under an hour. The boardwalk stretches 5.5 miles with taco stands, craft beer spots, and surf shops. Rockaway Beach Surf Club rents boards ($25/day) and offers lessons ($100/2hrs). The beach has come a long way since Hurricane Sandy — it is now one of the best urban beaches in America.

A 32-mile barrier island with no cars, no chain stores, and pristine white-sand beaches backed by dunes. The Sunken Forest is an ancient maritime holly forest accessible by boardwalk. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are vibrant LGBTQ+ communities. The Fire Island Lighthouse offers panoramic views. Access by ferry from Bay Shore ($10-20 round trip).

The eastern tip of Long Island is New York's answer to California surf culture. Ditch Plains is the main surf beach — consistent waves, rentable boards, and a laid-back vibe. Montauk Point State Park and the iconic lighthouse (1796) mark the easternmost point. Deep-sea fishing charters ($200-350/person) target striped bass, tuna, and sharks from June through October.

America's original seaside playground. Nathan's Famous hot dogs, the Cyclone roller coaster (1927, still running), Luna Park rides, and the New York Aquarium line the 2.7-mile boardwalk. The beach is free and accessible by subway (D/F/N/Q trains). The Mermaid Parade in June is gloriously weird. Best from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The calmer north side of Long Island offers protected beaches, kayaking, and sailing. Caumsett State Park on Lloyd Neck has bluffs overlooking Connecticut. Cold Spring Harbor is a charming whaling village with a marine biology lab and fish hatchery. Sunken Meadow State Park has 3 miles of shoreline with gentler waves — ideal for families with young children.