Best Hikes Near New York City

Despite the protestations of Mother Nature, spring allegedly started two days ago.

So let’s start planning for its actual arrival.

Enter Graham Hiemstra, Brooklyn-based writer, photographer and founding editor of sensational outdoor mag The Field.

The mission we assigned him: deliver us the five best spring hiking trails within reasonable driving distance of New York City.

From a surprise lake to waterfalls to something called the “Stairway to Heaven,” we’ve got a destination for every skill level, along with the gear to get you there.

What you’re packing

_{Image: Yaakov R}

Surprise Lake
Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, NJ

What: Mellow there-and-back hike with steep segments but overall suited to folks of all skill levels. Some nice forested sections, some rocky zones, views, and all that.
Skill level: 2 out of 8
Reasons to go: Views of Surprise lake and Greenwood Lake, not too heavily trafficked and kid friendly.
Length: 3 miles
Distance from city: 43 miles

_{Image by Jackie G}

Stairway to Heaven
Wawayanda State Park, NJ

What: A boardwalk through flatlands with suspension bridges, then a steep hike up a hill to some cool rock stairs (hence the name) with a heck of a view of surrounding N.J. farmland.
Skill level: 4 of 8 (or 1, if you just do the boardwalk)
Reasons to go: Views from Wawayanda Mountain, a waterfall, rock steps, a boardwalk, connects to Appalachian Trail (so you may meet some badass AT thru-hikers), local farms with fresh produce, you’ll forget you’re in N.J.
Length: 2.9 miles
Distance from City: 57 miles

Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, NY

What: Not exactly a hike as much a full weekend experience. This 1869 Victorian castle resort sits lakeside, surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, lakes and rolling hills waiting to be explored. It also has a spa and farm-to-table eats, so when you’re done exploring, treat yo’self. If you prefer a specific hike, there are tons on the property and in the surrounding Mohonk Nature Preserve, too.
Skill level: 2 of 8
Length: Varies
Reasons to go: That Victorian castle hotel, the spa, lake stuff, hiking and rock climbing.
Distance from city: 90 miles

_{Image: Alexandre Cassiani}

Cascade Mountain
Lake Placid, NY

What: Steep but enjoyable hike up a mountain with sweeping 360-degree views of the Adirondacks and maybe even Canada from the top.
Skill level: 6 of 8
Reasons to go: Waterfalls at base, views, rock climbing, wildflowers. Also, it’s near Lake Placid.
Length: 5.6 miles
Distance from city: 290 miles

Lookout (2 images)

_{Images: Edourard Moret, Dan Pokriefka}

Lyon Mountain Lookout
Chazy Highland State Forest, NY

What: Tough hike, but well worth it, as it ends at an old abandoned fire lookout at 3,830 feet, making it the highest point north of Saranac River. Offers beautiful birds-eye views of surrounding Adirondacks, as well Montreal on a clear day.
Skill level: 7 of 8
Points of interest: Fire lookout, views and wildflowers.
Length: 7.1 miles
Distance from city: 330 miles

Bonus: Storm King Art Center. Walk around, take in the art, enjoy a picnic and consider it a hike. You’re outside. That’s all the matters.

For more from Graham, follow him on Instagram here, check out his general website here and snag a copy of Homecamp: Stories and Inspiration for the Modern Adventurer by Hardie Grant, featuring some of Hiemstra’s newest work.

_{Main image of Lyon Mountain Lookout by Melissa Litts}