12 Fall Foliage Hikes in NY & NJ
Okay, autumn, you win, you’re officially here. I’m really feelin’ it today with the chill that's rolled back in...AND I LOVE IT! Looking forward to seeing the colors brighten as the leaves dance on the wind (#poetry).
So - where do nature lovers go for the best leaf-peeping in the NY metro area?
I may have a few personal peeping preferences up my cozy sweater sleeve...let's begin!
1. The Catskills, NY
One of my favorites, of course, is the Catskills of New York State, only 2 hours away from our area. This park is bursting with fall hues come peak foliage time, which should be within the next couple of weeks, according to my sources (little birds).
Hiking Suggestions:
Escarpment Trail - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 7-8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Attractions: Water features + AWESOME VIEWS, and don't miss the NEW Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform!
Kaaterskill Falls - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE Note: Trail has been updated with steps/safety measures since this video was created Please be prepared with proper footwear | Do not park illegally along rt. 23A
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate (climbs + slippery when wet)
Type: Out-and-back
Attractions: a 260 foot waterfall GUSHING with beauty :D
Slide Mountain - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (lots of elevation gain)
Type: Out-and-back
Attractions: An ever-changing forest, views, and bragging rights - it's the tallest Catskill peak!
2. The Shawangunks, NY
Another great place to explore this season is the Shawangunks near New Paltz, NY - only an hour or so from NYC. You have no idea how awesome foliage looks against that glorious, white Shawangunk conglomerate...
Hiking Suggestions:
Bonticou Crag - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous (rock scramble)
Type: Loop
Location: Mohonk Preserve
Fee: $15/per hiker
Attractions: Excellent views, and one, EPIC rock scramble
Millbrook Mountain - CLICK FOR HIKING GUIDE
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Location: Mohonk Preserve
Attractions: GORGEOUS fall color, outstanding views, and unique rock forms
Gertrude's Nose - CLICK FOR HIKING GUIDE
Length: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (some steep sections)
Type: Out-and-back
Location: Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Attractions: Spectacular rock formations + views
3. Harriman State Park, NY
Even closer still is Harriman State Park (another favorite spot of mine), where there is an over-abundance of overlooks along the Hudson Valley and beyond during prime leaf-peeping time.
Trail Tip: Avoid parking at the Reeves Meadow trailhead to avoid crowds ;)
Hiking Suggestions:
The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail + Lemon Squeezer - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 8-9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out-and-back
Attractions: AWESOME foliage , views, + an intriguing rock fissure to climb through
Popolopen Torne - CLICK FOR HIKING GUIDE via NYNJTC
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (LOTS of climbing!)
Type: Lollipop loop
Location: Bear Mountain State Park
Attractions: Great workout + some excellent views
Almost Perpendicular/Elbow Brush/Claudius Smith Den - CLICK FOR HIKING GUIDE
Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (some steep sections)
Type: Lollipop loop
Location: Tuxedo Train Station
Attractions: Accessible via train (for NYCers), views, and rock clambering
4. New Jersey (okay, maybe not ALL of it...but a lot of it!)
Let’s not forget all of the wonderful foliage opportunities available in New Jersey! From the Delaware Water Gap and High Point State Park, to Wawayanda State Park and even the Palisades, the Garden State is brimming with autumnal escapes!
Hiking Suggestions:
Coppermine Trail to Kittatinny Ridge, Delaware Water Gap Natl. Rec. Area - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE + HIKING GUIDE from the NYNJTC
Length: 6.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Type: Loop
Attractions: Superb leaf peeping, engrossing views + waterfalls!
The Giant Stairs of the Palisades - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (crazy rock scrambles)
Type: Loop
Location: Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, NJ
Attractions: Astounding views across the Hudson, a challenging rock scramble + a waterfall!
Hacklebarney State Park - CLICK FOR VIRTUAL HIKE
Length: 6 miles of overlapping trails available
Difficulty: Easy - Expect more of a nature walk versus a challenging hike
Location: Long Valley, NJ
Attractions: The babbling waters of the Black River, birding, serenity (though can be crowded)
Woowee, that's quite a selection to choose from! Honestly, no matter where you explore, the season is a pleasin’. All you have to do is step outside and Take. It. IN. Feel free to share YOUR favorite places to slurp up that foliage in the comments below 😋
Happy trails!
