New York’s 10 Best Hiking Trails To Tread Through This Summer

Whether you’d rather stay local or take a road trip upstate, we gathered ten of the best parks for nature-loving families to visit. From known favorites like the illustrious Brooklyn Prospect Park and the massive Harriman State Park, you’ve got plenty to choose from in New York. Don’t forget to make a list of the essentials to take on your journey, like the ever important bug spray!

Pelham Bay Park
Take the 6 train all the way to the relaxing trail Pelham Bay Park has to offer in the Bronx. The park offers three trails from the rocky but scenic view of the split bolder trail or the trails named after significant people in history. All three trails are perfect for a quick hike as they all last under an hour. After that, you can relax at the parks calming sensory garden where you will be surrounded by the parks luscious greenery. Photo Source: pelhambaypark.org
Staten Island Greenbelt
With six trails to choose from, families can enjoy different skill level-based trails from easy all the way to hard level hiking. Bring your kids and your best furry friends on the hike to enjoy some seriously amazing views. Photo: thenewyorkbudget.com
Harriman State Park
Famously known as the state's second largest park, this place has it all. You've got beaches, camp sites, ice fishing, but best of all, it has hiking trails everywhere. Harriman State Park harbors so many animals, you'll think you're at the zoo! Photo: woodlandwalks.org
Overlook Mountain Trail
Walking through this trail feels like you're on set of a fantasy sci-fi movie. It transports you into the eery but gorgeous ambience of Catskill State Park, which features over 60 trails. Come explore the ancient ruins in a trail filled with winds and turns. Photo: catskillmountaineer.com
Alley Pond Park
Way back when when the glaciers were formed, they had once stood where Alley Pond Park stands today. This is why we decided to include this beautiful trail, because the freshwater and saltwater lakes from the melted ice surrounding the trail are both calming and inspiring. This park is known for having the most abundant species of birds due to all the vegetation around you, so bird watching families will particularly enjoy this location! Photo: untappedcities.com
Prospect Park
Not just known for their hands-on historical activities, Prospect Park has a plethora of sight-seeing trails that will knock you off your running shoes. Take in the crisp air of the trails as if you weren't even in Brooklyn. This park is also the home to the last remaining forest in Brooklyn so visitors can relax and enjoy the air. Photo Source: nycgo.com
Buttermilk Falls
Hike along the gorge in this Ithica park surrounded by nothing but beautiful pine trees and adorable woodland creatures. Take in the scenic views of the upper park's small lake or hike around the lower park's natural pool, where after you build up a sweat you can take a dip! Photo: njhiking.com
The Ravine
The Ravine is located in the North Woods of Central Park, leaving all the hustle and bustle of the city hidden behind the trees. Feel as if you dove into upstate New York with this man-made waterfall, located right outside your front door. Photo: forgotten-ny.com
Franny Reese State Park
What was once a carriage road back then is now the perfect hiking trail for all the history buffs in your family. As you and the fam hike, you will pass by ancient 19th century mansion ruins that were once adorned by the wealthiest families of that time. Photo: hikethehudsonvalley.com
Anthony's Nose Trailhead
Anthony's Nose knows no better than to leave their hikers with the best views. For all the adventure seekers, this trail is the perfect one for you. Steep but short, this trail leads you to the top of the cliff where you get the perfect view of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge. Sit down, relax, get some water, and even have a picnic to celebrate your victory in hiking this memorizing trail. Photo: hikethehudsonvalley.com