New York is a huge city with tons of variety, so there is no shortage of remarkable places to get your blood pumping and take some fantastic views. It is hard to say exactly why hiking and camping is a popular pastime in New York. It could be accessibility since there are hundreds of major trails and countless marked and unmarked offshoots. If you have been stuck indoors, here are great places around New York to get out and hike.

1. Timp Trail

I began on the Timp and then connected to Dunderberg to go around Dunderberg Mountain. The Hudson view is pretty. Timp trail also has a spot on the other side of the mountain that gives you nice views of Bear Mountains. The trail is not crowded at all. A proper footing is recommended not only because of the rocky trails but 300 yards of steep descend on a man-made bed of rocks.

2. Breakneck Ridge Trail

Super fun hike! Breakneck Ridge Trail is a beautiful place for a challenging climb. The first 30 minutes to an hour are a climb. This hiking place, like hikes in Vermont, is not for the beginners. I never felt overtaxed but my friends struggled at times. I would advise you to bring along your dog if she is fearless. Once on the top, I was amazed by the stunning views. It isn’t super crowded and in my opinion, it provides the best views of all the Hudson Highlands.

3. Mount Beacon

I was really amazed how peaceful and secluded Mount Beacon was. I rate Mount Beacon as moderate to challenging since there are many different routes you can take such as extensions, steep shortcuts, service road and more. Depending on how you hike, hiking boots or sneakers are appropriate. I was glad I had sneakers. Mount Beacon is full of alternate routes, shortcuts, beautiful reservoir and ruins from its days as a ski resort. It has two main trails; red and yellow. The loop trail, yellow to red is approximately 6 miles long. However, for an intense short hike, take the red trail there and back.

4. Harriman

I was surprised by the number of hiking trails Harriman had. It has more than forty marked hiking trails with over 225 miles in total. It also has another 57 unmarked trails and woods road. Some of the Amazing trails are; Appalachian Trail, Long Path, Pine Meadow Trail, Red Cross Trail, Seven Hills Trail and White Bar Trail. Harriman has some steep hills, but the views are worth it. It is a beautiful area with lots of open space to view the distant rolling hills.

5. Thacker Park and Indian Ladder Trail

Thacker Park and Indian Ladder Trail is located near Voorheesville, NY and is suitable for all skill levels. One of my favorite places ever was the Indian Ladder Trail. This trail winds around some breathtaking rock formations which play with my imaginations. Though not far from Albany, hiking the Indian trail actually helped me feel closer to nature. The trail is decent and had a bunch of people on it but not packed. I will admit that there are some cool escarpments up there and efficient cave systems. Carry more equipment and better light for an amazing hike.

6. North Pole Resorts

I was surprised by the number of different camping options available at North Pole Resorts. They have two sections of property; the 100 Acre woods and the Resort Section. Both sections have full access to amenities and facilities. I have gone to this campground a couple of times, and I enjoyed the trout fishing in the Ausable River and the numerous hiking trails. The facilities are sparkling clean including the washrooms while the staff is very friendly.

7. Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA

I can say that Niagara Falls is one of New York’s and America’s most beloved treasures. It is nearby Buffalo, and all its attractions are also close-by. Rent banana bikes and boats from the grounds or take part in some of the visitor programmings that feature pancake breakfast, live entertainment and other activities. I would recommend you take a trip outside the nearby city of Lockport, home to a section of the Erie Canal. Here you will find underground boat rides during the warmer months. I was thrilled on the camping amenities they provided such as free wifi, mini golfing, a library, volleyball, basketball and swimming with lifeguards on duty.

8. Alger Island

Island camping at its finest is found on Alger Island. It is located on Fourth Lake in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. I was utterly amazed at the campground’s ability to combine proximity to local activities with island remoteness for a truly unique camping experience. I enjoyed fishing for the lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. The park features a picnic area and hiking trails. A few minutes’ drive leads to shopping and sightseeing attractions in the nearby hamlet of Old Forge. Some of the amenities offered in the campground include canoeing, fishing, picnicking, sail boating, power boating, jet-skiing, and more.

9. Cranberry Lake Campground

Very nice camping. I would take my kids to enjoy the awesome scenery. I was amused by the campground’s ability to provide some of the best ways to relax outside the Cranberry Lake State Park such as camping, swimming, picnicking and hiking. Most of the Park’s campsites have trees between them thus offering privacy from adjacent sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fireplace with water spigots located nearby. The campground is hidden from tourist attractions, but the isolation is worth it. The isolation is a piece of nature that feels like it is for you.

10. Mount Marcy Trail

I say this is a very challenging hike, but the most amazing scenery and views. It is a nice gradual climb most of the way. I cruised up the Mt. and took my time on my down. This trail is like a dry’ creek bed. I say dry because it is anything but dry. I highly recommend waterproof hiking boots to navigate the wet boulders and rocks. Without them, your hike would be miserable. So do yourself a favor by bringing along some nice boots and poles.