Photo by Kelly Postiglione, taken at Mohonk Mountain House
Westchester County and the Hudson Valley are packed with scenic spots perfect for everyone, from families with young kids to thrill-seeking hikers and anyone just looking to soak up some nature. Whether you’re in the mood for an easy lakeside stroll, a big mountain climb, or a family-friendly walk with playgrounds and picnic areas, there’s a trail for you. These paths invite you to get outside, take in the fresh air, and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes around.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Anthony’s Nose via Appalachian Trail
Location: Bear Mountain, NY
Description: A 2-mile moderate trail with rewarding views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. It has a steep climb, but the summit offers stunning views.
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Croton Gorge Park
Location: Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Description: This park offers trails alongside the impressive Croton Dam, perfect for easy walks or short hikes, with picnic areas and scenic water views.
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Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Location: Mount Pleasant, NY
Description: 45 miles of carriage-road trails with a popular lake loop, varied landscapes, and easy trails. Great for family outings and scenic walks.
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Camp Smith Trail
Location: Cortlandt, NY
Description: A 5-mile trail along the Hudson River with expansive views, rocky sections, and scenic overlooks. Better suited for intermediate hikers.
Bear Mountain Loop
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Description: A 4-mile loop trail with moderate difficulty, stunning Hudson River views, and family-friendly paths at the base.
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Mianus River Gorge Preserve
Location: Bedford, NY
Description: Quiet, 5-mile trail through protected forest with scenic beauty and less-crowded paths, ideal for a peaceful hike.
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Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Location: Kerhonkson, NY
Description: Gertrude’s Nose Trail: Challenging 7.8-mile hike with scenic cliff views over the Hudson Valley. Awosting Falls: Easy 1.1-mile trail leading to a 65-foot waterfall.
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Harriman State Park
Location: Sloatsburg, NY
Description: 200 miles of trails with highlights like the Pine Meadow Lake Trail (5.5 miles) and Anthony’s Nose. Diverse paths for all levels.
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Mohonk Mountain House
Location: New Paltz, NY
Description: Sky Top Trail: Moderate 1.5-mile trail leading to a lookout with 360° views. Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze: More challenging, with rock scrambles and scenic rewards.
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Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve
Location: Yorktown Heights, NY
Description: 1.7-mile loop trail with views of the Croton Reservoir, Hudson Highlands, and NYC skyline on clear days.
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Cold Spring Trails
Location: Cold Spring, NY
Description: Breakneck Ridge: Steep and challenging, with rugged terrain and rewarding views. Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus): Moderate 5.4-mile loop with views of the Hudson Valley, less crowded than Breakneck.
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Kid-Friendly Walks and Nature Trails
Cranberry Lake Preserve
Location: West Harrison, NY
Description: A 190-acre park with trails, a scenic overlook, and a History Trail where you can see the remains of a 19th-century farmhouse and early 20th-century stone-mining operation.
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Rye Nature Center
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 47-acre preserve with gentle trails, ponds, and family-friendly educational programs. Perfect for young kids.
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Sheldrake Environmental Center
Location: Larchmont, NY
Description: A 60-acre nature preserve with scenic trails and educational programs, perfect for young families to explore nature.
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Kitchawan Preserve
Location: Yorktown, NY
Description: Scenic, easy trails with views of the Croton Reservoir. Great for children and families.
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Tarrytown Lakes Park
Location: Tarrytown, NY
Description: A 4-mile trail around Tarrytown’s lakes, dog-friendly and family-friendly, with fishing and canoeing.
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Teatown Lake Reservation
Location: Ossining, NY
Description: A 1,000-acre nature preserve with multiple trails, including a 1-mile lake loop, ideal for families with young children.
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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Location: Pound Ridge, NY
Description: 35 miles of trails, including easy sections and the family-favorite Leatherman’s Loop, with open fields and streams.
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Playland Lake Loop
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 1.2-mile easy loop around Playland Lake, ideal for strollers, young children, and wildlife spotting.
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Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 179-acre sanctuary with trails through salt marshes and forests along Long Island Sound. Perfect for bird-watching and family walks.
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Marshlands Conservancy
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 147-acre sanctuary with 3 miles of trails through forest, salt marsh, and shoreline. A family-friendly wildlife area.
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Five Islands Park
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Description: Waterfront park with easy trails, picnic spots, and scenic views across five islands, great for family outings.
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Walkway Over The Hudson
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Description: This 1.28-mile converted railway bridge spans the Hudson River, offering scenic views, stroller accessibility, and family-friendly amenities.
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Bear Mountain Loop
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Description: A 4-mile loop trail with moderate difficulty, stunning Hudson River views, and family-friendly paths at the base.
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For more activities in Westchester, visit our Local Guides page and check out our Local Events Calendar!