Top 8 Backpacking Trips in New York State

Naturally, the first thing most people think of when they hear “New York” is the city. But, the Empire State has a lot of beautiful natural areas to offer for nature lovers. In fact, 61% of the state is covered in forests. NY also boasts an impressive 200+ state parks and historic sites, the Catskills Mountains, the Finger Lakes, and the Adirondack Park. The latter alone offers more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails!

Are you ready to explore some of the natural wonders New York has to offer? Check out some of its best backpacking trips below and start planning your next adventure!

Featured Photo: Cedar Lake (photo by Michael Stokes)

Olmstead Pond

You can't go wrong with any hike in the Adirondacks. The 21.5 miles to and from Olmstead Pond takes you through still evergreen forests, past several ponds, and passes alongside Cat Mountain and near Indian Mountain. The elevation gain isn't too bad, considering the length, making it a good option if you're looking for a trail that isn't too strenuous. You'll find some boardwalks along the route, but still be prepared to get muddy shoes in other areas. Take a break and enjoy the small cascade in the creek. Two shelters are available for overnights, one at Olmstead Pond and the other at Janacks Landing.

The Great Range Traverse

Also located in the Adirondacks in the Lake Placid region, you'll find the Great Range Traverse. This 21 challenging miles takes you to or past 8 of the state's 46 highest peaks. This includes Mt.Marcy, the highest point at 5,300+ft. It probably goes without saying that you'll get some sweeping views. Not only can you see the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, but the Green Mountains of Vermont and Mont Royal in Canada too!

The route almost makes a complete loop, being just 2 miles short. You have a couple of side trip options, including Bushnell Falls. It's also worth noting there are some sketchy areas with cables and ladders. The bears in the area are too smart for their own good, so bear canisters are required. Water sources are few and far between on the ridgelines, so plan accordingly.

For more details on this trail, check out our full write-up.

Algonquin Trail

If you enjoy peak bagging, head on the Algonquin Trail to the second highest peak in New York. You have a few different options to get there. The first is a short 8-mile trip that begins at the High Peaks Information Center. This route also takes you to the stunning MacIntyre Falls. The other route is 15 miles out-and-back, starting on the Calamity Brook Trail. Once you get to Lake Colden, you'll find lean-tos you can spend the night in.

Past there, the trail begins and continues to the peak. Lots of lakes and streams line the way. There are also trails to Mt.Marshall and Mt.Marcy in the other direction.

Finger Lakes Trail

The Finger Lakes region of New York is often not heard of as much as the Catskills, Adirondacks, or even the Hudson River Valley. Which is unfortunate because it's a unique and stunning area in central NY. Here you'll find the 580-mile Finger Lakes Trail. This obviously gives you lots of options for section hikes. One of our favorites is the trek through Watkins Glen State Park. Who can pass up 19 waterfalls in one area? From there, you can go off the main trail and visit Montour Falls to the south. Or, continue east and hit up Seneca Lake. There is also the Interloken Trail nearby too. The Lick Brook Gorge and Morgan Hill State Forest sections are also worth hiking for their stunning views.

Source: Flickr

NCT - McCarty Hill to Little Rock City Section

If you're looking for a short, scenic overnight, check out this 9.5-mile trip. It's a great trail if you enjoy neat rock formations, large boulders, moss-covered rock tunnels to explore. You'll begin at McCarty Hill State Forest and head south to Little Rock City. The trail itself travels through verdant forests, overgrown fields, and has a nice little creek. The latter makes for a cool place to spend a hot afternoon in summer. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers. The views through the bare trees are even better with a snow covering in winter. In other words, there's not a bad time of year to visit!

Bull Hill Loop

For another option on the shorter side, head to the Hudson Highlands. This loop is a doable 10 miles. But, the nearly 3,000ft of elevation gain will give you a good workout! Make sure you bring your sense of adventure for the rock scrambles and again, steep elevation gains.

You'll find an old stone quarry, breathtaking views of the Hudson River (you can also see Storm King Mountain across the water), challenging uphill and downhill climbs to Breakneck Ridge, Cornish Farm and estate ruins, and Cascade Brook. The latter can be a challenge to cross after rain, so be prepared!

Triple Tower Challenge

If you love beautiful views and heights aren't an issue, you'll love the Triple Tower Challenge. Located near the infamous Woodstock, NY, this 40-mile route takes you through the Catskill Mountains. Being in the southeastern part of the state, it's a great option for city-dwellers in NYC and Albany. You can expect LOTS of elevation gain: 13,000ft+ of it! You'll also find lush forests, sprawling views, a creek, old ruins, and unique vantage points from the towers

This is a point-to-point, so make sure you have a shuttle arranged, If you like challenges, this trail visits just three of the six towers that are part of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. You can visit this link for more information. The three towers on this route include Mount Temper, Hunter Mountain, and Overlook Mountain.

Northville Placid Trail

Looking to spend more than a day or two in the New York wilderness? Check out the 136-mile Northville-Placid Trail! Also located in the Adirondacks, it travels through the lovely Lake Placid region.

There is over 14,000 ft of elevation gain, which isn't terrible considering its length. The trail is pretty remote, so don't be surprised if it gets overgrown during the warm months, Some things you'll enjoy along the way include lovely, babbling creeks, a small, but picturesque, waterfall, evergreen-ringed lakes, wetlands, and swimming holes to cool off in summer. Don't forget to take your backcountry fishing gear too!, Lean-tos are an option for overnights.

Location Map

The following map shows the location of each trailhead for your reference. Click the "Load Interactive Map" button to load the correct map. Once loaded, you can navigate to each trailhead and see the various trails.

For even more detailed mapping, including being able to print a copy for yourself, click the "Open in CalTopo" button at the top of the map once it's loaded into view.

Conclusion

No matter what part of the state you're in, you're sure to find a scenic and interesting trail. Have you hiked any of the trails on our list? We'd love to hear about them, or any others in the region, in the comments section below!