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Looking for new outdoor adventures? These hikes may not have the name recognition of Breakneck Ridge or Lake Minnewaska, but they offer great rewards of their own. Some of them require venturing just a bit outside of the Hudson Valley to help expand your hiking repertoire. Visit at off-peak times (like weekdays or very early on weekends) to find more solitude and perhaps even have the views to yourself.
5 Under-the-Radar Hikes
Balsam Lake Fire Tower via Dry Brook Ridge Trail
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The westernmost of the six Catskills fire towers, the tower at Balsam Lake Mountain in Hardenburgh looms where cell signals fear to go. (Seriously, don’t depend on having cell service at the trailhead.) Your reward for traveling to this remote destination is a gentle, 4.3-mile round trip climb to one of the most panoramic views in the Catskills.
Castle Craig
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Drivers heading east towards Meriden, Connecticut, may notice the rocky spire of Castle Craig perched on the ridge high above, but many aren’t aware there’s a beautiful hike from Hubbard Park that takes you right up to the unique tower. The expansive views from the top of the castle may just make you feel like the ruler of your very own kingdom.
Jackie Jones Fire Tower
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Offering awesome views of the New York City skyline and surrounding areas, the Jackie Jones Fire Tower resides on the west side of the river in Rockland County. Although the tower is temporarily closed, the almost-three-mile hike that takes you there is well worth the trek, with ruins and other views along the way.
Red Mountain
The trails forming a 2.7-mile loop around Red Mountain in the Mary Moore Preserve in Sherman, Connecticut, offer gentle climbs, gorgeous meadows, sweeping views, and an up-close look at the 150-year-old Chinkapin Oak, listed as a Connecticut State Champion Tree. One visit here and you’ll feel like a champion, too.
Red Wing Recreation Area
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You could live next to the trailhead at Red Wing Recreation Area in Billings for years and never know that beautiful trails are tucked into the woods here, topped by an overlook that rivals many of the nicest views in the area. Once you know about this local gem, it’s bound to become one of your favorites.
6 Waterfall Hikes
On the opposite side of the spectrum from under-the-radar hikes are waterfall hikes. We recommend going very early to avoid the crowds.
Awosting Falls
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This 60-foot-tall waterfall is quite the view. After hiking along the Lake Minnewaska Awosting Falls loop, watch its water plummet from the lakeshore or the shallow base.
Bash Bish Falls State Park
Cross the New York-Massachusetts border on your hunt for these falls in the southeastern corner of Columbia County. Bash Bish offers stunning, 80-foot-high waterfalls in the Taconic Mountains. Trust us, it’s worth crossing state lines.
Cohoes Falls
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From multiple hiking vantage points—either Falls View Park, a lookout, or the riverside—this 1,000-foot-wide waterfall roars down the Mohawk River.
Dover Stone Church Cave Falls
Ever seen an enclosed waterfall? Inside a cave, the falls seep through an opening and flow down jagged, fallen rock into the open preserve. The experience is sure to feel straight out of a fantasy novel.
High Falls
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Columbia County’s tallest waterfall, this 150-foot gem gushes down formative, ridged rock walls. The hike to get there is a short 1.5-mile trek, so you just have to focus on the views.
Verkeerderkill Falls
Hike to the top of this Shawangunks waterfall for the best views of its 180-foot cascades. The highest waterfall in Sam’s Point Preserve, you won’t want to miss this massive natural landmark.Â
