A Hiker’s Guide to Upstate New York

Upstate New York, home to the Adirondacks and the Appalachian Trail, is more beautiful than you can imagine. Nestled between gorgeous mountain ranges, and home to many lakes, forests and other beautiful scenery, Upstate New York is a hiker’s dream. Whether Upstate New York is a vacation favorite or if you have never visited the state, we’ve made it easy for you to plan your next hiking adventure to explore all that Upstate New York’s nature has to offer.Popular Hiking Trails, Mountains and Parks in Upstate New York

• Wittenberg Mountain
• Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain
• Hadley Mountain
• Robert H. Treman State Park
• Storm King State Park
• Bear Mountain
• Black Mountain Lake George
• Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Trail
• Minnewaska State Park Preserve
• Storm King Mountain
• Tongue Mountain Range Trail
• Taughannock Falls State Park
• Mount Marcy
• Whirlpool State Park
• Catskill State Park
• Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
• Gorge Trail and Indian Trail
• Gertrude’s Nose Trail
• Ausable Chasm
• Watkins Glen State Park
• Indian Head and Rainbow Falls
• Harriman State Park
• Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
• Sam’s Point and The Ice Caves
• Overlook Mountain
• Catskill Mountains – Poet’s Ledge
• Jay Mountain Wilderness
• IBM Glen Trail

Swimming Holes and Water Spots in Upstate New York

• Peekamoose Blue Hole
• Shanty Brook
• Jones Hollow
• Best waterfalls for swimming in Upstate NY
• Boiling Pot swimming hole
• Fawn’s Leap
• Discover Magnificent Waterfalls & Caverns in Upstate NY
• Millstream Swimming Hole
• Esopus Creek
• Fillmore Glen
• NEW YORK SWIMMING HOLES

More Information on Hiking in Upstate New York

• Hiking trails in the Adirondacks
• Adirondack Books & Maps
• Things you’ll see along the Appalachian Trail in Upstate NY
• Adirondack Backcountry Information
• Catskills Hiking Trails & Tips
• Hiking in New York
• Hidden Gem Hikes in New York State

• NY Department of Environmental Conservation: Who Manages Public Lands for Recreation?
• Adirondack Mountain Club, New York
• Upstate New York Hiking
• The Hudson River Watertrail Association
• Guide to Upstate New York Parks
• Adirondack 46ers

Hiking Safety Tips

– Hiking with a buddy is always better than hiking alone.

– Inform someone about where you are hiking and how long you estimate you will be gone.

– Take adequate drinking water with you as the water in streams may not be safe.

– Always stick to the marked trail to avoid getting lost.

– Educate yourself on poisonous plants and trees.

– Always carry a first aid kit with you and know what to do in case of an emergency.

• HIKE SMART NY
• Trails and Hiking: Staying Safe
• Tips for Great Hiking – The Wilderness Society
• Trail Safety, Ethics, and Uses
• Day Hiking Checklist
• Hiking Safety Tips
• Hiking Safety – Before, During, and After the Trail

Hiking Foods

– Drink more water than usual so that you do not get dehydrated.

– Fruits, nuts, dehydrated meats, trail mixes and energy bars are ideal for a day hike.

• Best Foods to Eat While Hiking
• 41 Backpacking Food Ideas from the Appalachian Trail
• Meal Planning for Backpacking
• Handling Food Outdoors

First Aid Kit for Hiking

– A first aid kit for hiking should have bandages/band aids, tweezers, thermometers, antibiotic ointment, pain killer, alcohol wipes, bug spray, and small utility knife.

– Know who to call or what to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

• How to Build the Best Hiking First Aid Kit
• Building A Hiker’s First Aid Kit
• American Hiking Society: Personal First Aid Kit

Hiking Footwear, Clothing and Gear

– Wear weather appropriate clothing according to the places where you will be hiking. Remember, it gets colder on higher elevations.

– Long pants and long sleeved shirts prevent insect bites, ticks and possible run ins with poisonous plants.

– If you are unsure about weather changes, layer your clothes.

– Hiking boots or shoes are essential. Do not wear inappropriate footwear!

– Bring a backpack or bag to carry things such as a map, compass, utility knife, flashlight, whistle, first aid kit, waterproof matches, sun screen, insect repellent, water, and food.

• Cold Weather Hiking
• What to Wear Hiking
• Hiking Boots
• Selecting the Best Hiking Clothes
• New York Hiking Essentials
• Hiking Essentials – What to Wear When Hiking

Wild Animals

– You may encounter wild animals on your hiking trip.

– Staying calm is essential. Animals tend to attack only when they are startled or disturbed.

– Make sufficient noise while hiking so that animals are aware of your presence.

– Avoid hiking at night or in the dark.

– If you see an animal, do not provoke it. Back up slowly and stay calm.

• Wolf Safety
• 9 Bear Safety Tips From a Bear Biologist
• How to Use Bear Spray
• Cougar (Mountain Lion) Safety
• Snake Safety (PDF)
• Preventing Tick Bites

Preserving Trailways

– It is important to preserve nature!

– Do not leave behind any waste; take garbage bags with you and disposing of all trash at home.

– Do not feed wildlife or disturb the flora and fauna.

• Leave No Trace
• Hiking Etiquette
• National Park Service – Hiking Etiquette
• Leave No Trace Seven Principles
• The Basic Rules of Hiking
• Protect the Outdoors – Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
• Hiking Trail Etiquette