The Best Winter Hikes in New York State

New Yorkers aren’t the kind of people that let little things like cold weather and snow keep them from enjoying the outdoors. In fact, if you live in the state you quickly learn to embrace the winter and all of the adventurous opportunities that it brings your way. New York State offers endless outdoor adventures, from thrill rides on zip-lines and mountain coasters to mountain hikes that increases your heartbeat rate.  Following are the 10 best winter hikes in New York State. Also watch the video for the round-up of some of these hikes:

Catskill Scenic Trail

The Catskill Scenic Trail is an ideal destination for a relaxing walk or bike ride, cutting a leisurely path through gorgeous Catskill Mountain terrain with scenic rolling vistas in the distance. The trail follows the former rail line and has a nice wide path and gentle grade that makes for an easy walk or bike ride for all ages and skill levels.
Counties: Delaware, Schoharie
Length: 26 miles
Trail end points: SR 10 at Feed Store Rd. (Bloomville) and SR 30 at Hardscrabble Rd. (Roxbury)
New York 10, Bloomville NY USA
Parking for the Catskill Scenic Trail is available at:

• The Trailhead on Route 10. north of Bloomville
• The Railroad Depot on Railroad Avenue, Stamford
• The intersection of Route 30 and Ferris Hill Road, just south of Grand Gorge
• The designated area on Route 30, at the base of Hardscrabble Road, just north of Roxbury

Harriman State Park

Harriman State Park—the second largest state park in New York. With 46,613 acres, 31 lakes, more than 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams where groundwater seeps into streams, scenic roads, scores of wildlife species, vistas, and vantage points.  The silver Mine Lake Loop wooded hike will take you to the top of Black Mountain, where you’ll find a stunning view of the city’s skyline. 
Counties: Rockland, Orange
Seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle, Ramapo, NY 10974

Bear Mountain State Park

On the west side of the Hudson River, you’ll find Bear Mountain State Park—more than 5,000 acres of beautiful mountain trails nestled right along the river. Choose from the park’s numerous pet-friendly trails, where you can meander along the river, hike to the beautiful waterfalls, and gorgeous mountaintop views, or travel through the surrounding lush forests. Located right next door to Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain is just a short drive from the city. 
Counties: Rockland, Orange
Route 9W North Bear Mountain, NY 10911 

Willowemoc Wild Forest (Catskills)

In the southwest corner of Catskill Park, enjoy more than 40 miles of rolling, snow-covered hills by foot, snowshoe, or cross-country ski. If you’re interested in wildlife, Willowemoc is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, beavers, coyotes, and wild turkeys. 
Counties: Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster
Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Fahnestock Winter Park

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Fahnestock State Park is a hot spot for generous snowfall and winter hikes in New York. Experience the beauty of the Hudson Highlands in the park’s 16,000-acre territory designated to hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Winter Park offers a leisurely path as well as a challenging uphill hike that follows the Appalachian Way.
Counties: Putnam, Dutchess 
1570 Route 301. Carmel, NY 10512.

Keuka Outlet Trail

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Keuka Outlet Trail makes for a perfect winter day hike with seven miles of wooded trail following an abandoned railroad corridor. Gorgeous winter woodland scenery, waterfalls, creeks, lakes, abandoned buildings and possibly a few snowmobilers will accompany your hike. The 6.6 miles of well-maintained trail travels between the villages of Penn Yan on Keuka Lake and Dresden on Seneca Lake, offering visitors many outdoor activities and scenic waterfalls. Fish, hike, bike, horseback ride, snowmobile or cross-country ski the wooded trail bordering the outlet created nearly 10,000 years ago.
Counties: Northern Yates
Penn Yan, NY 14527

Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. Sits along the Genesee River in Western New York. Hike the canyon—with cliffs as high as 600 feet—or take trails through the lush forests that surround the area. The river meets the 400-foot-deep gorge to form three major waterfalls—an especially beautiful sight in the winter months.
Counties: Livingston, Wyoming
The Portageville and Castile entrances provide the best access to the falls, the most popular gorge views.
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427

Whiteface Mountain

Located northeast of Lake Placid, the Town of Wilmington offers everything that an outdoor-adventure lover could desire. Experienced hikers can head to the top of famed Whiteface Mountain for unbeatable views of Lake Placid. During the winter, trails are often empty, as snowy conditions scare away casual enthusiasts. But the hike is doable—the east side of the mountain is only mildly exposed, and the north side offers great terrain for climbers in the winter. This is the only peak in the Adirondacks with distinct evidence of alpine glaciers.
Counties: Essex County 
5021 State Route 86, Wilmington, NY  12997

Central Park (New York City)

City-dwellers don’t have to go far for a beautifully scenic winter hike! 800 acres of trees, meadows, streams, and ponds, all surrounded by the beautiful architecture of New York City. Hike the park’s paved paths for an easy trek, or surround yourself with nature in the park’s 90-acre North Woods or 38-acre Ramble.
Borough of Manhattan: Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan.
The park borders the following streets and avenues:
59th Street on the South
110th Street on the North
5th Avenue on the East

Mashomack Preserve, Shelter Island (Long Island)

Mashomack offers more than 2,000 acres of magnificent scenic beauty in a pristine, natural setting. Only hiking is allowed—no bicycling or even jogging—so as not to disturb the native wildlife, including osprey, foxes, and even harbor seals. Bundle up and enjoy a leisurely hike along oak woodlands, tidal creeks, and 10 miles of coastline. During January, Mashomack Preserve is open on weekends only; sorry, no pets allowed. This preserve has 11 miles of coastline and acres of creeks, woodlands and fields.
County: Northern Dutchess
79 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island, NY 11964-0850 
Visitor Center: (631)749-4219