The Ultimate Guide to Day Hikes from NYC
This is a comprehensive list to all day trips/hikes accessible by train or car from NYC.
Hikes Accessible by Train or Car
1. Mount Beacon – Beacon
One of the most iconic hikes from NYC (which means it can be more crowded).
Length: 4.4 miles out and back, ~1,600 ft elevation gain, moderate to strenuous
Avg Hiking Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 1.5 hours (Metro-North Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge Station, weekends only). Train tickets cost ~$20–$25 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Beacon: Artsy, hip, and walkable with boutiques, galleries, and Dia Beacon museum.
Food Picks:
Momo Valley – incredible, inexpensive Nepalese food. Get the momos (Nepalese dumplings)!
Yankee Clipper Diner – this is my go-to spot every time I go to Beacon. I always get the chicken fajitas and the chocolate chip pancakes.
The Roundhouse – a more upscale option with waterfall views
2. Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) – Cold Spring
A quieter, less touristy hike with scenic outlooks and a view of the skyline.
Length: 5.3 miles, ~1,400 ft elevation gain, moderate
Avg Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 1.5 hours (Metro-North to Cold Spring). Train tickets cost ~$20–$25 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Cold Spring: Quaint river town with antique stores, peaceful cafés, and a chill Main Street.
Food Picks:
Riverview – it’s situated right on the river, so you get a beautiful view and a delicious (and very affordable) dinner. Cash only!
Le Bouchon – Cozy French bistro
Cold Spring Depot – casual eats in an old train station
3. Anthony’s Nose – Cortlandt/Peekskill
A shorter hike with sweeping views of Bear Mountain Bridge and the Hudson.
Length: 2.6 miles, ~500 ft elevation gain, moderate
Avg Hiking Time: 1.5–2 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 1.5 hours (to Manitou Station; limited service). Train tickets cost ~$20–$25 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Peekskill: An underrated Hudson River town with breweries, riverfront parks, and art spaces.
Food Picks:
Peekskill Brewery and Birdsall House – laid-back brewery and pub food
The Iron Vine – more upscale tapas bar with great cocktails
4. Arden Point and Glenclyffe – Garrison
Peaceful riverside loop with wooden bridges, historic ruins, and panoramic views.
Length: 3.7 miles, minimal, easy
Avg Hiking Time: 1.5–2 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 1.5 hours (to Garrison Station). Train tickets cost ~$20–$25 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Garrison: Sleepy, scenic, and quiet — ideal for escaping crowds.
Food Picks:
Dolly’s Restaurant – right on the Hudson, with beautiful views, seasonal plates, cocktails
Round Up Texas BBQ – this spot was featured in the NYTimes, and for good reason
Juanita’s Kitchen – Latin-inspired comfort food. There are tamales on the weekends
Valley at the Garrison – fine dining with a view
The Bird & Bottle Inn – another more upscale, intimate option
5. Appalachian Trail – Pawling
PSA: the Metro-North drops you off smack dab onto the Appalachian Trail.
Length: Varies (out-and-back trail options), easy to moderate.
Avg Hiking Time: 2–4 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 2 hours (Harlem Line to Appalachian Trail Station, weekends only). Train tickets cost ~$25–$30 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Pawling: Small-town Americana with old-school diners, green pastures, and a true rural feel.
Food Picks:
McKinney & Doyle – an upscale option with incredible brunch and a full bakery
Pawling Tavern – relaxed burgers and beers
Vinny’s Deli – classic Italian deli with subs and staples
Sunflower Bakery – great pre-hike option for quick sandwiches and breads
6. Breakneck Ridge – Beacon [CLOSED UNTIL 2027]
Has everything from rock scrambles to cliffside views of the Hudson.
Length: 2.5 to 4 miles, ~1,250 ft elevation gain, strenuous
Avg Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Travel Time:
Train: 1.5 hours (Metro-North Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge Station, weekends only). Train tickets cost ~$20–$25 round-trip.
Car: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Beacon: Artsy, hip, and walkable with boutiques, galleries, and Dia Beacon museum.
Food Picks:
Momo Valley – incredible, inexpensive Nepalese food. Get the momos (Nepalese dumplings)!
Yankee Clipper Diner – this is my go-to spot every time I go to Beacon. I always get the chicken fajitas and the chocolate chip pancakes.
The Roundhouse – a more upscale option with waterfall views
Hikes Accessible by Car Only
1. Storm King Mountain – Cornwall-on-Hudson
Beautiful Hudson River views and plenty of forested trails. Less crowded than Breakneck.
Length: 2.5–4 miles (loop options), ~625 ft elevation gain, easy to moderate.
Avg Hiking Time: 2–2.5 hours
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Town Vibe – Cornwall-on-Hudson: Leafy, low-key artist enclave with mountain and river energy.
Food Picks:
Pepettini – cozy Italian with big portions
2 Alices Coffee Lounge – local favorite cafe with coffee & baked goods
2. Mount Tammany – Delaware Water Gap, NJ
Iconic Jersey hike with a steep ascent and views of the Delaware Water Gap from the summit.
Length: 3.6 miles (Red Dot up, Blue Dot down loop), ~1,200 ft elevation gain, moderate to hard.
Avg Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Drive Time: 1.5–1.75 hours
Town Vibe – DWG/Stroudsburg: Rugged outdoorsy town with Appalachian Trail hikers and riverside dive bars.
Food Picks:
Sycamore Grille – hearty, casual spot with comfort food
Zoe's Ice Cream Emporium & Café — classic ice cream parlor that also serves lunch daily
3. Pine Meadow Lake – Harriman State Park
A forested walk that opens up to a serene mountain lake. You can even take a quick swim in the summer.
Length: ~8 miles round-trip, ~1,150 ft elevation gain, moderate
Avg Hiking Time: 3–4.5 hours
Drive Time: 1–1.25 hours
Town Vibe – Suffern/Sloatsburg: Quiet commuter town on the edge of nature, with cozy vibes and no frills charm.
Food Picks:
Valley Rock Inn Market – organic café + garden dining
Characters Bar & Restaurant – casual American
Seven Lakes Station – craft beer bar with killer grilled cheese
4. White Shore + Long Path Loop – Palisades Interstate Park
This is a woodsy trail with river views, and a rocky climb back up.
Length: ~3.8 miles, ~760 ft elevation gain, moderate (some scrambles)
Avg Hiking Time: 2–2.5 hours
Drive Time: 40 minutes
Town Vibe – Fort Lee: Diverse, busy NJ suburb with amazing Korean food and a lively downtown.
Food Picks:
BCD Tofu House – spicy Korean stews
So Gong Dong – classic Korean BBQ experience
Ventanas at the Modern – sleek Latin-Asian fusion
5. Bear Mountain Loop – Bear Mountain State Park
A stone stair-climb to panoramic views from Perkins Tower.
Length: 4.0 miles, ~1,200 ft elevation gain, moderate
Avg Hiking Time: 2.5–3 hours
Travel Time:
Bus: 1.5 hours (Take ShortLine Hudson bus to Bear Mountain Inn). Train tickets cost ~$20–$40 round-trip.
Drive: 1.25 hours
Town Vibe – Fort Montgomery/Highland Falls: Historic and woodsy with West Point proximity and a sleepy vibe.
Food Picks:
Barnstormer BBQ – rustic & hearty
Park Restaurant – old-school diner with river views
Bear Mountain Inn Restaurant – classic lodge-style dining
6. Mohonk Preserve + Labyrinth & Lemon Squeeze – New Paltz
This is a true adventure. There are ladders, tight rock crevices, and sweeping Shawangunk Ridge views. Entry fee required.
Length: 5–7 miles depending on route, ~1,200–1,400 ft elevation gain, moderate to strenuous
Avg Hiking Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Drive Time: 1.75–2 hours
Town Vibe – New Paltz: College town meets mountain hippie — funky, friendly, and fun.
Food Picks:
A Tavola Trattoria – refined Italian fare
Main Street Bistro – laid-back breakfast & lunch
Huckleberry – beer garden meets brunch café