Drive ≈ 30 min Walk 30 min
Escape into 1.6 km of woodland trails on Long Island's North Shore, where dense forests create genuine seclusion despite suburban… Easy trail of 1.6 km, 6 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailor pick your starting city — the number is how many trails we list.
Pick your drive. Save time for the trail.
305 trails within 2 hr of New York City by car. Compare the drive, the walking time and the level to choose your next outing.
Photo : Seven Lakes Drive NY
Drive times are estimates (≈) from the city centre, as the crow flies. Walking time comes from the trail page when it has one; a walking filter hides trails without a duration.
Drive ≈ 30 min Walk 30 min
Escape into 1.6 km of woodland trails on Long Island's North Shore, where dense forests create genuine seclusion despite suburban… Easy trail of 1.6 km, 6 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailDrive ≈ 56 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Along the Hudson Valley's western shore, this 2-3 hour riverside trail follows the path of a former 20th-century quarry operation. Easy trail of 3.2 km, 312 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailDrive ≈ 1 hr 11 min Walk 3 hr 15 min
Explore 11.3 km of trails connecting seven pristine lakes through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks in the Hudson Valley. Moderate trail of 11.3 km, 380 m of climb.
Dog rules: check the trail page
See the trailNew York City
Drive ≈ 8 min Walk 2 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 56 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 1 hr 15 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Long Island
Drive ≈ 1 hr 31 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 1 hr 33 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy
Long Island
Drive ≈ 1 hr 34 min Walk 30 min
Level: Easy
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 1 hr 36 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 1 hr 38 min Walk 7 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Hudson Valley
Drive ≈ 1 hr 45 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 7 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 31 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 33 min Walk 30 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 34 min Walk 5 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate
Jersey Shore New Jersey
Drive ≈ 37 min Walk 3 hr 45 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 41 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 42 min Walk 1 hr 45 min
Level: Moderate
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 50 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 50 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 52 min Walk 9 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 54 min Walk 7 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 55 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Highlands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 1 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Central New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 1 min Walk 35 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 5 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 7 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 12 min Walk 7 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 14 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Central New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 15 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy
Delaware Water Gap New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 18 min Walk 4 hr
Level: Hard
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 19 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Northern New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 22 min Walk 2 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate
Skylands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 22 min Walk 2 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate
Delaware Water Gap New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 25 min Walk 46 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Highlands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 30 min Walk 1 hr 45 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Highlands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 32 min Walk 2 hr
Level: Moderate
Highlands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 35 min Walk 2 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate
Central New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 36 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Skylands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 39 min Walk 45 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Skylands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 40 min Walk 1 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Highlands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 43 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Skylands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 44 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Skylands Region New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 45 min Walk 5 hr 15 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley Ontario
Drive ≈ 1 hr 46 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy
Central New Jersey New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 48 min Walk 30 min
Level: Easy
Delaware Water Gap New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 50 min Walk 2 hr 30 min
Level: Easy
Pine Barrens New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 51 min Walk 1 hr 15 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Philadelphia & The Countryside Pennsylvania
Drive ≈ 1 hr 52 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Pine Barrens New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 55 min Walk 3 hr 45 min
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania
Drive ≈ 1 hr 58 min Walk 4 hr
Level: Easy Dogs allowed
Delaware Water Gap New Jersey
Drive ≈ 1 hr 59 min Walk 2 hr 30 min
Level: Moderate Dogs allowed
No trail matches these filters. Widen the drive or remove a filter.
Think about the way back, the breaks and the parking.
Opening hours, parking and access conditions can change with the season.
Changing weather can make some trails harder.
Match the length and the level to your group and the time you have.
Without a car, an outing takes more planning. Some destinations near New York City may be served by public transit, but none of our trail pages lists it yet.
Check schedules and the last return trip with the transit agency before you go.
See the frequently asked questionsSpring
Spring in New York City brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it ideal for exploring Central Park's extensive trail network and the High Line elevated park.
The weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain showers, so pack layers and waterproof gear. This season offers comfortable hiking conditions before the summer heat arrives, with daylight extending into the evening hours.
Summer
Summer hiking around New York City requires early morning or late evening outings to avoid the intense heat and humidity typical of the region.
Central Park, Prospect Park, and the Staten Island Greenbelt offer shaded trails that provide relief from urban temperatures. Bring plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing, and consider indoor alternatives during peak heat advisories.
Fall
Fall is the premier season for outdoor activities near New York City, with comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage in parks like Central Park and Van Cortlandt Park.
The crisp air and colorful leaves create perfect conditions for longer walks and hikes throughout the city's green spaces. Pack layers as temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon, and enjoy extended daylight hours before winter arrives.
Winter
Winter in New York City brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, transforming city parks into peaceful winter wonderlands perfect for cold-weather walking and light hiking.
Central Park and Riverside Park offer maintained paths that remain accessible during most winter conditions. Dress in warm layers, wear appropriate footwear for potentially icy conditions, and take advantage of shorter daylight hours by planning activities during midday when temperatures are warmest.
The page lists 305 trails. The closest is Hudson River Greenway (≈ 3 min drive from downtown), the farthest Wappingers Falls (≈ 1 hr 59 min). Drive times are estimated as the crow flies.
55 trails are within ≈ 30 min of driving, 137 within ≈ 1 hr, and all of them within ≈ 2 hr. These are estimates from downtown.
Among the trails on this page, the most viewed on Let's Go Play Outside are Seven Lakes Drive NY, Jaynes Hill, New York and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
297 listings give a length, from 0.3 km (Monksville Reservoir) to 80 km (South Mountain Reservation). The other 8 do not say.
Yes: among the trails on this page that give a level, 228 easy, 57 moderate and 4 hard. The closest easy ones: Hudson River Greenway, Beginning of High Line and Amy Park.
47 listings say dogs are allowed and 4 say they are not. For the other 254, the rule is not confirmed: check the trail page before you go.

Free guide: 25 hikes under 2 hours from Montreal
Drive time, distance and level for each one. The ones we go back to ourselves.
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