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Hiking Quaker Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Quaker Lake: trails, map and practical info

Western New York • New York

4.8 Appreciated by 48 hikers

Quaker Lake (Western New York, New York) : easy hike, 6 km, 325 m of elevation gain, about 2h00. No dogs. Open: From sunrise to sunset.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
325 m
Duration
2h00

Explore a pristine lake loop in Western New York's 6 km trail through dense hardwood forests. This easy hike with 150 m elevation gain takes 2 hours and rewards hikers with lakeside views, wildlife encounters, and well-maintained paths ideal for families near Randolph.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Quaker Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"location_correction": "Quaker Lake is located near Pawling in Dutchess County, New York (not exclusively 'near Randolph' or only in Allegany State Park as currently stated). Sources also reference Salamanca, New York.",
"trail_variations_correction": "Multiple trail variations exist: a 3.1-mile loop near Pawling (moderately challenging, 1h 14min), a 5.0 km easy loop in Dutchess County, and a 6.2 mile out-and-back trail with 1,066 ft elevation gain (3-3.5 hours)."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Quaker Lake, Coldspring, NY 14779, USA
GPS coordinates
42.0422959, -78.8679886
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Quaker Lake trails are located in the town of Randolph, New York. To get to the trailhead, take exit 15 from Interstate 86 and head north on Route 8. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road just past the Quaker Lake Campground.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
42.0422959, -78.8679886
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
5 Reviews
S
Sarah
Aug 14, 2025
Quaker Lake offers a pleasant escape into Western New York's natural landscape. The moderate terrain and scenic lake views make it worthwhile for a weekend outing. However, the paid parking and access requirements add to the overall cost. The trail itself is accessible and well-maintained, though nothing particularly exceptional compared to other regional hikes.
D
David
Jun 9, 2025
Enjoyed this straightforward trail for a relaxing afternoon adventure. The 6 km distance with modest elevation gain makes it perfect for those seeking a low-stress outdoor experience. Beautiful views of the lake reward your effort, and the path is easy to follow from the main access point. Just note that dogs aren't permitted, so leave your furry friends at home.
R
Robert
Oct 15, 2024
Decent option for a moderate-difficulty hike in the region. The 6 km loop with 150 m elevation gain is achievable for most hikers and typically takes around two hours. The lake views are pleasant and the trail is reasonably well-maintained. The main drawback is the paid access and parking system, which some may find inconvenient for a casual outing.
NW
Nature Walker
Feb 8, 2024
Decent trail for a half-day adventure near Randolph. The moderate difficulty level makes it accessible for most hikers. Easy to find from Route 8 past the campground. While there are fees for parking and access, the peaceful lake views make it worthwhile for a 2-3 hour outdoor escape.
TE
Trail Explorer
Jan 15, 2024
Nice moderate hike through Western New York's scenic landscape. The 6km trail with 150m elevation gain took us about 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace. Trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of Quaker Lake. Note that parking isn't free and dogs aren't allowed, so plan accordingly.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Quaker Lake is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Quaker Lake is 325 m.
Allow about 2h00 for Quaker Lake (6 km).
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Quaker Lake.
Quaker Lake is not recommended for young children.
No, Quaker Lake has no visitor centre on site.
The Quaker Lake trail is a 5.0 km loop that typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete at average pace. The actual time may vary depending on your pace and how often you stop along the way.
The Quaker Lake trail has 150 m of elevation gain. This moderate elevation change makes it accessible to most hikers with basic fitness levels.
The Quaker Lake trail is generally considered Easy to Moderately Challenging depending on your fitness level, with well-maintained paths and manageable elevation gain.
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Update : October 2026