Best Hikes USA Blog

Trail guides, seasonal tips, and hiking adventures from real hikers

Seasonal Guide

Best Swimming Hole Hikes in Hudson Valley

Beat the heat: Hudson Valley hiking with natural swimming holes. Waterfall plunges, creek pools, and mountain swims that double as cooling stations on hot days.

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Adventure Planning

Best Picnic Hikes in Hudson Valley with Scenic Lunch Spots

Hikes that end at scenic lunch spots. We've identified Hudson Valley trails where the destination is as much about the view as the food.

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Dog Hiking

Best Hiking Trails for Dogs in Hudson Valley

Your dog doesn't need to stay home while you hike. Here are the best dog-friendly trails in Hudson Valley — no leash drama required (mostly).

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Seasonal Guide

Hudson Valley Hikes for Spring Wildflowers

March through May in Hudson Valley is wildflower season. Here are the best trails to see bluebells, trilliums, and acres of color before the leaves fully canopy the forest.

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Regional Guide

Hidden Gem Trails in Hudson Valley (Off the Beaten Path)

Tired of crowded parking lots and Instagram hiking spots? Here are the Hudson Valley trails that fly under the radar but absolutely deserve your attention.

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Regional Guide

What to Do in Beacon, NY Before and After Your Hike

The Metro-North drops you right in town. Before you even reach the trailhead, Beacon itself gives you a reason to linger. Here's how to make a full day of it.

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Gear & Tech

Best Free Apps for Recording Hikes

The right app on your phone can turn a good hike into a great one — tracking your route, logging your stats, and helping you find new trails. Here are our favorite free options.

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Trail Guides

Hudson Valley Hikes Under 5 Miles with Big Views

You shouldn't have to commit to a full day on trail to see something spectacular. These short Hudson Valley hikes punch well above their mileage.

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Trail Guides

Best Hudson Valley Hikes You Can Reach by Train

No car? No problem. Metro-North gets you to some of the best hiking in the Northeast, and these are the trails worth building a whole day around.

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Regional Guide

Waterfall Hikes in New York

New York has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Northeast, and the best ones require you to hike to earn the view. Here's where to find them.

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Seasonal Guide

Winter Hiking in Hudson Valley: Trails, Gear, and Conditions

Winter hiking in Hudson Valley is underrated. Fewer crowds, stunning snow-covered peaks, and clear mountain air. Here's everything you need to know to hike safely when it's cold.

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Trail Guides

Easy Hikes in the Hudson Valley with Views

Not every hike needs to destroy your legs. These Hudson Valley trails deliver spectacular views without requiring you to be in peak physical condition.

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Trail Guides

Breakneck Ridge Alternatives in the Hudson Valley

Breakneck Ridge is incredible, but it's also incredibly crowded. These alternatives give you the same dramatic Hudson Valley scenery with a fraction of the people.

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Regional Guide

Best Hikes Within 1 Hour of NYC

You don't need to travel far to hike somewhere genuinely spectacular. Within an hour of Manhattan, there are trails that will make you forget you live in a city.

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Regional Guide

Best Hikes Near Beacon NY

Beacon sits right at the edge of the Hudson Highlands, and the trails just outside town are some of the most rewarding short hikes in New York State. Here are our favorites.

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Regional Guide

Best Hikes in the Catskills, New York

Unveiling Natural Wonders: Top Hikes in the Majestic Catskills. Nestled in upstate New York, the Catskill Mountains boast an enchanting array of scenic trails.

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Regional Guide

Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley, New York

Exploring Nature's Beauty: Top Hikes in the Hudson Valley, New York. Nestled between the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains, the Hudson Valley offers spectacular hiking opportunities.

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Tips & Guides

Preparing for Your First Mountain Hike

Tips and tricks for beginners tackling higher elevation trails. Learn about altitude acclimatization, gear preparation, and safety considerations.

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Seasonal

Best Trails for Fall Foliage

Discover the most breathtaking autumn hikes across America. When to go, where to see the best colors, and what to expect.

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