The 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hikes Near NYC

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Difficulty: hard
• Trail Length: 3.7 miles
• Trail Type: loop trail, scrambling

At Bear Mountain State Park families can enjoy an outdoor adventure on any of the numerous trails of varying difficulty levels. According to Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint, the most rewarding trail is the Bear Mountain Loop: “I like that the hike is a mix of challenging scrambles and easier stairs, which are built into the side of the mountain,” she says. This trail begins, which begins in the parking lot, winds around Hessian Lake and then begins to ascend, revealing increasingly stunning views of the Hudson Valley, does serve up quite a challenge, due to the fact that portions of the hike require scrambling over flat face rocks. Still, it’s an excellent choice for families with slightly older kids with some hiking experience. (Psst: for younger kids, you might want to stick to the Hessian Lake Loop—a scenic paved trail that’s considerably easier to manage.)

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trail Length: 2.1 miles
• Trail Type: loop trail

Turkey Mountain Trail is a popular hiking spot near NYC for families who are looking for a moderate challenge that kids of all ages can handle. Quint also likes this relatively short hike featuring fun activities for kids to enjoy along the way. As for difficulty level, this hike serves up a pretty decent climb, but the trail is well-maintained and the summit boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Difficulty: easy
• Trail Length: 1.6 miles
• Trail Type: loop trail

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Mohonk Mountain House with my kids and can attest to the striking beauty of the natural surroundings. My favorite kid-friendly trail on the property is this winding 1.6 mile loop trail, which features beautiful views of the valley and the Catskills, and finishes with a leisurely tour of the scenic Mohonk Lake. The hike is generally considered easy (my six-year-old and eight-year-old had no trouble), but if you’re visiting during the colder months you will definitely need to be outfitted with microspikes in order to manage some mild scrambling over the snow and ice.

• Distance from NYC: 55 minutes
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trail Length: 0.6 miles
• Trail Type: out-and-back trail

You’ll enjoy lovely Hudson River views on this kid-friendly hike at Nyack Beach State Park. The trail is very short, but the incline is moderate, so hikers of all ages can get some good hill training on the switchbacks. It’s not the most scenic hiking spot on the list, but it’s a peaceful place for families with plenty of picnic spots and places to relax. (It’s also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along for the outing.)

• Distance from NYC: >1 hour
• Difficulty: easy
• Trail Length: 2 miles
• Trail Type: interpretive trail, multi-use trail, urban hiking, loop trail

I have the privilege of living right next to Greenwood Cemetery, a true oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, and frequently explore the beautiful grounds with my kids. You can spend hours strolling the paved trails and numerous footpaths, and it’s a wonderful place to get lost. That said, I strongly recommend you grab a map and steer your brood in the direction of Battle Hill, which is the highest point in Brooklyn. There, you will enjoy sweeping views of the city, including the Statue of Liberty, and an arguably even better view if you look down at the winding trails, statues and historic monuments in the cemetery below. It’s also worth noting that Greenwood Cemetery is a very popular place for birding—more than 160 different species can be found passing through the property during peak season, and the cemetery offers guided tours for avian enthusiasts.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour
• Difficulty: moderate
• Trail Length: 2.9 miles
• Trail Type: loop trail, multi-use trail

This 46,000 acre park is home to numerous hiking trails of every description, including an 18-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. My favorite hike to do with my kids is the Pine Swamp Loop, which takes just over an hour to complete. The hike itself is fairly easy and the wooded surroundings and lake views are enchanting—just avoid visiting after there’s been rain, as some hikers report that portions of the trail are prone to flooding.

• Distance from NYC: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Length: 1.1 miles
• Trail Type: loop trail, multi-use trail

You can hike this roughly one mile-long loop trail in a mere 20 minutes. Yep, it’s exceedingly quick and easy, and a great choice for families with younger kids. You won’t be disappointed, though, because the scenery is absolutely beautiful—particularly if you visit in the fall when the foliage is at its most stunning.