The Easy Hikes
Easy Hiking Trails
This hand-curated selection of non-strenuous hikes is for lovers of the outdoors, forest, fauna, and fun.
Not everyone wants to — or can — hike up a mountain. These trails will get you into the hills for a great time without unduly taxing your body.
But these are wilderness hikes — so make sure to pack your ten essentials.
Note 1: Be aware that “easy mountain hikes” does not mean “easy hikes” — before you go, learn how to stay safe on a mountain.
Note 2: Easy Catskill hikes are easier than easy Adirondack hikes. An easy Adirondack hike is equivalent to a moderate Catskill hike.
Windham High Peak in 3 Minutes (Walk-Thru Video)
This is one of my favorite hikes to do in The Catskills. This video walks you through the trails and junctions from trailhead to summit, giving you a clear sense of just how lovely this hike is.
Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most popular destinations in the Hudson Valley.
Stoppel Point (Plane Crash)
An absolutely delightful hike from Colgate Lake, around Lake Capra, and along Stoppel Point’s beautiful and scenic escarpment ridge.
6 Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Catskills
These easy kid-friendly Catskills hikes have so much to offer your family.
Ashokan Rail Trail
Take a leisurely nature stroll (or cycle) along the scenic Ashokan Rail Trail, a premier Catskills destination.
Roaring Brook Falls
A very short and very fun hike to one of the most popular Adirondack waterfall destinations.
6 Easy Catskills Hikes
Want a deep Catskills experience without the angst of a rigorous mountain hike? These are the hikes for you.
Shaupeneak Ridge
Shaupeneak Ridge 936.5 acre park contains almost 10 miles of easy trails, suitable for easy hiking, kayaking, fishing, trail running, picnicking, and excellent mountain-biking.
Silver Hollow Notch & Edgewood Mountains
This short hike to a quiet Catskills double-peak proves how the Lower Catskills can often out-reward the Classic 3500 Peaks.
Kaaterskill Rail Trail
This is a short, super-easy hike to one of the most popular Catskills destinations. It includes views not seen by those who park closer to the falls. It’s the perfect trail in winter for some easy snow-shoeing or cross country skiing.
Hike Cascade & Porter
This entry-level Adirondack High Peak hike is a great introduction to the rigors of mountain hiking: rough trails, rocky scrambles and incredible views make this short day-hike super rewarding.
