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.
![fall view from jay mountain ridge in the adirondracks](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jay-Mountain-Ridge-7730-460x300.jpg)
Best Hikes of 2022
These are the best hikes I did in 2022 — 17 amazing day-hikes sorted by level of difficulty.
![hikers sitting around high falls convervation area waterfall](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/High-Falls-Conservation-Area-0812-460x300.jpg)
High Falls Conservation Area
Short, easy hiking trails wind through High Falls Conservation Area to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New York.
![scenic sunset view from Pakatakan Mountain](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pakatakan-0021-460x300.jpg)
18 Amazing Western Catskills Hikes
Some of the best day hikes are only a few hours from New York City. The Western Catskills have it all!
![vernooy falls waterfall](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Vernooy-Falls-8661-460x300.jpg)
Vernooy Falls Trail: Waterfalls & Mill Ruins
The delightful Vernooy Falls hiking trail leads to one of the funnest spots in The Catskills.
![iced-up Bash Bish Falls and pool](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bash-Bish-Falls-4425-460x300.jpg)
Bash Bish Falls
An easy walk leads to a spectacular payoff: Bash Bish Falls — Massachusetts’ highest waterfall.
![summit of moxham mountain in the distance, snowing](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Moxham-Adirondacks-2555-460x300.jpg)
![screen cap of video](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Windham-High-Peak-Video-460x300.jpg)
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 / richly flowing waterfall at dusk](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Awosting-Falls-Shawangunks-0095-460x300.jpg)
Awosting Falls
Awosting Falls at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most popular destinations in the Hudson Valley.
![scenic view](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lake-Minnewaska-Loop-9370-460x300.jpg)
![summit of Stoppel Point](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Stoppel-Point-6642-460x300.jpg)
Stoppel Point (Plane Crash)
An absolutely delightful hike from Colgate Lake, around Lake Capra, and along Stoppel Point’s beautiful and scenic escarpment ridge.
![teenager in gorge rock face](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kid-Friendly-Hikes-Sloan-Gorge-460x300.jpg)
6 Kid-Friendly Hikes in the Catskills
These easy kid-friendly Catskills hikes have so much to offer your family.
![orange steel and concrete bridge](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ashokan-Rail-Trail-4456-460x300.jpg)
Ashokan Rail Trail
Take a leisurely nature stroll (or cycle) along the scenic Ashokan Rail Trail, a premier Catskills destination.
![roaring brook falls seen from below](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Roaring-Brook-Falls-4028-460x300.jpg)
Roaring Brook Falls
A very short and very fun hike to one of the most popular Adirondack waterfall destinations.
![calm beaver pond and low mountain ridge](https://mountain-hiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shaupeneak-1621-460x300.jpg)
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.