Nature Trails
Being in nature is so beneficial — but not everyone can (or wants to) hike a whole mountain.
Nature trails are a wonderful way to get a solid nature fix without adding the stresses and risks that come with tougher, mountainous hiking trails.
What is a Nature Trail?
A nature trail is any path through a forest, field, or preserve — especially one that provides opportunities for observing and learning about plants and animals.
Time spent in nature…
- Improves health and fitness
- Improves immunity and memory performance
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Speeds recovery from illness (gets the blood moving)
- Gets you away from your living space (and all its attendant distractions, chores, and responsibilities)
- Lowers your cortisol, pulse rate, and blood pressure
- Increases your white blood cell count
- Increases your Vitamin D production
- Makes you happy!
These easy nature trail routes over predominantly level terrain provide deep nature experiences.
Each of these nature trails is under 4 miles in length, and all are suitable for just about anyone.
The classic hike to Red Hill does include some elevation gain but, if you take your time, it’s a very do-able hiking trail. There are no especially difficult or technical sections to worry about — and the view from the fire tower is well worth the effort.
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.
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.
Red Hill Fire Tower Classic Hiking Trail
This short, easy hike up beautifully-maintained trail in bucolic New York leads to dramatic views of the Southern and Western Catskills.
Israel Wittman Sanctuary
This beautiful, serene and contemplative nature walk has so much to recommend it: lovely quiet woods of mixed evergreen and deciduous trees, easy stream crossings over delightful footbridges, dozens of stone fences built by settlers, small quarries and exposed rock faces, as well as fine field of glacial erratics.
Sloan Gorge Preserve
You don’t have to climb a mountain to experience the Catskills. The lowlands have so much to offer. Sloan Gorge Preserve is a great example: an absolutely delightful, short, and family-friendly nature walk.
Kenneth L. Wilson State Campground Nature Trail
This kid-friendly nature trail winds through mature hemlock, spruce, and red/white pine woods between Ticetonyk Mountain and Mt Tobias. There are views of Wittenberg and Cornell, and the campground amenities are top notch.
Slabsides / John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary
Slabsides is the rustic two-story cabin hand-built by famous naturalist John Burroughs at the end of the 1800’s. It is preserved just as he left it, including its personal contents. A series of interconnected trails wind through woods, a swamp, past dramatic rock outcroppings and waterfalls, and alongside peaceful lakes. The terrain is rugged but the trails are appropriate for well-managed children.
Ashokan Quarry Trail
A short, super-easy hike almost anyone can do with fantastic terrain and scenic views — and a superb set of ruins to explore.
Kelly Hollow Loop
Short, easy and thoroughly absorbing, Kelly Hollow Loop is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Catskills. It came highly-recommended and it absolutely delivered.
