Kid-Friendly
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in The Catskills & Beyond
This list of kid-friendly hiking trails in the Catskills and beyond focuses on easier, shorter, flatter routes.
Nonetheless, each provides a ton of interest.
There are excellent scenic views, interesting terrain, dramatic geology, and even some ruins to explore.
Hiking With Children: Safety Issues
Many young people can enjoy even fairly strenuous mountain hikes safely. You know best what your kids can handle.
These trailed routes cross relatively even terrain: no big ascents, no rock scrambles.
However, these are all still wilderness hikes — so make sure you’re prepared to hike in the wilderness.
At the very least, always carry the ten essentials.
The Kid-Friendly Hikes…
Ashokan Rail Trail
Take a leisurely nature stroll (or cycle) along the scenic Ashokan Rail Trail, a premier Catskills destination.
Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent
This three-tiered best bug spray system keeps me (mostly!) bite free in New York’s backcountry every season
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.
Huckleberry Point Trail
Huckleberry Point is one of the most beloved Catskills destinations. The trail is short and relatively easy. In 75 minutes or so, you’ll get to one of the most dramatic vistas in the Catskill Mountains. This is a popular and extremely memorable hike.
Catskills Fire Towers
Everything you need to know about the five classic Catskills towers — plus the newest (sixth) addition. Includes links to the gear and maps you’ll need to hike safely.
Hike Windham High Peak from Cross Road
This might be my new favorite way to hike WHP. The easy first mile and the hemlock-rich woods at the start of this route make it such a pleasant way to begin and end this beautiful day hike.
