Kid-Friendly Hikes
Kid-Friendly Hikes 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.
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The Kid-Friendly Hikes…
Mount Tammany Trail via Red Dot and Blue Dot Loop
The best way to hike Mount Tammany is via this delightful loop.
Indian Ladder Trail, Thacher State Park
A short, scenic trail beneath dramatic cliffs, with waterfalls, fossils, and big valley views.
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2025
Everything you need to know about completing the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge in 2025.
Falling Waters Preserve
Head to Falling Waters Preserve for a delightful stroll that’s all about the simple joys of being outside.
Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower
This Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower hike offers easy, delightful trails that lead to stunning 360° views of the surrounding Hudson Valley. Here’s everything you need to know.
Sam’s Point, Ice Caves, Verkeerderkill Falls
This is a truly unforgettable Shawangunks adventure.
The 7 Best Hikes Near Woodstock NY
The very best hikes near Woodstock, New York. And they’re all family-friendly!
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail
You can hike up Overlook Mountain’s easy trail in about an hour. The fire tower at the end of this short trail is positioned to give one of the most dramatic views in the Catskills.
Poets’ Walk Park on the Hudson River
An inspiring trail that leads to a large pavilion with impressive views.
Kaaterskill Falls Hike (Ultimate Guide)
Everything you need to know about the iconic Kaaterskill Falls: parking, viewing tips, alternate routes, safety.
Dover Stone Church
Dover Stone Church is a short, easy, highly-memorable hike — and an absolute delight.
Muir Woods National Monument
Step into a realm where the tallest trees on Earth reach for the sky.
