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.
[auMC2]
The Kid-Friendly Hikes…
Dover Stone Church Closed to Public
Insurance coverage and lack of town support cited as main reasons.
Best Bug Spray & Bug Repellent
This three-tiered best bug spray system keeps me (mostly!) bite free in New York’s backcountry every season
Mount Van Hoevenberg
Wide-open Adirondack High Peaks views without the commitment of a big mountain day.
10 Best Waterfalls in the Catskills
These are the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the Catskills.
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!
