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…
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6 Easy Catskills Hikes
Want a deep Catskills experience without the angst of a rigorous mountain hike? These are the hikes for you.
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Saugerties Lighthouse Trail
The super sweet and very short Saugerties Lighthouse trail is a huge hit with all ages.
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What is Soft Hiking?
A refreshing perspective on outdoor experiences, emphasizing mindfulness, accessibility, and personal enjoyment.
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Secret Hike: Mega Mounds & Shadow Pool
This short, strange hike leads through one of the largest quarries in The Catskills.
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Balsam Lake Fire Tower Hike
Incredible 360° wilderness views make this hike spectacular at any time of year.
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Diamond Notch Falls via Spruceton
A short, easy mountain hike to a true Catskills gem: Diamond Notch Falls.
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Lion’s Head
The Lion’s Head Trail in Salisbury, CT, is a delightful short hike with great views that you can actually fit into your day.
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High Falls Conservation Area
Short, easy hiking trails wind through High Falls Conservation Area to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New York.
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Dibbles Quarry & Beyond (Ultimate Guide)
A short, easy hike to the very memorable Dibbles Quarry in one of The Catskills’ loveliest notches.
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Baxter Mountain Trail
Baxter Mountain Trail in the Adirondacks is on of the sweetest trails in Keene Valley. Baxter is also one of the most hike-able and scenic peaks in the area.
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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!
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Vernooy Falls Trail: Waterfalls & Mill Ruins
The delightful Vernooy Falls hiking trail leads to one of the funnest spots in The Catskills.
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Bash Bish Falls
An easy walk leads to a spectacular payoff: Bash Bish Falls — Massachusetts’ highest waterfall.
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