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…
Saugerties Lighthouse Trail
The super sweet and very short Saugerties Lighthouse trail is a huge hit with all ages.
What is Soft Hiking?
A refreshing perspective on outdoor experiences, emphasizing mindfulness, accessibility, and personal enjoyment.
Secret Hike: Mega Mounds & Shadow Pool
This short, strange hike leads through one of the largest quarries in The Catskills.
Balsam Lake Fire Tower (updated)
Incredible 360° wilderness views make this hike spectacular at any time of year.
Diamond Notch Falls via Spruceton
A short, easy mountain hike to a true Catskills gem: Diamond Notch Falls.
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.
High Falls Conservation Area
Short, easy hiking trails wind through High Falls Conservation Area to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in New York.
Dibbles Quarry & Beyond (Ultimate Guide)
A short, easy hike to the very memorable Dibbles Quarry in one of The Catskills’ loveliest notches.
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.
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!
Vernooy Falls Trail: Waterfalls & Mill Ruins
The delightful Vernooy Falls hiking trail leads to one of the funnest spots in The Catskills.
Bash Bish Falls
An easy walk leads to a spectacular payoff: Bash Bish Falls — Massachusetts’ highest waterfall.
Windham High Peak in 3 Minutes (Walk-Thru Video)
This is one of my favorite hikes to do in The Catskills. This video walks you through the trails and junctions from trailhead to summit, giving you a clear sense of just how lovely this hike is.
