Highlands, NY, in the Hudson Valley offers adventure seekers diverse activities, from hiking to kayaking. Enjoy scenic views on trails or the river, and explore rich history nearby.
Highlands, NY, in the Hudson Valley offers adventure seekers diverse activities, from hiking to kayaking. Enjoy scenic views on trails or the river, and explore rich history nearby.
Highlands, New York: A Gateway to Thrilling Outdoor Adventures
In the heart of the Hudson Valley lies the exhilarating realm of Highlands, New York, a sanctuary for those captivated by the call of the wild and the allure of adventure. With its enchanting blend of history and rugged natural splendor, Highlands offers a compelling invitation to explorers eager to immerse themselves in the outdoors.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Highlands, New York special.
★ 8.5⌖ 1.16 milesBear Mountain offers stunning fall foliage and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Located near Highlands, NY, it's perfect for photographers and nature lovers. The park also features a zoo and museums. Best visited in fall for vibrant colors.
★ 8.2⌖ 2.47 milesModerateLocated about an hour north of New York City, Bear Mountain State Park offers moderate hiking with rewarding summit views, calm pedal boating on Hessian Lake, and abundant wildlife. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking accessible nature and scenic vistas from late spring through early fall.
★ 8.2⌖ 6.94 milesHardExplore Hudson Highlands State Park, offering challenging hikes like Breakneck Ridge with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Enjoy kayaking for a serene river perspective. Best visited in spring and fall. Suitable for adventure seekers; expect steep terrain and historical sites.
★ 8.5⌖ 7.16 milesModerateHike the moderate Howell Trail loop in Storm King State Park, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Enjoy rocky granite formations, hardwood forests, and panoramic summit views of the Hudson River. This family-friendly trail offers birdwatching and nearby kayaking for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.
★ 7.2⌖ 7.18 milesModerateExplore Storm King Mountain in Cornwall, NY, offering moderate hikes with captivating views of the Hudson River. Birdwatching and photography opportunities abound. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage. Located within Storm King and Hudson Highlands State Parks.
★ 8.2⌖ 7.96 milesModerateExplore Harriman State Park near New York City with moderate hiking trails, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy activities like fishing, boating, and camping during spring and fall. This family-friendly park offers accessible natural beauty within an hour’s drive of the city.
★ 8.2⌖ 11.27 milesModerateExplore Beacon Overlook in Hudson Highlands State Park. With moderate trails and stunning views of the Hudson River, it's popular for hiking and photography. Watch for rare plant species and historical sites along the journey.
★ 7.8⌖ 16.14 milesModerateSterling Forest State Park near Tuxedo Park, NY offers moderate hiking and mountain biking through forests and ridges with historic mining sites. Visit spring to fall for scenic lake views, diverse wildlife, and educational exhibits at the visitor center.
★ 7.8⌖ 18.83 milesEasyExplore Tarrytown Lakes Park in Tarrytown, NY, featuring easy lakeside trails perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Appreciate peaceful fishing spots and enjoy beautiful autumn foliage. Suitable for families and nature lovers year-round.
★ 5.5⌖ 23.70 milesExplore the diverse ecosystems of Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Wanaque, NJ. With over 4,000 acres, enjoy hiking on popular trails like MacEvoy and Cannonball, bird-watching, and peaceful lakeside activities. Best visited in fall for vibrant foliage.
★ 7.2⌖ 26.10 milesExplore the majestic cliffs of Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine, NJ. Featuring dramatic basalt cliffs, this area offers stunning views and hiking opportunities just 30 minutes from NYC. Popular activities include bouldering and picnicking, especially in spring or fall.
★ 4⌖ 28.65 milesDiscover Tarrywile Park in Danbury, CT, with its scenic trails, historic Hearthstone Castle, and Tarrywile Mansion. Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking in a tranquil setting. Best visited in spring or fall.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Highlands, New York, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Highlands, New York.
⌖ 2.8 miA free, 1.5‑hour guided walk at Manitoga in Garrison that leads residents through a sculpted landscape, a waterfall crossing, and the historic House and Studio—this guide explains what to expect on the route and practical restrictions to plan around.
⌖ 3.6 miA 1.5-hour evening cruise departing Peekskill on the restored US Coast Guard buoy tender Evening Star, offering sunset views of Bear Mountain Bridge and other Hudson Highlands landmarks.
⌖ 4.6 miA 2.5-hour sightseeing brunch departing from Fleischmann Pier aboard the 90‑ft Emerald Princess, featuring a full brunch and a complimentary mimosa while cruising northbound on the Hudson.
⌖ 4.7 miA curated series of guided seasonal walks at Manitoga that combine designed landscape hikes, interior tours of the House and Studio, and season-specific refreshments—this guide orients you to what to expect on each outing.
⌖ 4.9 miA short, scenic cruise aboard the Evening Star that delivers front‑row views of autumn color along the Hudson River and a concise primer on the region’s history.
⌖ 4.9 miA concise, 1-hour river cruise from Peekskill on a converted US Coast Guard buoy tender, offering sweeping views of the Hudson Highlands and short, family-friendly time on the water.
⌖ 5.0 miA focused, 2-hour guided drawing program at Manitoga that places participants in the site’s Inner Landscape to observe and make work with curated materials.
⌖ 6.6 miA 2.5-hour, backend-only private charter run by Bannerman Castle that delivers a personalized, crowd-free outing; this guide distills what to expect and who it suits.
⌖ 7.4 miA week-long adult hybrid bike rental in Mohegan Lake, available in sizes Small through X‑Large and supplied with a helmet, bottle cage and kickstand; this guide explains what’s included and what to expect.
⌖ 9.7 miA 1.5-hour on-water class that combines a brief safety and paddle clinic, a scenic paddle to an anchor point, a gentle yoga flow, and a final floating moment to let the river guide you back.
⌖ 10.0 miA 2.5‑hour guided cruise-and-walk from 2 Red Flynn Drive in Beacon to Pollepel (Bannerman) Island — a compact, all‑ages outing that pairs river scenery with a guided tour that supports preservation efforts.
⌖ 10.3 miA family-focused bike rental in Croton-on-Hudson operated by Croton E-Bikes; this guide distills the essential facts every parent needs to know.
⌖ 10.3 miTwo- to four-hour e-bike rentals from Pedego Croton-On-Hudson include a safety briefing and helmet, and suit riders aged 18+ (16–17 with a guardian) seeking self-guided scenic rides.
⌖ 11.3 miA 2–2.5 hour public sail launching from the Hudson Valley aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater that pairs tall‑ship sailing with wildlife encounters and hands‑on river education.
⌖ 11.7 miA compact, family-friendly visit to a Latin-inspired creative venue in Yorktown Heights that combines immersive photo activations, a dessert counter, and social spaces — useful as a quick guide to what to expect during the 30-minute General Admission experience.
Make the most of your visit to Highlands, New York with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Highlands, New York hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New York during the iconic Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New York during the iconic Bear Mountain Oktoberfest. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Highlands, New York during the iconic West Point Military Tattoo. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Highlands, New York is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Harriman State Park, located in New York, offers a vast terrain of forested hills and valleys, making it a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, amidst the serene landscape of northeastern New Jersey.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located in the Shawangunk Mountains of New York, offers a stunning array of natural beauty and recreational activities amidst rugged terrain and scenic vistas.
High Point State Park offers stunning panoramic views from New Jersey's highest elevation point, with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
Wear layers, as weather can change rapidly.
Check trail conditions before heading out.
Be aware of limited parking at popular trailheads.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Highlands, New York. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.