The best walks and hikes in Sullivan County

Yes, Sullivan County offers several great options for families. Many trails are relatively flat and short, perfect for little legs. For an easy walk through a historic park, consider the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park & Blow-Me-Down Mill loop. Another gentle option is the French's Ledges Trail, which is a short and pleasant walk.

Many trails in Sullivan County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep them on a leash and check specific park regulations before you go. The trails in areas like the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest are generally welcoming to dogs. Remember to bring water for your furry friend and to clean up after them.

The region is known for its beautiful waterfalls. While this guide focuses on other types of hikes, you can find notable waterfalls in the Neversink Unique Area, which has trails leading to three different falls. Russell Brook Falls is another popular and easily accessible waterfall in the county.

The hikes in this guide are rated as easy or moderate, focusing on accessible enjoyment of the landscape. For a more strenuous outing, you could try the Butternut Pond Trail — Enfield Wildlife Management Area, which involves some elevation gain. For true mountain challenges, hikers often explore peaks in the greater Catskill Park, like Balsam Lake Mountain, which features a fire tower.

Loop trails are a great way to see new scenery for your entire hike. A pleasant and easy circular route is the Moody Park loop. For a longer, more moderate loop with some climbing, the Kittredge Hill – Pillsbury State Park loop from Mill Pond is an excellent choice.

Winter hiking can be magical in Sullivan County, with snow-covered landscapes offering a different kind of beauty. Flatter trails like the Hurleyville Rail Trail are excellent for winter walks or cross-country skiing. For hillier routes, be sure to wear appropriate footwear with good traction, like microspikes, as trails can become icy.

Absolutely. Many trails reward you with beautiful vistas. The hike up Green Mountain offers a rewarding view after a steady climb. Another option for a scenic viewpoint is the French's Ledges viewpoint loop from Hartland.

The trails in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the tranquility of the forests, and the beautiful lakeside scenery found on routes like the Eastman Lake loop — Enfield Wildlife Management Area.

You'll find a good variety. Some routes, like the Toonerville Trail – Springfield, VT, follow former railway beds and are quite flat and even. Other paths are more traditional hiking trails with roots, rocks, and elevation changes as you climb through the rolling hills of the Catskill foothills.

This guide highlights a curated selection of a dozen of the best hikes in Sullivan County. The routes are split evenly between easy and moderate difficulty, ensuring there's a great option for various fitness levels and preferences.

Beyond the specific routes in this guide, there are several highly-regarded hiking areas. The

Neversink Gorge Trails are a local favorite, known for excellent signage and trails leading down to the river.

For a different experience, the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest offers a vast area with trails, ponds, and campgrounds.

The Hurleyville Rail Trail is also very popular for its well-maintained, flat surface, making it perfect for an easy walk or bike ride.