The best running trails in Rockland County

The Bear Mountain Loop offers a truly memorable jogging experience, winding through woodlands and over rocky ascents that reward you with expansive views of the Hudson River Valley. You'll tackle a difficult 11.3-mile (18.2 km) route with a significant 2290 feet (698 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes. Expect a mix of technical terrain, including rocky scrambles on the Major Welch Trail and thousands of stone steps on the Appalachian Trail descent, making it a challenging but highly scenic outing for experienced runners.

Planning your visit to this popular running trail in Bear Mountain State Park means considering its proximity to New York City, which can lead to busy conditions. Parking at the trailhead can fill up quickly, so an early start is advisable to beat the crowds. While the full loop is demanding, the park also offers more accessible options, including an "All Persons Trail" near the summit, ensuring everyone can enjoy some of the park's beauty.

What makes the Bear Mountain Loop truly stand out are its historical significance and impressive trail-building artistry. A portion of the route utilizes one of the first completed sections of the Appalachian Trail, dating back to 1923. The thousands of stone steps you'll encounter are a testament to excellent trail construction, and the panoramic viewpoints from near the Perkins Memorial Tower are simply unparalleled, offering vistas that stretch for miles.

A moderate 3.2 miles (5.1 km) jogging route in Tallman Mountain State Park, offering Hudson River views and forested sections.

The Ramapo-Dunderberg and Timp-Torne Trail Loop offers a truly diverse jogging experience, blending runnable sections with challenging, rocky ascents. You'll navigate everything from old railway beds to steep, technical climbs, all while being treated to incredible panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains from summits like Bald Mountain and The Timp. This difficult 7.5-mile (12.0 km) route, with its 1307 feet (398 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for experienced runners seeking a rewarding workout that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

To tackle this loop, you'll typically start from a trailhead within Bear Mountain or Harriman State Parks, often combining the red-blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail with the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail. Given the popularity of these parks and the trail's challenging nature, planning an early start is a good idea to ensure parking and to enjoy the route before it gets too busy. Always carry enough water and be prepared for varied terrain.

Beyond the natural beauty, this trail loop offers a fascinating glimpse into history, incorporating remnants of the never-completed Dunderberg Spiral Railway from 1890. As you jog, you'll encounter historical features like old railway beds, a stone-arch tunnel, and even partially-dug tunnels, adding a unique layer of exploration to your adventure. It's a standout route in the region for its blend of strenuous activity, stunning vistas, and historical intrigue.

Jog the 6.1-mile Jackie Jones Mountain Loop in Harriman State Park, a moderate route with 770 feet of elevation gain and varied terrain.

This 6.4-mile moderate jogging loop in Harriman State Park offers challenging terrain, rewarding views from Ramapo Torne, and natural featur

Challenge yourself on the difficult 7.6-mile Pine Meadow Lake Loop in Harriman State Park, featuring scenic lake views and historical sites.

This moderate 7.1-mile (11.5 km) jogging loop, the Rockland Lake Road – Rockland Lake West Side Path loop, offers a delightful mix of paved and natural surfaces, taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. You'll start with the smooth, multi-use path circling Rockland Lake, enjoying serene water views, before transitioning to more rugged, natural trails that climb towards Hook Mountain. The journey provides picturesque vistas of the Hudson River and the surrounding valley, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy varied scenery.

Parking is available at Hook Mountain State Park, which serves as a convenient starting point for this adventure. Given the popularity of the Rockland Lake area, especially the paved loop, consider an early start if you prefer fewer crowds, particularly on weekends. There are no special permits required for this jogging trail, but it's always wise to check for any local park updates or seasonal considerations before heading out.

Beyond its scenic appeal, Rockland Lake holds historical significance as the "Icehouse of New York City," once home to the Knickerbocker Ice Company. The park is also a designated Bird Conservation Area, adding an extra layer of interest for wildlife enthusiasts. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical context, and diverse terrain, making it a standout option for jogging in the Hudson Valley.