The best walks and hikes around Peekskill

Yes, there are over 80 hiking routes around Peekskill. The area offers a great mix of trails, with a large number of moderate routes, plenty of easy options, and a selection of difficult trails for those seeking a challenge.

The trails around Peekskill are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful forested landscapes, and the rewarding views over the Hudson River.

Absolutely. For a simple and scenic walk, the Peekskill Riverwalk offers a lovely path right along the Hudson. Another great option is the Hudson river lookout loop from Indian Point Energy Center, a relatively short trail through woodlands that's perfect for a family outing.

For a more demanding hike, the area around Bear Mountain State Park is your best bet. The Hiking loop from Jones Point is a great example, offering significant elevation gain and a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Nearby, the trail to Breakneck Ridge is also famously strenuous and provides spectacular views.

Many trails in the Hudson Valley are dog-friendly, but policies can vary between parks and reservations. Most state parks, like Bear Mountain and Fahnestock, generally allow leashed dogs on trails. However, it's always best to check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go.

Several parks and reservations are local favorites for hiking.

Bear Mountain State Park is an iconic destination with numerous trails and spectacular views. Blue Mountain Reservation is another highly-regarded spot, offering over 1,500 acres of rolling terrain and scenic paths. For a beautiful walk featuring a man-made wonder, Croton Gorge Park at the base of the Croton Dam is a very popular choice.

Yes, there are many excellent loop trails. The Lounsbury Pond – Myx Monster Trail loop from Buchanan is a moderately-rated circular route that takes you past a pond. Blue Mountain Reservation also features numerous interconnected trails that allow you to create loops of various lengths and difficulties.

For breathtaking views, the ascent to Anthony's Nose is a classic choice, providing a stunning panorama of the Bear Mountain Bridge and the river. The trails within Bear Mountain State Park, particularly those reaching the Perkins Memorial Tower, also offer expansive vistas of the Hudson Valley.

While the immediate Peekskill area is known more for its river views and forested hills, you can find impressive water features nearby. A visit to Croton Gorge Park will reward you with spectacular views of the Croton Dam and its spillway, which creates a massive, powerful waterfall.

Blue Mountain Reservation offers a classic Hudson Valley hiking experience with trails winding through 1,500 acres of hardwood forest. The terrain is rolling and often boulder-strewn. The park contains two main peaks, Blue Mountain and Spitzenberg Mountain, which provide panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Hudson River.

Peekskill's Metro-North station provides excellent access from NYC and other towns. From the station, you can use local taxi services or ride-sharing apps to reach nearby trailheads like those at Blue Mountain Reservation. For trails in Bear Mountain State Park, bus services often run from Peekskill, but it's essential to check the latest schedules as they can be seasonal.

Yes, the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is a 12-mile unpaved path exclusively for pedestrians. It runs from the town of Briarcliff Manor and culminates in Blue Mountain Reservation, offering a great option for a longer, uninterrupted walk through the region's scenic landscapes.