The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in New York
Best mountain peaks in New York are found across diverse ranges, including the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Highlands. These regions feature varied terrain, from the rugged high peaks of the Adirondacks to the forested ridges of the Catskills. The state's mountains provide opportunities for exploration and offer distinct natural landscapes. Many peaks offer panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and valleys.
Best mountain peaks in New York
- The most popular mountain peaks is Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Summit, a summit that offers views of the Hudson Valley and the West Point military academy. The summit is about 1,421 ft.
- Another must-see spot is South Beacon Mountain and Firetower, a viewpoint. Visitors can climb the fire tower, erected in 1931, for 360-degree views of the Hudson Valley.
- Visitors also love View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge, a viewpoint with sweeping vistas. This spot provides a scenic break with views of the Hudson River.
- New York is known for its Adirondack High Peaks, Catskill Mountains, and Hudson Highlands. These regions offer a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, from challenging climbs to accessible trails.
- The mountain peaks in New York are appreciated by the komoot community, with 12 upvotes and 13 photos.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
The fire tower was built in 1950 and is one of 5 remaining fire towers in the Catskill Park.
Tip by
Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Summit
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Big Hill
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain
Highlight • Viewpoint
From the top, you get sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, and the surrounding Bear Mountain State Park includes a lake, picnic areas, the Trailside Museum and Zoo (which the AT technically passes through), and access to nearby Perkins Memorial Tower. It’s a popular day hike, so don’t be surprised to share the trail with weekend crowds, especially in fall.
Tip by
Mount Beacon Park
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Millbrook Mountain
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Cascade Mountain Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Storm King Mountain
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
South Beacon Mountain and Firetower
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks in New York.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around New York
The Appalachian Trail — America's most iconic long-distance hike
North Country Trail – 4,800 Miles along the edge of northern U.S.
Cycling the Grand Canyon of the East — Riding Genesee Valley Greenway to Letchworth State Park
Northville-Placid Trail — A walk through Adirondack Park
Long Path — A walk through wild New York
The Paumanok Path — Exploring Long Island's beachside pine barrens
Cranberry Lake 50 — Wild beauty in the Adirondacks
On the trail of the Pilgrim Fathers – road trip along the Atlantic coast
Great North Music Tour – hiking in the footsteps of music legends
Lace up your shoes – Trail running in and around NYC
Other adventures in New York
Tips from the Community
If you're in New York and want to go hiking, this is the ideal place. Easily accessible by train, scenically beautiful, and interwoven with many trails of varying difficulty.
1
0
Bear Mountain, located in the Hudson Highlands of southeastern New York, is one of the most notable landmarks on the Appalachian Trail in the state. The AT crosses directly over the summit, which stands at 1,305 feet, which is not especially high, but it is a historically and symbolically significant summit; it’s home to the oldest continuously maintained section of the Appalachian Trail, built in 1923, and features wide stone steps and paved walkways constructed by trail crews and the Civilian Conservation Corps. For many hikers, Bear Mountain is also the site of the lowest elevation point on the AT, near the Hudson River just before the climb. From the top, you get sweeping views of the Hudson Valley, and the surrounding Bear Mountain State Park includes a lake, picnic areas, the Trailside Museum and Zoo (which the AT technically passes through), and access to nearby Perkins Memorial Tower. It’s a popular day hike, so don’t be surprised to share the trail with weekend crowds, especially in fall.
1
0
Bear Mountain peaks at just under 1,300 feet in elevation over a 4.5-mile stretch of picturesque paved road. Although it may seem small in comparison to some of the world’s renowned climbs, it makes up for this with stunning views of the Hudson Highlands.
0
0
Mount Beacon Park, part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, is beautiful, with fantastic hiking trails and spectacular panoramic views. The park's trails, which range from moderate to challenging, lead to the summit of South Beacon Mountain, with a restored 60-foot fire tower, offering breathtaking vistas that stretch from the Manhattan skyline to the Catskill Mountains, especially on a clear day. The park is also home to the remnants of the historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway, once the world's steepest, and the foundations of an old casino and hotel, adding a unique historical dimension to the natural beauty of this area.
0
0
Scenic views and challenging hike
0
0
From the fire tower, the 360° view is impressive. The Ashokan Reservoir, the Hudson Valley and the small Echo Lake are visible from the top of the tower. Access is closed during the winter months. Luckily during our visit the ranger had come to open the tower since the weather was nice and it was the holidays. From the Overlook point, however, the view is limited by the trees.
0
1
Interesting views of other popular neighboring landmarks, including Mt. Taurus and Breakneck ridge.
0
0
Millbrook Mountain is a summit littered with long ridges and cliffs in the Catskill Mountains. That being said, the trails traveling to the top are tough but safe. The panoramic views from the top look out at a bunch of other peaks in the Catskills.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain peaks to visit in New York?
New York offers a diverse range of popular mountain peaks across its major ranges. In the Hudson Highlands, Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Summit is a favorite for its views of the Hudson Valley. Another popular spot is South Beacon Mountain and Firetower, where you can climb the 1931 fire tower for 360-degree views. For those seeking a more challenging experience, Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks is the state's highest point, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Which mountain ranges are prominent in New York State?
New York State is home to three prominent mountain ranges: the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Hudson Highlands. Each range offers distinct terrain, from the rugged, high peaks of the Adirondacks to the forested ridges of the Catskills and the historically significant, accessible trails of the Hudson Highlands.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly mountain hikes in New York?
Yes, several peaks are suitable for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous hike. Cascade Mountain Summit in the Adirondacks is often considered a great 'first peak' due to its relatively short 2.9-mile trail. In the Hudson Highlands, Bear Mountain offers historically significant trails and paved walkways, making it a popular and rewarding spot for many.
What are the most challenging mountain peaks in New York?
For experienced hikers, the Adirondacks offer some of the most challenging peaks. Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York, involves a demanding 14 to 16-mile round trip. Algonquin Peak, the state's second-highest, also features a steep 5.2-mile trail. Giant Mountain, with its bald summit, provides a moderate but rewarding 6.6-mile round trip with expansive views.
Which mountain peaks offer the best panoramic views?
Many peaks in New York are renowned for their stunning vistas. Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak in the Adirondacks provide unparalleled panoramic views from their summits. Whiteface Mountain also offers breathtaking views of the High Peaks wilderness. In the Hudson Highlands, Storm King Mountain and View of the Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge are known for sweeping views of the Hudson Valley.
Are there mountain peaks with historical significance in New York?
Absolutely. Bear Mountain in the Hudson Highlands is a notable landmark on the Appalachian Trail, featuring the oldest continuously maintained section of the trail. Overlook Mountain in the Catskills is known for an abandoned hotel near its summit, adding a unique historical element to the hike. Additionally, South Beacon Mountain and Firetower features a fire tower erected in 1931, which visitors can climb.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain peaks?
Beyond hiking, New York's mountain regions offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous mountain biking trails, such as those found in the MTB Trails in New York guide, including the Stewart State Forest Bike Trail. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the Johnstown to Adirondack Park loop detailed in the Gravel biking in New York guide. For road cyclists, routes like the Palisades Loop are available in the Road Cycling Routes in New York guide.
Are there any mountain peaks suitable for family outings?
Many mountain peaks in New York are family-friendly, offering accessible trails and rewarding views. Bear Mountain is a great option with its wide stone steps and paved walkways, making it enjoyable for various ages. Cascade Mountain, with its relatively shorter trail, is also a good choice for families looking for a less strenuous but scenic hike.
What natural features can I expect to see on New York's mountain peaks?
New York's mountain peaks boast diverse natural features. You can expect to see lush forests, scenic waterfalls, open rock faces, and expansive valleys. Many peaks offer views of the Hudson River, while others provide vistas of surrounding lakes and wilderness areas. The Adirondacks, for instance, are known for their rugged high peaks and pristine natural environment.
Which mountain peaks are known for skiing and snowboarding?
Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks is particularly known for its extensive ski resort, offering 90 trails, 11 lifts, and the greatest vertical drop in the Eastern US. Hunter Mountain in the Catskills is another premier four-season mountain resort, popular for skiing and snowboarding, especially for visitors from New York City.
What do visitors enjoy most about New York's mountain peaks?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, the invigorating treks, and the diverse natural landscapes. Many appreciate the historical elements found on trails, such as the Appalachian Trail section on Bear Mountain or the fire towers offering 360-degree vistas. The sense of accomplishment from reaching a summit and the opportunity to connect with nature are also highly valued experiences.
Can I find shelters or huts on mountain trails in New York?
Yes, some trails offer shelters for hikers. For example, Big Hill provides a first-come, first-served shelter on the Suffern - Bear Mt Trail. These shelters often come with fire rings and possibilities to pitch a tent, along with nice views of the area.
Most popular routes in New York
Most popular attractions in New York
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Discover New York’s best peaks and summits by region:
Explore more
See even more amazing summits in New York with these guides:
