Planning for a Day Hike in New England and New York

Updated: Mar 17, 2023

What should you keep in mind when planning a day hike in New England or New York? Keep reading to for a list of ideas to get you started!

Sitting on a boulder after hiking Artist Bluff in New Hampshire, located in New England.

New England is a area of natural beauty, with miles of trails winding through forests, mountains, and along the coast. Day hiking is a popular way to explore this beautiful landscape, providing an opportunity to connect with nature, get some exercise, and enjoy the fresh air. Whether you're seasoned or a beginner, there are trails in New England offering something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and advice for planning a safe and enjoyable day hike in New England, from choosing the right trail to preparing for the journey ahead. If you are looking for a day hiking essentials list check out my blog post with a full list!

You’re level of physical fitness

Researching the hiking trail beforehand will help you understand the terrain and difficulty, so you can choose a hike that matches your experience and fitness level. Hiking trails are separated into different levels based on difficulty. Typically hikes under 1,500 feet are considered easy, but that is not to say they won’t be difficult for new hikers. I recommend first time hikers start on easy trails until they are comfortable. to try a more challenging trail. If someone is a new hiker, but in good shape and joined by a seasoned hiker, a moderate hike should be okay. Moderate hikes are usually up to eight miles and 3,000 feet. Hikes over eight miles and 3,000 feet are considered difficult or strenuous. I would not recommend a strenuous trail to anyone unexperienced with hiking and who isn't well-trained.

Climate/Season

When you think of climate, think long term. Climate and season are crucial factors to consider when planning a day hike in New England. New England is known for its changing seasons, which can make hiking conditions more unpredictable and potentially hazardous. This is why taking climate into consideration when planning a day hike is extremely important.

Summer can bring hot temperatures and thunderstorms, while fall can bring cooler temperatures and changing foliage that can impact visibility and traction. Winter can bring snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, making trails difficult to navigate and increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, it is important to plan for the weather conditions and dress appropriately, bringing enough layers and gear to ensure safety and comfort.

Additionally, planning hikes during the peak season for a particular trail can lead to overcrowding and limited parking, which can affect the overall hiking experience. Considering both the climate and season is essential when planning a day hike in New England and New York to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Weather

Checking the weather is a critical step when planning for a day hike in New England and New York. When thinking of weather, think short term. A few days before and up to the day of the hike, check what the weather will be. Some state park websites state what the weather on their actual mountains will be, rather than just the temperature in the area so do your homework ahead of time! Sudden changes in weather conditions can create potentially hazardous situations, such as thunderstorms, extreme heat or cold, and high winds. Checking the forecast can help hikers plan their clothing and gear accordingly, bringing rain jackets, layers, and other necessary equipment. Checking the weather forecast is crucial to ensure hikers can make informed decisions about the safety of a hike and plan accordingly, to minimize risk. Overall, checking the weather is an essential aspect of planning a safe and enjoyable day hike in New England.

Length/Trail

Choosing the right trail is an essential step in planning a day hike in New England. When deciding on a trail, consider your experience level and interests. If you're new to hiking or looking for a stroll, choose a trail with a lower elevation gain and shorter distance. On the other hand, if you're experienced and looking for a challenge, opt for a more difficult trail with steeper inclines and longer distances.

It's also important to consider the scenery and environment you'd like to experience. For example, if you're interested in exploring a dense forest, choose a trail that winds through wooded areas. Alternatively, if you're hoping to enjoy scenic views, look for a trail that offers lookout points or summits with panoramic vistas. There are a wide variety of trails to choose from in New England, so take the time to research and find one that matches your interests and experience level.

Easy New England/New York Hiking Trails

Waterfall - If you are looking for an easy waterfall to get to, I would highly recommend visiting Kent Falls State Park in northwest Connecticut. From the parking lot to the falls you only need to take a short walk. Be careful in the winter (bring spikes!!) as it gets super icy. If you want to venture more, follow the steps up the right side of the eye catching waterfall for a short .7 mile loop. While generally easy, the trail does incline up and can be steep for some. Once you are done, stop by the center of Kent for shopping and delicious food!
Scenic View - Dennis Hill State Park located in Norfolk, CT has an easy hiking trail with a great reward. A short 1.8 mile loop will bring you through the woods to a gazebo that looks out as far into New England as Vermont and Massachusetts. After you hike the loop, continue to walk up the rest of the paved road to see the pavilion at the top. This is a great spot for a picnic! If you visit in the winter, the paved road will be blocked, so make sure to park safely and be prepared to add a few more steps in.

Moderate New England/ New York Hiking Trails

Waterfall - Kaaterskill Wild Forest is beautiful place to hike any time of year, but it's best to visit of season or during a week day as this is a popular place. This forest, located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, is home to a dramatic two-stage waterfall. The trail to the falls starts off easy, switching to slightly moderate before taking steep incline leading to the base of the falls. To get to the base of the falls, you climb down a long winding staircase. Just remember you will have to hike back up! This hike can be very slippery, so make sure to wear proper footwear with a good grip. If your legs aren't jello, there are plenty of other trails with beautiful scenic views. One thing I highly suggest is making a stop at the observation platform, while gives you a view of Kaaterskill Falls from above.
Scenic View - Another very popular trail, Artist Bluff offers a beautiful view looking out in New Hampshire. This short but moderate 1.5 mile loop hike is located in Franconia Notch State Park. Get here early, because the lot fills quickly! On the way up, you will be rewarded with a peak at Cannon Mountain Ski Resort. Once you reach this breathtaking view you will understand why so many people visit. Make sure to hike Bald Mountain for a quick extra view!

Difficult New England/New York Hiking Trails

Waterfall & Scenic View - Race Brook Falls and Mount Everett are the perfect duo for someone who is looking to hike a challenging trail that offers a stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a beautiful waterfall. This hike is best attempted on a sunny day when the views are clear and the trail is dry. Located in the southwestern corner of Massachusetts, Race Brook Falls trail starts off with a gentle ascent before leading to a steep incline towards the base of the falls. Along the way, hikers will encounter rocky terrain and a series of switchbacks. The ascent to the summit of Mount Everett offers a different challenge, with a gradual incline leading to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Be prepared for a strenuous hike that may take several hours to complete, and should wear shoes with good traction to navigate the rocky terrain. Despite the challenges, the views from the summit make this a truly unforgettable hike.

Tips on How to Find New Hiking Trails

Alltrails is a great place to get started. You can access their database on the web or through their app, but either way you need to create a free profile to receive full access. There is a paid option for those who are interested, with this you receive extra perks such as an ad free experience, ability to download maps offline, and unlocking extra features on the maps. Either way, you simple entire the name of a town or forest you are looking for a trail in and hikes will populate. You can use the filter to narrow down your search results to exactly what you are looking for.
Purchase guide books online through Amazon or in person at Barnes & Noble, REI, or a local state park office. Guide books are a great resource, as they offer trail suggestions and descriptions.
Ask friends, family, or coworkers who have hiked in New England or New York for trail recommendations. They may have insider tips or suggestions for trails you may not find in guidebooks.
Look up the land trusts properties in the town you live in, as well as all the surrounding towns. You may be surprised to see where these hiking trails are tucked away.

Planning for a day hike in New England requires consideration of various factors, including trail difficulty, season, and personal interests. By following the tips in this blog post, hikers of all levels can confidently plan a safe and enjoyable hike. Remember to pack essential gear, dress appropriately for the weather, and always use safe judgement. With so many beautiful hiking trails to explore, opportunities for adventure are endless. Go ahead and plan your next day hike - New England and New York await!

What else do you keep in mind when planning a hike? Let me know in the comments below!