?Where to See the Appalachian Trail in New York and New Jersey
The Appalachian Trail is a mountain range cutting through about 14 states in the Eastern US. The 88 miles of the trail which cut through New York State begins at Center Point Kob on South Mountain, and extends through to the top of Blue Mountain.
We’ve created a helpful list of some of the stopping points and trails along the Appalachian Trail portions located in NY and NJ. Whether you’re aiming for a day trip, a weekend camp excursion, or one of the brave folks hiking it End-to-End, we’ve also got some helpful hiking tips on the post as well!
If you prefer to drive the Appalachian Trail, we recommend this guide from Road Trip USA: West Point, Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain, Port Jervis and Bethel.
If you prefer to travel by foot after driving between destinations we recommend these stop offs:
Appalachian Trail Hikes in NY State - 93.3 miles
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Bear Mountain
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Lemon Squeezer
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Anthony’s Nose
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Prospect Rock
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West Mountain shelter
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Fitzgerald Falls
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Trailside Museums and Zoo
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Nuclear Lake
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Harriman State Park
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Dunderberg Mountain
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Island Pond
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Great Swamp
Appalachian Trail Hikes in State of NJ - 71.6 miles
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Stokes State Forest
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Worthington State Park
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High Point State Park
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Pochuck Valley Trail
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Delaware Water Gap National Park
Tips for taking long hikes:
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Research each hiking spot and make sure you have an adequate understanding of the terrain, trails, wildlife, plant life, and environment. This will help you know how to pace yourself, what gear you’ll need, and how to plan out your day for the most efficient travel routes.
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Be prepared for the physical and mental wear and tear on the body that comes along with hiking. Things won’t always go as planned when in nature, and detours due to weather or trail obstructions or other setbacks are part of the experience. Remind yourself that it’s one step at a time, and rest is alright, and bringing friends or family with you can mean all the difference in your morale in a tight spot. Make sure your friends and family also have a copy of your itinerary for safety and support, and check-in with them along the way as best you’re able.
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Choose a backpack that fits properly and can adequately carry your gear while evenly distributing the weight. If you’re not sure, most gear outfitter stores will have staff on hand who are qualified to help find you the best rated packs. Once you’ve chosen your pack, it’s good to remember to practice walking and hiking with that amount of weight on your back and body so you’re ready for the journey.
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Practice makes perfect! If you’re used to a mostly sedentary lifestyle, it can be helpful to start increasing your physical activity through walking or smaller hikes. Be sure that you won’t push yourself too hard and cause injury. It’s okay to take the beginner trails and moderate paths, you’ll still get a great experience scaled down!
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Choose a water bottle that seals well, is easy to carry with a strap or one that fits into your backpack, and keeps your beverages well insulated. It’s important to stay hydrated, so be sure to also carry plenty of electrolyte packets in your stash as well.
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Pack plenty of sustainable energy with you, as all-day hikes can burn a lot of calories! Choose high-calorie, carb-dense snacks with lots of protein to keep you fueled for the hike. This is also a great time to add some sweet treats to your repertoire like cookies or candy bars for a milestone reward when you get to each new destination, and as a mood booster along the way for rough spots.
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Pack adequately for the weather, climate, and environment in which you’re traveling. Be sure to pack plenty of extra socks, a poncho or two, bug-proof sprays, water resistant gear, etc.
And here are 8 More Helpful Tips for Hiking the Appalachian Trail from End to End.
Things to see along the New York section of the Appalachian Trail.
Prepare for your journey with a New York to New Jersey Map here.
Camping and Fire Regulations and Campsites along the Appalachian Trail.
