22 Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near NYC To Visit 2024

Hiking is a terrific method to not only exercise but also increase stamina in your dog. But finding the Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near NYC can be challenging. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Hiking trails for dogs provide an excellent opportunity for them to explore and discover nature’s lovely sights, sounds, and smells. Here are some great dog-friendly hiking paths in and around New York City.

Top 22 Dog Friendly Hikes Near NYC

Dog Friendly Hikes In NYC Under 50 Miles

Inwood Hill Park

Inwood Hill Park is Manhattan’s only remaining natural forest. There are three pathways, several rock formations, and a view of the Hudson River and the Palisades. It also has tulip trees, oak and maple trees, and Manhattan’s last salt marsh.

During hike, three color-coded walks are available, the orange path (1.3 miles), the blue trail (1.7 miles), and the white trail (1.2 miles).

Aside from the hike, the park itself is beautiful, with green lawns and a picturesque beachfront. The park also features a dog run, and the Grow NYC Greenmarket is located directly across the street on Saturdays. The park is also one of the greatest sites in the city to see a bald eagle.

• Distance From New York City: 12.4 miles
• Trail Length: 4.2 miles (Total)

Alley Pond Park

Alley Pond Park is Queens’ second-largest public park. It has freshwater and saltwater marshes, tidal flats, meadows, and woodlands, and it’s conveniently located in Queens.

Off-leash hours are available at Alley Pond Park from the moment the park opens until 9:00 a.m. and from 9:00 p.m. until the park closes.

Alley Pond Park has seven separate routes that weave through native hardwood (oak-hickory) forest and kettle ponds. We propose that you follow the Yellow Trail into the Purple Trail, also known as the Tulip Tree Trail, which leads to the Queens Giant.

• Distance From New York City: 18.9 miles
• Trail Area: 655.3 acres

Floyd Bennett Field

Visiting Floyd Bennett Field is like walking through time. It is the site of New York City’s first airport, the ruins of an abandoned structure, the Jamaica Bay shoreline, and a World War II navy air station.

Not to mention the fact that it is a National Park! It contains beautiful woodland with a variety of trees and plants, as well as wildlife and canals perfect for hikes.

• Distance From New York City: 19.7 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Huyler’s Landing Trail

Just outside of New York City, this track is ideal for both novice dogs and history aficionados. From pre-revolutionary conflict times through the early 1900s, the area is rich in history. Keep an eye out for cliff-dwelling hawks and osprey.

The river side view is amazing, and you can see the city line emerging from the horizon.

• Distance From New York City: 21.8 miles
• Trail Length: 2.2 miles

South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain Preserve is less than an hour’s drive from New York City! This dog-friendly hiking destination in West Orange, NJ, is 2,100 acres in size, so you and your pet may explore all day!

South Mountain Dog Park is a 2-acre fenced-in dog park with paths and waterfalls. Hike to Hemlock Falls after hanging out with other pups at the dog park to see a 25-foot waterfall.

It is visited by many people so you will get a lot of time to socialize with other pet owners..

• Distance From New York City: 24.2 miles
• Trail Area: 2100 acres

Sands Point Preserve

For good reason, this is favorite local hiking spot for many people. It is located on the Gold Coast of Long Island, NY, at the tip of the Port Washington Peninsula, and was the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.”

The preserve’s 216 acres are less than 45 minutes from New York City and provide more than just hiking with your dog! After trekking, you may eat, explore the rose garden, photograph the castle, and even let your dog play in a fenced-in dog park! Best of all, there’s a beach where your pet can cool off in the ocean on a hot day.

The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy members receive free admission to the Preserve. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length and are not permitted at the back of the Hempstead House.

• Distance From New York City: 28.1 miles
• Trail Area: 216 acres

Nyack Beach State Park

Rockland County is home to Nyack Beach State Park. This trail runs along the Hudson River and is just breathtaking. The view is amazing the wind just keeps blowing.

Parking is $6 per vehicle. Because the lot is so small, it fills up rapidly. Instead, look for parking near private homes. There are plenty of parking spaces.

• Distance From New York City: 33.9 miles
• Trail Length: 5 miles

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

This is another fantastic hiking area near New York City. This dog-friendly park allows you to keep your dog on a leash. You and your dog will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this natural area.

You can observe many bird species and other creatures here. Your dog can go on adventures in the deep forests, wetlands, meadows, lakes, and streams. You may unwind with your dog and spend quality time with him.

• Distance From New York City: 37.6 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Gedney Park

This is a fantastic hiking trail in the woods where your dog can explore freely off-leash. Gedney Park is located in Chappaqua, New York, about 30 minutes from Manhattan.

There are dog-friendly lakes and springs where your dog may cool off. Walking your dog through the woods can be fun for both of you. Dogs can go about in the woods and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. After you’ve finished exploring with your dog, you can have a picnic.

• Distance From New York City: 40.2 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Dog Friendly Hikes In NYC Under 100 Miles

Gardiner County Park

This free public park contains a lot of land for you and your dog to explore. It’s off Montauk’s West Bay Shore, with stunning views of the Great South Bay.

On the beaches, your dog can swim, walk, and play. Hiking in the woods with him on a leash might be enjoyable for both of you. This dog-friendly park includes a water fountain, a trash station, and a specific hiking trail.

A picnic area, gazebo for relaxation, and a playground for children are also available.

• Distance From New York City: 50.3 miles
• Trail Area: 230 acres

Bear Mountain State Park

Hiking at Bear Mountain State Park can be pretty exciting for your dog. It has approximately 50 paths with a wide range of elevation to make exercise challenging.

You can also enjoy a quick snack at the park’s food sellers. The breathtaking views of the lake will keep you and your dog entertained.

There will be a playground, a picnic area, and river fishing. The park also has a wide open field, a swimming pool, a zoo, a Trailside Museum, and other attractions.

• Distance From New York City: 52.1 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Arden Point

A wooded and tranquil historic trail that follows the route taken by Benedict Arnold, an American military officer during the Revolutionary War. The mainly level dirt walk features a tiny waterfall, a bridge across train tracks, and panoramic views of the Hudson River.

There are also various bathing areas where you and your dog can cool off. Don’t own a car? Not a problem! Fortunately, this is a train-to-trail route, and the trailhead is located directly off the Garrison station parking lot.

• Distance From New York City: 56.9 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Castle Rock and Sugarloaf Hill Trail‍

The Castle Rock and Sugarloaf Hill Trail is a moderately easy trek in Hudson Highlands State Park that takes around 3 hours to complete. Dogs must be leashed for no more than 10 feet.

This area feels untouched by civilization, so it feels pure and natural. You will see many birds and insect varities if you are into that. Your dog will love the tall grass and gusts.

• Distance From New York City: 57.3 miles
• Trail Length: 6.65 miles

Mountain Lakes Park Trail

This route offers a variety of activities and is open all year. This 3.9 mile loop trail near North Salem, New York, is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

• Distance From New York City: 58.3 miles
• Trail Length: 3.9 miles

Storm King State Park

If you and your dog enjoy a good steep slope, you should certainly check out this hike. Storm King’s trails, which are 1,385 feet above sea level, provide some of the most stunning views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains.

Though they are a bit of an upward climb, the panoramic vistas are breathtaking and well worth the effort. It is important to note that the park requires dogs to be on leashes no more than 6 feet long.

• Distance From New York City: 61.3 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Cornish Estate Trail

Cornish Estate Trail is located just outside of Cold Spring, New York, and it takes just over an hour to travel there from northern Manhattan. This is a lovely route located within Hudson Highlands State Park. You will get stunning views of the Hudson River Valley as you reach the summit of Mount Beacon.

The discovery of the old stone structures is likely to pique your dog’s interest and excitement. It is a moderately difficult trek that takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. From February to November, dogs on leashes are welcome.

• Distance From New York City: 61.9 miles
• Trail Length: 4.5 miles

Hudson Valley Rail-Trail‍

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organisation working to construct a statewide network of trails from former rail lines and linking corridors, supports 1600 rail-trails. This “rail-trail,” which was previously an empty railroad track, is now an excellent location to walk your dog.

• Distance From New York City: 90.7 miles
• Trail Length: NA

Mohonk Mountain Preserve

Mohonk Mountain Preserve, about a 2-hour drive from New York City, is the state’s largest nature preserve, with 8,000 acres of forest, farms, cliffs, streams, and ponds for your pup to explore.

This preserve has five trailheads, and we always park at the Visitor Center Trailhead. From there, you can head to the East Trapps Connector Trail, where you will ascend 1/4 mile of arduous stone steps that bring you uphill to almost 100 miles of carriage roads and trails!

• Distance From New York City: 91.4 miles
• Trail Length: 100 miles

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is another hiking destination less than two hours from New York City (close by Mohonk Mountain Preserve). This dog-friendly state park has nearly 60 miles of hiking, biking, and carriage roads, as well as multiple waterfalls and two lakes for your pet to explore.

• Distance From New York City: 92.9 miles
• Trail Length: 60 miles

Dog Friendly Hikes In NYC Over 100 Miles

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail‍

This dog-friendly trail connects Lanesborough, MA to Adams, MA. Cycling, jogging, and rollerblading are all popular activities here. There are also various locations where you can leave the trail and explore the nearby town.

• Distance From New York City: 157.5 miles
• Trail Length: NA

The Greenbelt

The Greenbelt runs through the heart of Staten Island. It is home to the city’s last remaining forest preserve. There are mature forests, marshes, meadows, wildlife, and more than 35 miles of designated hiking routes.

The Greenbelt has eight hiking paths, including the ones depicted above, as well as a Pink Trail near the wildlife sanctuary.

The paths vary in length, complexity, and topography. There truly is something for everyone. Be cautious Because the Greenbelt is vast and it’s easy to become disoriented. Be sure to pay attention to trail markings and signage.

• Distance From New York City: 217.5 miles
• Trail Length: 35 Miles

Robert H. Treman State Park

Explore almost nine miles of trails with your dog on a leash. Enfield Glen, a gorge with 12 waterfalls, is the park’s showpiece. Unless forbidden by sign or instruction, a maximum of two pets are permitted in campsites and day-use areas.

• Distance From New York City: 232.6 miles
• Trail Length: 9 miles

This concludes our article on Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near NYC. We hope you found this article helpful. Make sure to like and share this article with your friends who are looking for some awesome hikes with their dogs. You can comment with your suggestions down below.

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