Hiking could be one of the most rewarding things to do. It clears your head, gives you a taste of nature, reduces stress, helps you lose weight and much, much more. No matter what, everyone can go on a hike somewhere. Hiking is an inexpensive way to see what nature has created for us. Also, while you are having fun seeing all of the wonderful views you are also doing something great for your body! Hiking is one of my favorite things to do so I handpicked five of my favorite hikes.
1. Rattlesnake Gulf - Tully, New York
At Rattlesnake Gulf there are many different activities, like a ropes course, zip lining, mazes, and canoe and paddleboat rentals. But if you want to do the hike and see the waterfalls, there is a three-mile hike to go to all four waterfalls and back. You can hike on a trail that does not run along the waterfalls to get to an outlook of all the hills of Tully, New York, or you can hike along the falls. Recommended for people who can walk up hills, climb on rocks and walk through water and slippery rocks. Bring shoes you can get dirty and wet. It's $4 for a day pass.
2. Fillmore Glen - Moravia, New York
At Fillmore Glen State Park there are many different trails to lead you to all five waterfalls. If you go on all trails and see all of the waterfalls, it totals four miles. The trails loop around and end where they start. Once you are done hiking you can enjoy a huge swimming hole. Throughout your hike you will see slate rock that was formed by the wear and tear of the falls and weather. You can bring your dog to hike with you as long as it is kept on a leash. This hike is moderately hard, you will gradually be climbing up 700 feet and end up walking four miles if you do the whole hike. Cost is $7 per car.
3. Carpenter Falls - Niles, New York
Carpenter Falls is a somewhat easy 0.1 mile walk from the main sign (the left trail) and Angel Falls is 0.5 mile moderate hike to the right of the main sign. The main trail continues another 0.5 miles to Skaneateles Lake. This one-mile walk has an elevation loss of 431 feet that you'll need to climb if you head down to the lake. You could make this into a loop by using the Old Jug Path and Appletree Point Road of about 2.3 miles. But the road has a pretty steep climb. When you get to the falls of the left trail you will feel like you are on top of the world, you will be 431 feet above, actually on top of the falls! You can climb down and walk underneath the falls, but to get back to your car you will need to climb back up! And the cost is free!
4. Chimney Bluffs - Wolcott, New York
At Chimney Bluffs State Park you'll experience some of the coolest landscapes on Lake Ontario. You can explore massive spires from above or along the lakeshore, but don't get too close to the edge of the cliffs as the ground can be unstable. There are many different hiking paths to take that would lead you to see the wonderful bluffs. Cnyhiking.com recommends following this loop hike: "From the parking area, head down the picnic area path to the crossing of the East-West Trail (near restrooms). This is a mowed path that leads off to your right. Follow the East-West Trail to the Drumlin Trail. Turn left and ascend on the Drumlin Trail in an evergreen forest. At the end of the Drumlin Trail turn left on the Bluff Trail. There is one of a few overlooks near the junction of the trails. Follow the Bluff Trail back down toward the picnic area. Turn left when you reach the picnic area and soon follow the picnic area path back to the parking area. Be sure to take care near the edge of the bluff as the ground is not very stable. Hikers have been seriously injured from falls off the cliff. The view is good enough without having to get up to the edge.” Any age can do this hike, there is only one big hill to climb up and it is at the beginning of the hike. The rest is relatively level ground. I recommend going and watching the sunset over the bluffs! This hike also is free.
5. Watkins Glen - Watkins Glen, New York
Watkins Glen is a 2.5 mile hike to go through all of the falls, and then 2.5 miles back. On this hike you will pass 19 different waterfalls, each breathtakingly beautiful. While you are hiking you will be going up 832 steps with a number of different trails parting off of the main trail, the gorge trail. This hike is amazing because you will be able to walk under and behind many of the falls as you make your journey through the trail. It is an amazing place, especially if you like the sight and sound of rock and water. The park includes a campground, a large picnic area, swimming pool, etc. Watkins Glen is a wonderful place to take a day trip. The cost is $7 per car.
Happy Hiking!
