It would be unfair to anyone I’ve ever hiked with to say that I love hiking. Every time I hike is the same.

On the way up I pant and complain most of the time, saying at least six times, “remind me to never do this again.” Then I get t0 where I’m going and the view makes it all worth it, and on the way down I can be heard saying, “yeah that wasn’t so bad, let’s definitely do this again sometime.” So I guess I like it? Love/hate relationship? Either way, it’s good exercise and this time of the year is ideal for it. The fall foliage is amazing and the temperature is just right and doesn't make you fear a heat stroke.

That being said, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to hike in New York, in no particular order.

1. Breakneck Ridge, Cold Spring

The hike is a little strenuous, but the view will make you forget what you just put yourself through. At least until it's time to go back down. The first peak is enough for most, and sports a beautiful American Flag on top of a pole with a POW-MIA flag as well. If you’re brave enough to go back down this mountain in semi-dark conditions, watching the sunset from up here is absolutely amazing.

2. Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville

This is more of a flat trail, but the water is amazing, it’s clear why they call it Green Lakes. Bonus: they have kayaks for rent for $7 an hour! And there are parts of the lake you can swim in, weather permitting.

3. Robert H. Treman State Park, Ithaca

On this hike I learned an important lesson, always read the signs. I learned the hard way after I turned a 20-minute hike into three hours off trail lost in the woods... .oops. Learn from my mistakes when you take this hike and make sure you read the sign that says “Unauthorized Trail Do Not Follow.” However, once I finally go to where I was supposed to be, I was more than impressed. There are a plethora of waterfalls stairs carved into the stone, and again, places to swim.

4. Minnewaska State Park, Kerhonkso

This one is amazing. Absolutely breathtaking views and various trails to follow depending on your skill and how much time you have to spare, there’s even swimming holes! (another hiking lesson learned on this one: bug spray is important!!)

5. Anthony’s Nose, Philipstown

Another pretty hard hike, it starts out an uphill battle, but then you’re rewarded with a simple stroll until you reach a peak overlooking the Hudson River, complete with a view of an American Flag and the Bear Mountain Bridge. *warning* may make you want to belt out “My Country ‘Tis of thee”

6. Mount Beacon, Beacon

In a small city lives a big mountain. One trail even has a set of stairs to make it a little “easier” i for one think the stairs are the worst part. Again there is a few different ways you can go, one will bring you to a beautiful reservoir and the other to the ruins of a trolley operation system that years ago would bring people up to a Casino. The Casino burnt down in the 1960s and was never rebuilt so now it’s just a place for people to hike, picnic and continue on to the next peak which is equipped with an old fire tower.

These are just a few of the state parks and mountains New York has to offer, there’s a ton more, but these are just a few of my favorite that I’ve been to thus far. Happy hiking