Best Snowshoeing in New York

Trying to find the best snowshoeing in New York? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

New York, Franklin County

05 :04 hrs
3.4 mi
358.57272 ft
Hard

Located to the west of Upper St. Regis Lake, the route to the top of St. Regis Mountain offers a great destination year round. The section towards the top of the mountain offers a steeper grade which makes this suggested snowshoe hike rather than a cross-country route, however, the open woods located next to the trail gives more advanced skiers a fun descent if desired. Park at the pullout along Keese Mills Road just past the gravel road leading to Camp Topridge. From the parking area make your way down Topridge Road before taking the trail on the right after 0.1 miles. The trail begins to ascend slowly to a high spot within a grove of hemlocks about a mile in. Next, the trail moves back down to lower ground before the junction with the old trail. Cross the bridge after which the trail soon begins to steepen until reaching the summit. Retrace your tracks back to the parking lot.

2

New York, Essex County

01 :25 hrs
2.5 mi
82.148895 ft
Hard

Located in the Adirondacks High Peaks region, this half loop leads you through a nice tour of three different ponds, the largest of the three being Copperas Pond. There are two starting trailhead options along NY 86 about 4 miles away from the west entrance to Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. Most people choose the southernmost trailhead due to the easier hiking grade that it provides, however, if you are looking for more of a challenge, choose the northern trailhead for your start point. Start at the DEC sign at the road, and follow the blue-marked trail markers (Southern trailhead option). Hike up the gradual slope to Owen Pond. Follow the trail along the shoreline to the northeast corner before continuing on to the larger Copperas Pond. Here you will enjoy a great vista of Whiteface Mountain. From here, continue across the outlet to reach the junction, taking the trail to Winch Pond following the yellow markers. Ascend some steep grades before descending down to Winch Pond. End by following the trail leading to the northern trailhead (recommended if you have another vehicle parked there), or retrace your steps back to the southern trailhead.

3

New York, Saratoga County

03 :32 hrs
1.6 mi
447.264 ft
Moderate

Located in the southern region of the Adirondacks, this quick and easy route begins on the west side of Tower Road. Locate the trailhead and start up the moderate climb as you follow the red DEC markers. Cross a stream and and resume climbing as you pass cliffs on the right side. From here the trail steepens until reaching the top of the ridge. At the top of the ridge the trail begins to swing right and continues to climb to a clearing at at 1.3 miles. From this point the new trail split heads left instead of continuing along the old telephone line and continues to the summit. After reaching the bald summit, enjoy great views of Great Sacandaga Lake, Blue Mountain, Snowy Mountain, and Crane Mountain. Follow your tracks back to the vehicle. This route is mainly known as a snowshoe route, but can also be skied with enough snow.

4

New York, Herkimer County

01 :25 hrs
0.9 mi
115.32092 ft
Hard

With only a 2 mile round trip distance, this route offers all levels of snowshoers the opportunity to gains access to great views atop the rocky summit. Begin from the parking area located along Rondaxe Road up the moderate grade. After passing through a deciduous forest the trail steepens and moves through an area covered with spruce-firs. The final section leading to the summit ascends up a moderate grade along a rocky spine. After making it to the base of the tower, one can climb to the top of the tower to gain even better views or continue to an optional vista point. Follow your tracks back to the vehicle.

5

New York, Saint Lawrence County

01 :48 hrs
0.8 mi
209.73462 ft
Hard

Located within a remote region of the Adirondacks, Mt. Arab offers a short ascent to some amazing views. Take a left off of Conifer Road and park at a pull out along Mt. Arab Road. The trailhead is located directly across the road from the parking area. Quickly after beginning the route, the trail begins to steepen, maintaining a semi-constant grade to the top. After reaching the top enjoy great views. If one is truly adventurous, make the climb up the Mt. Arab Tower for even better views. Retrace your tracks back to the parking lot. With a steep slope, this is recommended as a challenging snowshoeing route, but for higher skilled skiers, a descent along the trailside through the open woods is possible.

6

New York, Rockland County

02 :49 hrs
6.9 mi
256.86115 ft
Hard

Harriman State Park and the surrounding parks offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails and recreational opportunity in the New York area. The trails can be combined to customize endless hiking trips. This hike follows multiple trails to complete a loop hike on Breakneck Mountain where hikers will enjoy views of the surrounding lakes and mountain terrain. The beginning and end of the hike consists of a steep climb and descent but the remainder only has some small ups and downs.

7

New York, Ulster County

01 :38 hrs
4.4 mi
82.25302 ft
Moderate

Minnewaska State Park is situated on the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge which is known for its rugged rocky terrain and dense hardwood forests. With over 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths, the state park offers excellent hiking and biking opportunity. This hike follows the Upper Awosting Carriageway to Lake Awosting and back. The hike follows all carriage roads but there are additional footpaths and connecting trails that can be used to explore additional areas of the park.

8

New York, Tompkins County

01 :20 hrs
1.4 mi
116.984024 ft
Moderate

Taughannock Falls is an impressive 215-foot waterfall that plunges off a rocky cliff into a steep gorge. The state park offers trails that travel into the gorge as well as along the rim, providing excellent views of the picturesque waterfall from the southeastern access along the rim all the way to Highway 89 just before the river empties into Cayuga Lake. There is also a trail that travels into the gorge as well as a south rim trail that provide additional hiking options in the park.

9

New York, Essex County

05 :33 hrs
3.9 mi
913.87177 ft
Expert

Algonquin Peak is a large and majestic mountain, the second tallest in New York and the only other peak aside from Mt Marcy exceeding 5,000 feet in elevation in the state. The mountain dominates the view from the open fields at the start of the Adirondack Loj Road. The climb is short compared to most Adirondack peaks, but also very steep for the second half after a gentle climb in the first 2 miles. A trailside waterfall is reached at 2.5 miles and after a steep climb, a small rocky cobble comes into view on the right. The trail takes a sharp left up a somewhat tricky ledge then climbs more gently to the junction with the trail to the summit of Wright Peak at 3.2 miles. From here, the trail becomes very steep and its surface turns to solid, bare bedrock that has water running down it during wet periods. Treeline is reached at 3.7 miles (4,800 feet) and the remainder of the climb is over bedrock and gravel (please stay off the plants) to the summit, where excellent views of most of the High Peaks, the massive cliff of Wallface Mtn, and the western lakes are found. The weather above the treeline is windy and subject to rapid changes, so please come prepared if venturing to the summit.

10

New York, Wayne County

00 :48 hrs
2.2 mi
43.750847 ft
Easy

Chimney Bluffs State Park offers a very scenic landscape along the Lake Ontario shore. The state park is known for the dramatic and unique bluffs that are shaped into sharp pinnacles above the lakeshore. The park offers a network of hiking trails that provide excellent opportunity to explore the area. This hike follows multiple trails to complete a longer loop hike both along the bluffs and further inland through wooded terrain. There are some descents and ascents along the trail that add some challenge but hikers of all abilities can find a hike to fit their skill level at the park.

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