The Best Hikes in the Catskills

Here are the best hikes in the Catskills region, namely hikes in upstate New York specifically Sullivan and Orange County.

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Nature has a remarkable ability to heal us, both physically and mentally. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that spending time in the natural world can strengthen our immune system, reduce blood pressure, enhance our mood, sharpen our focus, and even improve the quality of our sleep.

New York Forest
“It is our habit to think outdoors – walking, leaping, climbing, dancing, preferably on lonely mountains or near the sea where even the trails become thoughtful.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Hiking is an ideal way to experience nature and get exercise at the same time. It’s also a beautiful way to absorb the river, lakes, trees, floral and wildlife of upstate NY. So without further ado, here are three favorite hikes in the Catskills that are close to Clearing Farm. Happy hiking!

Best Hiking Trails

The Mongaup River Trail

The Mongaup River Trail spans two miles and is a beloved hike by locals and tourists alike because for most of your walk you have direct views of the rushing raids of the Mongaup River, which adds a beautiful melody and visual texture to your experience. It’s an easy hike and great for people of all ages and skill levels. The GPS coordinates are N41.42708 W74.75531 and directions are provided by TrailKeep here.

Port Jervis Watershed Trails

Located outside of Port Jervis, this 307-acre park has something for everyone. There are over 10+ different trails for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, as well as paths for mountain biking. This pristine nature preserve has views of the reservoir, mountains and sweeping vistas of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Before your visit to the Watershed Trails, download the map of the trails and the park area.

Tusten Mountain Trail

The Tusten Mountain Trail is 3 mile trail made up of stones and dirt. The best part of the hike is the final destination, which offers a scenic vista of the Delaware River and the pristine valleys of Sullivan County. This is a moderate hike due to a slight incline throughout the journey. GPS coordinates are N41.55444 W75.01919 and directions are available from TrailKeeper here. 

Additional Trails

If you’re still looking for additional hiking locations, The National Park Service has a list here of more trails in Sullivan County and the surrounding Western New York region. The website All Trails is also a great resource.

Guided Hikes/Foraging

If you’re looking to go on a guided hike in Upper Delaware Valley, the Outside Institute run by naturalist Laura Chávez Silverman, offers guided hikes, foraging and private expeditions. You can view their wonderful event calendar here.

Benefits of Hiking


When you walk on uneven terrain, the type you’d encounter on nature trails, deep-sand beaches or other natural surfaces, your heart rate and metabolic rate go up, and you burn more calories.

Daniel Ferris, Why Hiking Is the Perfect Mind-Body Workout

We have three reasons why we love hiking and why you should take a hike while you’re at at Clearing Farm.

1. Hiking is better than just taking a casual stroll around the block. According to Daniel Ferris, a professor of engineering and biomechanics at the University of Florida, hiking uses up a lot more energy due to the uneven terrain, resulting in a better workout and a more diverse combination of muscles being used.

Regular exposure to the great outdoors can have a profoundly positive impact on our overall well-being.

2. Hiking makes your brain healthier. A 2015 study found that people walking near greenery (nature, as opposed to a city street, or traffic) could more easily respond to stress than others. A 90 minute walk in nature resulted in less brooding and ruminating. Another study showed that after taking a hike, brain scans show reduced blood to some areas, which actually means that the mind is, literally, quieter.

3. Hiking reconnects you to yourself and the world. There’s a reason why so many artists, poets and creatives cite a connection to nature as as a source of their work. There’s a reason why Mary Oliver calls the woods “the door to the temple.” The reality is that if you’re in any way feeling stuck, foggy or disconnected, a long, soothing walk in nature will help you not only reconnect to yourself, but also the world around you. It’s the perfect reset to help you gain clarity, and return to your life with more confidence and ease.

Frequently Asked Questions


“It is our habit to think outdoors – walking, leaping, climbing, dancing, preferably on lonely mountains or near the sea where even the trails become thoughtful.” — Friedrich Nietzsche