The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Peekskill

Our guide features 7 family-friendly hiking trails around Peekskill, offering a mix of easy and moderate options suitable for various ages and abilities. You'll find paths ranging from short, accessible walks to longer adventures through the region's scenic landscapes.

The trails around Peekskill are characterized by rolling, boulder-strewn terrain within beautiful hardwood forests. Many routes offer ascents to hills that provide expansive views over the Hudson River valley and the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge, making for a diverse and engaging hiking experience for families.

Yes, for an easy and relatively flat option, consider the Peekskill Station – Peekskill Waterfront Park loop from City of Peekskill. This approximately 4 km walk connects several riverfront parks, offering scenic views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge. While not all trails are stroller-friendly due to natural terrain, this path is generally accessible.

Blue Mountain Reservation is a highly popular local spot, located just an eight-minute drive from Peekskill. It features several intersecting trails, including loops suitable for walking and biking. Another great option is Fort Hill Park, right near Peekskill's Main Street, offering three miles of scenic woodland trails with interesting rock formations and Revolutionary War earthworks.

Absolutely! Many trails in the region provide stunning Hudson River views. The Peekskill Station – Peekskill Waterfront Park loop offers continuous river vistas. For a more elevated perspective, trails like Anthony's Nose (though moderately difficult) and viewpoints within Bear Mountain State Park provide glorious panoramas of the river and the Bear Mountain Bridge.

The family-friendly trails around Peekskill are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, the rewarding views of the Hudson River, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring with children enjoyable and safe.

Yes, several of the family-friendly routes are circular, which is ideal for family outings. For example, the Lounsbury Pond loop from Village of Buchanan is an easy, circular trail. Another option is the Blue Mountain Summit Trail – Lounsbury Pond loop, offering a moderate circular hike with varied scenery.

Yes, the region is rich in points of interest. You can discover fascinating rock formations and the remains of Revolutionary War earthworks at Fort Hill Park. Nearby attractions include the impressive New Croton Dam, the serene Hessian Lake, and the Teatown Lake Boardwalk. Many trails also lead to stunning viewpoints, such as the View of the Hudson River from Bear Mountain.

For families looking for a bit more challenge, the Lounsbury Pond – Myx Monster Trail loop from Village of Buchanan is a moderate 9.3 km route. Another good option is the Lounsbury Pond loop from Peekskill, which is just over 10 km and also rated moderate, providing a longer adventure through the local woodlands.

Spring and fall are particularly beautiful for family hikes in Peekskill. In spring, the forests burst with new growth and wildflowers. Fall offers spectacular foliage, transforming the hardwood forests into a vibrant display of colors. Summer is also pleasant, especially on shaded trails, while winter hikes can be magical, though some paths may require appropriate gear for snow or ice.

Yes, Peekskill is accessible via Metro-North. For example, the Peekskill Station – Peekskill Waterfront Park loop starts directly from the City of Peekskill, making it very convenient for those arriving by train. Bear Mountain State Park, a short distance away, can also be reached by taking Metro-North to Peekskill followed by a brief taxi or ride-share.