There are 178 state parks in New York.  Which state parks are the best for those looking to do some hiking? 

Here is our "Top 25 New York State Park Hiking Destinations"

Rank	State Park	Notes
1	Harriman	Over 200 miles of trails including the Appalachian Trail and the Long Path.
2	Bear Mountain	Where it all started for the Appalachian Trail back in 1923.  Numerous trails to explore.
3	Letchworth	Over 66 miles of hiking trails.  Letchworth Trail is unknown gem on the east side of park.
4	Hudson Highlands	Breakneck Ridge and Anthony's Nose are two of the most popular day hikes in the state.
5	Watkins Glen	One of the most famous of the New York State Parks.  The Gorge Trail passes 19 waterfalls.
6	Minnewaska	The park has 35 miles of old carriage roads and 25 miles of trails to hike and simply enjoy.
7	Taughannock Falls	215 foot waterfall is 33 feet higher than Niagara. Use the rim trails to explore the upper gorge.
8	Allegany	Over 90 miles of hiking trails including 20 miles of the North Country Trail / Finger Lakes Trail.
9	Robert Treman	Lucifer Falls as well as other waterfalls plus an old mill.  Very scenic swimming area.
10	Rockefeller	Views of the Hudson River and numerous miles of old carriage roads.
11	Sterling Forest	Old mines, ruins, a fire tower, Sterling Lake, 50+ miles of trails including the Appalachian Trail.
12	John Boyd Thacher	Hike the famous Indian Ladder Trail or the Long Path.  Panoramic Views await you.
13	Taconic	Take the South Taconic Trail to amazing views.  Hike into Massachusetts to Bish Bash Falls.
14	Buttermilk Falls	Beautiful waterfalls and gorge.  Don't forget about the upper park with its scenic Lake Treman.
15	Clarence Fahnestock	Hike along the Appalachian Trail and take in scenic views of Canopus Lake.
16	Stony Brook	Waterfalls, a gorge and pieces of the old railroad that once crossed the gorge.
17	Mine Kill	A nice waterfall, great views and a section of the Long Path to explore.
18	Whetstone Gulf	Many people are unaware of this amazing gorge located in the Tug Hill Region.
19	Moreau Lake	Views of the Adirondacks and Hudson River along the Western Ridge Trail.
20	Bowman Lake	A section of the 562 mile Finger Lakes Trail travels through the park.  Hike the Kopac Trail.
21	Gilbert Lake	Take a hike to Lake of the Twin Fawns, Ice Pond and Spring Pond or walk around Gilbert Lake.
22	Clark Reservation	A geological wonder.  Hike the Lake Trail and the Cliff Trail - you shouldn't be disappointed.
23	Robert Wehle	Free entry to this park, over 20 miles of trails plus nice views from cliffs of Lake Ontario.
24	Fillmore Glen	Not as well known as the famous glen/gorge/waterfall state parks, but well worth the visit.
25	Wellesley Island	Surprising views of the St Lawrence River and some of the Thousand Islands await you.