Those who enjoy hiking and the outdoors will find no better place than Upstate New York. With its spectacular scenery, unspoiled natural beauty and wealth of forests and hiking trails, Upstate New York is a hiker’s paradise. It’s hard to beat the region’s winning combination of natural beauty and abundant hiking trails and amenities. Whether you’re a novice or veteran hiker, Upstate New York is the perfect place to go for a hike and enjoy the rugged yet beautiful scenery.

Before going on a hike, remember to plan ahead. Proper hydration, hiking sandals, a compass and knowledge of the terrain are all essential. It is important to remember these key steps before going on a hike, even if you have years of experience. If you’re planning on taking children or pets with you, make sure to research the area you’re going to before you leave to make sure that the hikes are of a reasonable level for children and to confirm that pets are allowed into the area.

One of the best trails in Upstate New York is Buttermilk Falls State Park in the beautiful city of Ithaca. This park boasts a wide array of trails as well as some of the state’s most spectacular waterfalls and natural scenery.

Another top spot for hiking is the Adirondack Trails in the Adirondack region. This area has some of the country’s most scenic vistas and unspoiled natural wilderness. It also has a wide network of top-notch trails to explore. Hikers can head to the Adirondack Forest Preserve to take in the region’s rugged beauty or the Lake George Wild Forest to venture along the woodland’s remote trails and see the famed lake itself. All in all, the Adirondacks boast some of the best trails and best preserved forests in the entire state.

Catskill Park is also renowned for its great hiking and breathtaking scenery. The park boasts wide stretches of beautiful landscape and a plethora of trails to explore. Camping and wildlife viewing are other fun activities at this park as well.

Other great options for hiking in Upstate New York include Peebles Island, Park Station and the scenic Cayuga Waterfront Trail.

Head to Upstate New York for some of the best hiking in the country. The region’s scenic beauty and unspoiled wilderness are simply unmatched and are the perfect place for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. Take a look at this handy guide to camping in New York for campground information, maps and photos:  http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nysparks/ny_campingguide2011/

This post was written by Greg Peterson, an avid hiker from Colorado and one of SOURCE’s regular bloggers.