Looking for outdoor adventures in New York that go beyond the usual city sights? This guide rounds up the best outdoor activities in New York—from ziplining and cliff jumping to hot-air balloon rides and epic hikes—organized by region with drive times, seasons, and pro tips. Whether you’re planning a weekend from NYC, a day trip from Albany, or a full-blown Adirondack escape, these things to do in New York deliver serious thrills (and gorgeous views).

Quick Picks for Planning Your Adventures in New York

  • Best for big adrenaline: Ziplining at NYzipline (formerly Mountain Ridge Adventure)

  • Best fall foliage views: Hot-air ballooning over Lake George

  • Best challenge hike: Devil’s Path, Catskills

  • Best whitewater: Moose River (Adirondacks)

  • Best rock climbing: The Gunks near New Paltz

  • Closest ocean vibes: Fire Island beaches

  • Heart-stopping drop: Skydive Long Island

How to Use This Guide

  • Drive times are from NYC unless noted.

  • Season helps you time it (foliage, snow, high water).

  • Adrenaline: Mellow | Moderate | High | Max

1. Ziplining & Aerial Adventure

  • Where: Schenectady/Albany area (about ~2.5–3 hrs from NYC; ~30–40 mins from Albany)

  • Season: Spring–Fall (Halloween events in Oct)

  • Adrenaline: Mellow-High

  • Why it’s epic: A full canopy zipline tour paired with multiple treetop obstacle courses and a dramatic gorge setting. Great mix of family-friendly routes and push-your-limits elements (think leaps, bridges, and creative obstacles). PLUS, there is the spooky Zombie Zipline Adventure during October, where you can ride a zip line in total darkness with creepy zombies roaming the forest.

  • Good to know: Reserve ahead on weekends; gloves provided; dress for movement.

  • Perfect for: Groups, families with teens, team-building, bachelor/ette crews.

Pro Tip: Time an afternoon zipline session with a golden-hour drive over nearby country roads—leaf season is next-level.

2. Kayaking the Moose River (Adirondacks)

  • Where: Near Lyons Falls (Adirondack foothills)

  • Season: Late spring through fall (flows vary)

  • Adrenaline: Moderate–Max

  • Why go: A bucket-list whitewater run for experienced paddlers and guided trips for adventurous beginners in calmer sections. For those looking for the pinnacle of kayaking excitement in New York, the Moose River, especially its bottom section, offers an unforgettable adventure. It’s a testament to the challenging and thrilling experiences that NY’s natural landscapes have to offer to the whitewater kayaking community.

  • Good to know: Check flows; go with an outfitter if you’re newer to whitewater.

Located near Lyons Falls, NY at the western edge of the Adirondack Mountains. It is not easy to get to but hey … it’s an adventure. Check out Adirondack River Outfitters for specific trip info. 

3. Hiking Devil’s Path (Catskills)

The Devil’s Path is renowned for its steep ascents and descents, rugged terrain, and the physical and mental demands it places on its hikers. 

  • Where: ~2.5 hrs from NYC; trailheads near Tannersville/Elka Park. Located about 6 miles west of Saugerties, NY, the trail is easy to get to just off the NYS Thruway. 

  • Season: Late spring–fall (microspikes in shoulder seasons)

  • Adrenaline: Moderate–High

  • Why go: Arguably the Catskills’ toughest classic—steeps, scrambles, and huge views.

  • Good to know: Pack more water than you think; stage cars/shuttles if section-hiking; reward yourself post-hike in Saugerties or Tannersville.

You’ll be freakin’ hungry after the hike so head over to Abby’s Restaurant & Bar in Saugerties. They make a great Chicken Cordon Bleu panini.  

4. Hot Air Ballooning Over Lake George

Floating over the absolutely gorgeous landscape of Lake George in a hot air balloon will leave you speechless. It’s a peaceful yet exhilarating adventure that allows you to see the magic in the world from a new perspective.

  • Where: Southern Adirondacks (~3.5–4 hrs from NYC)

  • Season: Late spring–fall; sunrise flights for calm air

  • Adrenaline: Mellow–Moderate

  • Why go: Quiet, panoramic Adirondack views—especially stunning during leaf-peeping.

  • Good to know: Dress warm; winds dictate flight paths.

Ballooning Adventures  is our recommendation for this adventure but there are other organizations that offer similar thrills. 

5. Skiing the Adirondacks (Whiteface & Beyond)

Skiing in the Adirondack is an adventure in and of itself but the epic mountain to conquer is home to the 1980 Olympics, affectionately called the “Beast of the East”, Whiteface is the epic mountain adventure waiting for you. 3,500’ of vertical and 300 acres of terrain, if you can’t find adventure here, then it is time to take up knitting. 

  • Where: Lake Placid area (~5 hrs from NYC)

  • Season: Winter

  • Adrenaline: Moderate–Max (depends on terrain)

  • Why go: Big-mountain vertical, Olympic history, and classic après in Lake Placid.

  • Good to know: Storm chasing pays off; midweek = fewer lines

6. Breaking the Waves at Fire Island

Nothing screams adventure than breaking through the magnificent force of a pounding wave. NY has some of the best beaches in the country with miles upon miles of soft sand and never-ending surf ready to be breached.

  • Where: Long Island barrier island (ferries from Bay Shore, Patchogue, Sayville)

  • Season: Late spring–early fall

  • Adrenaline: Mellow–Moderate

  • Why go: Soft-sand beaches, rolling surf, boardwalk villages—pure coastal reset.

  • Good to know: Car-free vibe; pack light; check ferry schedules.

7. Rock Climbing the Gunks (Shawangunks)

The Gunks (short for Shawangunks) is not only the premier rock climbing area in NY, but it is one of the premier climbing spots in the whole country.

  • Where: New Paltz (~2 hrs from NYC)

  • Season: Spring–late fall

  • Adrenaline: Moderate-Max

  • Why go: World-class quartzite cliffs, bomber horizontals, legendary trad lines, and a thriving guide community.

  • Good to know: Book a certified guide if you’re new; secure day passes early on peak weekends.

8. Cliff Jumping at Split Rock (Minnewaska/Mohonk Area)

Just outside of Minnewaska State Park in the Mohonk Preserve, is a place called Split Rock Hole. The exciting adrenaline adventure of jumping into a gorge will cause the hair on the back of your neck to scream, “Let’s do that again!”

  • Where: Near Minnewaska State Park (rules and closures vary)

  • Season: Summer

  • Adrenaline: High

  • Why go: Emerald water and geologic drama.

  • Safety first: Always verify current regulations and water depth/conditions; follow posted signage and stay within legal areas.

9. Hang Gliding in the Hudson Valley

  • Where: Middletown/Wallkill (~1.5 hrs from NYC)

  • Season: Spring–fall

  • Adrenaline: Max

  • Why go: Tandem flights deliver soaring, bird-level views with pro pilots.

  • Good to know: Weight limits apply; bring layers—air temps run cooler aloft.

10. Hang Gliding in the Hudson Valley

You knew skydiving had to be on this list because let’s be real here, when most people think of an outdoor adventure with the most adrenaline rush, they think skydiving. Long Island Skydiving Center is our pick for a great place to recommend for skydiving. 

  • Where: Calverton/Riverhead area (~1.5–2 hrs from NYC)

  • Season: Spring–fall (winter on bluebird days)

  • Adrenaline: Max

  • Why go: Ocean-to-vineyard panoramas on the way down; tandem options for first-timers.

  • Good to know: Morning slots = smoother winds; confirm photo/video packages.

Bonus: More Outdoor Things to do in New York (by region)

Hudson Valley: Storm King Art Center strolls, Walkway Over the Hudson cycling, Bald Mountain sunrise.
Capital Region (near Albany): NYzipline aerial adventure, Thacher State Park hikes, Saratoga paddle routes.
Catskills: Kaaterskill Falls, Giant Ledge & Panther, tubing the Esopus.
Adirondacks: Saranac chain paddling, High Peaks day hikes (Cascade/Pitchoff), Ausable Chasm.
Thousand Islands: Kayak the St. Lawrence, Boldt Castle boat tours.
Finger Lakes: Gorge hikes (Watkins Glen), winery bike routes, Canandaigua paddling.
Long Island: Montauk lighthouse hikes, Jones Beach boardwalk bike rides.

What are the best adventures in New York for first-timers?
Ziplining near Albany, an easy Catskills summit (like Giant Ledge), and a Lake George balloon ride cover adrenaline, hiking, and views in one weekend.

FAQs

What outdoor activities in New York are family-friendly?
Treetop high ropes courses with progressive difficulty (like at NYzipline), Fire Island beach days, and Hudson Valley bike trails work well for mixed ages.

What’s the best season for outdoor adventures in New York?
Spring–fall is prime for hiking, paddling, ziplining, and ballooning; winter shifts to skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing—book early on holiday weeks.

Conclusion

Each of these adventures offers a unique way to experience New York in all her glory, challenging us to grow, learn, and appreciate the beauty and diversity of this great state. Whether it’s the serene beauty of a hot air balloon ride over Lake George, the agonizing trek of Devil’s Path, or the heart-pounding thrill of ziplining at NYzipline, the essence of adventure lies in the joy of discovery and the courage to explore the unknown.