Top 10 Hikes: No-Hunting Hike Areas in New York and New Jersey
Even during hunting season, you can find exciting places to walk in the woods throughout the greater New York metropolitan region.
The following parks and preserves in New York and New Jersey are or include no-hunting areas. Trails are maintained by Trail Conference volunteers or our member organizations.
Remember: Wherever you walk in the woods during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors like blaze orange.
New York
Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Ulster County)
A large portion of this popular hiking destination, specifically the area south of Fly Brook and Sanders Kill, is off-limits to hunters. A detailed hunting map provided by the park outlines the designated zones. Click here to access our Minnewaska page and download the map.
Bear Mountain/ Harriman State Parks (Orange & Rockland Counties)
Most of this region, with 235 miles of marked trails, is a haven for hikers during deer hunting season. The area of Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks east of I-87 is off-limits for hunting, while the portions of Harriman that are west of I-87 allow hunting.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Westchester County)
In Westchester County, where gun hunting is not allowed, parks and preserves are generally safe for walkers. As the largest open space in the county, Ward Pound Ridge offers 4,700 acres and nearly 42 miles of hiking trails.
Note: Bow hunting is permitted in select areas of Westchester from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, including at Ward Pound Ridge on Mondays through Fridays, from 3:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Staten Island Greenbelt
(New York City)
Fall is a great time to discover new trails. Explore the Staten Island Greenbelt’s 28 miles of trails, a hidden gem in New York City’s outer borough.
Walkway Over the Hudson (Dutchess County & Ulster County)
Easily accessible via Metro-North to Poughkeepsie, this state park offers a scenic walk over the Hudson River. Combine it with the Mid-Hudson Bridge for a nearly 4-mile loop hike. For an extended adventure, hike the trails of Franny Reese State Park, where fall views of the Hudson and surrounding bridges are stunning.
Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary
The Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary, located within Sterling Forest State Park, is a designated area where hunting is prohibited. The Doris Duke Trail within the sanctuary was enhanced and maintained by volunteers and AmeriCorps crews, operating under the guidance of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
New Jersey
New Jersey Section of Palisades Interstate Park (Bergen County)
Discover over 25 miles of trails in this beautiful linear park, which connects to even more trails on the New York side. Learn more about hiking along the Palisades
Campgaw Mountain and Ramapo Valley County Reservations (Bergen County)
Together, these two northern New Jersey parks boast over 5,000 wooded acres and nearly 30 miles of trails. Click here for Campgaw info and here for Ramapo Valley info.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area (Morris County)
Explore 30 miles of trails, two mountains, and fascinating rock formations, including the famous Tripod Rock. There is no firearm hunting in Morris County parks, but bow hunting is allowed Monday through Saturday during the season, from September 10 to February 18, 2023. Learn more about Pyramid Mountain.
Garret Mountain Reservation (Passaic County)
Hike three scenic trails, visit a castle, and enjoy breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and High Mountain. Learn more about Garret Mountain Reservation.
South Mountain Reservation (Essex County)
This 2,047-acre park offers five marked hiking trails, miles of carriage roads, bridle paths, waterfalls, millponds, and distant views of Manhattan.
Watchung Reservation (Union County)
With miles of trails, Surprise Lake, and a deserted village, Watchung Reservation offers a unique hiking experience.
Good to Know: Firearm hunting is generally prohibited on Sundays throughout New Jersey, though seasonal bow hunting is allowed in state wildlife management areas and private property on Sundays.