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11 Beautiful Hiking Trails New Yorkers Don't Want You To Know About

Whether you've hiked these trails one or a hundred times, you'll always find some surprises. What's not surprising? How much money you could save by switching to GEICO. Take a hike on over, and get a quote today.

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1. They probably don't want you to know about Chestnut Ridge Park, which is home to an amazing eternal flame hidden under a waterfall.

Daniel Novak / Getty Images

Trail name: Eternal Flame Falls Trail

Location: Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park

OK, so it's not really an "eternal" flame, but it's a pretty cool natural phenomenon. There is a small fissure right below the waterfall that naturally emits methane gas. If there's no light when you visit, it's pretty easy to start up with a barbecue lighter. 🔥

2. They'll probably stay mum about this ~mysterious~ trail...

3. They definitely wouldn't want you to fall in love with this park...

Copyright (c)2013 Andy Arthur. Creative Commons License / CC BY 2.0 / Via Flickr: andyarthur, Copyright (c)2013 Andy Arthur. Creative Commons License / CC BY 2.0 / Via Flickr: andyarthur

Trail name: Buttermilk Falls State Park Trail

Location: Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca

There are 10 falls in the park, but the main attraction is Buttermilk Falls, which is 165 feet high!

4. They might say, "Don't get too nosy about Gertrude's Nose trail."

5. They might suggest that this trail at Glimmerglass State Park is a snore...

John Greim / Contributor / Getty Images

Trail name: Covered Bridge Trail

Location: Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown

The Covered Bridge Trail is a short and leisurely one-mile walk that takes you through the oldest existing covered bridge in the United States! Hyde Hall was built in 1825 — if you visit, you could take a walk through history!

6. They won't want to tell you about the beautiful views on Bald Mountain...

Barbara Friedman / Getty Images

Trail name: Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower)

Location: The Adirondacks

It's no secret that Bald Mountain is a popular destination (but that's why they wouldn't want to tell you about it)! The hike is less than a mile, but has a couple of steep sections to watch out for. The view is absolutely gorgeous, especially if you get the chance to climb the fire tower to the top.

7. They might say, "Please don't hike here! The only thing interesting about this pond is the name!"

8. They’ll definitely want you to fall asleep and forget all about Kaaterskill Falls…

Nick Pedersen / Getty Images

Trail Name: Kaaterskill Falls Trail

Location: Catskill State Park in Haines Falls

The Catskill Mountains are very popular for sightseeing, and Kaaterskill Falls is definitely a place worth hiking to. It’s a two-tiered fall that is 160 feet high! Know the fictional story of Rip Van Winkle? He fell asleep at this very spot.

9. They will direct you AWAY from Bull Hill, right next to the very popular Breakneck Ridge…

Eden, Janine and Jim/ CC BY 2.0 / Via Flickr: edenpictures

Trail Name: Bull Hill/Mount Taurus via Washburn/Notch/Brook/Cornish Trail Loop

Location: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Bull Hill (also called Mount Taurus) is not for the faint of heart. It’s a literal climb to get to the top! Once you get there, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and will be rewarded with magnificent views!

10. They’ll probably say, “Don’t try and squeeze your way over here…”

TheTurducken/ CC BY 2.0 / Via Flickr: turducken

Trail Name: Lemon Squeezer Loop

Location: Harriman State Park in Ramapo

It’s called Lemon Squeezer for a reason! Part of the trail is navigating yourself in between a rock crevice. There’s also an "easy way" if you’re not into shimmying through rocks, but what fun is that?

11. Chimney Mountain? Nothing to see here. Nothing to see.

Chris Murray / Getty Images

Trail Name: Chimney Mountain Trail

Location: The Adirondacks

Another difficult trek, but some pretty interesting caves along the way. If you make it to the top, you’ll get an awesome 360-degree view of the area! Time to take a panoramic picture.

Now that the secret's out, go take a hike! (Just forget the smooth jazz.)

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