Sometimes, the more you see something, the more it blends into the background. That includes some of the biggest (and most beautiful) landmarks in New York.

New Yorkers are never too far from an amazing hike. From the Catskills to the Adirondacks and even part of the Appalachian mountains, the Empire State is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts for a reason. But what do we really know about our local mountains?

The westerly view from the top of Windham High Peak, one of the summits in the Catskill Mountain Range in New York
The westerly view from the top of Windham High Peak, one of the summits in the Catskill Mountain Range in New York (Google)
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Can You Name the Peaks of the Catskill Mountains in New York?

I almost felt personally attacked by a recent post from Columbia County's official tourism Facebook page. The photo (below), complete with the names of some of the most well-known peaks in the Catskill Mountains, exposed something I'd never really considered: I knew next to nothing about the mountain range that I see nearly every single day. 

The Columbia Country tourism office recently shared the names of (nearly) every peak in the Catskill Mountain range in New York
The Columbia Country tourism office recently shared the names of (nearly) every peak in the Catskill Mountain range in New York (Columbia County Tourism via Facebook)
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The Most Noteworthy Peaks in the Catskill Mountains

While there are more than 30 peaks in the Catskill Mountains, some have more notoriety than others. From the "easy" Hunter Mountain to more difficult routes on Wittenberg and Sugarloaf mountains, there's something for every skill level. But which is the tallest?

Slide Mountain is the tallest peak in the Catskill Mountain Range in New York State
Slide Mountain is the tallest peak in the Catskill Mountain Range in New York State (Google)
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Slide Mountain Is the Tallest Peak in the Catskill Mountain Range

Slide Mountain (which was conspicuously absent from the recent Facebook post) is the tallest mountain in the Catskills... it's also one of the most difficult to navigate. Luckily, there are some easier peaks to try for adventurers looking for a relaxed afternoon.

Read More: [Video] New York Hiker's Risky Air Rescue By DEC 

Visit Cairo Round Top in the Catskill Mountains

Located near the former Catskill Game FarmCairo Round Top is a more manageable mountain with an elevation just over 1,400 feet. Of course, the Catskills have also been the inspiration for prominent legends that have even made their way into official New York State business.

The Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Hudson, NY was named after the famous character in Washington Irving's short story who explored the Catskill Mountains
The Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Hudson, NY was named after the famous character in Washington Irving's short story who explored the Catskill Mountains (Google)
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Rip Van Winkle in the Catskill Mountains

Rip Van Winkle famously explored the Catskill Mountains in Washington Irving's short story of the same name, only to fall asleep for two decades. Not only is the tale known as one of the first American short stories ever written, but one of the Hudson Valley's beloved bridges was named after the fictional hero as well.

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No matter the mountain range, there's always a great hike to take in the Hudson Valley. Take a look at some of the best below, and keep scrolling to plot your road trip on the New York "Ice Cream Trail" when your feet get too tired.

The 25 Absolute Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley

We've compiled a list of the 25 best hikes in the Hudson Valley. All of the hikes are of varying difficulties and lengths, so no matter your skill level or amount of time you have available there is a hike for you here.

Gallery Credit: Weston Loving

Road Trip Through New York's Ice Cream Trail

Did you know there's an ice cream trail here in the great state of New York? Yup. Created by Only In Your State, the trail takes you all throughout the Adirondacks, allowing you to "take in the sights of our tallest mountains and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of New York" while licking your favorite kind of ice cream.

Hop aboard the New York Ice Cream Trail!

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

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