Your ticket to the tri-state area's hiking trails

Now that the warm weather is here to stay, it's time to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails.

On Saturday, the American Hiking Society celebrates its 17th annual National Trails Day. Outdoor enthusiasts across the country will rejoice in the beauty of America's trail system by participating in more than 1,500 events that include hiking, trail maintenance, horseback riding, biking and running (for more information: 1-800-972-8608; www.AmericanHiking.org).

Even New Yorkers can find great trails not too far from the city.

"While other parts of the world might be phenomenal for hiking, New York has a lot of trails, too," says Michael Brochstein, founder of www.NYCDayHiking.com. "More than you might imagine."

Here are some of the best spots to hike in the area:

Breakneck Ridge. With spectacular views and a variety of trails, Breakneck Ridge, in New York's Hudson Highlands State Park, is a popular destination for all types of hikers. But the crowds dissipate the higher one climbs. "If you have a fear of heights, this is not the hike for you," warns Brochstein.

Only 60 miles north of the city, Breakneck Ridge can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes by Metro-North.

Lake Skenonto. A mere 32 miles north of the city, Harriman State Park offers more than 200 miles of hiking trails. Brochstein recommends an 8-mile hike around Lake Skenonto that starts and finishes on the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail. Hikers will be able to enjoy impressive views and even take a dip in the lake.

To get to the Ramapo-Dunderberg trailhead, take the Short Line bus ($14) from Port Authority to the Route 17 bus shelter in Tuxedo. The trip should take about an hour; the hike, about six.

The Timp. Located on the other side of Harriman State Park from Lake Skenonto, the Timp-Torne trail has magnificent views of the Hudson River and, on a clear day, a distant view of New York City. Timp-Torne is not a loop, so Brochstein recommends starting on the Ramapo-Dunderberg trail at Jones Point and hiking up Bear Mountain for a little variety (although this adds a fair amount of difficulty to the hike as well).

"There are great panoramic views," Brochstein says. "But this is not a beginner hike unless you are in really good shape."

To get there by car, drive north on the Palisades Parkway to Route 9W north, which leads to Jones Point. By bus, take the Short Line from the Port Authority and ask the driver to drop you off on 9W at Jones Point.

Schunemunk Mountain. With an elevation of 1,664 feet, this is the highest mountain in Orange County. It also offers some of the best hiking trails in the area. Start on the famous Long Path and continue on the Jessup Trail before turning right on Sweet Clover trail to make a big loop.

Possibly the most unusual part of this hike is that it passes by the Woodbury Commons outlet mall. "Some people like to combine their hiking and shopping," Brochstein says.

To get to Schunemunk, 60 miles from the city, take the Palisades Parkway to the New York State Thruway (Route 287W/87N) to Route 32N, or catch the Short Line to Woodbury Commons.

Palisades Interstate Park. Perfect for family trips, this park runs along the cliffs of the Hudson River for more than 20 miles and offers an easy and beautiful escape from the city - without being too far from such amenities as bathrooms and food vendors.

Choose among six trails, ranging from easy to challenging. If hiking with kids, be sure to check out the Shore Trail, which leads to the Giant Stairs, massive boulders that have piled up at the foot of the cliffs. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park (don't forget tick repellent).