Summer has finally come to end, whether you want to believe it or not, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some last minute outdoor adventures before the worst of winter comes. For the New Yorkers out there, get your nature fix by going an hour or two outside the city before it’s too unbearably cold, and all you can do is go on Netflix binges in your apartment. All of these hiking trails are accessible through public transportation if you’re willing to walk an extra half hour or so from the train station or hitchhike to the trail head (don’t say I told you to).
1. Fishkill Ridge Trail
Photo via Trip Advisor
This is a moderate hike that can be accessed via the Metro-North Hudson Line at Beacon. You will need to walk 2.5 miles through Beacon, but once you hike to the peak, the view from the top will be incredible with red, orange, and yellow leaves.
2. Breakneck Ridge
Photo via Summit Post
Breakneck Ridge, which runs through the East Hudson Highlands, is a special trail because it has a train stop a little bit north of the trail head. Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to Breakneck Ridge. If you miss one of the three trains that stop there, take the train to Cold Spring, which is about a half hour walk to the trail head. The trail itself is a short length of 2.8 miles if you follow the white-blaze, but the hike is difficult with a lot of rock scrambling. From personal experience, the peak is the prime spot for napping or eating before you trek back down.
3. Pine Meadow Trail
Photo via Mapcarta
This trail is a less strenuous, since it surrounds Pine Meadow Lake. The total length of the trail is 10 miles, but there’s lots of places to explore in the creek and woods surrounding the lake. For this specific trail, follow the red and white blaze, but there are a few trail heads which lead to other trails nearby. Take the Metro-North Port Jervis Line to Sloatsburg. After that, you’ll have to walk about a mile on the road.
4. Roosevelt Ride
Photo via National Park Service
For this who want a little adventure this fall, but don’t want to hike, check out the Roosevelt Ride. This free shuttle service picks you up at the Poughkeepsie Metro North Station and runs between May 1, 2014 and November 1, 2014. The scenic route will take you to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Home and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, so this day trip is perfect for history buffs.
You’re probably already lacing up your Merrells and filling up your Camelbacks, but make sure you read up on details of train times and directions from the train station to the trail head. Bring plenty of water and snacks as well. Now go start exploring!
What’s your favorite hike near NYC?
