Where to Hike Around New York City?
So my friends with a car were kind enough to take me hiking with them on Sunday. On our first foray into the world of hiking outside of New York City, we headed to Bear Mountain since it appeared to be close. It turned out to be so close that you can just barely see the New York skyline from the peak of the mountain (see the photo above--click to enlarge). It was also crowded and the main hike to the top of the mountain crisscrosses the vehicular road to the top (you can drive if so inclined). While more peaceful than the city, it wasn't quite the peace we had imagined. So I appeal to fellow hikers who've had luck finding a moderate trail less than two hours outside of the city that truly delivers some peace and quiet? Any areas or specific trails we might consider? Resources for more info?
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not sure if you are looking for a weekend away or not.. but my fiancee and I spent a few days in Roxbury, NY (about 3.5 hours upstate - more than your 2 I know) http://www.theroxburymotel.com/ it was beautiful, and uncrowded in the middle of the week -- very peaceful. There are also some crazy trails within walking distance in Kirkside park. The website has more details on the area hiking (even if you dont stay there!) cheers!
Lianne
You were actually very close to a similar hike without the cars (I had a similar disappointment on my first and only Bear Mountain hike). Across the river, a walk up the road from the Cold Spring Metro North stop, is the Breakneck Ridge trail. I haven't actually made it all the way up, but you get some great views and it at least feels like you're out in nature.
Around Woodstock is nice. You can hike and then take a dip in the streams (when it's nice out). I also recommend (if you have the time) to go up to Burlington, VT. They have some great trails.
Ugh. So depressing. Being from Colorado, I am looking for a quiet place to hike and get my head together. So far I just go up the road to Prospect Park (which isn't that much of a stretch). God I miss Boulder.
Sad to hear Bear Mountain was a let down - it was on my to do list.
If you want empty, I head 3+ hours to Susquehanna Co., PA. May as well be 36 hours away...
Give Bear Mountain, or more specifically - Harriman State Park - another shot. Don't bother with Bear Mountain itself, next time - take a road less travelled. Follow the Appalachian Trail (white blazes if I recall) west from the Harriman parking lot, or head up to the Timp rather than up Bear Mountain.
This reminds me, last time I was atop Bear Mountain, there was an army of Hell's Angels up there!
Thanks for all the great ideas!
I did Breakneck Ridge once (I almost called it Brokeback Mtn). Very fun. Steep and rocky. But short. prob. an hour hike.
We took the Metro North up. No train station. The train just stops and you go climb down wooden stairs.
I'm always surprised at how many people overlook/don't know about the Delaware Water Gap--it's beautiful up there. Hiking, camping, swimming (!), fishing, rafting...and it's only 80 miles east of the city. The trip is, of course, easier by car, but you can get there by bus and it's well worth it; lots of uncrowded spots on busy summer weekends.
http://www.nps.gov/dewa/
Pocantico is actually pretty nice and only in Westchester:
http://www.nynjctbotany.org/lgtofc/pocantlk.html
Several great trails in and around Phoenicia, at the foot of the Catskills. Phoenicia is a sweet little town about 15 minutes past Woodstock. We've driven it in 2 hours (barely) from Brooklyn, but 2:20 is probably a more accurate time. There's great tubing in the summer, too (which is actually what the town is more known for).
hey does anyone know how long it takes to get from the cold spring stop to the breakneck ridge trails by walking. the train only stops on the weekends and holidays at breakneck so i wanted to know if it would be feasible to walk from cold spring. thanks!