Join the New York Ramblers hiking club and discover some of the most delightful hiking trails in the greater New York City area. Our weekly hikes (listed down below) are usually:
- Sundays (or Saturdays)
- about 14-18 miles in 7-8 hours
- accessible by public transportation
- within 50 miles of NYC
For additional details, go to our About page.
For Serious Hikers
You MUST be an experienced hiker in good physical shape, with proper gear, and able to hike at a moderate to fast pace for 7-8 hours. Haven’t hiked with us before? No worries–come along as a guest and see what it’s like.
- Find a hike below
- Contact the hike leader
• tell leader about your hiking experience
• ask about how difficult the hike is
• find out when and where to meet - Meet us at the designated place
NYC subways are not as frequent on early Sunday mornings—allow extra time to get to the meeting place.
Hikes are free (thank you volunteer hike leaders!) After coming along on two hikes, send in the application form for membership. (Annual dues are $6 per year, plus $1 initial fee.) Some leaders may limit the number of guests on their hike.
Sorry, but our hikes are not for everyone. We hike at a moderate to fast pace. We hike all day long, often on rugged terrain. We have a lot of experience. If this isn’t you, please consider one of these groups that offer shorter distances and easier hikes:
- Shorewalkers
- Shorewalkers Meetup
- Appalachian Mountain Club
- Outdoors Club
- Westchester Trails Association
- NY-NJ Trail Conference
- Meetup
Follow the New York Ramblers on Facebook.
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Hiking involves certain inherent risks; hikers participating do so at their own risk.
When you participate in activities listed in the Schedule, you should be both physically and mentally prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. The hike leader is not responsible for your safety, you are. There is no age limit; however, those who bring children must assume full responsibility for their safety and conduct at all times. The hike leader has the authority to turn away anyone who is not adequately prepared. Hikes don’t always finish at the expected time.
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>> Hike Calendar
Sun. Sep. 7.
TRAILS IN SOUTH STATEN ISLAND.
(New York City)
From Jefferson Avenue SIR station, pass through New Creek Bluebelt to Fr. Cappodano Ave., which take northeast to check trails in Ocean Breeze Pk. Cross Fr. Cappodano and walk FDR Boardwalk south through Miller Field, passing through Kivlehan Pk and trails adjacent to Cedar Grove Pk. If tide and vegetation permit, exit to Amundsen Trailway N through Great Kills Pk; otherwise follow Kissam & Guyon Avenues to Hylan Blvd., then west to exit Amundsen Trailway; use South Railroad Avenue to Oakwood Hgts Station for return to St. George Ferry Terminal.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by ferry–contact leader for details.
Leader: Don
TRAILS IN SOUTH STATEN ISLAND.
(New York City)
From Jefferson Avenue SIR station, pass through New Creek Bluebelt to Fr. Cappodano Ave., which take northeast to check trails in Ocean Breeze Pk. Cross Fr. Cappodano and walk FDR Boardwalk south through Miller Field, passing through Kivlehan Pk and trails adjacent to Cedar Grove Pk. If tide and vegetation permit, exit to Amundsen Trailway N through Great Kills Pk; otherwise follow Kissam & Guyon Avenues to Hylan Blvd., then west to exit Amundsen Trailway; use South Railroad Avenue to Oakwood Hgts Station for return to St. George Ferry Terminal.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by ferry–contact leader for details.
Leader: Don
Sun. Sep. 14.
APPALACHIAN TRAIL JAUNT.
(Sterling Forest)
From Harriman use Sapphire Trail to join Appalachian Trail and hike west across Buchanan Mountain, passing Mombasha High Point. Digress, using Allis Trail to Doris Duke Loop, which hike clockwise to a woods road for return to AT. Continue on AT to the Creamery and Rte. 17A #197 bus stop. NY-NJTC map 100.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
APPALACHIAN TRAIL JAUNT.
(Sterling Forest)
From Harriman use Sapphire Trail to join Appalachian Trail and hike west across Buchanan Mountain, passing Mombasha High Point. Digress, using Allis Trail to Doris Duke Loop, which hike clockwise to a woods road for return to AT. Continue on AT to the Creamery and Rte. 17A #197 bus stop. NY-NJTC map 100.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
Tues. Sep. 16.
ANNUAL MEETING.
Details will be mailed to members in early September.
ANNUAL MEETING.
Details will be mailed to members in early September.
Sun. Sep. 21.
MUNSEE-EAGLE TRAIL.
(Sterling Forest)
From Sloatsburg, use Eagle Valley Road to enter Long Swamp Loop, and hike clockwise to join woods road, which, with local streets, use to meet Red Back Trail. Hike counterclockwise to join and hike entire Munsee-Eagle Trail. Join Hutchinson Trail, southbound, rejoin RBT leading to McKeags Meadow trail counterclockwise. Then, via connector trail, pass Sterling Forest Visitor Center, join Bare Rock Trail as far as West Valley Trail, northbound. Out to 197 bus stop in Greenwood Lake via WVT, woods road, and Rte. 17A. NY-NJTC Map 100.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
MUNSEE-EAGLE TRAIL.
(Sterling Forest)
From Sloatsburg, use Eagle Valley Road to enter Long Swamp Loop, and hike clockwise to join woods road, which, with local streets, use to meet Red Back Trail. Hike counterclockwise to join and hike entire Munsee-Eagle Trail. Join Hutchinson Trail, southbound, rejoin RBT leading to McKeags Meadow trail counterclockwise. Then, via connector trail, pass Sterling Forest Visitor Center, join Bare Rock Trail as far as West Valley Trail, northbound. Out to 197 bus stop in Greenwood Lake via WVT, woods road, and Rte. 17A. NY-NJTC Map 100.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
Sun. Sep. 28.
HUBBARD PERKINS FROM COLD SPRING: CIRCULAR.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From station proceed to Mountain Ave. and hike Undercliff, Nelsonville, Lone Star, and Highlands Trails to Rte. 10. Enter NYS land opposite and proceed overland and on local streets to Hubbard Perkins. Use School Mountain Road to Fahnestock Trail over Round Hill and RH Bypass down, crossing Rte. 301. Use unmarked trails to OSI land and nearby high point; descend back, recrossing Rte 301. Bushwhack to join the Perkins Trail, which follow to its end at SMR, and return to Hubbard Lodge. From junction of Rtes. 9&301, mostly road walk to Cold Spring. NY-NJTC Maps 102&103.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
HUBBARD PERKINS FROM COLD SPRING: CIRCULAR.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From station proceed to Mountain Ave. and hike Undercliff, Nelsonville, Lone Star, and Highlands Trails to Rte. 10. Enter NYS land opposite and proceed overland and on local streets to Hubbard Perkins. Use School Mountain Road to Fahnestock Trail over Round Hill and RH Bypass down, crossing Rte. 301. Use unmarked trails to OSI land and nearby high point; descend back, recrossing Rte 301. Bushwhack to join the Perkins Trail, which follow to its end at SMR, and return to Hubbard Lodge. From junction of Rtes. 9&301, mostly road walk to Cold Spring. NY-NJTC Maps 102&103.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
>> October
Sun. Oct. 5.
MORRISTOWN TO LIVINGSTON.
(New Jersey)
From Morristown station use Morris Avenue to Arbor House and Patriots Path extension through Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Pick up PP at Morris County Library and follow it to its eastern terminus at Essex County Environmental Center. From Lenape trailhead follow LT to Livingston then NJT bus #71 to Newark Penn station. (19 flat miles.)
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Leaders: Hugues; Jon
MORRISTOWN TO LIVINGSTON.
(New Jersey)
From Morristown station use Morris Avenue to Arbor House and Patriots Path extension through Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Pick up PP at Morris County Library and follow it to its eastern terminus at Essex County Environmental Center. From Lenape trailhead follow LT to Livingston then NJT bus #71 to Newark Penn station. (19 flat miles.)
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Leaders: Hugues; Jon
Sun. Oct. 12.
BUTTER HILL AND STORM KING MOUNTAIN: A CIRCULAR.
(West Hudson Highlands)
From bus stop, use local roads to Black Rock Hollow parking area. Hike Black Rock Hollow Trail to Reservoir Trail and cross Ben’s Bridge. Meet Stillman Trail, which use over Whitehorse Mountain and enter Storm King Mountain by the Reservoir Road tunnel. Continue uphill on ST for the 360 degree views from Butter Hill viewpoint. Descend to and hike entire Bluebird Trail, then rejoin ST. Use ST until By-Pass, then join Howell Trail, leading to White and Orange trails. Then return to ST. Via RR tunnel, meet and hike entire Duggan Trail, then return to bus stop using RT and BRHT, and local roads. NY-NJTC map 113.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Gaëlle
BUTTER HILL AND STORM KING MOUNTAIN: A CIRCULAR.
(West Hudson Highlands)
From bus stop, use local roads to Black Rock Hollow parking area. Hike Black Rock Hollow Trail to Reservoir Trail and cross Ben’s Bridge. Meet Stillman Trail, which use over Whitehorse Mountain and enter Storm King Mountain by the Reservoir Road tunnel. Continue uphill on ST for the 360 degree views from Butter Hill viewpoint. Descend to and hike entire Bluebird Trail, then rejoin ST. Use ST until By-Pass, then join Howell Trail, leading to White and Orange trails. Then return to ST. Via RR tunnel, meet and hike entire Duggan Trail, then return to bus stop using RT and BRHT, and local roads. NY-NJTC map 113.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Gaëlle
Sun. Oct. 19.
BEARFORT MOUNTAIN AND TERRACE POND LOOPS.
(New Jersey)
From NJT Bus 197 stop at White Road, enter Bearfort Ridge Loop, which hike clockwise to join Ernest Walter Trail to Surprise Lake and lookout. Continue BRL (east leg, southbound, then briefly westbound) exiting on Bearfort Ridge Connector to cross Warwick Turnpike. (An early bailout point.) Hike Terrace Pond North Spur to Terrace Pond North Loop westbound to reach overlook at Terrace Pond. Continue TPNL to retrace steps on TPNS. Out to Warwick Turnpike and bus stop. NY-NJTC Map 152.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Maria
BEARFORT MOUNTAIN AND TERRACE POND LOOPS.
(New Jersey)
From NJT Bus 197 stop at White Road, enter Bearfort Ridge Loop, which hike clockwise to join Ernest Walter Trail to Surprise Lake and lookout. Continue BRL (east leg, southbound, then briefly westbound) exiting on Bearfort Ridge Connector to cross Warwick Turnpike. (An early bailout point.) Hike Terrace Pond North Spur to Terrace Pond North Loop westbound to reach overlook at Terrace Pond. Continue TPNL to retrace steps on TPNS. Out to Warwick Turnpike and bus stop. NY-NJTC Map 152.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Maria
Sun. Oct. 26.
TORREY MEMORIAL.
(Harriman State Park)
The annual hike to honor Trail Conference visionary Raymond Torrey (1880-1938). Route and transportation to be determined by leader depending on re-opening of Bear Mountain trails after weather damage. Stay tuned for further details nearer the date. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Leaders: Turi; Kirsten
TORREY MEMORIAL.
(Harriman State Park)
The annual hike to honor Trail Conference visionary Raymond Torrey (1880-1938). Route and transportation to be determined by leader depending on re-opening of Bear Mountain trails after weather damage. Stay tuned for further details nearer the date. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Leaders: Turi; Kirsten
>> November
Sat. Nov. 1.
SOUTHFIELDS TO TUXEDO.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Southfields bus stop, hike Nurian Trail to the Valley of Boulders. Join the Dunning Trail, which use to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Hike RD southbound over Tom Jones and Parker Cabin Mts., to Triangle Trail and hike the TT to a White Bar Trail jog and join Tuxedo-Mt Ivy Trail, passing Dutch Doctor Shelter. Use TMI as far as Stony Brook Trail. SBT will meet Kakiat Trail. Out to Tuxedo station via KT. NY-NJTC maps 118, 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
SOUTHFIELDS TO TUXEDO.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Southfields bus stop, hike Nurian Trail to the Valley of Boulders. Join the Dunning Trail, which use to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Hike RD southbound over Tom Jones and Parker Cabin Mts., to Triangle Trail and hike the TT to a White Bar Trail jog and join Tuxedo-Mt Ivy Trail, passing Dutch Doctor Shelter. Use TMI as far as Stony Brook Trail. SBT will meet Kakiat Trail. Out to Tuxedo station via KT. NY-NJTC maps 118, 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
Sun. Nov. 2. Marathon Sunday. No Sunday hike. (Don’t forget to turn your clocks back.)
Sat. Nov. 8.
TUXEDO TO SLOATSBURG.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Tuxedo station enter Harriman trail system on Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, soon switching to the Triangle Trail, which hike as far as White Bar Trail. Use WBT southbound to join Victory Trail. Use VT to Tri-Trail Corner and join Blue Disc Trail, hiking south past Claudius Smith Den and Almost Perpendicular, to join Kakiat Trail. Jog right on KT, and enter Dater Mountain trails, using Orange, Blue, and Orange to emerge on Johnsontown Road for exit to Sloatsburg station on local streets. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Sara
TUXEDO TO SLOATSBURG.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Tuxedo station enter Harriman trail system on Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, soon switching to the Triangle Trail, which hike as far as White Bar Trail. Use WBT southbound to join Victory Trail. Use VT to Tri-Trail Corner and join Blue Disc Trail, hiking south past Claudius Smith Den and Almost Perpendicular, to join Kakiat Trail. Jog right on KT, and enter Dater Mountain trails, using Orange, Blue, and Orange to emerge on Johnsontown Road for exit to Sloatsburg station on local streets. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Sara
Sun. Nov. 9. No Sunday hike.
Sun. Nov. 16.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES OF BAY RIDGE AND BEYOND.
(New York City)
From the Bay Ridge-95th Street R station, swing by the historic Fort Hamilton branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, then explore the myriad Little Free Libraries in this neighborhood. Continue in the general direction of Green-Wood Cemetery, examining the reading habits of all the neighborhoods we pass through. In the spirit of the LFLs, walkers are encouraged to bring one or more books to share.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES OF BAY RIDGE AND BEYOND.
(New York City)
From the Bay Ridge-95th Street R station, swing by the historic Fort Hamilton branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, then explore the myriad Little Free Libraries in this neighborhood. Continue in the general direction of Green-Wood Cemetery, examining the reading habits of all the neighborhoods we pass through. In the spirit of the LFLs, walkers are encouraged to bring one or more books to share.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
Sun. Nov. 23.
TRAILS AROUND CROTON-ON-HUDSON.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Croton-on-Hudson station hike Silver Lake Park, Croton Gorge Trail, Batten Woods Trail, Upper Village Loop Trail, Lytle Arboretum (counterclockwise), Brinton Brook Sanctuary, Graff Sanctuary, and Oscawana Island Park, with brief road connections between each. Exit at Cortlandt station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kay
TRAILS AROUND CROTON-ON-HUDSON.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Croton-on-Hudson station hike Silver Lake Park, Croton Gorge Trail, Batten Woods Trail, Upper Village Loop Trail, Lytle Arboretum (counterclockwise), Brinton Brook Sanctuary, Graff Sanctuary, and Oscawana Island Park, with brief road connections between each. Exit at Cortlandt station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Tick repellant suggested
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kay
Sun. Nov. 30.
BEYOND PALISADES.
(Englewood, Fort Lee)
From George Washington Bridge bus station, cross GWB and walk north on Long Path and Shore Trail. Climb back to LP at Huyler’s Landing, hike LP southbound to Green Brook Road. Cross Rte. 9W to enter Lost Brook Preserve, hiking various trails within, plus a visit to Tenafly Nature Center. Exit at the parking area on East Clinton and explore Churchill Nature Preserve. Walk south to Flat Rock Brook Nature Center and hike various trails leading to MacFadden’s Wetlands. Return to GWB bus terminal via local roads. About 20 miles. (Early exit possible by bus at Palisades Avenue.) NY-NJTC map 108.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Strenuous
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
BEYOND PALISADES.
(Englewood, Fort Lee)
From George Washington Bridge bus station, cross GWB and walk north on Long Path and Shore Trail. Climb back to LP at Huyler’s Landing, hike LP southbound to Green Brook Road. Cross Rte. 9W to enter Lost Brook Preserve, hiking various trails within, plus a visit to Tenafly Nature Center. Exit at the parking area on East Clinton and explore Churchill Nature Preserve. Walk south to Flat Rock Brook Nature Center and hike various trails leading to MacFadden’s Wetlands. Return to GWB bus terminal via local roads. About 20 miles. (Early exit possible by bus at Palisades Avenue.) NY-NJTC map 108.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Bring 2 liters of water
• Strenuous
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
* * *
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.
~Jack Kerouac
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Member of New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Top photo by Andres
