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.
* * *
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.
* * *
>> Hike Calendar
Sun. Dec 7.
BUTLER SANCTUARY: A CIRCULAR.
(Westchester)
From Mount Kisco station use local roads to Leonard Park. Entering park, continue by way of Marsh Sanctuary to Sarles Street. Cross street, proceeding to new yellow connector trail into Merestead Park (MP). Savor MP on blue and green trails. Proceeding into Butler Sanctuary, use red and green trails to balancing rock, overlook, and hawk watch. Then use yellow, orange, and blue trails to Byram Lake Reservoir (BLR). After BLR take blue and red trails to return to MP. In MP continue on the green trail directly back to the yellow connector trail. Return to station by morning’s route. Headlamps advised.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Headlamps advised
• Strenuous
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ian
BUTLER SANCTUARY: A CIRCULAR.
(Westchester)
From Mount Kisco station use local roads to Leonard Park. Entering park, continue by way of Marsh Sanctuary to Sarles Street. Cross street, proceeding to new yellow connector trail into Merestead Park (MP). Savor MP on blue and green trails. Proceeding into Butler Sanctuary, use red and green trails to balancing rock, overlook, and hawk watch. Then use yellow, orange, and blue trails to Byram Lake Reservoir (BLR). After BLR take blue and red trails to return to MP. In MP continue on the green trail directly back to the yellow connector trail. Return to station by morning’s route. Headlamps advised.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Headlamps advised
• Strenuous
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ian
Sun. Dec. 14.
WINTER DAY OF GIVING BACK.
(Harriman State Park)
Volunteers remove blowdowns and trim overgrown vegetation on the Nurian Trail in Harriman State Park as part of our commitment to the trail community. Bring gloves, clippers, and garden tools if you have them. After finishing, possible hike out to Tuxedo. Additional cars are welcome. (Available drivers please contact leader in advance.) Thank you for pitching in. Headlamps advised. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Trails Committee Chair, Peter
WINTER DAY OF GIVING BACK.
(Harriman State Park)
Volunteers remove blowdowns and trim overgrown vegetation on the Nurian Trail in Harriman State Park as part of our commitment to the trail community. Bring gloves, clippers, and garden tools if you have them. After finishing, possible hike out to Tuxedo. Additional cars are welcome. (Available drivers please contact leader in advance.) Thank you for pitching in. Headlamps advised. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Trails Committee Chair, Peter
Tues. Dec. 16.
RAMBLER HOLIDAY PARTY.
(Manhattan)
Celebrate the holidays with fellow Ramblers in mid-town Manhattan.
• Potluck
• Members only, please. (Sorry, but we were unable to rent Madison Square Gardens to fit everyone in, lol. This event will be graciously held at Virginia’s apartment. If you have a special request, please check with her.)
Accessible by subway. Contact Virginia in advance for details and to suggest the potluck item that you’d like to bring.
Host: Virginia
RAMBLER HOLIDAY PARTY.
(Manhattan)
Celebrate the holidays with fellow Ramblers in mid-town Manhattan.
• Potluck
• Members only, please. (Sorry, but we were unable to rent Madison Square Gardens to fit everyone in, lol. This event will be graciously held at Virginia’s apartment. If you have a special request, please check with her.)
Accessible by subway. Contact Virginia in advance for details and to suggest the potluck item that you’d like to bring.
Host: Virginia
Sun. Dec. 21.
SOUTHWEST BROOKLYN WATERFRONT.
(Brooklyn)
From Fort Hamilton Parkway N line train station (rear exit) walk four blocks south on FHP to meeting point at 66th Street, near entrance to Leif Ericson Park. Hike the park, and Owl’s Head Park. Follow Shore Road Park trail, then Belt Parkway Cycle Path, southbound to Calvert Vaux Park; then head towards Sea Gate through Kaiser Park, but turn down to the boardwalk and Coney Island. Exit on Surf Avenue for D, N, F and Q trains.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Brian; Peter
SOUTHWEST BROOKLYN WATERFRONT.
(Brooklyn)
From Fort Hamilton Parkway N line train station (rear exit) walk four blocks south on FHP to meeting point at 66th Street, near entrance to Leif Ericson Park. Hike the park, and Owl’s Head Park. Follow Shore Road Park trail, then Belt Parkway Cycle Path, southbound to Calvert Vaux Park; then head towards Sea Gate through Kaiser Park, but turn down to the boardwalk and Coney Island. Exit on Surf Avenue for D, N, F and Q trains.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a brisk pace
• Strenuous
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Brian; Peter
Sun. Dec. 28.
UNTERMYER GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS.
(Westchester)
From Tarrytown train station use Old Croton Aqueduct south to Untermyer Gardens for holiday lights display with diversions to Lyndhurst, Secret Trail, Aqueduct Keeper’s House, and Lenoir Preserve. Out to Greystone Station via local streets. (Joint hike with Outdoors Club.)
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a moderate pace
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Clive
UNTERMYER GARDENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS.
(Westchester)
From Tarrytown train station use Old Croton Aqueduct south to Untermyer Gardens for holiday lights display with diversions to Lyndhurst, Secret Trail, Aqueduct Keeper’s House, and Lenoir Preserve. Out to Greystone Station via local streets. (Joint hike with Outdoors Club.)
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a moderate pace
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Clive
>> January
Sun. Jan. 4.
THREE BORO FIVE DONUT CHALLENGE.
(New York City)
From Grand Central Terminal we will nibble our way from one Donut shop to another in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Route will pass through as many NYC parks as possible and we will eat as many donuts as we can along the way. Neighborhoods include Grand Central, Lower East Side, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg, and Sunnyside.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Lee; Ying
THREE BORO FIVE DONUT CHALLENGE.
(New York City)
From Grand Central Terminal we will nibble our way from one Donut shop to another in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Route will pass through as many NYC parks as possible and we will eat as many donuts as we can along the way. Neighborhoods include Grand Central, Lower East Side, Prospect Heights, Williamsburg, and Sunnyside.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Lee; Ying
Sun. Jan. 11.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION EXPLORATION: A CIRCULAR.
(New Jersey)
From Millburn station we will loop in South Mountain to explore as much as possible of this park in a day. Views will include Maple, Hemlock, and Hobble Falls; Washington Rock, Bramhall Terrace, Orange Reservoir; and more.
• Strenuous
• Up to 20 miles.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION EXPLORATION: A CIRCULAR.
(New Jersey)
From Millburn station we will loop in South Mountain to explore as much as possible of this park in a day. Views will include Maple, Hemlock, and Hobble Falls; Washington Rock, Bramhall Terrace, Orange Reservoir; and more.
• Strenuous
• Up to 20 miles.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
Sun. Jan. 18.
FIRE TOWER RIDGE.
(New Jersey)
From Rte. 23 Park & Ride at Kanouse Rd. hike unmarked trails up Kanouse Mountain, then down to Echo Lake. Head north on Highlands Trail. Left on Hanks East Trail to pass Hanks Pond. Use short connector trail then turn right onto Fire Tower Ridge. Continue onto Fire Tower West, Terrace Pond Red, right on Terrace Pond North, and North Spur to exit at Warwick TPK for NJT bus at Union Valley Rd. at Cooley Lane. NY-NJTC maps 125, 153.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Leah
FIRE TOWER RIDGE.
(New Jersey)
From Rte. 23 Park & Ride at Kanouse Rd. hike unmarked trails up Kanouse Mountain, then down to Echo Lake. Head north on Highlands Trail. Left on Hanks East Trail to pass Hanks Pond. Use short connector trail then turn right onto Fire Tower Ridge. Continue onto Fire Tower West, Terrace Pond Red, right on Terrace Pond North, and North Spur to exit at Warwick TPK for NJT bus at Union Valley Rd. at Cooley Lane. NY-NJTC maps 125, 153.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Leah
Sun. Jan. 25.
LONG ISLAND SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK EXPLORATION: A CIRCULAR.
(Long Island)
From Kings Park station use local streets to join the trail network at southern end of the Sunken Meadow State Park. Head north on various trails and cross Sunken Meadow Creek (SMC). Walk west to complete out and back of the Wetland Trail, then east along the boardwalk and beach to the mouth of the Nissequoque River. Recross SMC to ascend the bluff and explore the eastern side of the park. Return to station by the morning’s route.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Peter
LONG ISLAND SUNKEN MEADOW STATE PARK EXPLORATION: A CIRCULAR.
(Long Island)
From Kings Park station use local streets to join the trail network at southern end of the Sunken Meadow State Park. Head north on various trails and cross Sunken Meadow Creek (SMC). Walk west to complete out and back of the Wetland Trail, then east along the boardwalk and beach to the mouth of the Nissequoque River. Recross SMC to ascend the bluff and explore the eastern side of the park. Return to station by the morning’s route.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Peter
>> February
Sun. Feb. 1.
WHITE CROSS TRAIL.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: This is a hike that Franz and Annice Alt led on January 15, 1995.) From Tuxedo, use Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail to White Cross Trail, which follow for its entire length to Claudius Smith Den. Then hike Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail to the beginning of the Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail, which ascend up Diamond Mountain to the Seven Hills Trail. Out to Sloatsburg via SH and Pine Meadow trails. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kirsten
WHITE CROSS TRAIL.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: This is a hike that Franz and Annice Alt led on January 15, 1995.) From Tuxedo, use Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail to White Cross Trail, which follow for its entire length to Claudius Smith Den. Then hike Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail to the beginning of the Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail, which ascend up Diamond Mountain to the Seven Hills Trail. Out to Sloatsburg via SH and Pine Meadow trails. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kirsten
Sun. Feb. 8.
GARRISON TO PHILIPS MINE: A CIRCULAR.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Garrison train station use local trails to Sugarloaf Trail and Osborn Loop, then hike Carriage Connector and Appalachian Trail to deli for hot beverages. Retrace on AT to unblazed trail, then AT southbound past South Mountain Pass Road, to woods roads to Philips Mine. Then back on AT northbound to Osborne Loop. Out to Garrison station via Sugarloaf and local trails. NY-NJTC map 101.
• Strenuous
• 14+ miles
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Lee; Nicolas
GARRISON TO PHILIPS MINE: A CIRCULAR.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Garrison train station use local trails to Sugarloaf Trail and Osborn Loop, then hike Carriage Connector and Appalachian Trail to deli for hot beverages. Retrace on AT to unblazed trail, then AT southbound past South Mountain Pass Road, to woods roads to Philips Mine. Then back on AT northbound to Osborne Loop. Out to Garrison station via Sugarloaf and local trails. NY-NJTC map 101.
• Strenuous
• 14+ miles
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Lee; Nicolas
Sun. Feb. 15.
SOUTH HARRIMAN CIRCULAR.
(Harriman State Park)
From the Pomona (Ladentown) bus stop on Rte 202 use local roads and Diltzes Lane to enter Harriman State Park. Ascend on Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail to Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, which use southbound to Kakiat Trail. Turn right onto KT and from first bridge cross to continue on Pine Meadow Trail. Via PMT, Diamond Mountain Tower, and Seven Hills Trail, rejoin TMI, which hike to SBM for short northbound section to Red Arrow Trail. Descend on RAT to a woods road for a short retrace on TMI to Diltzes Lane and bus stop. NY NJTC Map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Jon
SOUTH HARRIMAN CIRCULAR.
(Harriman State Park)
From the Pomona (Ladentown) bus stop on Rte 202 use local roads and Diltzes Lane to enter Harriman State Park. Ascend on Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail to Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, which use southbound to Kakiat Trail. Turn right onto KT and from first bridge cross to continue on Pine Meadow Trail. Via PMT, Diamond Mountain Tower, and Seven Hills Trail, rejoin TMI, which hike to SBM for short northbound section to Red Arrow Trail. Descend on RAT to a woods road for a short retrace on TMI to Diltzes Lane and bus stop. NY NJTC Map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Jon
Sun. Feb. 22.
STATEN ISLAND: BAY TERRACE TO GRASMERE.
(Staten Island)
From Bay Terrace station follow Bay Terrace and Hyland Blvd. into Great Kills Park. Hike the full loop at Crooks Point, before leaving park on the Amundsen (White) Trail, which follow to Latourette Park and Paulo’s Peak. Continue to Ohrbach Lake and hike its eastern shore. Then head northeast to Deere Park, and exit to Grasmere station via local streets.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by ferry–contact leader for details.
Leader: Brian
STATEN ISLAND: BAY TERRACE TO GRASMERE.
(Staten Island)
From Bay Terrace station follow Bay Terrace and Hyland Blvd. into Great Kills Park. Hike the full loop at Crooks Point, before leaving park on the Amundsen (White) Trail, which follow to Latourette Park and Paulo’s Peak. Continue to Ohrbach Lake and hike its eastern shore. Then head northeast to Deere Park, and exit to Grasmere station via local streets.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by ferry–contact leader for details.
Leader: Brian
>> March
Sun. Mar. 1.
AN “HISTORICAL” HIKE IN NEW JERSEY.
(locationtocome)
Between April 28, 2013 and March 25, 2017, Craig Nunn led nine hikes from the George Washington Bridge to Trenton, NJ, with a jog into Pennsylvania, as a series called “Ramble Across New Jersey.” Today’s leader will lead one of those hikes (yet to be determined). The hike will comprise parks and streets, and maybe waterways.
• Exact details to be posted here in due course. Stay tuned.
• Approximately 15 miles
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
AN “HISTORICAL” HIKE IN NEW JERSEY.
(locationtocome)
Between April 28, 2013 and March 25, 2017, Craig Nunn led nine hikes from the George Washington Bridge to Trenton, NJ, with a jog into Pennsylvania, as a series called “Ramble Across New Jersey.” Today’s leader will lead one of those hikes (yet to be determined). The hike will comprise parks and streets, and maybe waterways.
• Exact details to be posted here in due course. Stay tuned.
• Approximately 15 miles
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Sun. Mar. 8.
REOPENED CORNELL MINE TRAIL.
(Bear Mountain State Park)
(Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.) From bus stop on Rte. 9W, at approach to Bear Mtn., hike the entire, reopened, Cornell Mine Trail. Turn left onto Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, which use until it meets the Timp-Torne Trail near Rte. 9W. Use TT back to RD, RD over The Timp and Cats Elbow, then follow new Orange Trail to join Suffern-Bear-Mountain Trail, and return to TT. Use TT to meet Appalachian Trail, which hike to the 1777W Trail. Use 1777W to SBM. Exit to Bear Mountain Inn and bus stop via SBM. NY-NJTC map 119.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
REOPENED CORNELL MINE TRAIL.
(Bear Mountain State Park)
(Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.) From bus stop on Rte. 9W, at approach to Bear Mtn., hike the entire, reopened, Cornell Mine Trail. Turn left onto Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, which use until it meets the Timp-Torne Trail near Rte. 9W. Use TT back to RD, RD over The Timp and Cats Elbow, then follow new Orange Trail to join Suffern-Bear-Mountain Trail, and return to TT. Use TT to meet Appalachian Trail, which hike to the 1777W Trail. Use 1777W to SBM. Exit to Bear Mountain Inn and bus stop via SBM. NY-NJTC map 119.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
Sun. Mar. 15.
SUFFERN LOOP.
(Harriman State Park)
From Suffern train station use Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail for three miles, then turn right onto unnamed woods road (below power line); then turn left onto gas pipeline access road, which hike all the way to Pine Meadow Trail and Reeves Meadow Visitor Center. Next, hike south on Reeves Brook Trail to an unnamed woods road connecting to Seven Hills Trail; then right on Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail, right on Raccoon Brook Hills Trail, and connect with Torne Valley Road (TVR) via the gas pipeline access road. Use TVR for exit to Suffern. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Hugues; Annette
SUFFERN LOOP.
(Harriman State Park)
From Suffern train station use Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail for three miles, then turn right onto unnamed woods road (below power line); then turn left onto gas pipeline access road, which hike all the way to Pine Meadow Trail and Reeves Meadow Visitor Center. Next, hike south on Reeves Brook Trail to an unnamed woods road connecting to Seven Hills Trail; then right on Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail, right on Raccoon Brook Hills Trail, and connect with Torne Valley Road (TVR) via the gas pipeline access road. Use TVR for exit to Suffern. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Hugues; Annette
Sun. Mar. 22.
RINGWOOD SCULPTURE PARK.
(New Jersey)
From #197 NJT bus stop at Margaret King Avenue enter and hike Monks Mountain Loop. Retrace to bus stop and continue to, and cross, Monksville Dam. Join Stonetown Circular southbound and hike to Highlands Spur, leading to the Ringwood Sculpture Park’s Loop Trail. Then, use White and Stonetown roads to return to SC, which hike to join Highlands Trail. Use HT northbound to Hewitt bus stop for return by #197 bus to NYC. (Leader may use Burnt Meadow Trail, or other trails, to lengthen the hike.) NY-NJTC map 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Turi
RINGWOOD SCULPTURE PARK.
(New Jersey)
From #197 NJT bus stop at Margaret King Avenue enter and hike Monks Mountain Loop. Retrace to bus stop and continue to, and cross, Monksville Dam. Join Stonetown Circular southbound and hike to Highlands Spur, leading to the Ringwood Sculpture Park’s Loop Trail. Then, use White and Stonetown roads to return to SC, which hike to join Highlands Trail. Use HT northbound to Hewitt bus stop for return by #197 bus to NYC. (Leader may use Burnt Meadow Trail, or other trails, to lengthen the hike.) NY-NJTC map 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Turi
Sat. Mar. 28.
BEACON TO COLD SPRING VIA FISHKILL RIDGE LOOP.
(East Hudson Highlands)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Beacon train station take local streets to the woods road off Mountain Lane (near the Fishkill Ridge Trail) and meet short Blue trail to bypass Dozer junction and join Fishkill Ridge Trail. Use FRT over Lambs Hill to join another woods road passing Beacon Reservoir. Brief left on Casino Trail and right on Wilkinson Trail leading to Breakneck Ridge, Cornish, Washburn, Nelsonville, and Undercliff trails for exit to Cold Spring.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
BEACON TO COLD SPRING VIA FISHKILL RIDGE LOOP.
(East Hudson Highlands)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Beacon train station take local streets to the woods road off Mountain Lane (near the Fishkill Ridge Trail) and meet short Blue trail to bypass Dozer junction and join Fishkill Ridge Trail. Use FRT over Lambs Hill to join another woods road passing Beacon Reservoir. Brief left on Casino Trail and right on Wilkinson Trail leading to Breakneck Ridge, Cornish, Washburn, Nelsonville, and Undercliff trails for exit to Cold Spring.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
Sun. Mar. 29.
No Sunday Hike.
No Sunday Hike.
>> April
Sun. Apr. 5.
OLD ROADS: ORRS MILL TO HIGHLAND FALLS.
(West Hudson Highlands)
From bus stop use Mill Street to pick up right-of-way of former NYOW railroad, proceeding to Rte. 9W; then through various school fields to downtown Cornwall. Use Continental Road into Black Road Forest, climbing to Two Gates. Follow Stillman Trail over Black Rock then Scenic Trail over Hill of Pines to Carpenter Road, which follow left to Go-Down Road. Circle Glycerine Hollow on the west loop of Carpenter Road then Old West Point Road down to Rte. 218. Use routes paralleling Highland Brook to Main Street, Highland Falls. Old roads may be overgrown and/or badly eroded with tricky footing; see them now before they disappear! NY-NJTC map 113.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
OLD ROADS: ORRS MILL TO HIGHLAND FALLS.
(West Hudson Highlands)
From bus stop use Mill Street to pick up right-of-way of former NYOW railroad, proceeding to Rte. 9W; then through various school fields to downtown Cornwall. Use Continental Road into Black Road Forest, climbing to Two Gates. Follow Stillman Trail over Black Rock then Scenic Trail over Hill of Pines to Carpenter Road, which follow left to Go-Down Road. Circle Glycerine Hollow on the west loop of Carpenter Road then Old West Point Road down to Rte. 218. Use routes paralleling Highland Brook to Main Street, Highland Falls. Old roads may be overgrown and/or badly eroded with tricky footing; see them now before they disappear! NY-NJTC map 113.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
Sun. Apr. 12.
WATCHUNG GEOLOGY AND HISTORY HIKE: A CIRCULAR.
(New Jersey)
From Summit station use local streets to Baltusrol Road/Summit Road entrance of Watchung Reservation. By various trails, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center, geology and history trails, and hike other trails for a roughly clockwise tour of the reservation.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
WATCHUNG GEOLOGY AND HISTORY HIKE: A CIRCULAR.
(New Jersey)
From Summit station use local streets to Baltusrol Road/Summit Road entrance of Watchung Reservation. By various trails, visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center, geology and history trails, and hike other trails for a roughly clockwise tour of the reservation.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
Sun. Apr. 19.
HASENCLEVER IRON TRAIL.
(Ramapos)
From Margaret King Avenue bus stop hike to Monks Connector, thence on Hasenclever Iron Trail to its end near Ringwood Manor. Continue on Ringwood-Ramapo Trail to shore of Shepherd Lake. Join Shepherd Lake Trail and use one of three woods roads passing Potake Pond (leader’s choice), emerging on Sterling Mine Road with exit to Sloatsburg. NY-NJTC maps 150, 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
HASENCLEVER IRON TRAIL.
(Ramapos)
From Margaret King Avenue bus stop hike to Monks Connector, thence on Hasenclever Iron Trail to its end near Ringwood Manor. Continue on Ringwood-Ramapo Trail to shore of Shepherd Lake. Join Shepherd Lake Trail and use one of three woods roads passing Potake Pond (leader’s choice), emerging on Sterling Mine Road with exit to Sloatsburg. NY-NJTC maps 150, 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
Sun. Apr. 26.
THE STONE LIVING ROOM.
(New Jersey)
Norvin Green State Forest. From Haskell bus stop use Doty Road to join Posts Brook Trail leading to Lower Trail and Hewitt-Butler Trail (here, aka Highlands Trail). At Otter Hole, left on HB, meet and hike entire (short) Torne Trail, rejoin HB over Osio Rock, cross TT, and view the Stone Living Room. Continue on HB and return to Otter Hole. Rejoin HT, which hike to Echo Lake. Continue on HT clockwise around lake as far as woods road on west side. Use woods roads to exit at Kanouse Park and Ride and bus to Manhattan. NY-NJTC maps 125, 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Maria
THE STONE LIVING ROOM.
(New Jersey)
Norvin Green State Forest. From Haskell bus stop use Doty Road to join Posts Brook Trail leading to Lower Trail and Hewitt-Butler Trail (here, aka Highlands Trail). At Otter Hole, left on HB, meet and hike entire (short) Torne Trail, rejoin HB over Osio Rock, cross TT, and view the Stone Living Room. Continue on HB and return to Otter Hole. Rejoin HT, which hike to Echo Lake. Continue on HT clockwise around lake as far as woods road on west side. Use woods roads to exit at Kanouse Park and Ride and bus to Manhattan. NY-NJTC maps 125, 151.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Maria
>> May
Sun. May 3.
OSSINING CIRCULAR: TO CROTON DAM AND TEATOWN LAKE.
(Westchester)
Up to the dam on Old Croton Aqueduct; down to Ossining on Peekskill-Briarcliff Trail. Hike will include circling Teatown Lake. Use local streets to and from trail heads. NY-NJTC map 132.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Michelle
OSSINING CIRCULAR: TO CROTON DAM AND TEATOWN LAKE.
(Westchester)
Up to the dam on Old Croton Aqueduct; down to Ossining on Peekskill-Briarcliff Trail. Hike will include circling Teatown Lake. Use local streets to and from trail heads. NY-NJTC map 132.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Michelle
Sun. May 10.
POPOLOPEN TORNE.
(Bear Mountain State Park)
From Manitou station cross Bear Mountain Bridge, use Blue Trail at right to Fort Montgomery. Then, via the 77/79 Trail, pass through the fort area before turning right onto Blauvelt Drive, then left onto Firefighter Memorial Drive. Meet Brooks Lake’s Red Trail, which hike clockwise. Via Mine Road, join Timp-Torne Trail and hike clockwise up and around Popolopen Torne. Return to Bear Mountain Bridge via local roads and BT, cross, and ascend Anthony’s Nose via the old, rugged, steep, navy blue blazed trail. Use Appalachian Trail and local roads to return to Manitou Station. (Note: route may change pending opening of North Harriman trails.) NY-NJTC maps 101, 119.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
POPOLOPEN TORNE.
(Bear Mountain State Park)
From Manitou station cross Bear Mountain Bridge, use Blue Trail at right to Fort Montgomery. Then, via the 77/79 Trail, pass through the fort area before turning right onto Blauvelt Drive, then left onto Firefighter Memorial Drive. Meet Brooks Lake’s Red Trail, which hike clockwise. Via Mine Road, join Timp-Torne Trail and hike clockwise up and around Popolopen Torne. Return to Bear Mountain Bridge via local roads and BT, cross, and ascend Anthony’s Nose via the old, rugged, steep, navy blue blazed trail. Use Appalachian Trail and local roads to return to Manitou Station. (Note: route may change pending opening of North Harriman trails.) NY-NJTC maps 101, 119.
• Strenuous
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a fast pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
Sat. May 16.
67th SEMI-ANNUAL SUPERHIKE: TARRYTOWN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE INCLUDING THE PIERMONT RIVERWALK LOOP.
(Palisades Interstate Park)
(Note this is a Saturday hike.) From Tarrytown station cross the Mario Cuomo Bridge. Hike south to Piermont on the Old Erie Path Rail Trail, then do the Piermont Riverwalk Loop. (Here’s your chance to stand in the middle of the Hudson River and not get wet.) Join the Long Path, and follow it south to the George Washington Bridge. (Cross the bridge for NYC subway.)
• Semi-annual SuperHike
• Strenuous
• Duration about 8-10 hours at a fast pace
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
67th SEMI-ANNUAL SUPERHIKE: TARRYTOWN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE INCLUDING THE PIERMONT RIVERWALK LOOP.
(Palisades Interstate Park)
(Note this is a Saturday hike.) From Tarrytown station cross the Mario Cuomo Bridge. Hike south to Piermont on the Old Erie Path Rail Trail, then do the Piermont Riverwalk Loop. (Here’s your chance to stand in the middle of the Hudson River and not get wet.) Join the Long Path, and follow it south to the George Washington Bridge. (Cross the bridge for NYC subway.)
• Semi-annual SuperHike
• Strenuous
• Duration about 8-10 hours at a fast pace
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
Sun. May 17.
No Sunday Hike.
No Sunday Hike.
Sun. May 24.
SPRING DAY OF GIVING BACK.
(Harriman State Park)
Trail maintenance Part 2. Volunteers remove blowdowns and trim overgrown vegetation on the Nurian Trail in Harriman State Park as part of our commitment to the trail community. Bring gloves, clippers, and garden tools if you have them. After finishing, possible hike out to Tuxedo. Additional cars are welcome. (Available drivers please contact leader in advance.) Thank you for pitching in. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Trails Committee Chair, Peter
SPRING DAY OF GIVING BACK.
(Harriman State Park)
Trail maintenance Part 2. Volunteers remove blowdowns and trim overgrown vegetation on the Nurian Trail in Harriman State Park as part of our commitment to the trail community. Bring gloves, clippers, and garden tools if you have them. After finishing, possible hike out to Tuxedo. Additional cars are welcome. (Available drivers please contact leader in advance.) Thank you for pitching in. NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a brisk pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Trails Committee Chair, Peter
Sat. May 30.
ANOTHER DAY ON THE LONG PATH.
(Palisades Interstate Park)
(Note this is a Saturday hike.) From Closter Dock Road bus stop pass under Palisades Interstate Parkway to meet the Long Path. Then hike the LP north all day, passing Women’s Federation Monument and High Gutter Point; traversing Tallman Mountain State Park; entering Piermont; and hiking through Rockland Cemetery, Nike Overlook Park, Tackamack Town Park, and Blauvelt State Park. End on Waldron Avenue at Rte. 59 (Nyack) and the bus stop for Hudson Link H07 bus to Tarrytown train station. NY-NJTC maps 108, 109.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Zee; Lilian
ANOTHER DAY ON THE LONG PATH.
(Palisades Interstate Park)
(Note this is a Saturday hike.) From Closter Dock Road bus stop pass under Palisades Interstate Parkway to meet the Long Path. Then hike the LP north all day, passing Women’s Federation Monument and High Gutter Point; traversing Tallman Mountain State Park; entering Piermont; and hiking through Rockland Cemetery, Nike Overlook Park, Tackamack Town Park, and Blauvelt State Park. End on Waldron Avenue at Rte. 59 (Nyack) and the bus stop for Hudson Link H07 bus to Tarrytown train station. NY-NJTC maps 108, 109.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a moderate pace
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Zee; Lilian
Sun. May 31.
No Sunday hike
No Sunday hike
>> June
Fri. June 5-Sun. June 7.
ADVANCE NOTICE: COWANS GAP STATE PARK.
(Pennsylvania)
Up to three days hiking in south central Pennsylvania, focusing on the Standing Stone Trail. Overnights in rustic cabin. Limited availability. Contact leader in advance for details.
Leader: Ian
ADVANCE NOTICE: COWANS GAP STATE PARK.
(Pennsylvania)
Up to three days hiking in south central Pennsylvania, focusing on the Standing Stone Trail. Overnights in rustic cabin. Limited availability. Contact leader in advance for details.
Leader: Ian
* * *
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
