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 Instagram and 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
GARRISON TO MANITOU VIA AT AND OLD ALBANY POST ROAD.
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Garrison station, use Blue and White trails to meet Rte. 9D. Cross, and enter Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. After parking lot, connect to Sugarloaf Trail, Osborn Loop, Carriage Connector, and Appalachian Trail. Follow AT, first south then northeast, as far as Old Albany Post Road. Use historic, gravel covered, OAPR south to Old West Point Road East, and reconnect with AT. Retrace briefly on AT, then continue southbound on AT, over Canada Hill, to Rte. 9D. Out to Manitou train stop via Rte. 9D and Manitou Station Road.
• Headlamps required
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Lachlan
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, or stop for beverages in Suffern. Additional cars are welcome. (Available drivers please contact leader in advance.) Thank you for pitching in.
NY-NJTC Map 119.
• Headlamps advised
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
(Please note that Todd is not available to coordinate things at this time, so Steve will bring and distribute tools to group when meeting at transit.)
LENAPE TRAIL: CEDAR GROVE TO NEWARK.
(New Jersey)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Rte. 23 at Cedar Grove, follow the (sometimes paved) Lenape Trail passing through Mills Reservation, Brookdale Park, Booth Park, Belleville Park, and Branch Brook Park. Out to Newark Penn Station.
• Headlamps advised
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ian
No Sunday hike.
RAMBLER HOLIDAY PARTY.
(Manhattan)
Celebrate the holidays with fellow Ramblers on the Upper West Side. Contact host in advance for details.
• RSVP
• Bring food or refreshments to share
• Members and their guests only
Host: Virginia
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.
• Headlamps advised
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Clive
PARKS OF ANNADALE, STATEN ISLAND.
(Staten Island)
From Annadale station on SIR, hike portions of all trails in sprawling Blue Heron Park, then various marked and unmarked trails of Kingdom Pond Park, exiting through Wolfe’s Pond Park to the Princes Bay SIR station for return to the Staten Island Ferry.
• Headlamps advised
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by ferry and train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Don
>> January
UPPER BROADWAY (STEPS!)
(Bronx, Manhattan)
With Broadway as connector, explore step streets in Kingsbridge, Marble Hill, and Spuyten Duyvil sections of the Bronx, as well as in Upper Manhattan. Step streets will include the longest in NYC as well as those once featured in NY Times.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Kay; Hugues
HORSE STABLE ROCK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Ladentown, follow overgrown Many Swamp Trail for its entire distance, and continue on woods roads to ruin at Pine Meadow Lake. Proceed on Pine Meadow Trail to Sherwood Path, passing Stone Memorial Shelter to unmarked trails to Horse Stable Rock. Connect with Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail and proceed past Valley of Dry Bones, Kitchen Stairs, and Nordkop Mtn. Exit to Suffern via unmarked woods road. Microspikes required, headlamps advised. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Lee
ON THE WATERFRONT OF 21ST CENTURY NEW YORK CITY.
(Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens)
From the Lower East Side, explore the new Essex Market development, then cross into Brooklyn on the Williamsburg Bridge and follow the waterfront north, exploring new parks, expansions, and housing in Greenpoint. Use the Pulaski Bridge to enter Hunters Point and Long Island City to view recent changes. Return to Manhattan via the 59th Street Bridge to see the many new, 1,000-feet-plus skyscrapers and other 21st Century projects in midtown Manhattan, ending in Hudson Yards. Complete hike by walking the westside waterfront to the World Trade Center.
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by subway–contact leader for details.
Leader: Dennis
Home: 212-925-2739
PINGYP MOUNTAIN.
(Harriman State Park)
From Jones Point bus stop, walk River Road, cross Rte. 202, and ascend Timp Torne Trail to summit, descend at Timp Pass, join Red Cross Trail, which use to Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail via a jog on the 1779. Use SBM over The Pines, and down Pingyp Mountain, passing the Scutt Memorial. Depending on conditions, either use woods road past Upper Swamp Pond, or continue over Irish Mountain and then use woods road, to connect to Long Path and out to Mt. Ivy. Strenuous. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118. Headlamps required. Microspikes advised.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Leah
>> February
SCHUBER TRAIL.
(New Jersey)
From Haskell bus stop use 2nd Avenue to Indian Rock Trail, which take to Ramapo Lake Loop, then Castle Loop via jog on Ramapo Lake Spur; cross Skyline Drive and use Tamarack Loop to the Schuber Trail. Hike ST as far as short connÏector to Yellow-Silver Trail. Continue Y-ST to its end, then using trails blazed Red, Yellow, Blue, Orange/Black in Ramapo Valley County Reservation, exit at Park entrance on Rte. 202. Out to Mahwah train station on local streets. Headlamps and microspikes advised. NY-NJTC map 150.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Sara; Lauren
THE FURNACE, THE INDIAN, AND THE BOSTON.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Southfields bus stop (Rte. 17) use woods road to the Southfields Furnace and hike east on the Furnace Loop and Indian Hill trails. Use Blue Connector to join the Appalachian Trail. Descend Agony Grind and use AT to Arden-Surebridge Trail, which hike to Island Pond Rd. Use IPR to the White Bar Trail, passing Boston Mine, and join Tuxedo-Mt Ivy Trail. Use TMI to Hillburn-Torne-Sebago Trail, thence to Pine Meadow Trail. Headlamps and microspikes advised. Out to Sloatsburg via PMT. NY-NJTC maps 100, 118, 119.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Erik
No Sunday hike.
WALLKILL RAIL TRAIL: NEW PALTZ TO KINGSTON.
(New York)
A scenic part of the Empire State Trail. Explore Huguenot Historic District, cross the Wallkill River, pass lakes as well as the Rosendale R.R. Trestle, the ruins of cement kilns and furnaces, and then out to Kingston. Optional ascent of Mt. Joppenbergh for lunch.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Andres
WEST MOUNTAIN.
(Harriman State Park)
From Jones Point use Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail to the Timp, then switch to the Timp-Torne Trail, which follow to the Appalachian Trail. Use the rerouted AT to Bear Mountain, then join the Major Welch Trail clockwise, to reach the Bear Mountain Inn and the bus stop. NY-NJTC map 119.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
>> March
A DAY ON STERLING LAKE BEACH.
(Sterling Forest State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Tuxedo Park & Ride bus stop, use the Wildcat Mt. Trail to Townsend Trail and hike south to Long Meadow Extension. Briefly use Rte. 17A to Hogback Mountain Trail, which hike to Ironwood and Sterling Valley Loop trails. Continue Sterling Lake Loop and Fire Tower Connector trails to Fire Tower Trail. Use FTT to Fire Tower. Out to Hewitt bus stop via Highlands Trail. NY-NJTC map 100.
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Erik; Lauren
No Sunday hike.
BOUND BROOK TO FAR HILLS, N.J.
(New Jersey)
(Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.) From Bound Brook train station use local streets to Washington Valley Park. Walk length of WVP and Chimney Rock Township Park to connect with Middle Brook Greenway. Follow trails and streets along the MBG, Chambers Brook, and Raritan River, past Sunset Lake, Gene King, Bedminster, and River Road parks to Far Hills train station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Steve
BOTTLE CAP TRAIL.
(Harriman State Park)
From Arden Valley Road bus stop hike Appalachian Trail east to Arden-Surebridge Trail, leading to Bottle Cap Trail, which hike in its entirety. By woods road, return to A-SB, meeting, at its terminus, the Long Path (between two lakes). Hike LP eastbound the rest of the day to Mt. Ivy. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
MONTROSE STATION ROAD: BOTH SIDES NOW. (CIRCULAR.)
(Westchester)
Explore mountain bike and other trails on both sides of Montrose Station Road (MSR) in Blue Mountain Reservation. From station, walk to MSR and climb to Washington St. Brief jog R leads to Washington St. Trail into Blue Mountain Reservation. L on Rocky Glen; R on Lower Stinger; R on Blue Mountain Summit Trail continuing to Ned’s Left Lung; R on Boundary Trail to Maple Ave which follow R through Pleasantside to upper end of MSR. Proceed to Intersection 25 (WMBA Trail Map) then add a loop to Blue Mountain Summit using Upper Stinger/Limbo/ and Ned’s Left Lung to summit. Return to Intersection 25 via Myx Monster. Return to Washington St. using Sitting Duck; R on Rocky Glen; L at Lake on Switchback Trail to MSR. Use MSR and local roads to station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
STERLING RIDGE – BARE ROCK CIRCULAR.
(Sterling Forest State Park)
From East Shore Road bus stop, hike the Sterling Ridge Trail past the fire tower to the Bare Rock Trail, which use westwards to Bare Rock. Continue BRT to join combined Fire Tower and West Valley trails, thence to Lake-to-Lake Trail leading to the SRT. Return to ESR bus stop via SRT for return to New York. NY-NJTC map 100.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
>> April
SCHUNEMUNK’S UNMARKED TRAILS.
(Schunemunk Mountain State Park)
From Monroe Park and Ride, follow Highlands Trail past site of former Jesuit Home to Jessup Trail, which use to the former Forrest Trail. Descend the FT to Schunemunk Road, which use to Earl Reservoir. Continue via “tower road” from Earl Reservoir to unmarked trail going north to LP. Turn east short distance on LP for continuation of unmarked trail paralleling Dark Hollow Brook to the Dark Hollow Trail. Descend the DHT to the Otterkill Trail, which use out to Salisbury Mills station. Strenuous. NY-NJTC map 114.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Steve
CANNONBALL TRAIL.
(Ramapo Mountain State Forest)
From Haskell bus stop use 4th Avenue to Indian Rock Trail, and meet Cannonball Trail, which hike in its entirety. Use Shore Trail around Bear Swamp Lake to the Halifax Trail, and continue to HT’s end point to join the Race Trail. Use RT northwards until it meets Orange blazed Shepherd Lake Trail between Shepherd Lake and Potake Pond. Turn onto woods road past Potake Pond and passing Cranberry Pond, leading to local streets and exit to Sloatsburg train station. NY-NJTC map 150.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Todd; Gloria
MEMBERS-ONLY BEGINNER BACKPACK.
This will be a briskly-paced overnight for fit hikers who are ready to try backpacking for the first time, as well as more experienced backpackers who’d like to join in the fun. We will travel by public transportation. Please contact the leader to RSVP. Group size may be limited.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by public transit–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
RAMBLE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY IN CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON.
(Westchester)
From Dobbs Ferry station use local streets to enter Juhring Nature Preserve, then via leader’s scout, proceed to Ferncliff Cemetery, wherein lie various celebrities and notables. Continue through Ridge Road Park, Harts Brook Park and Preserve, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, Battle of White Plains Park, to emerge at White Plains station. Approx. 17 miles.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kay
64th SEMI-ANNUAL SUPERHIKE: A 6 PEAKER HARRIMAN JAUNT, 26 VIEWS.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) Note: This hike was postponed due to Covid and again due to the destructive storm in Harriman. It remains as the 64th Superhike. From Manitou, use Bear Mountain Bridge to Hessian Lake, then Major Welch Trail to ascend Bear Mountain. Follow Appalachian Trail south along West Mountain. Jump to Timp-Torne Trail, visiting The Timp. Continue east on TT and turn onto Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, which follow along Dunderberg Mountain, continuing over Bald Mountain. Relax on 1777 Trail north back to the Bridge; recross and use rugged blue blazed trail to ascend Anthony’s Nose. Out to Manitou on AT north to South Mountain Pass Road. NY-NJTC map 119.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Very strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Todd; Gloria
No Sunday Hike.
>> May
BUCOLIC HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Sloatsburg station use local roads to Pine Meadow Trail trailhead. Hike PMT as far as Stony Brook Trail, jog on Tuxedo-Mt Ivy trail to Lake Sebago. Follow lakeside to the boat launch, then take the Ski Trail to Pine Meadow Road West. Use PMRW to Pine Meadow Road East, jog on TMI to Woodtown Road down to PMRE, take Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail at Stone Memorial Shelter. Continue south on SBM to Conklins Crossing Trail, follow CCT to Pine Meadow Trail, and rejoin PMRW leading to Torne Valley Road. Exit to Suffern on TVR and local streets. This is a hike of 18 miles and FAST pace, bug spray recommended. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
LONG ISLAND GREENBELT: GREAT RIVER LOOP.
(Long Island)
From Great River station use local streets to Heckscher State Park. Hike the Long Island Greenbelt Trail (LIGT) to the LI south shore. Then proceed north to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum (BCA), where hikers will meander along the Connetquot River. Head out to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve on LIGT to hike unblazed trails therein. Return to Great River station via local streets.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Gaëlle; Michelle
FOUR LAKES ACROSS HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Southfields bus stop, hike entire Nurian Trail to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Use RD to Victory Trail passing Lake Skenonto, and continue to Triangle Trail. Exit TT to woods road to hike shore of Lake Sebago to boat launch. Use Seven Hills Trail to Monitor Rock then woods roads to Lake Wanoksink. Continue woods road to Pine Meadow Trail at Pine Meadow Lake. Exit to Rte. 202 at Viola Road via PMT east to Conklin’s Crossing, Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, and Kakiat Trail. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Simon
TALKHOUSE AND PAUMANOK PATHS (EASTERN LONG ISLAND).
(Long Island)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Montauk station proceed westward on the Talkhouse Path past Rocky Point and Quincetree Landing, and then to Hither Hills State Park. Pass Fresh Pond, and continue via Paumanok Path to beach. Follow beach out to Amagansett station. Late return.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Zee; Lilian
* * *
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
* * *
Member of New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Top photo by Andres