New York Chapter of the Trust for Public Land Releases List of Top 10 Fun Local New York Area Hikes
NEW YORK (PRWEB) May 31, 2019 -- The Trust for Public Land released a list of the top 10 local hikes for New Yorkers to enjoy this summer that are located within a two-hour drive or train ride from New York City.
The Trust for Public Land works to build healthy, livable communities by connecting people to nature and conserving land for public trails and local parks. To date, they have protected more than 125,000 acres of land, including large areas around national trails, and built more than 200 parks in New York City.
“Trails and linear parks connect people and communities to nature,” said Carter Strickland, New York State Director of The Trust for Public Land. “Being outdoors has a proven impact on New Yorkers physical and mental health and general well-being. Furthermore, these green spaces provide city dwellers with a refuge to help beat the heat in built-up urban areas. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of our trails in and around the city this summer.”
The top 10 local hikes within two hours of New York City, as curated by The Trust for Public Land New York State Director Carter Strickland, include:
The Mount Loretto Unique Area
Located in New York City, the Mount Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island has more
than 600 acres of unbroken and ecologically diverse land where you can explore New York City’s scenic waterfront.
Inwood Hill Park
At the very tip of Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park natural forest and salt marsh is a great place to spot endangered bald eagles and learn about the Lenape people, who lived in this area for generations. The park is walkable from the 207th Street or Dyckman Street subway stations.
The Long Path
A 358-mile long distance hiking trail that runs from the 175th Street in New York City all the way up to John Boyd Thacher State Park near Albany. The Long Path is accessible by subway and offers New Yorkers terrific views of the Hudson River.
Harriman State Park
One of the largest state parks in New York, Harriman State Park is about an hour drive from the City on the Shortline Bus from Port Authority Terminal to Southfields, New York. Located in Rockland and Orange Counties, the vast park offers a variety of hikes along a portion of the Appalachian Trail and stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Fahnestock State Park
About 90 minutes away from New York City, Fahnestock State Park offers families and nature lovers several options for outdoor activities including hiking on the Appalachian Trail, beach access, picnic areas, campground sites, and opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding.
Schunemunk Mountain State Park
Also within an hour and a half of New York City, the trails in Schunemunk Mountain State Park have mountain top views of vast rolling meadows, the Hudson River, and the surrounding green farmlands.
Minnewaska State Park
About a two-hour drive from New York City, this park has 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking that lead to hidden waterfalls and dramatic rock formations on the side of the Shawangunk Mountain.
Gertrude’s Nose Trail and Millbrook Mountain Loop
For New Yorkers looking for a challenge, this 6.6 mile trail two-hours away offers rugged, steep terrain for the experienced hiker. Gertrude’s Nose offers adventurous trekkers a beautiful lookout point over the rest of Minnewaska State Park.
Mohonk Preserve
Just beyond Minnewaska State Park is the Mohonk Preserve with 75 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park is popular with rock climbers who come to scale “the Gunks,” a world-class climbing area accessible from the West Trapps Trailhead.
Cat Rocks via the Appalachian Trail
An easier trail for less experienced hikers and young families, Cat Rocks via the Appalachian Trail runs about 1.7 miles and is two-hours outside of New York City via Metro North. Though shorter, this path still offers panoramic views of the valley and countryside below, as well as quiet places for relaxation, picnics, and exercise.
For more information on the natural hiking around New York City that The Trust for Public Land has helped conserve, please visit tpl.org.
About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Nearly ten million people live within a ten-minute walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year. To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit http://www.tpl.org.
Laurie Communications Manager, The Trust for Public Land, http://www.tpl.org, 6466036869, [email protected]
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