Midweek madness. A quick check of the account balance shows a small allowance for the weekend, maybe brunch and a movie or something of that sort, although that sure sounds a lot like last weekend, and all you want is a getaway, even if just for the weekend.
Just some time separated from the screens, the sirens, the people. Just a breath of fresh air, a walk in the woods. Getting back to basics, back to Earth. It’s not as daunting as you may think. You gave up the convenience of a vehicle and the ease of travel to a nearby trail when you became a resident of New York City, but little did you know that you actually have access to some of the best hiking in New York even without the wheels. So, do you want to rethink that $30 you were about to spend on brunch? It’s time for a day trip to Upstate New York.
Let’s start with the packing list. A Camelbak will suffice as a storage unit for the necessities such as your map, snacks, cash, ID, keys and water. It’s no longer summer, so be sure to wear layers that can easily be stripped and tied around your waist or latched to your pack when you get warm on the trail, and be sure to dust off those old hiking boots. Next, check the train times for your destination, which are all under two hours from Midtown Manhattan. To the east of the Hudson River, you have the Appalachian Trail, Breakneck Ridge, Mount Beacon and Bull Hill, which are all accessible by Metro North. Take New Jersey Transit for trails west of the Hudson, such as Schunemunk Mountain, South Mountain Reservation and Harriman State Park. Grab a map, hit the trail, catch your breath at a local dive bar, and return to the city by dark. It doesn’t take much, and it’s well worth it to stray from the beaten path to take in the natural sights right outside this wild city.
This article was originally published in RANGE Magazine Issue Four.
Image by Keith Morrison.