California dreaming? You don’t need to go all the way to the West Coast to glimpse a of the world’s tallest trees. Surprisingly, on a country road outside of New Paltz there is a collection of Redwood Driftwood [Clove Valley Rd High Falls, NY 12440] in a sculpture park setting. […]
New York
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It is infinitely cool that you can come from NYC and hop right on to the Appalachian Trail, because it actually has its very own stop on the Metro North line. You can hike from the station to a really gorgeous destination, Cat Rocks vista, however – this whole six […]
Right off the bat let’s be clear, this is not a place of worship – well, in the traditional sense. Nature is my spirituality, and to me Dover Stone Church is heavenly. Walk down the tree lined promenade, flanked on either side by wildflower filled meadow. At the main trailhead, […]
If you triangulate a lot of hiking areas – like New Paltz, Hudson Highlands, and northern NJ – my route always steers me towards Daddy’s Donuts [4 Fairlawn Ave, Middletown, NY 10940], even if it adds a bit of driving time to my trip. There is nothing better than gorging […]
Heading north on the Thruway (I-87) in New York I took an unsuspecting pitstop at the Ardsley Travel Plaza. Inside I saw the little arcade corner on the second floor had a shiny pinball machine. A Popeye pinball machine – one I had never played before. It was in perfect […]
Upon entering the park, pick up a map at the tollhouse. It is very useful as there are many trails in the preserve. Take the fork to the left and park at the end of the line. From there pick up the blue trail which you can follow all the […]
Garrison, NY has the coolest train station, while you’re waiting to depart – if you take a trip up from NYC, there is an amazing hike that leaves right from the parking lot. The trails at Arden Point [96 Lower Station Rd, Garrison, NY 10524] are so awesome and unique, […]
Pass by the hubbub going on at the Bear Mountain bridge – less than five minutes up the road is a quiet park most people haven’t even heard of. If low key is your idea of a good time, have a hike at Manitou Point Preserve. From the lot trails […]
Even on a cold winter day, the hike to Ninham Fire Tower is a perfect choice. To get to the fire tower – directly from the parking lot head behind the big yellow gate with a stop sign. Not the path behind the trailhead like I did! Though those are […]
Hiking up to the summit of Popolopen Torne is diverse and exciting. The path I am recounting is a loop about 7 miles, ascending just under 1,000′. It is entails exquisite vistas, traversing bridges, a bit of scrambling, and peaceful woods. It’s one heck of a hike, a must in […]
Can’t help but wonder where Harriman State Park got the name Lemon Squeezer from. Was from the Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin? I’m not sure, but I do know that I do enjoy a good exciting geological element to my hike. The park is sprawling and has many miles of […]
During the last years of the Revolutionary War, General George Washington was stationed out of Newburgh, NY for 16 ½ months – it was the longest he stayed at any headquarters during the war. On the grounds, the view from the property is scenic and strategic – located close to […]
Every hike in the Hudson Highlands I was captivated by a gem of an island in the middle of the river with a castle on it. For years visiting Bannerman’s Castle was on my bucket list and it finally happened this year. Tours operate from May-October and there are two […]
As leaves begin to shed from trees, it’s the best time to check out the crumbling walls of the abandoned mansion in the Hudson Highlands. Hiking to the Cornish Estate Ruins is not difficult and it is a really cool destination. Hop on the mile long blue-blazed Cornish Trail clearly […]
Mix a bit of history, a bit of nature, and make a wonderful walk. West Point Foundry Preserve [80 Kemble Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516] is low key park amongst many popular trails, a must see for those who are interested in American history. As you hike stop by and […]