5 Tranquil Escapes Right Outside Of NYC

Whether visiting for the first time or a born-and-bred New Yorker, it is always nice to get away from the bustle and fast-paced atmosphere of the Big Apple. Here are 5 hikes a short while from the city that will help you clear your head and provide a necessary reprieve from the city that never sleeps.

1. The Englewood Boat Basin

Natural Feature

While The Englewood Boat Basin is only minutes from the city, it’s easy to forget how close you really are. The Englewood Boat Basin is an independently-owned marina that is completely opened to the public (including dogs). On the weekend this is an excellent place to come with family or friends, set down your picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful view of the New York skyline. The Boat Basin offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, all of which surround the water.

2. Bear Mountain State Park

Park

Sitting on the mountains arising from the west bank of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain is a true escape from NYC. With picnic areas, swimming pools, fishing access, cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking trails, there is something for everyone. The Bald Mountain Loop is one of the most popular hikes of the park; this tough uphill hike culminates in breathtaking views atop Bald Mountain at an elevation of 1,080 feet. This hike will leave you with an incredible view, and a real sense of accomplishment. The park has dozens of other scenic hikes, ranging in length and difficulty. Mohonk Mountain House from above | © WalkingGeek/Flickr

3. Mohonk Mountain

Hotel

The Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze trails at Mohonk Mountain in the Hudson Valley are famous for their beauty, but infamous for their difficulty. The hikes are ranked nine out of ten for difficulty and include squeezing through tight cracks, climbing ladders, and even a bit of rock climbing. Once you reach the top, however, you will have a priceless view of the whole Mohonk reserve and beyond.

4. Apshawa Preserve

Ruins, Swimming Pool

This moderate hike in Passaic Valley offers great exercise, and even better views. Along the trail one will encounter waterfalls, water tank ruins from the 1900s and scenic views, including a glimpse of the city skyline. There are various loops, all ranging in difficulty and boasting unique scenery.

Buttermilk Falls, Crater Lake, Hemlock Pond

The hike begins at the highest waterfall in New Jersey, the 200-foot Buttermilk Falls. The waterfalls do not require any hiking to see, though there are elaborate sets of stairs leading to various different magnificent viewpoints. Once you are done taking in the view head uphill to the Appalachian Trail to Crater Lake, then onto Hemlock Pond. The whole hike is 7.5 miles, though there are different routes that vary in length.
Buttermilk Falls, Mountain Road Walpack Township, NJ, USA
By Saundra Kornbluth

Saundra Kornbluth is a student at Muhlenberg College and a future special needs educator. Last year, Saundra spent several months studying creative writing in London, and had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. She has three brothers, and can discuss the New York Yankees with the same ease as fashion and literature. Unfortunately, she recently discovered she has a gluten allergy – bad news for a girl who loves cookies and pasta.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.