Closter, New Jersey

Nestled within the more urban and suburban communities in Northern New Jersey, you can escape back to nature at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The name says it all - this place is the perfect opportunity to get up close to a variety of different wildlife that call this protected land home....

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A real mixed bag but mostly very enjoyable. The trail starts at the Charcoal Burners Trailhead Route 301. There is only road side parking on a soft shoulder, both sides of the road.  After a short walk into the forest, you re...

King's Chamber and Moose Hill Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Carmel, New York.

Its a great place to explore as it has a beautiful calm lake especially in the fall, the reflection of the water and the awesome colors are unbelievable. Its a short hike but you certainly could go further up. Parking is free by the road, hike towards the lake about a mile or so. The sound of bi...

Beaver Pond is a small body of water created by a dam that was constructed during the days of iron ore mining in the area.  The pond is crystal clear and has a wonderful tree line right on the water.  The best time to visit here is early morning in the fall.  With the leaves changing color they m...

There are several trailheads for Hemlock Hills But the least crowded is at the intersection of Ned's Mountain road and Bogus Road.  I took my 3 year old black lab. There are ton's of little ponds for your dog to jump in and do dog things.  For the most part the hike is flat but at some parts it c...

If you're craving some time away from the bustle of everyday life to enjoy some silence, broken only by the babbling sound of water flowing over small boulders and the occasional crunching of leaves-- you'll find many spots along the Croton River to satisfy your desire for stillness.  The Croton...

This is more of a stroll than a hike, which is nice because you can add it to another hike in the same day if you're in the area. From the dirt parking lot take the trail off to the right. Just stay straight and in about 15 minutes you'll see a huge fire tower (hard to miss). Feel free to climb a...

Mount Beacon is a very popular trail along the Hudson River, and for good reason. It offers a good workout, fantastic views for both sunrise and sunset (and of course the time in between), a recently rebuilt fire tower, and all with incredibly easy access right on the edge of a lively town. The ...

Starting in the quaint town of Beacon there are a couple of options for hikes of varying difficulty. From the station the walk is about 1.5 miles to the trail heads, alternatively if you choose to stay the night at Malouf's Mountain Sunset Campground you can arrange for the host to meet you, take...

There are some great view points along this route.  Start from the Mount Beacon Park trailhead parking area.  This leads to the Casino Trail (red markers).  The trail climbs steeply to some old ruins of a casino.  Most of what remains is only the brick structure housing the mechanics for a trolle...

Long Dock and Dennings Point are two of the most popular parks in Beacon, that just so happen to be connected by a train track turned trail. Plenty of parking is available at Long Dock, and its a perfect spot to picnic, launch your kayak into the Hudson, or cast your line hoping to reel in the bi...

Fishkill Ridge is a strenuous but rewarding hike, and one of the less known areas in the Hudson Valley. The parking area is at the very end of Sunnyside Road in Beacon, along with the information board at the trailhead. The red trail leaves the lot and will take you up to the first peak on the ri...

Hudson Highlands Overlook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Beacon, New York.

Starting on the banks of Nissequogue River State Park, this 6 mile journey makes you feel like you’re cruising down river in the south, when you’re really on Long Island. I really suggest going as high tide is rolling in as there can be some shallow sections along this trip. Head out into the ope...

Middle Mountain to Thomas Mountain Loop is a 3.7 mile loop hike that takes you past great forest setting located near Danbury, Connecticut.