Franklin Township, New Jersey

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city doesn't always require actually leaving the city. Hanging out next to the East River and focusing on photographing the Brooklyn Bridge can be just what you need to clear your head and get your fix for some outdoors time. This is a great spot to practice ...

Join the thousands of people who cross the GWB each day, but do it by foot! This is an easy walk with beautiful views of the New York City skyline. You will begin seeing signs for the bridge bike path at Ft. Washington St. & E. 177th St., which you follow for a few blocks until you begin asce...

Located in DUMBO this is seen as one of of the prime photography spots in NYC for good reason. Off the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street is a perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge sandwiched between two buildings. If you want to take it one step further you are able to get a close...

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near New York City, New York.

Starting at the Brooklyn Main Street Park, you are on the right side of the Manhattan Bridge. Here you can check out the new outdoor climbing gym. Keep walking along the water and you'll soon come upon Pebble Beach. Now this beach is not exactly a "let's bring our beach chairs and spend the da...

Enter at the corner of Adams St. and John St. and see the Manhattan Bridge above you. To your left is the new DUMBO Boulders, the largest outdoor rock gym in North America: at least for now.At only $9 for a day pass, includes the price of rental shoes, it's a steal compared to any gym in the cit...

Start out on Ridge Trail (yellow blazes), found at the rear of the parking lot. Shortly, you will come to a stream crossing, followed by a set of wooden steps. Just before the next stream, turn left following the white blazes. This section of the trail makes a moderately rocky descent, as it foll...

The feeder area is located in Peace Valley Park, tucked right behind the Peace Valley Nature Center. Here is where you'll find many unique smaller species. The shelter is covered and has several benches to relax on as you watch and photograph many varieties of birds. I've seen many blue jays and ...

Built on a historic freight rail line and perched above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line is a public park that features a green-lined walkway. Park hours depend on the season, although it never opens before 7am, so best to go for sunset. Although you may have some company on wa...

Capture the beautiful barn house shop on a farm while taking in the wonderful scent of lavender. Peace Valley Lavender Farm is open during the day and sells a plethora of lavender products from soaps to eats. Pull into the driveway and park behind the barn house for free.  It's a wonderful spot f...

Brooklyn isn't just for the urban and trendy, its also for the people who love getting outside! Located just past the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, Floyd Bennett Field is a National Recreation Area that features an Aviator Sports & Event Center (this was formerly an important NYC airport), t...

The Big Apple. NYC has arguably the best skyline in the world. So, if you are one of the millions of people visiting wouldn't you want to get some photos of the entire skyline to post on social media and show friend & family? Skip the boat and helicopter tour lines (although a cool experience...

To get in both some sights and a workout, follow the Hudson River Greenway to views of the Statue of Liberty, the Chelsea Piers, and George Washington Bridge, to name a few. This easy-access run is best done in the early morning or early evening, to avoid pedestrian traffic and too much sun. Keep...

Merrill Creek Reservoir Perimeter Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Stewartsville, New Jersey.

This is a fun hike that is great for the entire family. The trails are really well maintained and Tripod Rock is a pretty amazing feature to check out. You can hike to the rock and follow your steps back to the parking lot for a 3 mile round trip or continue along the trail for a 4.4 mile loop. I...

Starting at the small beach at the end of Bay Blvd, paddle heading south. You will need to pass through the boat canal so keep an eye out for speeding boats. You're able to see the island from the starting point so you really don’t have to worry about getting lost. You will reach the island after...