North Haledon, New Jersey

The Brooklyn Bridge Park spans over a mile of waterfront and is an awesome location for being active or just relaxing outdoors without leaving the city. There is a ton of grassy space to set up a picnic and watch the sunset and many other options for fun - basketball courts, a carousel, roller sk...

This 5-acre public park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in the city! Picnic on the grass with lunch and your favorite book, or walk along the water and watch the boats pass by with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop.

Practice bouldering at North America's largest outdoor rock climbing gym after work. Of course you aren't climbing mountains, but at least the view of the East River isn't too shabby! Enter at the corner of Adams St. and John St. and see the Manhattan Bridge above you. To your left is the new ...

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...

Take a trip back in time at the Warwick Drive-In and watch a feature film on the big screen. The Drive-In shows movies just in theaters and older films with three different screens / options to chose from. The theater sells tickets for both one movie and for double features, i.e. watch two movies...

The Staten Island Ferry is a passenger ferry that runs between the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island. From the deck of the ferry, you will have a perfect view of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You'll see the skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan receding as you pull away and c...

Located along the Long Island Sound, this 147-acre conservancy is home to a plethora of different birds, including marsh wrens, seaside sparrows, and American woodcocks. The conservancy has 3 miles of trails, all easy to navigate. Starting out from the visitor's center, take the trail to the rig...

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...

This is a relatively easy hike through Hacklebarney State Park that is great for families with younger children, rock scrambling, photography, and just hanging out in nature. There are two different ways to explore Hacklebarney, either by staying on the packed gravel path or by following the bank...

This pavilion is one of the key features along the New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail. There is a parking lot a very short hike part way down the mountain, but I recommend backpacking in from a different area to take in more of the beauty of the trail, mountains, and views in this area. ...

Indian Brook Falls is CLOSED as of 2022. Learn more at HighlandsCurrent.org. Take a short simple walk to a beautiful waterfall near the Constitution Marsh and Audubon Center. This waterfall is great spot for the whole family to take in its beauty. This is about as short a walk and as little eff...

Start your journey in Stokes State Forest at the Culver Gap Parking Lot, located at 41.180239, -74.787954. From the parking lot, jump on over to the Appalachian Trail and hike Northbound. You know you're headed the right way if you are going away from the small town and cross over Sunrise Mountai...

This trail is accessible year round and features water views of the Long Island Sound with beach access. The trail is a popular spot for walking, biking, fishing, and even bird watching. But if you’re not quite in the mood to get your steps in, you can use the small beach to sit and chat with a f...

There are multiple places to pick up the Columbia Trail (High Bridge, Califon, Long Valley, Flanders) but this post is for biking or running from Califon to High Bridge and back. The best place to park is at the old town railroad station on, of course, Railroad Ave. You will be able to see the en...

I stumbled upon the Sunflower Maze by accident when I was driving through NJ and was quickly distracted by the enormous yellow flowers. So of course, I had to check it out! It opens at 9AM and last admission is at 6PM. The maze is only open from around August to October for the flower bloom. 3...

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...