Ringwood, New Jersey

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

Get a feel for what New York was like in the 19th century at the Seaport! The Seaport boasts some of the oldest buildings and architecture in Manhattan, and the area continues to bustle today. The Seaport borders the Financial District and the East River - so there are lots of wonderful sights to...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This is one of those easy, simple and truly relaxing adventures you can embark on this summer. Thanks to outfitters such as Kittatinny Canoes you'll have everything ready for you when you arrive, minus of course your camping gear. They will pick you up at the destination of your choice along the ...

This waterfall is just a short walk away from the main parking lot.Just a .30 mile hike will take you to a gorgeous three-tiered waterfall. There are platforms providing viewing areas to the falls.Raymondskill Falls is located in the northern portion of the Delaware National Water Gap Recreationa...