Vernon 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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn side is a rewarding experience that blends history, architecture, and stunning views of New York City. Start your journey at the pedestrian entrance near Cadman Plaza, which is easily accessible by subway (Court Street or High Street stations). The br...

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...

This loop trail is moderately rated and reaches a total elevation gain of approximately 1,183 feet. It’s located in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which spans roughly 4,315 acres. It is Westchester County’s largest park and includes roughly 35 plus miles of hiking trails to explore. The Ward...

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

NOTE: There is a new permit system in place: Under the new no-cost permit system, visitors to the Blue Hole are required to obtain a permit on weekends and holidays from May 15 through October 15 every year. DEC will issue up to 40 permits per day and each permit allows entry for up to six indivi...

There are multiple places to enter Prospect Park. If you're looking for the main entrance to Prospect Park, it faces the stunning Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Grand Army Plaza. It is adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the flagship Brooklyn Public Library, and the Brooklyn Museum. As you...

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

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...

Prospect Park Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near New York City, New York.