West Milford, New Jersey

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...

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 aren't any mountain peaks to summit in New York City, but the view from the top of the Rockefeller Building is the next best thing. You'll have to pay a few bucks ($29 to be exact) and deal with some tourists but you won't regret your decision once you're looking out over one of the most ic...

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...

Nestled along the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park offers visitors a breathtaking urban park experience with unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. This 4-acre historic waterfront park transforms former industrial land into a stunning green space ...

Located at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City, facing New York Harbor. The Battery is named for the artillery batteries that were positioned there in the city's early years to protect the settlement behind them. There's also multiple transportation going on underne...

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...

Kingsland Wildflowers is a rooftop meadow located atop Broadway Stages in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, offering 24,000 square feet of native plants like bee balm, purple aster, and wild strawberries. The green space, a collaboration between Alive Structures, New York City Audubon, and the ...

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...

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...

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...

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...