New York

North of New York City by 90 minutes lies the town of Cold Spring in the Hudson Valley. Cold Spring has a hometown quality with a Main Street, a firehouse, and art galleries of local artists. Despite its proximity to NYC, locals maintain a slower pace and enjoy many outdoor activities. Just a sho...

This scenic byway starts in Fonda, NY and travels along Route 30 to Malone, NY.  The area described and pictured here is a 65 mile stretch from Mayfield to Indian Lake. Starting in Mayfield you will head north driving past the Great Sacandaga Lake. Continuing through the town of Hope  you will d...

Timeline: Weekend, though can easily be done as an overnight trip or just a day hike Summary: Day 1: Hike to camp (0.7 miles, 340' elevation gain) Day 2: Hike to Balsam Mountain and back to camp (4 miles round-trip) Day 3: Relax & hike back to car (0.7 miles) Details: Park the car at McKinle...

Mount Colvin and Blake Peak are located along the Colvin Range in the High Peaks Wilderness. Mount Colvin is number 39 on the 46er list, at 4,057 feet. Blake Peak is is number 43 on the list, at 3,960 feet, although new surveying methods discovered this summit just short of 4,000 feet, tradition ...

Onanda Park is a great place for large groups and family get-togethers—there's a lake to swim in, fields open for sports, trees for hammocks, lots of parking spaces, and trash receptacles and bathrooms nearby—but don't stop there! Right across West Lake Road is the entrance to Barnes Gulley, a be...

Located just a couple miles outside of Tupper Lake this little hike is a gem. The trailhead starts just across the street from the parking area. The 1.1 mile one-way trail is marked with red discs and easy to follow. The trail has a moderate incline in areas. It follows the northern ridge of t...

Starting from the East Trapps parking area ascend the East Trapps connector trail marked with yellow blazes.  You can also park at the Mohonk Preserve visitor center where you can purchase your access pass ($15 per person) and pick up a free map of the presere trails and carriage roads.  The conn...

There are no direct views from the summit, so it is recommended to take the .25 mile shoot-off trail to Hurricane Ledge for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the spring, wildflowers line the trail. If you look carefully in the brush, you'll find wreckage from two old pl...

Sam's Point Overlook to Ice Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail with scenic views near Lake Maratanza located near Ellenville, New York. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 

This 2.2 mile loop trail is lightly trafficked and great for all skill levels. Starting out the trail register, you will see signs from The Nature Conservancy which manages the preserve. Descending down a hill with lots of exposed tree roots, you will then cross over the meandering Lisha Kill and...

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 ...

Just a short ferry ride from the Hamptons, South Ferry Road is exactly where it sounds; very close to the South Ferry of Shelter Island. The parking lot of Mashomack Preserve is marked by a large sign. When you walk in, you'll see a large nature center. Sign in at a clipboard at the table out fro...

The waterfall is not far from Watkins Glen State Park, just a few miles north on route 414 on the east side of the lake. If you are out chasing waterfalls, this is an easy and beautiful spot to make a quick stop. This is roadside, but there is plenty of shoulder along the road to pull off and ta...

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...

This waterfall can be seen directly from the road but can also easily be missed when driving route 14.   There is a small parking lot across the street to stop and enjoy the falls and take a few photos.  It sits right on the border of Montour Falls just south of Watkins Glen.   Aunt Sarah's Fall...

From the West Trapps parking lot ($15 for hikers), walk to the end of the parking lot and past a large kiosk.  The trail connects the parking lot to the Overcliff Road/Undercliff Road junction.  The loop can be done in either direction.  I turned left on the Overcliff Road.  This takes you behind...