Fall is a great time of the year to visit or to live in NYC. Regardless of which of the five boroughs you explore, you will find plenty of public art, parks and fall activities to enjoy and to explore. Even if you do not have a car, but would like to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, you will find that there are several great hiking opportunities in the area that can be accessed via public transportation. In this first of a two-part series, we will explore some of the great hiking opportunities you may wish to pursue in the area.
Arden Point and Glenclyffe
This 3.7-mile historic hike follows the path used by Benedict Arnold when he made his escape during the revolutionary war. To see all of the vistas the trail has to offer, it is necessary to occasionally do a bit of step-retracing along the circuit. Some of the outlooks include views of the Hudson River, the former home of New York governor Hamilton Fish and the West Point Naval Academy.
To reach the trail, take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Garrison Station. Two markers and a sign for Arden Point – Hudson Highlands State Park will be located just south of the station’s southern entrance. After following the road for about half a mile, a sign for Marcia’s Mile will mark the pat. Take a right at the sign and walk over a steel truss bridge before officially being en route to Arden Point.
Anthony’s Nose
Located near Corlandt Manor, Anthony’s Nose is a rugged ridge in the Hudson Higlands offering views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. This 2.6 mile hike includes a steep, 500-foot rock staircase leading to a relatively flat trail with stunning overlooks. The hike can be easily made longer by starting on the Camp Smith Trail.
The easiest access point to the trail for someone without a car is via the Appalachain Trail, which ascends from Route 9D. The Metro-North Hudson Line stops at Manitou on the weekends, with the trail entrance being located about 1.5 miles from the station.
Breakneck Ridge
Located just one hour from Grand Center on the Metro-North, Breakneck Ridge is the most popular day-trip destination for New Yorkers. This 4 to 5-mile hike begins at the river level before climbing 1,500 feet up a rocky ridge. The strenuous trek involves scrambling over big rocks, but offers sweeping views of the Hudson Valley from several vantage points along the trail. On a clear day, the Manhattan skyline is visible from this hike. Other sites include the Bannerman Castle located on Pollopel Island to the north and Storm King Mountain across the river.
This trail can be accessed directly at the trailhead on the weekends when the Metro-North makes a stop there. During the week, it can be reached by taking the train to Cold Spring and then taking a cab the rest of the way.