Fall is finally here! For nature lovers and hikers, this means lovely hikes through red, yellow and green filled mountains. Some people living in New York City are under the impression that there is nowhere near to hike. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The following are some amazing hiking spots that are less than three hours from the concrete jungle of New York City.
Overlook Mountain, Woodstock, NY
Getting to Overlook Mountain is not going to be quite what you imagine, as you will be walking uphill along a driveway lined with electric poles and power the whole time. However, the views once you reach the mountain are worth it. The first landmark is after about two miles, and it is the ruins of an old hotel. As you keep hiking, you will find amazing views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Mount Marcy, Lake Placid, New York
Just fourteen miles from the city, Mount Marcy is New York’s highest point of elevation. In order to get there you will need to follow the Van Hoevenberg Trail, which is no easy feat. This trail is ten hours round trip, so make sure you plan ahead of time! Once you reach the top of the mountain, all of the hiking will be worth it as you take in the view. The Adirondacks are sprawling at your feet and if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to see Mount Royal, in Montreal. One thing to keep in mind before embarking on this hike is the sheer amount of incline you will face. It is not for the faint of heart but the views are worth it!
Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville
Green Lakes State Park is a beautiful park of nearly 2,000 acres. It is the perfect place for boating, biking, hiking, walking, or nearly any physical activity you can think of. It also offers fourteen connecting trails that weave throughout the forest. Just east of Syracuse, this beautiful fall spot should be top on your list!
No matter which park you choose for your fall hike, you are sure to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of fall. There is nothing quite like a hike on a chilly fall day and you watch the leaves change colors and fall ascends upon us.