Five Fall Hikes to Reset and Recharge — RADIANT NYC

Nothing says fall in the city like the first leaves changing color in Central Park and the scent of pumpkin spice lattes wafting from your favorite cafe. But if back to school season has gotten you feeling overwhelmed, it may be time for a mental recharge. There’s something about getting away and immersing yourself in nature that never fails to help reset the mind and provide fresh perspective. It can be difficult to do that in the concrete jungle, but fortunately, New York boasts some incredible hikes that are close enough to the city to satisfy your wanderlust and help you get back on life’s track. Here are five friendly getaways to get your fall foliage on. Plus, we’ve added some additional recommendations to spice up your hike and make it particularly radiant.

Peekskill - Blue Mountain Reservation

How to get there: Take the Metro North from Grand Central (~1 hour)

What’s not to love: Walking through lush, wooded forest trails accompanied by the sound of birdsong is the perfect way to treat yourself to some long overdue ‘me’ time.

Radiant Recommendation #1 - Cue up your favorite album or playlist on Spotify. Let it be the soundtrack of your adventure and leave one earbud out so that the tunes can mix with the birdsong around you. We highly recommend the soothing album called “Autumn” by the talented Jonathan Ogden.

Cold Spring - Breakneck Ridge Trail

How to get there: Take the Metro North from Grand Central (~1 hr 42 minutes)

What’s not to love: A more challenging hike for the adventurous but well worth the sweat and rock scrambling for unbeatable views and a feeling of accomplishment.

Radiant Recommendation #2 - Pack a surprise bottle of sparkling cider and a couple of plastic cups. Once you’ve helped one another reach the top of a particularly challenging summit, toast to that achievement. This is particularly fun if you happen to be on a date. Surprise! The adventure just got a touch romantic.

(We suggest you stick to cider...it may be a little dangerous navigating back down tipsy.)

Breakneck Ridge Trail

*Photo by Emily Fletke*

Catskills - Kaaterskill Falls

How to get there: Accessible by car (~2 hr 17 minutes)

What’s not to love: If you need life inspiration, look no further than the stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and the tallest two-tiered waterfall in New York state.

Radiant Recommendation #3 - Pack a picnic. Throw a blanket in your backpack, get fancy a prepare a gourmet spread at home OR make a quick trip to Pret A Manger and pick up a pre-made sandwich, a bag of chips, a bottle of raspberry lemonade, and a cookie. (Treat yourself!) When you reach a point in the hike when the view is irresistible, unfurl that blanket and enjoy your meal as you drink in the beauty.

Harriman State Park

How to get there: Accessible by car (~1 hour) but also by NJ Transit / Metro North Port Jervis line from Penn Station (~2 hours)

What’s not to love: Over 200 miles of hiking trails looping around gorgeous lakes makes the park an ideal place to get away from your to-do list and get back to your daydreams.

Radiant Recommendation #4 - Play a game. If you’re on a group hike with your best gal-pals, at each resting point, play a round of the grown-up version of “Never Have I Ever.” It’s called: “If Fear Didn’t Exist, What Would I Dare to Achieve?”

Manhattan - Inwood Hill Park

How to get there: Take the A from Port Authority (~50 minutes)

What’s not to love: The only natural forest on Manhattan that boasts a history as far back as prehistoric times. And if you’re lucky you might just spot a bald eagle or two.

Radiant Recommendation #5 - Take a good book. Find a spot off the beaten path, lay amongst the fallen leaves, and get lost in the words. We recommend any poetry collection by Mary Oliver. She is the brilliant mind behind the popular quote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Happy Hiking!