Summer’s heat is passing, and we’re starting to feel autumn in the air. The days are still long, and the trees are getting ready to put on their brilliant color-changing show. You don’t have to go far to get your fix of nature within the fifty square miles of Greenwich. Try out one of the trails snaking through our town or venture beyond to tackle a mountain preserve. With NYC at our doorstep, put a new spin on walking and check one of these urban hikes off your outdoor bucket list.
In Our Backyard
MIANUS RIVER TRAILS PARK
friendsofmianusriverpark.org
This 391-acre reserve on the Greenwich/Stamford border includes both 2.6- and 4.5-mile hiking loops and is open sunrise to sunset.
Start at one of the two parking areas, either the Greenwich entrance (450 Cognewaugh Road) or the Stamford entrance (71 Merriebrook Lane). Remember to stay on trails and leave no trace by bringing your trash back to the car. Leashed dogs are allowed.
AUDUBON
audubon.org/greenwich
The Greenwich Audubon Center includes 686 acres of marshes and forests teaming with wildlife and fauna and is open sunrise to sundown, 365 days a year. It’s a great place to enjoy a little quiet. No bikes or pets are permitted, and visitors are expected to stay on the paths so as to not disturb the surrounding nature. The Main Sanctuary features seven miles of trails that pass by fields, trees, streams and lakes. Trail maps are available on the website. A donation of $6 is suggested.
Extend Your Exploration
MOHONK MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
mohonk.com
The Mohonk Preserve is 90 miles north of Greenwich in Ulster County, New York. Choose your adventure, from steep hikes over boulders to relaxing strolls over carriage trails in the 85 miles of winding trails. Mohonk offers something for everyone from beginner to advanced. Expect great views and epic photo ops, and maybe take on a challenge of passing through famous rock crevices like the Lemon Squeeze. There is some difficult terrain, but this hike is sure to make for a memorable day trip.
Trails are open all year. Passes are $35 for adults and $30 for children. You must purchase your pass online, and no dogs are permitted.
Pro Tip: Cell service can be spotty when you hike, so download trail maps before you leave home.
Urban Hikes
The paths may be paved, but you can still take in natural beauty and terrain that only New York City has to offer.
THE HIGH LINE AND LITTLE ISLAND
thehighline.org
littleisland.org
The High Line is a public park built on a 1.45-mile long elevated rail structure running from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street on Manhattan’s West Side. No dogs are allowed, but food and drinks are available along the way, as well as restrooms.
Segue off the High Line by the Whitney Museum, walk up the block to cross the pedestrian bridge and continue your hike to Little Island located between 13th and 14th streets in Hudson River Park. Visitors may enter Little Island from the South Bridge near 13th Street or the North Bridge near 14th Street. This 2.4- acre oasis on Pier 55 is free, but there are fees for amphitheater events.
Manhattan may be described as a concrete jungle, but foliage and plantings abound along both the High Line and Little Island. Fall features an autumn mix of blooming asters and goldenrod, along with ornamental grasses and maple, locust and dogwood trees. No dogs are allowed on Little island, public restrooms are available. Both parks are free.
Little Island 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The High Line 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. through November
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
brooklynbridgepark.org
Take a walk along this iconic mile-long bridge over the East River. Marvel at the surrounding views along the way, from the neo-gothic towers to the river and lawns below. The bridge is managed by the NYC Department of Transportation and free to walk across on the pedestrian walkway. To enter on the Manhattan side, cross Centre Street near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station for the 4, 5 and 6 lines to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. Public restrooms are at the pier. On the Brooklyn side, stop to walk around Jane’s Carousel and the nearby shops.
CENTRAL PARK
centralparknyc.org
Another excellent urban hike is the Central Park Full Loop, a 6.1-mile walk that combines the nature of Central Park as it gives visitors a look at all the park has to offer. The 1.6-mile loop around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Path is also a popular route.
Spend some time online, and map out your own Central Park hike taking you past the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Cherry Hill, the Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields and the Conservatory Gardens. Take a break for hydration at the Central Park Boathouse. Covering the highlights of the park without stops takes about two hours.
Central Park contains 58 miles of hiking trails, adding up to a multitude of future hikes to tackle. Check out the Central Park Conservancy website for downloadable maps and park information about special events and suggested routes. There are also audio guides you can listen to as you walk the park.
