Join the New York Ramblers hiking club and discover some of the most delightful hiking trails in the greater New York City area. Our weekly hikes (listed down below) are usually:
- Sundays (or Saturdays)
- about 14-18 miles in 7-8 hours
- accessible by public transportation
- within 50 miles of NYC
For additional details, go to our About page.
For Serious Hikers
You MUST be an experienced hiker in good physical shape, with proper gear, and able to hike at a moderate to fast pace for 7-8 hours. Haven’t hiked with us before? No worries–come along as a guest and see what it’s like.
- Find a hike below
- Contact the hike leader
• tell leader about your hiking experience
• ask about how difficult the hike is
• find out when and where to meet - Meet us at the designated place
NYC subways are not as frequent on early Sunday mornings—allow extra time to get to the meeting place.
Hikes are free (thank you volunteer hike leaders!) After coming along on two hikes, send in the application form for membership. (Annual dues are $6 per year, plus $1 initial fee.) Some leaders may limit the number of guests on their hike.
Sorry, but our hikes are not for everyone. We hike at a moderate to fast pace. We hike all day long, often on rugged terrain. We have a lot of experience. If this isn’t you, please consider one of these groups that offer shorter distances and easier hikes:
- Shorewalkers
- Shorewalkers Meetup
- Appalachian Mountain Club
- Outdoors Club
- Westchester Trails Association
- NY-NJ Trail Conference
- Meetup
Follow the New York Ramblers on Facebook.
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Hiking involves certain inherent risks; hikers participating do so at their own risk.
When you participate in activities listed in the Schedule, you should be both physically and mentally prepared and equipped with the appropriate gear. The hike leader is not responsible for your safety, you are. There is no age limit; however, those who bring children must assume full responsibility for their safety and conduct at all times. The hike leader has the authority to turn away anyone who is not adequately prepared. Hikes don’t always finish at the expected time.
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>> Hike Calendar
Sat. Mar. 1.
A DAY ON STERLING LAKE BEACH.
(Sterling Forest State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Tuxedo Park & Ride bus stop, use the Wildcat Mt. Trail to Townsend Trail and hike south to Long Meadow Extension. Briefly use RT 17A to Hogback Mountain Trail, which hike to Ironwood and Sterling Valley Loop trails. Continue on Sterling Lake loop and out of the forest on Sterling Valley loop. 2 mile road walk on17A to Greenwood lake Park and Ride to take 197 bus. NY-NJTC map 100. (Route updated 2/27/25).
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Erik; Lauren
A DAY ON STERLING LAKE BEACH.
(Sterling Forest State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Tuxedo Park & Ride bus stop, use the Wildcat Mt. Trail to Townsend Trail and hike south to Long Meadow Extension. Briefly use RT 17A to Hogback Mountain Trail, which hike to Ironwood and Sterling Valley Loop trails. Continue on Sterling Lake loop and out of the forest on Sterling Valley loop. 2 mile road walk on17A to Greenwood lake Park and Ride to take 197 bus. NY-NJTC map 100. (Route updated 2/27/25).
• Headlamps advised
• Microspikes advised depending on conditions
• Duration about 6-7 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Erik; Lauren
Sun. Mar. 2.
No Sunday hike.
No Sunday hike.
Sun. Mar. 9.
BOUND BROOK TO FAR HILLS, N.J.
(New Jersey)
(Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.) From Bound Brook train station use local streets to Washington Valley Park. Walk length of WVP and Chimney Rock Township Park to connect with Middle Brook Greenway. Follow trails and streets along the MBG, Chambers Brook, and Raritan River, past Sunset Lake, Gene King, Bedminster, and River Road parks to Far Hills train station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
• Guests who have hiked with group previously are welcome
• Not scouted in advance – bring a sense of humor
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Hugues and Ian (substituting for Steve)
BOUND BROOK TO FAR HILLS, N.J.
(New Jersey)
(Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead.) From Bound Brook train station use local streets to Washington Valley Park. Walk length of WVP and Chimney Rock Township Park to connect with Middle Brook Greenway. Follow trails and streets along the MBG, Chambers Brook, and Raritan River, past Sunset Lake, Gene King, Bedminster, and River Road parks to Far Hills train station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
• Guests who have hiked with group previously are welcome
• Not scouted in advance – bring a sense of humor
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Hugues and Ian (substituting for Steve)
Sun. Mar. 16.
BOTTLE CAP TRAIL.
(Harriman State Park)
From Arden Valley Road bus stop hike Appalachian Trail east to Arden-Surebridge Trail, leading to Bottle Cap Trail, which hike in its entirety. By woods road, return to A-SB, meeting, at its terminus, the Long Path (between two lakes). Hike LP eastbound the rest of the day to Mt. Ivy. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
BOTTLE CAP TRAIL.
(Harriman State Park)
From Arden Valley Road bus stop hike Appalachian Trail east to Arden-Surebridge Trail, leading to Bottle Cap Trail, which hike in its entirety. By woods road, return to A-SB, meeting, at its terminus, the Long Path (between two lakes). Hike LP eastbound the rest of the day to Mt. Ivy. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
Sun. Mar. 23.
MONTROSE STATION ROAD: BOTH SIDES NOW. (CIRCULAR.)
(Westchester)
Explore mountain bike and other trails on both sides of Montrose Station Road (MSR) in Blue Mountain Reservation. From station, walk to MSR and climb to Washington St. Brief jog R leads to Washington St. Trail into Blue Mountain Reservation. L on Rocky Glen; R on Lower Stinger; R on Blue Mountain Summit Trail continuing to Ned’s Left Lung; R on Boundary Trail to Maple Ave which follow R through Pleasantside to upper end of MSR. Proceed to Intersection 25 (WMBA Trail Map) then add a loop to Blue Mountain Summit using Upper Stinger/Limbo/ and Ned’s Left Lung to summit. Return to Intersection 25 via Myx Monster. Return to Washington St. using Sitting Duck; R on Rocky Glen; L at Lake on Switchback Trail to MSR. Use MSR and local roads to station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
MONTROSE STATION ROAD: BOTH SIDES NOW. (CIRCULAR.)
(Westchester)
Explore mountain bike and other trails on both sides of Montrose Station Road (MSR) in Blue Mountain Reservation. From station, walk to MSR and climb to Washington St. Brief jog R leads to Washington St. Trail into Blue Mountain Reservation. L on Rocky Glen; R on Lower Stinger; R on Blue Mountain Summit Trail continuing to Ned’s Left Lung; R on Boundary Trail to Maple Ave which follow R through Pleasantside to upper end of MSR. Proceed to Intersection 25 (WMBA Trail Map) then add a loop to Blue Mountain Summit using Upper Stinger/Limbo/ and Ned’s Left Lung to summit. Return to Intersection 25 via Myx Monster. Return to Washington St. using Sitting Duck; R on Rocky Glen; L at Lake on Switchback Trail to MSR. Use MSR and local roads to station.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a BRISK pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Chris
Sun. Mar. 30.
GARRISON VIEWPOINTS CIRCULAR. (Replaces previous Sterling Ridge hike)
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Garrison station, take blue connector trail to the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop and follow. At Route 9D, cross and follow Wing and Wing Road to the red-blazed Sugarloaf trail. Bear left on the Osborn Loop, continue south on the Appalachian Trail, bear right on Curry Pond, jog left to pick up the blue trail into Manitoga. Follow various trails in Manitoga to the two viewpoints marked on the map, then return to the Osborn Loop and bear left (north) back to Garrison. If time permits, follow the blue-blazed trail around Arden Point. NY-NJTC map 101. (Updated 3/24/25)
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
• Members: Meeting place and time are different than listed in the printed schedule. Please see your email update from Clive on 3/24/25 for correct information.
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
GARRISON VIEWPOINTS CIRCULAR. (Replaces previous Sterling Ridge hike)
(East Hudson Highlands)
From Garrison station, take blue connector trail to the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop and follow. At Route 9D, cross and follow Wing and Wing Road to the red-blazed Sugarloaf trail. Bear left on the Osborn Loop, continue south on the Appalachian Trail, bear right on Curry Pond, jog left to pick up the blue trail into Manitoga. Follow various trails in Manitoga to the two viewpoints marked on the map, then return to the Osborn Loop and bear left (north) back to Garrison. If time permits, follow the blue-blazed trail around Arden Point. NY-NJTC map 101. (Updated 3/24/25)
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
• Members: Meeting place and time are different than listed in the printed schedule. Please see your email update from Clive on 3/24/25 for correct information.
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
>> April
Sun. Apr. 6.
SCHUNEMUNK’S UNMARKED TRAILS.
(Schunemunk Mountain State Park)
From Monroe Park and Ride, follow Highlands Trail past site of former Jesuit Home to Jessup Trail, which use to the former Forrest Trail. Descend the FT to Schunemunk Road, which use to Earl Reservoir. Continue via “tower road” from Earl Reservoir to unmarked trail going north to LP. Turn east short distance on LP for continuation of unmarked trail paralleling Dark Hollow Brook to the Dark Hollow Trail. Descend the DHT to the Otterkill Trail, which use out to Salisbury Mills station. Strenuous. NY-NJTC map 114.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Leah (substituting for Steve)
SCHUNEMUNK’S UNMARKED TRAILS.
(Schunemunk Mountain State Park)
From Monroe Park and Ride, follow Highlands Trail past site of former Jesuit Home to Jessup Trail, which use to the former Forrest Trail. Descend the FT to Schunemunk Road, which use to Earl Reservoir. Continue via “tower road” from Earl Reservoir to unmarked trail going north to LP. Turn east short distance on LP for continuation of unmarked trail paralleling Dark Hollow Brook to the Dark Hollow Trail. Descend the DHT to the Otterkill Trail, which use out to Salisbury Mills station. Strenuous. NY-NJTC map 114.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Leah (substituting for Steve)
Sun. Apr. 13.
CANNONBALL TRAIL.
(Ramapo Mountain State Forest)
From Haskell bus stop use 4th Avenue to Indian Rock Trail, and meet Cannonball Trail, which hike in its entirety. Use Shore Trail around Bear Swamp Lake to the Halifax Trail, and continue to HT’s end point to join the Race Trail. Use RT northwards until it meets Orange blazed Shepherd Lake Trail between Shepherd Lake and Potake Pond. Turn onto woods road past Potake Pond and passing Cranberry Pond, leading to local streets and exit to Sloatsburg train station. NY-NJTC map 150.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
CANNONBALL TRAIL.
(Ramapo Mountain State Forest)
From Haskell bus stop use 4th Avenue to Indian Rock Trail, and meet Cannonball Trail, which hike in its entirety. Use Shore Trail around Bear Swamp Lake to the Halifax Trail, and continue to HT’s end point to join the Race Trail. Use RT northwards until it meets Orange blazed Shepherd Lake Trail between Shepherd Lake and Potake Pond. Turn onto woods road past Potake Pond and passing Cranberry Pond, leading to local streets and exit to Sloatsburg train station. NY-NJTC map 150.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
Sat.-Sun. Apr. 19-20.
MEMBERS-ONLY BEGINNER BACKPACK.
This will be a briskly-paced overnight for fit hikers who are ready to try backpacking for the first time, as well as more experienced backpackers who’d like to join in the fun. We will travel by public transportation. Please contact the leader to RSVP. Group size may be limited.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by public transit–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
MEMBERS-ONLY BEGINNER BACKPACK.
This will be a briskly-paced overnight for fit hikers who are ready to try backpacking for the first time, as well as more experienced backpackers who’d like to join in the fun. We will travel by public transportation. Please contact the leader to RSVP. Group size may be limited.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by public transit–contact leader for details.
Leader: Ingrid
Sun. Apr. 20.
RAMBLE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY IN CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON.
(Westchester)
From Dobbs Ferry station use local streets to enter Juhring Nature Preserve, then via leader’s scout, proceed to Ferncliff Cemetery, wherein lie various celebrities and notables. Continue through Ridge Road Park, Harts Brook Park and Preserve, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, Battle of White Plains Park, to emerge at White Plains station. Approx. 17 miles.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kay
RAMBLE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY IN CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON.
(Westchester)
From Dobbs Ferry station use local streets to enter Juhring Nature Preserve, then via leader’s scout, proceed to Ferncliff Cemetery, wherein lie various celebrities and notables. Continue through Ridge Road Park, Harts Brook Park and Preserve, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, Battle of White Plains Park, to emerge at White Plains station. Approx. 17 miles.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Kay
Sat. Apr. 26.
64th SEMI-ANNUAL SUPERHIKE: A 6 PEAKER HARRIMAN JAUNT, 26 VIEWS.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Manitou, use Bear Mountain Bridge to Hessian Lake, then Major Welch Trail to ascend Bear Mountain. Follow Appalachian Trail to Fawn Trail, which use to Beechy Bottom Road. Hike BBR to join Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, thence to meet Timp-Torne Trail. Proceed on TT, northwards, joining and then leaving AT, to 1777W Trail. Relax on 1777W, returning the SBM. Use SBM to return to Bear Mountain and the bridge. Recross and use rugged blue blazed trail to ascend Anthony’s Nose. Out to Manitou on AT north to South Mountain Pass Road. NY-NJTC map 119. (Updated 3/17/25)
Note: This hike was postponed due to Covid and again due to the destructive storm in Harriman. It remains as the 64th Superhike but has been re-routed in part due to the continuing closure of some trails.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Very strenuous
• Members: The updated meeting time and train time are one hour later than originally listed in the printed schedule. Please see your email update from Clive on 3/16/25 for the correct times.
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
64th SEMI-ANNUAL SUPERHIKE: A 6 PEAKER HARRIMAN JAUNT, 26 VIEWS.
(Harriman State Park)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Manitou, use Bear Mountain Bridge to Hessian Lake, then Major Welch Trail to ascend Bear Mountain. Follow Appalachian Trail to Fawn Trail, which use to Beechy Bottom Road. Hike BBR to join Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, thence to meet Timp-Torne Trail. Proceed on TT, northwards, joining and then leaving AT, to 1777W Trail. Relax on 1777W, returning the SBM. Use SBM to return to Bear Mountain and the bridge. Recross and use rugged blue blazed trail to ascend Anthony’s Nose. Out to Manitou on AT north to South Mountain Pass Road. NY-NJTC map 119. (Updated 3/17/25)
Note: This hike was postponed due to Covid and again due to the destructive storm in Harriman. It remains as the 64th Superhike but has been re-routed in part due to the continuing closure of some trails.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Very strenuous
• Members: The updated meeting time and train time are one hour later than originally listed in the printed schedule. Please see your email update from Clive on 3/16/25 for the correct times.
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Todd
Sun. Apr. 27.
No Sunday Hike.
No Sunday Hike.
>> May
Sun. May 4.
BUCOLIC HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Sloatsburg station use local roads to Pine Meadow Trail trailhead. Hike PMT as far as Stony Brook Trail, jog on Tuxedo-Mt Ivy trail to Lake Sebago. Follow lakeside to the boat launch, then take the Ski Trail to Pine Meadow Road West. Use PMRW to Pine Meadow Road East, jog on TMI to Woodtown Road down to PMRE, take Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail at Stone Memorial Shelter. Continue south on SBM to Conklins Crossing Trail, follow CCT to Pine Meadow Trail, and rejoin PMRW leading to Torne Valley Road. Exit to Suffern on TVR and local streets. This is a hike of 18 miles and FAST pace, bug spray recommended. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
BUCOLIC HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Sloatsburg station use local roads to Pine Meadow Trail trailhead. Hike PMT as far as Stony Brook Trail, jog on Tuxedo-Mt Ivy trail to Lake Sebago. Follow lakeside to the boat launch, then take the Ski Trail to Pine Meadow Road West. Use PMRW to Pine Meadow Road East, jog on TMI to Woodtown Road down to PMRE, take Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail at Stone Memorial Shelter. Continue south on SBM to Conklins Crossing Trail, follow CCT to Pine Meadow Trail, and rejoin PMRW leading to Torne Valley Road. Exit to Suffern on TVR and local streets. This is a hike of 18 miles and FAST pace, bug spray recommended. NY-NJTC map 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leader: Hugues
Sun. May 11.
LONG ISLAND GREENBELT: GREAT RIVER LOOP.
(Long Island)
From Great River station use local streets to Heckscher State Park. Hike the Long Island Greenbelt Trail (LIGT) to the LI south shore. Then proceed north to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum (BCA), where hikers will meander along the Connetquot River. Head out to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve on LIGT to hike unblazed trails therein. Return to Great River station via local streets.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Gaëlle; Michelle
LONG ISLAND GREENBELT: GREAT RIVER LOOP.
(Long Island)
From Great River station use local streets to Heckscher State Park. Hike the Long Island Greenbelt Trail (LIGT) to the LI south shore. Then proceed north to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum (BCA), where hikers will meander along the Connetquot River. Head out to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve on LIGT to hike unblazed trails therein. Return to Great River station via local streets.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Gaëlle; Michelle
Sun. May 18.
FOUR LAKES ACROSS HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Southfields bus stop, hike entire Nurian Trail to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Use RD to Victory Trail passing Lake Skenonto, and continue to Triangle Trail. Exit TT to woods road to hike shore of Lake Sebago to boat launch. Use Seven Hills Trail to Monitor Rock then woods roads to Lake Wanoksink. Continue woods road to Pine Meadow Trail at Pine Meadow Lake. Exit to Rte. 202 at Viola Road via PMT east to Conklin’s Crossing, Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, and Kakiat Trail. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Simon
FOUR LAKES ACROSS HARRIMAN PARK.
(Harriman State Park)
From Southfields bus stop, hike entire Nurian Trail to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Use RD to Victory Trail passing Lake Skenonto, and continue to Triangle Trail. Exit TT to woods road to hike shore of Lake Sebago to boat launch. Use Seven Hills Trail to Monitor Rock then woods roads to Lake Wanoksink. Continue woods road to Pine Meadow Trail at Pine Meadow Lake. Exit to Rte. 202 at Viola Road via PMT east to Conklin’s Crossing, Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail, and Kakiat Trail. NY-NJTC maps 119, 118.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a FAST pace
• Strenuous
Accessible by bus–contact leader for details.
Leader: Simon
Sat. May 24.
TALKHOUSE AND PAUMANOK PATHS (EASTERN LONG ISLAND).
(Long Island)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Montauk station proceed westward on the Talkhouse Path past Rocky Point and Quincetree Landing, and then to Hither Hills State Park. Pass Fresh Pond, and continue via Paumanok Path to beach. Follow beach out to Amagansett station. Late return.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Zee; Lilian
TALKHOUSE AND PAUMANOK PATHS (EASTERN LONG ISLAND).
(Long Island)
(Note: this is a Saturday hike.) From Montauk station proceed westward on the Talkhouse Path past Rocky Point and Quincetree Landing, and then to Hither Hills State Park. Pass Fresh Pond, and continue via Paumanok Path to beach. Follow beach out to Amagansett station. Late return.
• Duration about 7-8 hours at a MODERATE pace
Accessible by train–contact leader for details.
Leaders: Zee; Lilian
Sun. May 25. No Sunday hike.
* * *
Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.
~Jack Kerouac
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Member of New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Top photo by Andres
