10 Great Hikes Around NYC That You Can Get To Without A Car

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1. Anthony's Nose

TheTurducken (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: turducken

The deets: If you're thinking that this mountain doesn't exactly resemble a nose, you're not wrong. Strangely, Anthony's Nose actually gets its name from the man who killed the first sturgeon ever eaten at the foot of this mountain (it's a long story).

Nose or not, this steep 2.6-mile climb covers a 500-foot rock staircase. At the top, a flatter trail leads to an overlook featuring great views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge.

How to get there: Take the Metro-North Hudson line to Manitou. The trail entrance is a 1.5-mile walk from the station.

2. Suffern-Bear Mountain

ScubaBear68 (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: 22310955@N02

The deets: Looking for something a little more...intense? Look no further, because you'll need a whole weekend to get this one under your belt. It's a difficult north-south trail that runs 26 miles from Suffern, New York, to Bear Mountain State Park.

How to get there: Take the Short Line bus from Port Authority to Suffern, NY. To get home from Bear Mountain State Park, walk to Manitou Station and take the Metro-North back to Grand Central.

3. Pine Meadow Loop in Sloatsburg

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The deets: This pleasant 5.5-mile hike combines Pine Meadow Trail, Raccoon Brook Hills Trail, and the Hillburn-Torn-Sebago (HTS) Trail. And Pine Meadow Lake, when you reach it, is straight-up gorgeous.

How to get there: Hop on New Jersey Transit/Metro-North Port Jervis Line and get off at the Sloatsburg station. It's a 1.8-mile walk from the station to the trailhead.

4. Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

Courtesy of Andrew Cushing

The deets: This is an easy, relatively flat hike (or bike ride). It crosses through some adorable towns and ends with a stunning view of Old Croton Dam. And consider packing your famous deviled eggs — while you aren't allowed to picnic on the trail, there's plenty of space to set up in adjacent parks.

How to get there: Take the Metro-North Hudson line and get off at Ossining.

5. Breakneck Ridge

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The deets: This is a strenuous four- to five-mile hike with an ascent of 1,500 feet. Be prepared to make your way over some big rocks on the trip up! But you'll also enjoy magnificent, sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline — but don't let the city stress touch you out here.

How to get there: Take the Metro-North Hudson line and request a stop at Breakneck Ridge.

6. Lake Skenonto Loop

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The deets: This 5.5-mile, relatively tame hike is a nice little loop for the perfect day trip. If you're hoping for a quick swim in that pretty water, though, you're out of luck: Swimming is not allowed. But you can dip your toes in!

How to get there: Take New Jersey Transit from Penn Station to Tuxedo Station.

7. Fort Lee Historic Park

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The deets: This beaut is right across the George Washington Bridge, and it features 356 miles of trails on the Long Path. If that's more than you're looking for, there are also great picnic areas and even greater views. Hike or chill, your pick!

How to get there: If you're into cycling as much as hiking, you can hop on your bike and make it there on two wheels. Otherwise, you can catch Rockland Coach's Number 9 bus from Port Authority.

8. Part of the Appalachian Trail

renee_mcgurk (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: 51018933@N08

The deets: The Appalachian Trail is 2,200 miles if you're doing it all — but there's no reason to get crazy. Parts of the trail cross Bear Mountain State Park, and it's easy to access them from NYC. In fact, the Appalachian Trail stop on the Metro-North is designed specifically for hikers, not commuters.

How to get there: Take the Metro-North Harlem line to Appalachian Trail Station.

9. Ken Lockwood Gorge and Columbia Trail

William Doyle (CC BY-ND 2.0) / Via Flickr: william_doyle

The deets: You'll think you've dreamed up the village of High Bridge where you begin this hike — that's how darn adorable it is. And once you get started you're in for a peaceful 7.5-mile hike that follows the South Branch of the Raritan River. As a bonus, Ken Lockwood Gorge features rapid water and beautiful rock formations.

How to get there: Take the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line to High Bridge.

10. Arden Point and Glenclyffe

East Hudson (CC BY 2.0) / Via Flickr: ehnynjtc

The deets: Last but not least is this easy, four-mile hike through Glenclyffe. You'll end up at Arden Point, a peninsula on the Hudson River. Take a look around and you'll be able to see West Point to the left, on the west shore. Not too shabby!

How to get there: Take the Metro-North to the Garrison stop.

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