Did you know New York City is actually flanked by diverse wildlife, a plethora of fauna and foliage, and some really stunning nature?
Well, contrary to popular belief, this is true. There are some really excellent hiking trails located within the five boroughs, and we want you to experience them.
So whether you want to spend your day in complete exertion, breathing heavily and sweating, or whether you'd rather have a much more relaxed stroll, there is a hiking trail within NYC for you.
Plus, hiking's sort of the perfect excuse to exercise and gaze at all that incredible fall foliage coming our way in the coming months, don't you think?
Read on to discover 7 of the most excellent spots for hiking in NYC. Then grab some hiking boots, some pals and a water bottle, and hit the trails.
1. North Woods in Central Park (101st to 110th Streets)
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Located at Central Park's northwest corner, Central Park's North Woods is the most placid and stunning area of Central Park, offering rustic trails, rustic structures, and Manhattan's Adirondacks.
One of the Park's three woodlands (the other two are the Ramble and Hallett Nature Sanctuaries), it's a wildlife and human valhalla, and a treasured locale for birdwatchers and hikers alike.
Hiking through North Woods offers views of the Loch; a stream rebuilt by the Central Park Conservancy in the 1990s, a Ravine, and an extremely well-deserved nature reprieve from the insanity of our concrete ridden metropolis.
Check out the Central Park Conservancy's North Woods self-guided tour here.
2. Kazimiroff Nature Trail in Pelham Bay Park (Bronc County Line and Middletown Road - Bronx)
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Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx boasts some of NYC's most gorgeous hiking courtesy of the Kazimiroff Nature Trail, an approximately 2-mile hike over an asphalt path that loops through Hunter Island.
The hike concludes in the northern corner of the Orchard Beach parking lot, but not before it leads through Hunter Island's natural beauty; an array of vegetation like Norway spruce trees and white pines, and wildlife like great horned owls, ducks, and geese.
The trail is named for Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff, a dentist who dedicated his spare time to ensuring the survival of the Bronx's delicate ecosystems.
3. The Gerritsen Creek Nature Trail in Marine Park (Fillmore Avenue - Brooklyn)
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Marine Park resides on the westernmost inlet of Jamaica Bay, providing a home for a plethora of bird species, wildflowers, mulberry trees, goldenrod and ragweed.
Gerritsen Creek is a freshwater creek that provides a natural habitat for a diversity of species like myrtle warblers, Canada geese, loons, sparrows, rabbits and pheasants, plus an assortment of plant life.
For some of the dopest hiking of your life, enter the Gerrtisen Creek Nature Trail behind the Salt Marsh Nature Center, which is located near the intersection of East 33rd Street and Avenue U.
The mile-long trail runs along the shore of Gerrtisen Beach, and ultimately concludes at the natural wonder Jamaica Bay.
The second section of the trail leads through a prairie of tall grass, with comfort stations and maps available inside the Salt Marsh Nature Center.
4. Greenbelt Trails (Staten Island)
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With more than 35 miles of marked hiking trails within the 2,880 acres of parks situated in Staten Island's center, The Greenbelt Trails offer four hiking trails for all levels of hiking ability: blue, white, red, and yellow.
The blue trail is easy-to-moderate, and comprises 12.3 miles from Staten Island Boulevard to the crest of Todt Hill, one of the highest points on the Eastern Seaboard. The easy-to-moderate white trail spans 7.6 miles, the red trail is four miles long, and the difficult yellow trail runs for 8 miles.
The drier zones cultivate red and black oaks, tulip, beech, and hickory trees. The more more moist soils support red maples, white swamp oak, and willow trees.
Persimmon and sweet gum trees also thrive along the Greenbelt's beautiful trails, which are the perfect spot to spend an invigorating afternoon hiking.
,5. Cass Gallagher Nature Trail in Van Cortlandt Park (Broadway and Mosholu Avenues - the Bronx)
Located at the intersection of Broadway and Mosholu Avenues (near the horse stables) the Cass Gallagher Nature Trail spans 1.4 miles of wetlands and forests throughout Van Cortlandt Park. It's lined by sumac, black locust saplings, and other species of pioneer trees.
The trail is also home to woodpeckers, owls, pheasants, and other noisy birds.
It's a perfect spot for hikers who want a challenge and immersion in the scenic wonder of Van Cortlandt's rocky northwest forest. It's well-marked, and crosses a rough terrain beneath a canopy of centuries-old trees.
It was dedicated in 1984 in memory of Cass Gallagher, a longtime Bronx resident and dedicated environmentalist.
6. Midwood Trail in Prospect Park (Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue - Brooklyn)
Midwood Trail is located exactly where it sounds like it's located, in the middle of Brooklyn's oldest remaining forest.
Midwood Trail starts and ends at the Prospect Audubon Center, and leads hikers on a relaxed 30-minute walk through tulip trees and red, black, white, and pine oaks, all of which are some of Prospect Park's largest trees.
Spanning for three fourths of a mile, the Midwood Trail is both well-marked and lined with informative signs about the surrounding foliage and wildlife. The trail is filled with birds and other animals.
7. Bronx River Pathway
The Bronx River Pathway stretches 18 miles and consists of three paved segments.
The first is a one-mile loop near Oak Street in Mount Vernon. The second is a 3.6 mile loop off Palmer Road in Bronxville, and the last is a 5-mile section that extends from Green Acres Avenue to Kensico Dam Plaza.
Several miles of the trail lie several miles east of Woodlawn Cemetery, along Bronx Park. Alongside the pathway is a boat launch and a lovely waterfront promenade, rendering the Bronx River Pathway another placid afternoon get-away and nature immersion.
Check out 7 Activities You Should Cross Off Your Bucket List This Fall in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy: Instagram]