Hike: Stillman/Highlands/Bluebird Trails Loop from Mountain Road
Park: Storm King State ParkTrail: Highlands Trail
North-facing view over the Hudson River from Storm King Mountain – Photo by Daniel Chazin This 4.5-mile loop explores the dramatic ridgelines and sweeping vistas of Storm King Mountain, a crown jewel of the Hudson Highlands. Starting from the trailhead off Route 218, the hike climbs steadily along the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail, soon joined by

The Delaware River as seen from Mount Tammany – Photo by Dan Chazin This rugged 3.5-mile loop climbs Mount Tammany via the Red Dot Trail, offering spectacular views of the Delaware Water Gap and Mount Minsi. The descent follows the Blue Dot, Dunnfield Creek, and Appalachian Trails, passing waterfalls and a rhododendron-lined gorge for a

Falling Waters and Grand Loop Trails – Schooleys Mountain County Park – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 3.5-mile loop in Schooley’s Mountain County Park explores the park’s wilder, less-developed western side, far from the picnic areas and lodge. Starting from the main lot, the route descends past Lake George and into the rocky gorge of Electric

View of Sky Top in the Mohonk Preserve – Dickie Barre, Peters Kill and Awosting Falls Loop -Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve – Photo by Daniel Chazin. This 8.2-mile loop through Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve highlights some of the best scenery in the Shawangunks, combining narrow forest trails, dramatic cliffside

View of ruins on Kennedy Dells County Park Loop – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 2.3-mile loop in a quiet corner of Westchester County explores the scenic ravines and historic infrastructure surrounding Crum Creek, blending wooded paths with parkland edges and suburban glimpses. Starting from the main parking area, the hike begins on the white-blazed Bridle

Buttermilk Falls in Rockland County – Buttermilk Falls County Park – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 1.5-mile loop explores the scenic hillside above Buttermilk Falls in Rockland County, offering a short but rewarding climb to multiple panoramic viewpoints. The hike begins on the blue-blazed trail, ascending beside a wooded ravine to the base of the falls.
Hike: Short and Scenic Loop Hike on Bullwheel, High Peters Kill, and Red Trails
Trail: High Peters Kill Trail
Cascade on the Peters Kill – Photo by Daniel Chazin This scenic 2.1-mile loop in Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a compact but memorable tour of the Shawangunks, combining forested carriage roads, dramatic cliffs, cascading streams, and historical relics from a bygone ski era. Starting on the Red Loop Trail, the route quickly joins the

Van Cortlandt House Museum – Photo by Daniel Chazin This 3.5-mile urban loop through Van Cortlandt Park blends natural tranquility with rich historical landmarks and hidden greenways in the heart of the Bronx. Beginning at the 242nd Street subway station, the route passes the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum (built in 1748), then winds through

Along the All Persons Trail and Bear Mountain Summit Loop – Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks This accessible hike on the summit of Bear Mountain includes the Bear Mountain All Persons Trail, inviting outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to connect with nature and soak in spectacular views. The All Persons Trail is approximately 0.75 miles out

Duck Pond – Photo by Daniel Chazin This gentle 3.5-mile loop explores the rare sinkhole pond landscape of northwest New Jersey. Beginning on the yellow-blazed Bear Claw Trail, you’ll pass through second-growth forest and remnants of old farmland before crossing to the Limestone Trail, which skirts the shore of Duck Pond. The route connects to

Wawayanda Furnace – Photo by Daniel Chazin This diverse 7-mile loop in Wawayanda State Park connects multiple scenic trails and historic sites, traversing rhododendron tunnels, serene lakes, hardwood forests, and wetlands. Starting on Cherry Ridge Road, the hike visits Lake Lookout via the white-blazed Lookout Trail, then winds along the historic Laurel Pond Trail to

Wetland along the Doris Duke Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin This moderate 4-mile loop hike explores the scenic and tranquil Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary in Sterling Forest, where hunting is prohibited. Following the yellow-on-white Doris Duke Trail, the route winds through forests, skirts marshes with views of beaver lodges, and climbs to a rocky

