Although group hikes are fun, sometimes we just want to get into the woods on our own. If you don't have a car, fear not! Many trails are right off the Metro North stations or a short walk from one. All you need is a map and a few suggestions!

Maps:

The best maps are offered by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. You can order them on-line and some hiking supply shops will carry them. I strongly recommend becoming a member of the Trail Conference. Not only will you get discounts on books and maps, but they maintain the trails and protect the land.

I strongly recommend the following books if you want to plan the perfect hike, or just learn some information and history of the trails. These books also have great maps but you should still get the larger maps mentioned above.

New York Walk Book

New Jersey Walk Book

Towns and Trails:

(I WILL FILL IN BLANKS IN BELOW AT SOME POINT, I CANT THINK OF THE NAMES!!)

If this is your first time, I suggest starting with the ___ trail off the Break Neck stop on the Hudson Line of the Metro North. Keep in mind this station is a special hiking stop that only TWO morning north-bound trains and two afternoon (around 3pm) south-bound trains stop. If the times for these trains are inconvenient, you can always use the Cold Spring Station since trains stop there hourly on weekends. This station is just a 15 minute walk to the breakneck station so I recommend returning home from Cold Spring.

Cold Spring is a wonderful town full on antique shops. There is even a small pagan shop called ____. Most of our group hikes will end in Cold Spring so that those wanting to window shop or eat can do so. You can also access an ATM or get food or hiking supplies in town.

The Breakneck Ridge trail itself is very demanding and should be taken only by the fit and somewhat experienced. It is worth the effort, but not for the novice. The other trails are not too bad but there will be some steep climbs, although not so steep that you need gloves or other equiptment - its just uphill climing in some areas. The views are wonderful!