Hiking: The Long Path

Last month, I learned that I actually enjoy hiking. A bit shocking, yes, but I knew this love was for real when I wanted to venture outside the City for a day hike last weekend.

I did some research, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are numerous trails easily accessible from Manhattan. My friend Jacomina and I settled on part of a 358 mile trail called The Long Path. It starts at the 175th street subway station in Manhattan, runs through New Jersey and ends in Albany, New York.

We decided to hike the first 4.8 miles of the trail, which starts just north of the George Washington Bridge and runs along the Hudson River. The website says these directions are out of date, but they are excellent and will make perfect sense once you’re actually on the trail. The only note is that the trail marker color wasn’t listed for The Long Path, which was a little confusing. We ended up following the green markers the whole time.

It’s an interesting path. When it starts, you’re surrounded by concrete and tall buildings. But after climbing some stairs just off the bridge in New Jersey, you literally step into the woods.

 

While it looks like you’re taking a walk in the woods, it doesn’t exactly feel that way. This part of The Long Path runs between the highway and coastline, so the whole time, you hear speeding cars. It didn’t spoil the hike by any means. It’s just not necessarily that quiet.

Also, the trail runs through a couple parks and passes an entrance to a university. These parts are a little less rugged and you’re either walking on or are close to paved service roads.

There are some very nice views of upper Manhattan throughout. Before turning around to head back, we stopped at Rockefeller Lookout. It has a beautiful view of the Bronx and Manhattan.

There are many positives to this part of The Long Path. It’s close to Manhattan, gives you a taste of the woods and some nice views. Definitely a satisfying break from the City!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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