About us
Come join us for leisurely hikes and random adventures in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey areas, all reachable by public transportation out of New York City.
In this group we firmly believe that a great day of hiking and adventure doesn't and shouldn’t require a sweat-drenched shirt. Our aim is to host laid-back hikes and adventures and build a social network of hikers who love to hike, being in the outdoors and enjoying scenic views, BUT prefer to do so at a leisurely pace, going at your own pace and taking the time to “smell the roses”. On our hikes, there will be plenty of stops for refreshments and taking in the views, taking the time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, and even hug some trees along the way, and most importantly connect with your fellow hikers and adventurers. You will be able to connect with nature at your own pace. The pace is yours to set as you blaze a new trail, or get reacquainted with a familiar one, at a leisurely relaxed pace, all the while with no fear of being left behind.
Please note if you are a speed demon, this group is definitely not for you so please stay away.
Whether you are a beginner hiker or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, and who have a love for nature, picturesque views, and good company, we welcome you to our tribe. Let’s walk, hike, talk and discover beautiful trails together while making new friends and creating unforgettable trail memories.
Hike mileage will range from 6 to 10 miles, over mostly easy to moderate terrain.
Occasionally we’ll strive to do harder hikes just to challenge ourselves but the pace will still be RELAXED LEISURELY PACE.
All our hikes will mainly be reachable by public transportation out of New York City … Metro-North, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak and NYC subway and buses.
In addition to outdoors events, on occasion, we'll also partake in leisurely indoor social events, such as indoor rock climbing, dining out, happy hour, Broadway shows, bowling ... the possibilities of what we'll do are endless.
Come join us and let the adventures begin!
Upcoming events
4
A Leisurely Hike to Discover Long Island
Kings Park LIRR Station, Indian Head Road (CR 14) and Main Street (NY 25A), Kings Park, NY, USLong Island has many scenic trails. let's discover some of them. For this Meetup, let's bundle up and let's head east to Long Island and take a leisurely exploratory hike to discover Sunken Meadow State Park for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends. Hike is reachable on LIRR to Kings Park station for those without cars
(Note I haven't done this hike hence exploratory. We will explore together. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring)
About Sunken Meadow State Park: Offering one of the most stunning views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance, Sunken Meadow State Park, also known as Governor Alfred E. Smith State Park, spans 1,287 acres of forest, marshes, and beachfront along the Long Island Sound. Its mixed topography provides a range of experiences from sandy beach walks to woodland hikes. The 6-mile trail provides some breathtaking views of the Sound and is a particularly stunning spot at sunset. In addition, the Greenbelt Trail, which traverses much of Long Island, passes through the park and provides opportunities for more extensive hiking. Wildlife sightings are common, and you might even spot a deer if you're lucky! Park offers a 3-mile beach and 3/4-mile boardwalk on Smithtown Bay on the Long Island Sound.
GETTING THERE: Long Island Railroad to Kings Park Station, with transfers at Jamaica and/or Huntington stations, then short walk over to Sunken Meadow. We will begin and end day at Kings Park LIRR station.
TRAIN SCHEDULE:
- If you are leaving from PENN STATION in Manhattan: Take the LIRR train leaving at 8:36, transfer at Huntington Station at 9:55am and arrive at KINGS PARK STATION at 10:10am.
- If you are leaving from JAMAICA STATION in Queens: Take the LIRR train leaving at 8:58am, transfer at Huntington Station at 9:55am; arriving at KINGS PARK STATION AT 10:10am
- For departures from any other LIRR station, check train time --------> HERE
OUR AGENDA: From the Kings Park train station, we’ll walk about a half-mile on Main Street to pick up a trail that will take us into Sunken Meadow State Park. We'll explore the boardwalk and beach. Then we’ll pick up the Long Island Greenbelt Trail up and along the bluffs overlooking Smithtown Bay with connecting trails that will take us into Nissequogue River State Park. We’ll hike through Nissequogue and will end up back on Main Street near the Kings Park train station. Total elevation gain is about 630 feet.
Day’s agenda remains subject to changes. So come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.
MILEAGE: About 6 miles but who the heck can tell for sure
PACE: This is a LEISURELY PACE HIKE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. We will have stops for water breaks, lunch break, take time to soak in the surrounding views, savor the sights and sounds of nature PLEASE, NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!
DURATION: This is an all-day event.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF:
- Dress for the weather in non-cotton layers.
- Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
- Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
- Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
- Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.
POST-HIKE for those interested we'll do eats and drinks near Kings Park station before heading home.
WEATHER: Rain, snow, polar vortex under 35 degrees cancels!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.
1 attendee
Let's Hike the Empire State Trail part 1
Bowling Green, Broadway, New York, NY, USLet's get up, get outside and take a hike on the Empire State Trail ONE SEGMENT AT A TIME. For this First Segment, we'll hike about 13 Miles from Battery Park to Inwood Hill Park.
About the Empire State Trail: In 2017, New York State launched the Empire State Trail to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality, and bolster tourism-related economic development. The 750-mile Empire State Trail showcases New York’s special places, diverse history, and iconic landscapes. This scenic hiking and biking path, which runs through New York State, stretches over 750-miles, starting from The Battery in Manhattan and running north all the way to Canada and west from Albany to Buffalo. Cutting through the Hudson Valley, the Champlain Valley, and running along the Erie Canal, it is the longest multi-use trail in the entire nation!
Read more about the Empire State Trail -------> HERE and HERE
FIRST SEGMENT: Battery Park to Inwood Hill Park, totaling about 13 miles.
- This 12.5-mile trail section marks the beginning/end of the Empire State Trail, starting at the southern tip of Manhattan and running north on the Manhattan Greenway trail, along the west side of Manhattan. The Greenway is a paved, off-road trail, physically separated from vehicle traffic, through Battery Park City, the Hudson River Park, and Riverside Park. The trail is extremely popular with cyclists, walkers, and runners. Access is available from numerous city streets. A mix of on-street parking and paid parking garages are available, and the trail is accessible by the NYC subway and bus system. This popular trail segment provides stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. The off-road Greenway Trail ends in NW Manhattan at Dyckman Street.
GETTING THERE: Make your way to Bowling Green subway station (4/5/6 train line). We'll meet OUTSIDE the station at 9AM and proceed from here.
HIKE INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY hike on mostly paved trail on the Hudson Greenway Trail.
DURATION: We will be out for the entire day. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.
HIKING PACE: LEISURELY with plenty of stops for refreshments and taking in the surrounding views, taking the time to savor the sights and sounds of nature. Everyone will hike at their own natural pace with no fear of being left behind. PLEASE, NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!
In addition, we'll hike together as a group. If you can't or unwilling to stick with the group, DO NOT SIGN UP.
WHO SHOULD COME: Anyone with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING: Dress in non-cotton layers. Wear hiking shoes. Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated. Bring lunch and snacks for yourself. Carry all your stuff in a backpack.
WEATHER: Rain, snow, polar vortex cancels!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Hold no one liable. Participate at your own risks. etc. etc.
1 attendee- $2.00
Day Trip to Hike Montauk
LIRR Montauk Station, Edgemere Road, Montauk, NY, USSpring has sprung! With nice temps and longer daylight hours, let's take a day trip to MONTAUK, on the eastern end of Long Island, for a day of fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends 🤗 this is still off-season in Montauk which is the best time to go to enjoy the "peace and quiet" of Montauk before the mad summer crowds descend 😆
For this Meetup: We will start the day with a visit to the Montauk Lighthouse. Then we'll embark on a leisurely hike at Montauk Point State Park. Afterwards, we'll head to Montauk Village for eats and drinks before heading home.
ABOUT MONTAUK: 120 miles from New York Harbor and about a two-hour drive from one end to the other - they weren’t kidding when they named it Long Island - but those who choose to make the trek out to the island’s easternmost point are surely rewarded, and that prize is MONTAUK, a village at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, known for its beaches, like Ditch Plains, with its strong Atlantic surf.
GETTING TO MONTAUK: Pick up any Long Island Railroad (LIRR) that will get you to Montauk by 11am.
- From PENN STATION in Manhattan: The 7:47AM LIRR train with a transfer at Jamaica Station at 8:08AM, and arrive in Montauk at 10:55AM.
- From Jamaica Station: Take the LIRR train leaving at 8:08AM, arriving in Montauk at 10:55AM.
- For other LIRR stations, check MTA schedule.
AGENDA: We will arrive in MONTAUK at 10:55AM. There are usually plenty of taxis waiting to pick up passengers. We'll share an Uber or taxi to take us into town.
Our first stop will be the Lighthouse. You cannot be in Montauk and not visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse in New York State. In 1792, the Lighthouse was authorized by the Second Congress, and commissioned by President George Washington himself. Construction of the Montauk Lighthouse began on June 7, 1796 and was completed on November 5, 1796. This National Historic Landmark has been part of Long Island's land and seascape for over 200 years and still serves as an active aid to navigation. Climb 137 steps to the deck for spectacular views of land and ocean. Read more about the Lighthouse -------> HERE
Lighthouse Admission Fee: $15.00 Adults. Pay when you get thereFrom the Lighthouse, connecting trails will take us into Montauk Point State Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Block Island Sound. The view is unique, because, when the water is calm, visitors can clearly see the "race" of converging tides from the Atlantic and Block Island Sound. Visitors can also use the nature trails to hike, or spend time watching the seals sun on the rocks offshore. Block Island can be seen off in the distance.
Trail Map: https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MontaukPointTrailMap.pdf
PLEASE NOTE TODAY'S AGENDA is not set in stones and remains subject to changes as the day progresses so come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.
MEETUP FEE: a $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected when we meet to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.
LIABILITY WAIVER: By signing up for this Meetup you agree to come prepared, participate at your own risks, and will not hold your event host and fellow attendees liable, etc, etc.
1 attendee 
A Leisurely Day Trip to Hudson, NY (Buy Your Amtrak Ticket EARLY!)
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, 350 W 33rd Street, New York, NY, USSpring Has sprung. Let's take a day trip heading north to upstate to visit the pretty village of HUDSON, NY reachable on AMTRAK out of Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.
ABOUT HUDSON, NY: Bursting with restaurants and boutique hotels, Hudson is the ultimate car-free destination for the New Yorker who wants to dine like royalty without the hassle of the city. With hundreds of historic buildings, countless antique shops, a scenic waterfront, and cutting-edge clothing boutiques, it's a relaxing yet active weekend getaway. Hop on Amtrak at Moynihan Train Hall for two hours to Hudson Station, then walk just a few minutes into town. Read more about it ----------> HERE
AGENDA FOR TODAY: Once we get there we'll take a hike on the grounds of OLANA State Historic Park as well as a walk over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the Hudson River Skywalk. We'll also allot time to explore the town of Hudson. Bring an appetite! There are also many fine restaurants in town!
GETTING THERE: Amtrak out of Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.
- The 8:15AM train out of Penn and arriving in HUDSON by 10:23AM. The train will drop us off right in the center of Hudson, NY.
ONE-WAY train fare from Penn Station to Hudson is $33 for coach seats. This price will not last so be sure to buy EARLY! - Return trains: book any return train of your choice. I'm taking the 6:57PM train from Hudson back to Penn.
Please purchase your own ticket at ---> https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
To maintain rsvp integrity for this Meetup, all interested rsvps are WAITLISTED. Once you have purchased your ticket, post a comment that you have done so and I'll then move you off the waitlist.- OLANA's landscape is free and open to all, every day of the year from 8:00AM to sunset! We'll explore the grounds of Olana. Then we'll pick up the Hudson River Skywalk and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
NOTE: Day's agenda remains subject to changes. Come with an open mind for flexibility for whatever the day might bring.
WEATHER: This Meetup is RAIN OR SHINE!
LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.
1 attendee- The 8:15AM train out of Penn and arriving in HUDSON by 10:23AM. The train will drop us off right in the center of Hudson, NY.
