Leisurely Exploratory Hike on the Empire State Trail - NYC Edition

Let's get outside and walk the walk on the New York City portion of the Empire State Trail starting at Battery City Park making our way to Inwood Hill Park for a total of about 13 miles.

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.

NOTE: I haven't hiked this trail, hence exploratory. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.

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.

MILEAGE: About 13 MILES

INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY hike on mostly paved trail on the Hudson Greenway Trail.

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!!!!!!!!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
• Bring lunch, snack and plenty of liquid (at least 3 liters) to stay hydrated
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.
• SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY.

DURATION: We will be out for the entire day. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

APRES HIKE: We'll do celebratory eats and drinks in the Northern Manhattan area.

WEATHER: Rain or extreme heat and humidity cancels!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.