Our First Meetup: An Ugly Sweater Hike

Welcome to our new group! For our very first Meetup don your UGLY Christmas sweater and come join us outside as we take a hike for fitness, fresh air and camaraderie with new friends 🤗

For this Meetup we'll 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 mostly flat miles.

Read more about the Empire State Trail ------->HEREand 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 9:30AM 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.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear comfortable hiking/walking shoes
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid for yourself 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
• In addition, SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY. There are plenty of other groups that cater to your need for speed.

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, snow cancels!

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