5 Great Fall Walks In & Around NYC

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Hike, bike, or fish at Bear Mountain State Park.

The beginning of autumn is the perfect time to gather  the family and enjoy the cooler temperatures by taking a hike. We’ve found some of the most family-friendly fall walks near the city for you to enjoy. Tired of walking? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other activities for when you can’t go any further.

Greenbelt Conservancy

Hop the ferry and head over to the Greenbelt Conservancy on Staten Island. You’ll find six different hiking trails totaling approximately 30 miles. The variety of terrain is perfect if you’re there with older kids or curious young ones. The trails range from easy to moderate, and part of the Nature Center Trail has an “E Trail” specifically for younger children to hike. Explore wetlands, meadows, rare plant species, and woodlands, all surprisingly close to the city. Open 365 days a year. 718-667-2165, sigreenbelt.org

Bear Mountain State Park

Located a little over an hour from New York City, Bear Mountain State Park has a myriad of activities, including fishing, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, and biking trails. There are playgrounds and handicapped-accessible nature trails, and if you’re up for it in the wintertime, cross-country skiing. Open year round, hours vary. 845- 786-2701, nysparks.com

Forest Park

Located right in Queens, Forest Park provides “knob and kettle” terrain, meaning the small hills are perfect for beginner hikers and little ones. The park encompasses more than 500 acres, and kids can enjoy its carousel, playgrounds, and nature centers. Older kids can check out a the 2.4 mile Orange Trail, one of the many athletic courts, including volleyball, or the skate park. 718-235-0815, nycgovparks.org 

Harriman State Park

Only 30 miles from the city, this park is the second largest state park in New York, with over 46,000 acres. Cruise on flat lakeside trails, and for more of a challenge, there’s 18 miles of the Appalachian Trail to explore. Tired of hiking? No worries, there are also boat rentals and fishing activities, and families can barbeque or rent cabins. 8450-786-2701, nysparks.com 

Walkway Over The Hudson

The longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, this walkway spans the Hudson River. At 1.28 miles, it’s a great length for children (and tired parents!). The walkway is handicap accessible, and is perfect for jogging strollers, toddlers, and young kids. Open year round, closed in cases of ice and lightning. There are entrances at Highland and  Poughkeepsie. 845-834-2867, walkway.org 

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The Vincent Smith School

<p>Vincent Smith School is a non-profit, coed, independent school for grades 1-12 that serves students from Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC since 1924. The school is most known for its small classes, supportive staff, and individualized programs for students with learning differences such as Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/<wbr />Dysgraphia, as well as school anxiety, school reluctance, or ADHD. </p> <p>We emphasize academic, college-prep success through differentiated instruction and on-site services as needed for reading, speech, or OT in dedicated classrooms. VSS offers rolling admissions throughout the year at our scenic Port Washington campus.</p> <p><em> </em></p>