Guide on Placing Our Site in New York City (Indeed Possible)
Discovering Nature in New York City: AMC Recommends Top Outdoor Spots
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is on a mission to make outdoor access easier for everyone in New York City. With over 100 years of experience, the New York-North Jersey Chapter of AMC has been connecting New Yorkers to the outdoors since 1912. Here are some of the best outdoor activity locations recommended by AMC in and around NYC.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
One of NYC's best locations for birding and shoreline nature walks, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens/Brooklyn hosts more than 300 species of birds and features trails through salt marsh, dunes, and shoreline habitats. The West Pond Trail provides easy and scenic hikes, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced nature enthusiasts.
Various Parks and Greenways in NYC
AMC highlights that NYC has numerous hidden trails, beachside parks, and wooded areas suitable for hiking, paddling, bike rides, and nature walks, accessible even for newcomers to outdoor activities. Some of the best places to explore include Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, with miles of wooded trails, including sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the John Muir Trail.
Harriman State Park (near NYC)
Just across the river from NYC, Harriman State Park is a popular destination for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor pursuits. AMC's New York-North Jersey Chapter supports access to the outdoors nearby, and chapter members have even helped build the trail network in Harriman State Park.
Empire State Trail
For those who prefer cycling, the Empire State Trail is the longest multi-use trail in the U.S., stretching from New York City to Canada. This trail offers a great opportunity to explore NYC and its surroundings by bike.
Other Recommended Spots
Pomonok Bay / Little Bay Park in Queens, also known as "Palm Bay," offers quiet shoreline paths and sweeping views of the Throgs Neck Bridge. Alley Pond Park in Queens is home to NYC's oldest and tallest tree and features forest trails, freshwater wetlands, and the Alley Pond Environmental Center.
AMC Events and Programs
AMC encourages participation in events and programs through their local chapter, providing opportunities to explore these areas with guided activities, making it easier and more enjoyable to experience nature in and around NYC. Some of the events and programs offered by AMC include Outdoor Steward Interpretive Naturalist Programs, Concrete to Trails, Mindfulness Walks, How to Hike: Happy & Healthy, Summer Street Series, Weekend Stay-cations at Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, and Swipe Right Thursday Nights for 20s & 30s.
Join AMC Today
AMC's membership is a tax-deductible contribution to their mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Membership provides benefits such as up to 20% off AMC lodging, books, maps, gear, and merchandise, and unlocks access to thousands of free activities. Eileen Yin, the Director of New York Growth at AMC, started her involvement with AMC by signing up for hiking trips and later became an avid paddler. She met many of her long-term friends through AMC and recommends trying one activity with AMC.
As part of their All Out action plan for 2030, AMC is growing their New York community. Join today and discover the hidden gems of nature in and around NYC!
Transforming urban living into an outdoor-living experience, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) suggests embracing home-and-garden in nature by exploring various parks and greenways in NYC for hiking, paddling, and bike rides. Additionally, the club recommends exploring outdoor activity locations such as Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Harriman State Park, which offer unique bird-watching experiences, scenic hikes, and opportunities for backpacking.
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