URBAN HIKER

When I was a kid we would get a large, fold-out Brookhaven township map in our area phonebook. One summer I highlighted all the roads I traveled on already. Then, I proceeded to plan bike rides to points of interest I found on the map. Once I made those trips, I'd highlight the route. Acknowledging to no one other than myself how well-traveled I had become!

In some sense, I am still doing this, albeit much slower and over a bigger area. I'm no excellent hiker and certainly not in the best shape. But I like discovery, seeing new places, and hiking as exercise. I recently logged on to the NYNJ Trail Conference. They sell many NYC area maps (on waterproof tyvek!) and I've gotten some of those too. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference sells maps (paper, unfortunately) to many of Long Island's major trails.

Below is a list of the hikes I have walked recently. If you click, you'll find descriptions of my experiences of the trails, the park, or whatever it is that captures my interest. 

Weir Farm (Metro North to Branchville, CT or by car) MAP

Avalon (Long Island RR to Stony Brook or by car) MAP

Sam's Point (Bus to New Paltz or Ellenville, then taxi, or by car) MAP

Greenbelt Nature Center (Subway to SI Ferry, then Bus or by car) MAP

Forest Park (walk, F, E, J, Z subway, bus, or car) MAP

Muttontown Preserve (LIRR to Syosset, NY or by car)MAP
Nissequogue River (LIRR to Smithtown, NY or by car)MAP

Fort Tilden (A train, Bus, Walk, Bike, Ferry or by car)MAP

Camp Hero (Long Island RR to Montauk or by car)MAP