Fresh air, fun outdoors
Hiking
If you are looking to escape the chaos of New York City’s streets for a much calmer and serene space this fall, head up to the Cranberry Lake Preserve in Westchester County. The preserve is home to forests, wetlands and a four-acre lake. The abundance of trails in this area makes this the perfect spot for hikers looking to clear their minds among the beautiful wilderness. You may spot some wildlife on the trail, so be sure to pack a camera for some quality pictures. After a hike, enjoy lunch at the various picnic spots that surround the lake and its many ponds. The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Cranberry Lake Preserve can be reached by taking the 4 or 5 train from Union Square to Grand Central and then the Metro-North Harlem Line train to Valhalla.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 46min
Fall Festivities
This fall, you can fulfill all of your childhood dreams at Hank’s Pumpkintown in Long Island. Head out on a Saturday and make a day of pumpkin picking, apple eating and face painting. Hank’s is open daily from Sept. 13 until Halloween. The apple orchard offers various types of apples, ranging from Autumn Rose Fuji to Honeycrisp. While picking apples, keep in mind that Hank’s Farm charges $20 per 10-lb. bag, but if you bring a group of four, you can share one bag for $5 each. Hank’s farm also has an array of autumn-themed treats, from caramel apples to apple cider donuts. It is home to many attractions, like Long Island’s Best Corn Maze, calf milking, hayrides and pig races. In addition, this hidden gem has its own Instagram hashtag so its guests can share their experience on social media. If you find the world’s largest apple or eat a huge slice of pumpkin pie, hashtag #hankspumpkintown on Instagram to record all of the fun. This fall break, take the E train to Jamaica Queens and then hop on the Long Island Rail Road Montauk Branch to South Hampton.
Estimated Time from West Fourth Street: 3hr 15min
Rock Climbing
If you want to find outdoor excitement and adventure a little closer to home, look no further than Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Boulder’s team in Boerum Hill is accessible by taking the R train from Union Square to Brooklyn. They also have student discounts. A day pass at Brooklyn Boulder’s is $19 for students and $25 for non-students. Beginner students pay $24 while first-time non-students pay $30. The first-timer pass also includes an orientation that introduces rock climbing techniques. If you are an advanced rock climber, you can also find places to climb in New Jersey or even upstate. By being partners with climbfind.com, Brooklyn Boulder is able to assist advanced rock climbers in discovering outdoor areas where they can climb. During this fall break, explore the facility and let your inner adventurer loose. The Brooklyn Boulder’s facility is conveniently located near the Ravine, so after your first class, grab a bite at the nearby Tomato N Basil or Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and relax in the park.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 32min
Camping
Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campgrounds is the perfect getaway for fall break. Located in the mountains upstate, Malouf’s offers its guests the best camping experience. Campers can choose to bring their own tent or pay extra for a rental — it is $90 a night with a borrowed tent, and $80 without. For every three nights spent at the camp site, one night is half-price. Each camping site has a fire pit, playing cards, a personal outdoor kitchen and chairs. Be sure to bring your own sleeping bag and toiletries. At night, watch the sunset over the campground and cook your own s’mores. Meals are also supplied by the campsite, or you can bring your own food to cook for you and your friends. To get there, take the 4, 5 or 6 line to Grand Central, and then catch the Metro-North Hudson Line train upstate to Beacon Station, where Malouf’s will provide a shuttle to escort you to the campsite.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 40min
Mountain Biking
Unleash your inner daredevil at Cunningham Park this fall season. Tucked away in Queens lies one of New York City’s best mountain biking trails. The trail is 6.5 miles long and ranges in difficulty from beginner to expert. It includes a dirt jump park for beginner and intermediate level riders. The topography of the park provides mountain bikers with a great workout because of its ups and downs. A map of the trail can be found on the New York City Mountain Bike Association website. It is free if you bring your own bike. If not, check out the many bike rental shops in the area. From Manhattan, you can take the R train to 92nd Street-59th Avenue, Queens, and then the Q88 bus to Cunningham Park. Afterward, grab a bite at the nearby Blue Bay Diner, known for its burgers and desserts. The weather will be perfect this fall for you to try out some new tricks on the park’s many trails.
Estimated Time from Union Square: 1hr 16min
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Oct. 9 print edition. Email Sidney Butler at [email protected].
