If Labor Day/Back-to-School is the bookend that defines the end of your summer, then there are still 5 unofficial weeks of summer left, and 8 official weeks till the temperatures change, daylight wanes and fall commences on September 22nd, which means there is still plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. New York City may be known as the concrete jungle, but there is plenty of great biking and hiking to be had within its 5 boroughs! Below are some of the best routes:
BIKING
Hudson River Greenway The bike path runs for 11 miles, from Battery Park City all the way to the George Washington Bridge, all along the water. There are plenty of piers to take a break and take in the view or grab a beverage to cool off, and a few restaurants to grab some eats at, too.
Carroll Gardens to Coney Island Weave your way through picturesque neighborhoods of brownstones and make your way to the paved bike path on Ocean Parkway, beginning at East 8th Street, heading all the way to Surf Avenue. Bring your swimsuit and towel for a dip in the ocean before heading back!
Governors Island Hop the free ferry to Governor’s Island, where no cars make for easy biking on the weekends. Free one-hour bike rentals are also available on holiday Mondays. This is an excellent choice for anyone new to biking – Governor’s Island is flat and provides a safe environment.
Pulaski to Williamsburg Bridge Enjoy skyline views of NYC and the vigorous workout crossing two bridges will give you. Head down commercial Manhattan Ave until you hit residential Noble Street— from there, ride to Lorimer and head to McCarren Park for a loop before biking down Driggs Ave, or bypass the park and ride the Kent Ave bike path all the way down to the Williamsburg Bridge at South 5th Street over to Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
HIKING
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Multiple trails in 9,155 acres, including saltwater marsh sightings, woods, fields, freshwater ponds, and birds. Wear waterproof shoes!
Midwood Trail Midwood, Brooklyn has the oldest remaining forest in New York City. The trail begins and ends at the Prospect Park Audobon Center, a three-quarter of a mile walk through the trees of Midwood.
Greenbelt Trails The 8-mile Yellow Trail or the less vigorous Nature Center Trail provides something for everyone at La Tourette Park in Staten Island.
Cass Gallagher Nature Trail & John Kieran Nature Trail Both of these are located in the Bronx’s Van Cortlandt Park. Do both trails (they are connected by the John Muir Trail), and you can get nearly 3 miles of walking in while taking in the freshwater wetlands and lake.
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