Autumn Hikes in New York

Whether you are a bona fide city-slicker or a nature-loving Thoreau, there is little sense in denying that you still gasp in awe at the mere sight of breath-taking fall foliage. Treetops as colorful as the pictures on the pages of a fairytale storybook have the power to awaken anyone's inner-child. If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in the Northeast at the peak of autumn, you must experience this brilliant, kaleidoscopic vision first-hand. The best way to witness this annual wonder is to take a hike - literally. New York State has an overwhelming abundance of parks with magnificent trails for both the experienced and novice hiker.

Opportunities for fall hiking are so abundant in the Northeast that it can be difficult to decide which park to commit your time to, especially if you are coming from the New York City area. Realistically, you'll get a satisfying eyeful of brilliant reds, yellows, golds and oranges no matter which one you choose to visit. But to guarantee a fulfilling and safe fall hiking experience, I've narrowed down the choices to three easily accessible parks - Taconic State Park, Harriman/Bear Mountain Park Region and Mohonk Nature Preserve. Each offers views of gorgeous, painted, sweeping landscapes.

Taconic State Park is a beautiful place to visit year round. You can take a day trip there or, if you'd like an overnight experience, the park offers well kept campgrounds and cabins for rent. This park is easily accessible from New York City and provides extra convenience in that it overlaps three states including New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The drive to the park alone will give you a healthy dose of the changing autumn hillsides. When my friend and I took a trip up there, we chose to spend our time around the Copake Falls area of the park. I highly recommend the easy hike to Bish Bash Falls. You'll stroll down a peaceful path through a wooded area enveloped in trees, past a babbling stream and finally arrive at a picturesque waterfall on the Massachusetts side. There, you can take a break, have a snack and drink in the scenery. Opportunities for other hikes are available. Just follow the signs!

Another very popular place to visit during any season is the Palisades Interstate Park region, specifically Harriman and Bear Mountain. Palisades Interstate Park is actually part of the Adirondack Trail. Harriman offers 225 miles of marked trails including a 20 mile segment of the Appalachian Trail. "The park is also known for its 31 lakes, multiple streams, public camping area and great vistas. Harriman is rich with plenty of tree-rich hiking trails. The hiking trails are currently maintained by volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference." The longest trail is approximately twenty-five miles and one of the shortest, known as the Blue Disc Trail runs about three miles. Follow any of the well-marked trails during the fall months and you will find yourself stopping every ten to fifteen minutes to drink in the scenery. "On its northeastern edge, Harriman State Park borders the smaller Bear Mountain State Park. Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in Rockland County, New York." http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Harriman_State_Park You'll find that some of the longer hikes can expose you to breath-taking vistas and overlooks. Be sure to pick up maps and get ample information at the visitor centers. There, you'll be able to get detailed information on what suits your needs and fitness levels.

Last, but most certainly not least is my favorite place to get lost in when the trees begin their autumn ritual. Mohonk Preserve, located in the New Paltz, New York area nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains is New York's largest non-profit nature preserve. What I love about this place is that, even though you are out in the wilderness, you're comforted by a sense of safety. The cliff side views and look-out points can bring you to tears from the sheer beauty that nature freely gives forth. Tree-dense mountain tops, hills and trails display autumn colors and shed perfect amounts of leaves to provide that soothing crunch beneath your feet as you make your way through the preserve. Mohonk Preserve is a gem and a must-see corner of the Hudson Valley. After your hike, be sure to stop at the Mohonk Mountain House for a a stint by their fireplace and a rest in a rocking chair on their roomy porch.

Fall is right around the corner. Make this the year when you willingly pack your backpack with some fruit, water, a blanket and a camera and take a trip into one of these parks. Not only will you be glad you did, you may very likely find yourself making this a yearly ritual. To witness the changing of the leaves and to see the brilliance of seasonal change will heighten your awareness of the constant change and circle that is life and a colorful one at that!

Note: Each of these parks has an informative website to visit for detailed information about directions, attractions and any applicable fees. Just Google the park names for links.