Spring is here and we’re starting to feel warmer temperatures which means it is a great time to be outside. There are few activities that are better to explore the great outdoors than hiking. While that may seem challenging living in New York City, there are several beautiful hiking trails that are accessible by public transportation or a short car ride. Pictured above, the George Washington Bridge’s new-and-improved pedestrian/bike path into Palisades Park opened recently and is worth a visit!

Here are a few more favorites:

Beacon, New York

You can take Metro North to Beacon and start your day with the Mount Beacon Fire Tower hike. It is a challenging uphill, out and back hike, but the views are worth it! Once finished with your hike, I recommend you make your way to the Dia Beacon, a fabulous museum housing contemporary works and situated near the Hudson River on gorgeous grounds. From there, enjoy a delicious lunch on the patio at The Roundhouse, which is also a great place to stay if you’d like to make a weekend out of it!

Getting there: Metro North Hudson Line to Beacon

Cold Spring, New York

Another worthwhile town to explore that is also accessible by Metro North is Cold Spring. Enjoy a day of hiking with several trails to choose from ranging from easy to difficult. Two of my favorites are Anthony’s Nose (easy to moderate) and Breakneck Ridge (very challenging). For a family-friendly outing, The West Point Foundry Preserve is a beautiful park system that is also walkable from the train station. Trails take you by abandoned historic registry structures and gorgeous Hudson River views, with an option to extend your walk through Cold Spring Town Center.

Follow any of these hikes with a great meal at the Cold Spring Depot and then grab the train back to NYC.

Getting there: Metro North Hudson Line to Cold Spring

Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park, located in Riverdale, is home to more than a thousand acres atop the ridges and valleys of the northwest Bronx — it is New York City’s third largest park with nature trails, a golf course, and the beginning of a walk/bike path that extends all the way north to Tarrytown! Find park trail map here.

Favorites include the John Muir nature trail, the wetland walk, the Putnam Greenway, and don’t miss Lloyd’s carrot cake across the street!

Getting there: 1 train to 242nd Street.

Randall’s Island

Just East of the Upper East Side, Randall’s Island is all green space with several biking/walking/running path options, athletic fields, picnic spots, and even a wetlands preserve. Don’t miss the arched walkway under the Hell Gate Bridge on-ramp.  Find trail map here.

Getting there: 6 train to 103rd St/Lexington, then head east to the 103rd Street footbridge. Footbridge is open year-round.