The Hike before the Hike: 5 NY/NJ Hiking Trails Accessible by Public Transportation
So, you live in New York City, want to hike, but don’t have a car. As someone who’s been in your hiking boots, I get it.
Living in a mega-urban setting like NYC, I've always craved a deeper connection with nature, but also felt like my options were always limited without a car.
Sure, the city has (some) trees. But nothing close to the deep-woods quiet you see in movies or those layered mountain horizons you pass while driving upstate.In 2022, I decided to stop daydreaming about the atmosphere of the deep woods and started seeking it– intentionally.
A couple of Google searches, a little GPS finesse, and it turns out: getting to hiking trails that only seem accessible through Instagram reels is actually easier than you think. And once you know the routes, the whole journey becomes part of the ritual.
Below are five trails—across New York and New Jersey—that I've hiked without a car. I’m sharing the exact routes and the mistakes I made along the way (so you can skip the chaos and get straight to the magic).
Hiking the MTA: Metro North & NJ Transit
First, I'll start with the hiking before the hike. I know a lot of New Yorkers have a toxic relationship with commuting, but the views on the way to the trail will make you forget you haven’t even started yet.
The journey itself is part of the hike. Treat the train ride and the walk to the trailhead as a warm-up and grounding ritual.
To run away from the city and into the woods listed below, you’ll use:
Metro-North Hudson Line (Green– NY trails)
NJ Transit Morris & Essex Line (NJ trails)
Download the MTA TrainTime and NJ Transit apps to check schedules, see which train cars stop at your station, and buy tickets on your phone. Roundtrip fares are around $30–$35.50, with rides taking 1–2 hours depending on your start.
[Photo of Metro North QR Code Page]
Tips for the commute:
Pay attention to train stop restrictions: Some trains only stop at certain stations on weekends or at limited times. Only specific cars may open at certain stops.
Restrooms: Only some stations have them. Plan ahead to go on the train (ask a conductor or check the app for the nearest one. If nature calls on the trail, remember to pack wet wipes.
Plan your return around sunset—the golden hour over the Hudson is magical.
Pro tip: Sit strategically. 3-seaters on the way there, double seats on the way back—for maximum river and mountain views.
The Trails & Details
1. Bull Hill Short & Full Loop
Difficulty: A confident Moderate–Hard
Distance: Short loop (4.3 miles) | Full loop (5.4 miles)
Transit: Metro-North Hudson Line → Cold Spring
Restrooms: Yes, at the station ticket booth
[Picture]
Once you arrive in Cold Spring, set your GPS to “Bull Hill Full Loop.” It’s a 20-minute walk to the trailhead, with staff around on weekends if you need help.
The first 15 minutes are a steep uphill either way—if your lungs aren’t ready, you’ll find out quickly. My first time I chose the short loop by force (my wheezing decided for me).
2. Mount Beacon
Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Distance: 6 miles
Transit: Metro-North Hudson Line → Beacon, then trolley bus
Restrooms: None
[Picture]
Mount Beacon greets you with stairs—a humbling but welcome alternative to the raw incline of Bull Hill. Outside the station, hop on the Beacon Trolley straight to the Mt. Beacon trailhead stop. (Check its route ahead of time).
Otherwise, you can walk the 38 minutes there and back. I missed the stop once and ended up walking to what I hope was a bus stop and waited on what was definitely someone’s lawn. We grow from experience.
Fun fact: Mount Beacon is the highest point in the Hudson Highlands.
3. Rahway (White) and River Trail
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Distance: 4.5 miles (out-and-back)
Transit: NJ Transit Morris & Essex Line → Millburn or South Orange
Restrooms: None
[Picture of fairy houses]
Choose your adventure:
Millburn: Walk 5 minutes to the South Mountain Fairy Trail and hike toward the waterfall.
South Orange: Walk ~35 minutes to Hemlock Falls, then hike toward the fairy houses tucked beneath mossy trees.
This hike is literally enchanting—tiny, handcrafted fairy homes and a waterfall make it one of the most soulful, smile-inducing trails I’ve done.
4. Breakneck Ridge
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 5.7 miles
Transit: Metro-North Hudson Line → Breakneck Ridge
Restrooms: None
[Picture]
Only attempt this if your soul—and your quads—are ready. Breakneck is the most challenging but also the most beautiful trail here. But please read this twice:
Trains stop here weekends only
Only the first 3 cars open
Northbound trains run 7am–1pm
Southbound trains run 3–7pm
I discovered these rules not by reading, but by freezing for two hours in January waiting for a train that was… not coming.
Keep reading to see the massive detour I took while lost on the trail. Growth, yes—but the views? Totally worth it.
Note: The station is currently closed for construction, but you can still access the trail via Cold Spring.
5. Anthony’s Nose
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Transit: Metro-North Hudson Line → Manitou
Restrooms: None
[Picture]
This commute feels like you’re in a movie. Walk ~35 minutes to the trailhead, including ~20 minutes along a roadside— there’s a safe shoulder, but go early to comfortably avoid traffic.
Be sure to board the first car of the train—it’s the only one that opens. The trailhead starts at a small information hut you can’t miss. Expect a steep 30-minute incline and a breathtaking summit overlooking the Hudson River.
💡Bonus detour: On your way back, check out Manitou Point Nature Preserve—just 10 minutes from the station. Green, serene, and perfect for cooling down. Ticks are real, though, so stay alert!
Additional Tips & Resources:
Download AllTrails: Think of it as GPS, trail guide, and community insight all in one. The free version shows you distance, elevation, trail maps, recent reviews, and lets you save your favorite hikes. If you upgrade to AllTrails+, you get the real magic: offline navigation, wrong-turn alerts, and downloadable maps—super clutch when cell service disappears.
The reviews are especially helpful for seasonal updates, but fair warning: a few maps can be a little off. I learned that the hard way on my first trip to Breakneck Ridge—see the extreme detour below:
[off trail screenshot]
Weekend Crowds: If you’re solo and new to hiking, having some people around can help you stay on trail. But if you prefer quiet, aim to start at 8–10am.
Distance vs. Views: Longer hikes don’t always mean better views. Learned that after finishing Bull Hill’s full loop, still looking for the payoff.
Pack smart: Bring enough water for both the commute and the trail. Pack light, but don’t skip essentials.
Closing the Loop
Living in the city without a car doesn’t limit your access to nature—it just invites you to find a new rhythm. The train becomes your transition. The walk to the trailhead becomes your grounding. The hike becomes your reset. With Souleyness, adventurousness isn’t just about the trail—it’s about finding magic in the journey.
These trails remind you that adventure doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be intentional, accessible, and woven right into your everyday life.
If you’re craving more ways to slow down, reconnect, and bring small pockets of adventure into your week:
Get soulful guides, research-backed practices, and city-friendly adventures that help you feel more alive—no car (or wilderness expertise) required.
Ready for your next trail? Let’s find it together. 🌿
