Where's our perfect near-NYC hike for 4th of July?
July 2, 2018 8:41 PM   Subscribe

We're looking to take public transportation from NYC to a magical place where we can hike through a forest to a swimming hole on July 4th. Where should we go?

Extra points for great views and small crowds! Double extra points for a waterfall or ocean we can swim in!

We don't mind hiking a few hours. And also don't mind spots that aren't officially sanctioned, as long as we won't get lost getting there, or get in trouble being there.

Thanks for the help!
posted by vecchio to Science & Nature (3 answers total) 9 users marked this as a favorite
 
Take the Trailways bus to Phoenicia! The Tanbark trail is lovely and has a little waterfall and a great view, and you can go tubing or swimming on the Esopus - but do be careful. Eat at Sweet Sue's, if they're open - though there's plenty of good food around. Shop the Mystery Spot.
posted by peagood at 9:50 PM on July 2, 2018 [6 favorites]


http://www.nycdayhiking.com/hikes/hikeslct.htm

Dover Oak and Nuclear Lake is listed as ‘nice lake’ it’s near Pawling and I didn’t check to see if you could swim. You might also google the other trails with ‘swimming near’ and see what turns up.
posted by bilabial at 5:58 AM on July 3, 2018


Hmm, public transportation and no crowds on 4th of July near NYC? That's really tough, especially if you want forest + water, b/c the Catskills are most accessible and therefore most busy - the DEC has been making people get permits to go to the popular swimming holes, too.

Not to be pessimistic, but you will be more successful if you prioritize the swimming and magical, and accept your experience will not be solitary.

Peagood is right - go to Phoenicia, cute town, near tons of hikes. It will be busy, but there is a lot to explore and the Esopus has a number of places to get in the river and swim.

Minnewaska State Park has a bus, I think, but also has a couple different very pretty lakes to swim in, and lots of hiking, too. It will be crowded 4th of July.

Have you ever been to Sandy Hook? Take the SeaStreak out there - of course, lots of people, but they get dispersed throughout the beaches, and they are some of the nicest beaches in NY/NJ.
posted by RajahKing at 9:35 AM on July 3, 2018


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