5 Great Fall Walks In & Around NYC

bearmt — Hike, bike, or fish at Bear Mountain State Park.

The beginning of autumn is the perfect time to gather the family and enjoy the cooler temperatures by taking a hike. We’ve found some of the most family-friendly fall walks near the city for you to enjoy. Tired of walking? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other activities for when you can’t go any further.

Greenbelt Conservancy

Hop the ferry and head over to the Greenbelt Conservancy on Staten Island. You’ll find six different hiking trails totaling approximately 30 miles. The variety of terrain is perfect if you’re there with older kids or curious young ones. The trails range from easy to moderate, and part of the Nature Center Trail has an “E Trail” specifically for younger children to hike. Explore wetlands, meadows, rare plant species, and woodlands, all surprisingly close to the city. Open 365 days a year. 718-667-2165, sigreenbelt.org

Bear Mountain State Park

Located a little over an hour from New York City, Bear Mountain State Park has a myriad of activities, including fishing, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, and biking trails. There are playgrounds and handicapped-accessible nature trails, and if you’re up for it in the wintertime, cross-country skiing. Open year round, hours vary. 845- 786-2701, nysparks.com

Forest Park

Located right in Queens, Forest Park provides “knob and kettle” terrain, meaning the small hills are perfect for beginner hikers and little ones. The park encompasses more than 500 acres, and kids can enjoy its carousel, playgrounds, and nature centers. Older kids can check out a the 2.4 mile Orange Trail, one of the many athletic courts, including volleyball, or the skate park. 718-235-0815, nycgovparks.org

Harriman State Park

Only 30 miles from the city, this park is the second largest state park in New York, with over 46,000 acres. Cruise on flat lakeside trails, and for more of a challenge, there’s 18 miles of the Appalachian Trail to explore. Tired of hiking? No worries, there are also boat rentals and fishing activities, and families can barbeque or rent cabins. 8450-786-2701, nysparks.com

Walkway Over The Hudson

The longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, this walkway spans the Hudson River. At 1.28 miles, it’s a great length for children (and tired parents!). The walkway is handicap accessible, and is perfect for jogging strollers, toddlers, and young kids. Open year round, closed in cases of ice and lightning. There are entrances at Highland and Poughkeepsie. 845-834-2867, walkway.org

Academics West

Academics West is an accredited high-support college preparatory school designed to meet the academic and social-emotional goals of its students. Our unique model allows for each student to benefit from a customized educational experience to ensure they are acquiring the skills necessary to navigate their post-secondary lives whether they attend college or pursue another path to future success. Students can select different tracks to construct the most beneficial program to suit their needs and goals. Unlike conventional education, this innovative model enables students to prepare for an ever-changing world that requires young people to have advanced executive functioning, interpersonal and leadership skills to become independent and resilient adults. &nbsp;

Westchester School for Special Children

The&nbsp;Westchester School&nbsp;is a New York State approved, non-public&nbsp;school&nbsp;that provides educational and therapeutic services to students from New York City,&nbsp;Westchester&nbsp;County, Long Island, and Connecticut.&nbsp; The school views all children, regardless of functioning level or handicapping condition, as children with potential for growth and development. Historically, educational programming, particularly for the severely handicapped was primarily concerned for easing the burden of those who cared for these children. Changes in legal standards and socio-philosophical perspectives made this an excessively limited and limiting approach. The rational for program and selection of educational objectives is based upon the developmental needs of the individual child.

Windward School

A coed, independent day school exclusively for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, The Windward School enrolls students in grades one through nine. 98% of Windward students move on to mainstream schools after completing The Windward School's academic program. The Windward School is nationally recognized for its development of instructional programs designed specifically to help students achieve language proficiency. The School&rsquo;s academic curriculum is research-based and multisensory in nature and is designed to give students the skills they need to succeed in school and return with confidence to mainstream educational settings.