10 Best Fall Hikes In and Around New York

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10 Best Fall Hikes In and Around New York

Calling all fall lovers! Are you looking for the best places to view the changing colors of the season? We have rounded up the best sites for hiking and viewing the foliage this fall before we move into winter.

Whether you are looking for a hike for your kids on the South Mountain Fairy Trail or a morning trip away from the city at Bear Mountain, we have you covered! 

Psst… Here are the Best Hayrides near NYC to check out this Fall!

South Mountain Fairy Trail

Millburn, NJ
45 minutes from Midtown
Level: Easy*

This hike is ideal for kids, and it is a great way to ease them into hiking! For the past decade, a local artist has been building fairy houses along the trail from natural materials in the woods. Enjoy this whimsical escape with the whole family, and be sure to follow the “leave no trace” policy of the park.

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain, NY 
1 hr from Midtown
Level: Hard*

Located in the Catskills, this nearby trail is a great option for a quick day hike! Enjoy the dense forest and the breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. 

Storm King Mountain 

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
1 hr 15 min from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

With views of the Catskills and Hudson Valley, Storm King offers easier hikes in the area with views of fall foliage to rival any other trail.

Stairway to Heaven

Vernon Township, New Jersey
1 hr 30 min from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

This 7.3-mile hike is one of the most famous and exciting hikes you could take this fall! You will go over a suspension bridge, pass cow pastures and take in stunning views on this trail. 

Bonticou Crag Trail

High Falls, NY
1 hr 45 min from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

The Mohonk Preserve is one of the best weekend escapes for New Yorkers! You can hike, climb, bike, horseback ride, hunt, camp and more while staying at the resorts around Preserve. Start with this trail, and be sure to explore the rest of the area.

Ross’s Cliff Trail Loop

Dayville, CT
3 hr from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

While this is a short hike, it is steep – in a half-mile, you will climb 540 feet! Savor the experience by taking in the views of Old Furnace State Park at the many overlooks on the way up the trail. 

Catskill Scenic Trail

Stamford, NY
3 hr from Midtown
Level: Easy*

This historic trail once was filled with rail lines which transported timber to NYC. Hikers with every level of experience, from beginners to experts, will enjoy this scenic hike!

Cascade Mountain and Porter Mountain

Lake Placid, NY
4 hr 30 min from Midtown
Level: Hard*

Looking for something harder? Check out the Cascade Mountain Trail for a stunning 360-degree view of the Adirondack High Peaks. If you’re up for the challenge, Porter Mountain is nearby and will round out your trip nicely!

Glen Creek Gorge Trail

Watkins Glen, NY
4 hr 30 min from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

Located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, the Watkins Glen State Park has no less than 19 gorgeous waterfalls located within it! This trail is very popular and often crowded. But be sure to leave the dogs at home for this one – no pets allowed!

Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail

Portageville, NY
5 hours 15 min from Midtown
Level: Moderate*

Explore the “Grand Canyon of the East” and see stunning waterfalls on this hike! Surrounded by autumnal colors, this trail is a must for fall lovers.

*Difficulty levels taken from alltrails.com

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Adventuring Portal

<p><a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for kids.   We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&D.</p> <p>Our D&D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.  Monday – Friday.  Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).  15 total gaming hours for $180.  If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.   </p> <p>Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor’s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done & take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do.</p> <p>All our games focus on experiential learning.   Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&D adventuring!</p> <p>We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum. </p> <p>All girls’ groups available. </p> <p>I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started Adventuring Portal, an online Dungeons & Dragons business for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.</p>

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <div style="text-align: center;">Endless Options-Endless Fun! TADA! is so excited to offer weekend and after school classes, week long private and public school camps, and our Broadway 1-Day camps available for ages 3-14!  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Winter/Spring Semester Classes</strong><br />Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act! Join TADA! Youth Theater this Winter and Spring for after-school and weekend musical theater classes available to students ages 3-14! Throughout the semester students will engage in musical theater training, learn vocals and choreography to the latest Broadway hits, and experience ensemble based instruction with two NYC teaching artists.  Not only does our musical theater training inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and build confidence, but our classes also encourage students to explore and connect with others, creating lifelong friendships and a love for the arts.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway & 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Classes Schedule:</strong><br />Mondays:<br />Mondays, Ages 4-5 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Mondays, Ages 6-8 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Tuesdays:<br />Tuesdays, Ages 12-14 | 4:15PM-5:45PM<br />Wednesdays:<br />Wednesday, Ages 8-12 | 4PM-5:30PM<br />Saturdays:<br />Saturdays, Ages 3-4 | 10AM-11AM<br />Saturdays, Ages 5-7 | 10AM-11:30AM<br />Saturday, Ages 8-12 | 12N-1:30PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Class Descriptions:</strong><br />AGES 3-5, MUSICAL THEATER MINIS: Creativity takes center stage! In this upbeat, high-energy class, your Musical Theater Mini will learn new introductory skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Each session, students participate in fun, creative-play activities as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. At the end of the semester, your young star will belt out their favorite show tunes for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 5-8, JAZZY JUNIORS and AGES 8-12, RISING STARS: This class offers the perfect blend of musical theater exploration and fun theater games to keep kids creative and active all semester long!  Each session, students participate in musical theater training as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. By the end of the semester, they’ll be ready to confidently shine in their final sharing for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 12-14, BROADWAY BOUND: Let passion ignite, talent soar, and dreams take center stage!  Watch as students step into the spotlight and unleash their inner Broadway star in our advanced musical theater class for tweens & teens!  Throughout the semester, students will immerse themselves in the world of Broadway, learning iconic songs and exploring diverse theatrical styles. By the semester’s end, they’ll proudly showcase their talents in a spectacular cabaret-style musical revue. This isn’t just about performing—it’s about embracing the magic of musical theater, forging lasting friendships with fellow performers, and stepping into a world where every moment onstage feels like a standing ovation.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week Long Private and Public School Camps:</strong><br />When School is out, TADA! is in!  Now offering Week-long Public & Private School Break Camps for ages 4-5 & 5-9 this February, March, and April!  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Write it! Rehearse it! Perform it! Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Each week, students co-create an original musical in just five days!  Have your child unleash their inner star, share their voice, and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and applause! Don't miss out on the most epic musical theater adventure of the school year!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Spots are limited so don’t miss out! Our in-person camps take place at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway & 5th).  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">*On the last day of all camps, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child’s original mini-musical!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Public School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />February 17-21 |  Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | | $795 <br />April 22-26 | Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Private School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />March 17-21<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Pirates & Princesses! | | $500 <br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | | $795 <br />March 24-28<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Unicorns, Mermaids, Dinosaurs, OH MY! | | $500<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Learn more & register today! </strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2R13yNUGcd6RlQy0FsVMm1">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/school-<wbr />break-camps-3/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a sample class? Join us at our In-person Open House on January 11th, 2025!<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw0Nt2sRC86LUUhaw4DgKX5N">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/open-house/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay. Financial Assistance available.<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw0W6olBN_Kib7HEmnv4Bq3Y">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/financial-<wbr />assistance/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Broadway 1-Day Camps</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;">When School is out, TADA! is in! Join us for a fun-filled day learning vocals and choreography to a show-stopping musical number from a hit Broadway or movie musical. Our 1-day camps include vocal training, dance technique, exhilarating choreography, and fun theater activities led by two professional NYC Teaching Artists. Don’t miss a jam-packed day of musical theater fun!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Monday, January 20th (MLK Day) | Wicked <br />Wednesday, January 29th (Lunar New Year) | The Little Mermaid <br />Monday, March 31 (Eidal-Fitr) | Frozen <br />Thursday, June 5th (Eidal-Adha) | Matilda <br />Friday, June 6th (Clerical Day) | The Greatest Showman <br />Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth) | Moana <br />Friday, June 27th (Public School is out) | The Lion King <br />Monday, June 30th (July 4th week) | Trolls <br />Tuesday, July 1st  (July 4th week) | Wicked <br />Wednesday, July 2nd (July 4th week) | Newsies <br /><br /></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>