A weekend in the woods on the Appalachian trail was never in my future when I moved to Manhattan to start college last August. Now that I've checked it off my bucket list of "things I never thought I'd do," though, I hope that my unexpected foray into the great outdoors (read all about it in this Friday's Weekend edition) inspires you to escape the urban hustle and bustle for your own night under the stars.
Whether you take the same route as I to the little old town of Pawling, or venture out to one of the options below, it's bound to be a win/win situation for you and the lucky friends you ask to accompany you. Happy trails!
1.) Croton Point Park: If you're short on time (and let's face it, who isn't?), but still in search of a doable getaway, head just an hour north to Westchester County park. Once you pitch your tent on the Hudson River, spend the afternoon hiking and swimming if the weather allows, or take a detour from nature with a tour of the nearby historic wineries.
Price: Tent sites are $30 a night with a park pass, $50 without.
Travel: From Grand Central Terminal, take Metro-North's Hudson Line to the Croton-Harmon station, then walk about a half-mile walk to the park entrance. Visit westchestergov.com for reservations.
