Author: Site Adminstrator

Whether you’re looking for some seasonal exercise or the perfect fall getaway, nothing goes better together than autumn and hiking! The weather is crisp, the leaves are changing color, and it’s time to strap on your hiking boots. We’ve put together a list all of our favorite hiking spots that are only a drive away from NYC…and that are actually worth the trek! From the challenging rock scrambles of Breakneck Ridge to the serene paths of the Catskill Scenic Trail, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our list of Secret NYC-approved hiking trails that you should cross off your fall bucket list:

1. Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain State Park is a frequent fall hiking spot for seasoned vets, since many of them are challenging climbs with rewarding views. There’s a 4.2-mile trail loop in the park, which includes sections of the Major Welch Trail and Appalachian Trail, and features steep ascents and over 1,000 stone steps. We recommend setting aside 2 – 3 hours if you plan to do the whole trail, since it can be strenuous at points and there’s plenty of viewing spots to admire along the way!

What we really advise is turning this fall hike into a fall getaway, and booking a night at the historic Bear Mountain Inn to get the full autumnal experience.

3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY (Bear Mountain State Park)

1 hour

2. Mt Van Hoevenberg​

Way up in the Adirondacks you’ll find Mt. Van Hoevenberg, whose scenic hike elevates you all the way up to a 2,940-foot summit. You can access the peak via two routes: the East Trail, which is 1.8 miles one way, and the West Trail, which is 2.2 miles one way, both providing a moderate hiking experience with some steep sections. When you get to the top, you’ll be greeted to sweeping views of the High Peaks Wilderness…just colored in autumn reds and oranges. It’s one of, if not our favorite Adirondacks hike.

While you’re at the Mt Van Hoevenburg premises, be sure to try out the Cliffside Coaster, America’s longest mountain roller coaster through the foliage.

Lake Placid, NY

  5 hours

3. Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail

There’s a reason they call this trail the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and it’s because you’ve probably never seen waterfalls and beautiful fall colors like this before. The gorge trail sits inside Letchworth State Park and is a 7-mile (one-way) hike that meanders along the Genessee River and has a countless number of incredible vantage points. While it’s a hefty length in all, feel free to choose how far you wish to hike. When we say it’s worth making the absolute trek to Western New York for these waterfalls (over 5 hours driving), we mean it.

Letchworth State Park

  5 hours, 30 minutes

4. Breakneck Ridge

Just over an hour from Grand Central Station via Metro-North, Breakneck Ridge has rose to fame in recent years as a popular fall hike, and we also give it a stamp of approval. The Hudson Valley trailhead has several routes, ranging from a short 1-mile loop to a longer 4.5-mile trek to Cold Spring, and is quite rewarding thanks to the panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. It’s one of the most accessible fall hikes from NYC, which also makes it one of the busiest (especially on the weekends).

472 Bear Mountain-Beacon Hwy, Cold Spring, NY

  1 hour, 30 minutes

5. Glen Creek Gorge Trail

The Finger Lakes region in general is a rich hub of hiking spots, but one of our favorites is The Glen Creek Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park. During the fall, hikers can embark on a breathtaking 1.5-mile (one-way) journey…walking on stone staircases and idyllic bridges past 19 waterfalls and narrow gorges. The iconic Rainbow Falls is along the route, a natural beauty that’s truly ethereal and creates a magical environment amongst the changing foliage. If you go, try to go on off-hours as it gets busy, and be sure to wear proper footwear as it’s often wet due to the falls!

Watkins Glen State Park

  4 hours, 30 minutes

6. Gertrude’s Nose Loop

This 6.7-mile trail in the Hudson Valley is pretty awesome, and in the fall you can catch the changing fall colors of the Shawangunk Mountains from the summit of the hike. Starting at Lake Minnewaska, the trail winds through rocky outcrops and cliffside paths, ending up at this cinematic lookout called “The Nose” that juts out into the fall terrain. We recommend doing this hike on a counterclockwise route to tackle challenging sections first and enjoy breathtaking panoramas at the end.

5281 US-44 #55, Kerhonkson, NY

  2 hours from NYC

7. Catskill Scenic Trail

With over 26 miles of hiking trails to choose from, Catskill Scenic Trail runs between Bloomville and Roxbury, New York, offering a once-in-a-lifetime fall adventure through farm fields, alongside the Delaware River, and past small Catskill towns. The original path was created for the Ulster & Delaware Railroad which ran until 1932, and n0w serves as one of the best trails in Upstate New York. With so much territory, there’s plenty of area to hike in because you’ll get the best foliage views no matter what.

Delaware County, New York

  2+ hours from NYC

8. Anthony’s Nose

Anthony’s Nose is a shorter hike on this list, but it still offers hikers a great glimpse of some fall foliage. It’s about a 2 mile roundtrip hike with a 700 feet elevation gain and a great summit view. It’s right near Bear Mountain (which we talked about earlier on this list), so it’s another great option to pair with that if you have an extra hour or two to spare! The best part is you can even take Metro-North to get up to Cortlandt Manor, NY where this breathtaking hike awaits.

Hudson Highlands in Cortlandt Manor, NY

  1 hour, 30 minutes from NYC

9. Storm King Mountain

Storm King Mountain is a great hiking trail all year round, but it’s particular best in the fall when you can take in the panoramic foliage views over the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. The 2.5 to 2.7-mile loop trail is pretty moderate in terms of difficulty, and has a few steep sections, particularly at the start when ascending Butter Hill. Nonetheless, the rewarding aerial view at the top is so worth it, especially if you go early in the morning or on weekdays when it’s not crowded. For best access to the trail and parking, look around Route 9W!

Storm King State Park

  1 hour, 45 minutes from NYC

10. High Falls Gorge

Dubbed the “Adirondack’s most breathtaking 30 minute walk,” the High Falls Gorge is absolutely stunning, especially during the fall. For a small price ($18 tickets), you can stroll along the ever-flowing Ausable River and catch a glimpse of the four cascading waterfalls set amongst the peak fall foliage of the Adirondacks. This hike is a full-on attraction, with an accompanying cafe and gift shop, which you can check out after taking a little hike across steel bridges, walkways, and groomed walking trails.

This trail is home to the Climax Forest (a protected forest area of established American hemlock trees that are hundreds of years old), “The Ancient Valley of Foaming Water” (a mesmerizing, deep crevice carved by the AuSable River thousands of years ago), and much more.

4761 NYS Route 86, Wilmington, NY

5+ hours from NYC

The post 10 Beautiful Fall Hikes Near NYC That Are Worth The Trek Upstate appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Twenty-five years ago, a bright yellow sponge with the goal of becoming a fry cook first graced our television screens. Reading that back, it is a wonder that SpongeBob Squarepants made it out of the script stage. But as a child who watched the first episode so many moons ago, it was a certified hit in my household, and many, many others. Four movies, a handful of video games, TV specials and even a Tony award-winning musical later, SpongeBob SquarePants is marking an amazing 25 years on air. To celebrate, restaurants around the country are collaborating to bring the famous Krabby Patty to life.

From Tuesday, October 8, to Sunday, October 27, over 250 restaurants across the country are serving up dishes from our favorite yellow sponge for “The Krabby Patty Kollab.” Thirteen New York restaurants are diving in, taking their spin on Bikini Bottom’s most sought after recipe. Queen’s residents can sink their teeth into the Mac Patty x Krabby Patty from Datz’s Deli, while Nowon’s Krusted Beef Burger comes with a side of Pickles Kelp ‘Nuggets’ aka tater tots with a seaweed seasoning. However, the pop-up goes beyond what you may find between two buns. Expect SpongeBob inspired doughnuts, ice creams, dumplings and even a Krusty Krab Pizza courtesy of Prince Street Pizza. And we aren’t saying you have to sing the song while you eat it, actually, you absolutely should.  

Here’s the lineup of participating restaurants below:

1. Bagel Boss
2. Black Tap
3. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
4. Datz’s Deli
5. Ess-a-Bagel
6. Hamburger America
7. Harlem Shake
8. Phoenicia Diner
9. Prince Street Pizza
10. Mark’s Off Madison
11. Nowon
12. Smashed NYC
13. Utopia Bagels

Remember to catch these limited edition dishes until October 27 before they go back under the sea.

* This article was originally published here

Globetrotters were thrilled to hear that the U.S. Department of State recently reopened online passport renewals, meaning the process can now be done without a dreaded trip to the post office, but that’s not the only good news coming out of the passport world–passport processing times are now going to be much faster as well! So if you’ve been putting off the dreaded process of renewing your passport, or applying for a new one, you may still be in the clear to have it done before your dream vacay.

Here’s what you need to know:

How long is the current wait for a U.S. passport?

While the normal processing time for a passport used to be 6-8 weeks, according to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, processing times for passports will now be reduced to 4-6 weeks. The announcement comes after months of the Bureau of Consular Affairs already issuing passports well under the 6-8 week commitment.

Does the new processing time apply to both applications submitted by paper and online?

Yes, the 4-6 week processing time applies to both applications submitted by paper or online, so even if you prefer to keep things old school and online passport renewal isn’t really your thing, you’ll still have your hands on your passport faster than usual. To clarify, processing times begin when an application is received by the State Department, not when the application is mailed.

Does the new processing time apply to expedited passport services?

No, the new processing time doesn’t apply to those in need of expedited service for U.S. passports. That processing time is quicker, though, and remains unchanged at 2-3 weeks.

How do I check the progress of my passport?

To check your application status you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website 14 business days after you apply. You can also call 1-877-487-2778 or email NPIC@state.gov.

What else should I know?

Of course, the U.S. Department of State still encourages travelers always check their passport expiration date and apply early as well as research their destination to make sure they’re familiar with all of the requirements–such as this 6-month passport rule every traveler should know about. They also encourage travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.

If you don’t have a vacation in the books yet, be sure to check our guide on how to find cheap flights!

The post Passport Processing Times Are About To Get Much Faster appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Before NYC turns into a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow, Upstate New York offers the earliest views of fall foliage—with some areas even reaching peak right now! Though hiking beautiful trails or booking an autumn getaway is a great way to see the changing of the leaves, have you ever considered what they might look like from the sky?

Scenic SkyRide, Kaatskill Flyer, takes thrill seekers and leaf peepers to the summit of Hunter Mountain more than 3,000 feet in the air. Not only can riders take in the breathtaking fall foliage over the Catskills, but sights can stretch as far as the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts and the Green Mountains in Vermont on a clear day.

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A post shared by Hunter Mountain (@huntermountain)

Hunter Mountain skyride fits up to six passengers per chair. Operating like a ski lift, passengers will need to get seated as the chair approaches and a safety bar will be lowered. The entire duration of the Scenic SkyRide comes to approximately 22 minutes round-trip. Sometimes the SkyRide will make stops which gives riders the perfect opportunity to take in the surrounding beauty.

Upon arriving at the summit of Hunter Mountain, visitors have the chance to explore even further with a hike to the highest fire tower in New York State, reaching 4,040 feet in the air.

The Scenic SkyRide is only available on Saturdays & Sundays between September 7 – October 13. Adult tickets start at $27

Plus, while you’re making a trip Upstate, you might as well check out other incredible things to do in the Catskills, like a fall foliage ride across historic railroad tracks or book a stay at this Scandinavian-inspired hygge destination.

Hunter Mountain is only a 2 hour and 30 minute drive from NYC.

64 Klein Ave, Hunter, NY

The post This Gorgeous Gondola Less Than 3 Hours From NYC Floats You Over NY’s Best Fall Foliage appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

We’re officially out of summer and if you’re looking to fully lean into the eerie, spooky vibes of October, then you can’t miss a new family-friendly exhibit that is coming to the Rockefeller Center next week.

From Saturday, October 12, until November 12, “Sleep Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest” is bringing a multi-sensory experience like no other to a trippy, 13,000-square-foot space under one of the most iconic buildings in the city. 

RECOMMENDED: See the Sistine Chapel up close and personal in NYC

The experience is based on the story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. If you’re not familiar, the story takes place in a sleepy Dutch town in the 1790s, where a superstitious school master named Ichabod Crane encounters a Headless Horseman. The horseman chases Crane and throws his pumpkin head on him, making him disappear. Although the story is not exactly horrifying by today’s standards, it’s a classic that has been interpreted in countless ways throughout the centuries. 

The experience at Rockefeller Center starts at the Sleepy Hollow Harvest, where you’ll encounter freshly pressed apple cider and characters from the Headless Horseman tale. Then, you’ll make your way through the Hollows and the cornfield before you arrive at Ichabod’s Enchanted Grove. The journey winds through a few more experiences before ending at the Jack O’Lantern Atelier, where you can carve and decorate your own pumpkin to take home. 

The interactive event is meant to be engaging to all ages, so even if you don’t have any children to bring, you’ll still probably have a great time (especially if you go during happy hour). Throughout the exhibit’s duration, there will be plenty of special events: Every Saturday from 11am until 3pm, there will be a Seedling Harvest Party involving costume competitions and face painting. On Wednesdays at 7pm, you’ll be able to watch Halloween classics like Ghostbusters at Sleepy Hollow, and on Fridays from 5pm-8pm, you can sip on spiked potions and brews at The Witch’s Hearth bar. 

The exhibit will be open from 12pm until 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 11am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays; and will be closed on Tuesdays. 

Tickets range from $34-$44 per person. You can plan your visit on their website here. 

* This article was originally published here