Guide on Placing Our Site in New York City (Indeed, Possible)

Exploring the Outdoors in New York City with the Appalachian Mountain Club

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is on a mission to make outdoor access easier for everyone in New York City. With over 100 years of connecting New Yorkers to the outdoors, the AMC has become a trusted resource for nature and outdoor activities in the city.

One of the ways AMC is growing its New York community is through its All Out action plan for 2030. This initiative aims to expand the AMC's reach and provide more opportunities for New Yorkers to connect with nature.

AMC members have played a significant role in building the trail network in Harriman State Park, one of the largest state parks in New York. Eileen Yin, the Director of New York Growth for AMC, is one such member who has been an active participant in AMC's efforts. Eileen met many of her lifelong friends through the AMC and even became an avid paddler after being introduced to canoeing by an AMC member.

For those looking to explore the outdoors in New York City, the AMC recommends several parks throughout the city. Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx is one of the city's largest green spaces with miles of wooded trails. The Old Croton Aqueduct and the John Muir Trail are popular choices for nature enthusiasts.

Empire State Trail is another recommended destination. It's the longest multi-use trail in the U.S., stretching from New York City to Canada. The city section offers scenic waterfront, greenways, and urban energy for walking, biking, or running.

Alley Pond Park in Queens is home to NYC's oldest and tallest tree, as well as forest trails, freshwater wetlands, and the Alley Pond Environmental Center. Wildlife spotting opportunities include owls. Pomonok Bay / Little Bay Park in Queens is a peaceful waterfront spot with quiet shoreline paths and sweeping views of the Throgs Neck Bridge, popular among walkers, birders, and cyclists.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens/Brooklyn hosts more than 300 species of birds and features trails through salt marsh, dunes, and shoreline habitats. It's accessible by public transit, making it an easily reachable destination for city dwellers.

In addition to these parks, AMC offers guided outdoor activities and bus trips from NYC to nearby natural areas, like the Croton Gorge Park Waterfall Hike, which is ideal for reconnecting with nature and exploring trails outside the city.

For those seeking a more mindful nature experience, AMC organizes events in Central Park and Bronx parks such as Soundview Park, involving nature-bathing and journaling workshops. These events blend urban green spaces with wellness activities, providing a unique opportunity for city dwellers to connect with nature and improve their well-being.

AMC membership includes benefits such as discounts on lodging, books, maps, gear, and merchandise, and access to thousands of free activities. The membership is a tax-deductible contribution to AMC's mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors.

AMC also offers weekend stay-cations at Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, providing a chance to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors just a short distance away. Additionally, AMC offers programs like the Summer Street Series, which offers weekly section walks through Manhattan & Brooklyn on Saturdays in August. For 20-and-30-somethings, there's Swipe Right Thursday Nights for 20s & 30s, a relaxed after-work walk along the water.

For those interested in exploring more of New York's outdoor offerings, AMC offers weekly bus trips from New York City to natural areas that are typically hard to reach without a vehicle (Concrete to Trails). These trips provide a unique opportunity to explore New York's natural beauty beyond the city limits.

Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting out, the Appalachian Mountain Club provides a wealth of opportunities for New Yorkers to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

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AMC's All Out action plan for 2030 aims to expand the club's reach, offering more opportunities for New Yorkers to engage in outdoor-living and lifestyle activities, such as hiking, biking, or canoeing, within the city and beyond its limits.
For individuals seeking a tranquil mental escape amidst nature, AMC arranges events like sound baths and journaling workshops in city parks, such as Central Park and Bronx's Soundview Park, promoting home-and-garden wellness activities that blend urban serenity with the great outdoors.