For nature-lovers living in New York City, there is a surprising amount of hiking located only a train ride away. This weekend, I took a day trip to the Hudson Valley to hike the Popolopen Torne Loop. After hiking Breakneck Ridge during the summer, I had to go back to the area to witness the autumn colors. My friends and I decided on this trail, because like Breakneck Ridge, there is a decent amount of rock scrambling and a summit with panoramic views of the valley.
The hike is a 4.7 mile loop that includes creek-side strolls, rock scrambling, and beautiful views of the fall foliage as the season begins to change. While the official site rates the trail as difficult, I would rate it moderate depending on the speed you’re going. The rock scrambling is a bit precarious, but taken slowly, an active individual could definitely complete this hike. The trail is moderately trafficked, and on a Sunday afternoon, there were quite a few people out on the trial.
From New York City, I took the Metro North along the Hudson line to Manitou station and then caught a 10-minute Uber to the trailhead. The hike is a little confusing because there are many different trails all intersecting and diverging in the same area, so be careful to follow the blue markers throughout the hike. The beginning of the trail takes you along relatively easy paths through wooded areas and along a lake and river. With the crunch of leaves beneath my feet and the crisp fall air, this adventure in nature was exactly what I needed after a busy week in the city.
After a difficult ascent up a mountainside of boulders and huge slabs of rock, we arrived at the summit. Looking out over the valley, I was struck by the varying colors of trees painting the landscape. My friends and I scouted out a spot and picnicked on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and apple slices.
Near the end of the hike, we came across a lake with beautiful reflections of the autumn trees. The peacefulness of the lake after the heart-pounding hike was the perfect ending to the trail.
What to Wear:
For a hiking day trip, having the right supplies is critical. In order to carry all your water, snacks, camera equipment, and other necessities, your backpack needs to have organizational compartments and be large enough to fit all your supplies. I recommend the LeSport Sac Voyager Backpack or the Osprey backpack for day hiking. Both are durable and provide enough room for a day’s supply of water, food, and a jacket, without being overly bulky.
