Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a day off away from NYC’s hustle and bustle or even a whole weekend that you may have free? If you are, have you ever thought about going on a hiking adventure? If you are like many other New Yorkers, there is a good chance that the thought has at least crossed your mind before. Hiking is not only fun and exciting but, for many, it is also a great way to relax and get fit at the same time.
What to Consider Before Planning Your Next Hudson Valley Hiking Adventure
by Certified Fitness Trainer Maxwell Alexander
If you are interested in going on a hiking adventure, you may want to get started with the planning right away. While it is more than possible to do so, there are a number of important factors that you may first want to take into consideration. These factors, which are outlined below, may help make planning your next hiking adventure easier and they may also make your adventure when it comes, much more memorable.
One of the many factors that you will want to take into consideration, before planning a hiking adventure, is your health. Although hiking can be a fun and exciting activity to participate in, it can also be strenuous. If you are planning on going hiking, it is advised that you go hiking on a trail that is designed for beginners, unless you receive clearance from your physician. Most individuals are able to go hiking without experiencing any health problems, but you don’t really want to take that chance; do you?
Something else that you may want to take into consideration when planning a hiking adventure for yourself is the length of your hike. How long would you like to go hiking? While a large number of individuals choose to go hiking just for a day, there are many more who take extended hiking trips. What is nice is that many hiking trials and hiking parks in the United States have onsite campgrounds. This means that you could turn your hiking adventure into a camping one as well if you wanted to do so.
Location is another factor that you may want to take into consideration when looking to plan a hiking adventure. In the Hudson Valley, you will find that a large number of parks and nature preserves, both large and small in size, have numerous hiking trails to choose from. Before you start planning your next Hudson Valley hiking adventure, you may want to examine where you would like to hike. If you are interested in hiking at a park that is located a ways away from one of the Metro-North stops, you may need to make additional travel arrangements. However, some trails literally start directly from the train station so google around to find the best yet manageable hike.
Cost is another factor that you may want to take into consideration when looking to plan your next hiking adventure. In some Hudson Valley parks, you will find that you will be charged a small parking fee if you are arriving in a vehicle. The length of your hiking adventure and if you plan on camping onsite may play an important role in the cost of your next hiking adventure, so make sure to do research on any admission fees and other local regulations when you found the trail or camping site that you like.
Another great way to take the excitement of your next hiking adventure is to fit in a light fitness-oriented activity in your schedule. Hudson Valley has plenty of trails created specifically for mountain biking. I personally love to do anything that has to do with the water, like paddleboarding. An inflatable paddleboard seems like a great investment that will fit in your small New York City apartment’s closet yet it’s mobile enough to carry it with you to your next adventure in the Hudson Valley. Check out the Canopus Lake with several lake access points around the lake. Just don’t forget to get your boating permit in the park office located right next to the lake.
The above-mentioned points are ones that you will want to think about when planning your next Hudson Valley hiking adventure. By taking the above-mentioned points into consideration you will not only have a good time, but you will make sure that you stay healthy and safe as well.