YOU can help the Trail Conference rebuild and protect vital trails in our region after this summer's devastating storms by taking part in our annual Trail-A-Thon this October!

By participating in this year's Trail-A-Thon, you can contribute to our work, including storm recovery efforts, win prizes, and most-of-all, have fun by raising funds from your circle of friends and family while exploring your favorite park, hiking a new trail, or taking a stroll around your neighborhood this fall. Set your own mileage and fundraising goals and hit the trail throughout October!

The Trail Conference has some exciting news to share! As you flip through the pages of the Fall 2023 issue of Trail Walker, you'll likely notice it has a fresh new look. This new format allows us to showcase the incredible images and stories of our volunteers and the significant achievements of the Trail Conference in a way that's bigger, brighter, and more engaging than ever before. In recent years, we've been on a path of modernization, and the Trail Walker is a reflection of that progress. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the New York State Parks Centennial Celebration, marking the century anniversary of the founding of New York's statewide park and historic site system, scheduled for 2024. Commissioner Kulleseid previewed the celebration with a two-day tour of parks and historic sites across the state, including a visit with our Executive Director Josh Howard at Lake Welch in Harriman State Park.

"The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is proud to commemorate a century of collaboration and partnership with New York State Parks. Since its inception, the Trail Conference has worked together with New York State to preserve and protect our cherished park system," said Josh. "Our partnership has fostered a legacy of conservation, ensuring the beauty of New York State remains accessible for generations to come."

Next year, New York will commemorate the centennial anniversary with hundreds of community celebrations, performances, and special events.

Anne Todd Osborn and Fred Osborn III, with a storied family history of conservation and advocacy, have made a profound impact on our region's environmental movement. Their dedication to land preservation and service for organizations like the Trail Conference, The Nature Conservancy, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater exemplifies their commitment.

The Trail Conference is proud to be a slice of the Osborns' history and to include their family as part of our legacy. The Osborns' service in advancing our mission is commendable and deserving of a special celebration as the honorees at our 2023 Annual Gala on October 13th in Garrison, NY. Please join us for a wonderful evening in support of the Trail Conference's important work! Space is limited — purchase your table or individual tickets today.

In partnership with Catskills Lark in the Park, the Trail Conference's Catskill Summit Stewards invite you on a guided hike along the Escarpment Trail near North-South Lake. Learn Leave No Trace principles, enhance your map-reading and navigation skills, and delve into the area's fascinating history. Following the hike, consider joining our litter clean-up efforts at the Scutt Road parking area.

The Catskills Lark in the Park is an annual celebration of the Catskill Park and the Catskill Mountains region of NY. The Trail Conference is excited to be part of this year’s events!

The Lenape Trail has been featured in the latest issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine! Named in recognition of the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of the area, the Lenape Trail is a 36-mile urban-suburban pathway connecting 18 parks and 11 communities in Essex County, New Jersey, from Newark to Milburn.

Since 2010, Trail Conference volunteers and staff have dedicated more than 2,300 hours on efforts such as trail clearing, mounting blazes and markings, installation of wayfinding signage, and improving the environmental sustainability of the Lenape Trail. View our complete guide for detailed maps, points of interest along the trail, and more.

View of Hook Mountain by volunteer Steve Aaron

Hike: Hook Mountain Loop
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Aside from offering sweeping views of the Hudson River, this loop trail showcases the extraordinary work of the Trail Conference's Long Distance Trails Crew. The white trail features nearly a mile of carefully constructed stone paths and staircases which cross the side of the talus slope below the Palisades cliffs. After a short but steep climb, you'll reach the summit of Hook Mountain, a popular spot for observing hawks and falcons, providing you with sweeping 360-degree views. The trail will meander across the top of the cliffs, with occasional views, before descending another impressive stone staircase by the Long Distance Trails Crew. A short descent and a pleasant stroll along the Hudson River shoreline will guide you back to your starting point.

Shop our store: Prepare for your hike and grab our newly updated Hudson Palisades Trails Map! The 2023 edition features 100 miles of trails and bike paths along the western side of the Hudson River, including 40 miles of the Long Path and parks like the Palisades Interstate Park. The update also includes significant changes, such as the new Boulders Loop Trail at Nyack Beach State Park, a more accurate depiction of the challenging Giant Stairs area, and a new inset map for the area around the George Washington Bridge.

After the hike: Shop in downtown Nyack and stop by our retail partner, Long Path Outfitters. Trail Conference members receive a discount!

Founded in 1923, the New York Ramblers Hiking Club is celebrating its 100th year of outdoor adventures. The club welcomes new members as it continues its weekly hikes to some of the Trail Conference's most popular trails in parks like Harriman State Park and Storm King State Park. Next month, the club also anticipates a New York City mayoral proclamation in recognition of their contribution to the health and outdoor recreation of New Yorkers.

Join us for an upcoming event, workshop, or volunteering day! Many of these opportunities are free and are hosted at our active trail crew sites. By dedicating just a few hours of your time, you'll play a vital role in preserving and enhancing our trails. Don't miss out on the chance to make a meaningful impact this fall!