Advanced Hiking New York

5.5 Mile Flushing Meadows Hike

This time we'll be going out to to Flushing Meadows Park, the site of the 1964-1965 World's Fair. We'll meet on the boardwalk 100 feet south of the "7" subway station at Mets-Willets Point (Citi Field), except rather than going north toward Citi Field, go south 100 feet on the boardwalk. ***Wear waterproof shoes or boots!!!*** There are always a lot of puddles & mud on the west side of the lake. The boardwalk is not visible on the street Google map, but it's very visible on the satellite google map, and labelled as the "Flushing Meadows Pedestrian Bridge". We will meet closer to the "7" train station than to the LIRR station. The boardwalk is about 60 feet wide where we will meet, next to the west railing, and I look like my picture. We'll walk the length of the Flushing Meadows Park and back, around the lake, then through to outside the Queens Botanical Gardens (which is fenced off), then to Main Street Flushing where we will eat dinner at a Chinese restaurant that has agreed to do separate checks. We'll be arriving at the restaurant at about 7:00pm (sunset will be at 7:53pm). ***BRING CASH FOR DINNER!!!*** The restaurant has a $20 credit card minimum, and it's cheap -- dinner with a beer may be less than that (though there's been a lot of inflation lately, so it may be more). There will be no vaccine requirement for the hike or to eat dinner with us. From the restaurant it's just another several blocks up Main St to Roosevelt Avenue and the "7" train home. Note that it's a Hunan restaurant, and most, though not all, of the dishes are spicy, and when they say "spicy", they really mean it. Spicy dishes are marked as such on the menu. Attendance at this event is free, and by attending, you agree that you and any guests participate at your own risk, and that you will not take any legal action against the organizers of this group for anything unfortunate that may happen during this outing. There is especially a risk that you will get separated from the group and lost or mugged, and if that happens the responsibility will be yours. By attending, you assert that you are competent to find your own way home, if necessary. By attending, you consent to the liability waiver, which you can read online here: **[http://www.bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc](http://www.bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc)**

CONCRETE TO TRAILS: Big Woods/Hidden Lake & Old Souls Outfitter

[>> MUST REGISTER HERE PLEASE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001ElWL/act00022795) Please register with the link above. MeetUp is not used for trip registration. **Trade sidewalks for dirt paths—no car needed!** **Concrete to Trails** bus trips make it easy to hike, explore, and meet fellow outdoor lovers just beyond the city. No experience required. We are taking the van to Cold Spring New York! We are going for a hike within Fahnestock State Park from Big Woods Trailhead to Hidden Lake before going to Old Souls Outfitter for social relaxation time and a chance to tour their unique store. This is a great trip for anyone looking to learn more about Appalachian Mountain Club. **Trip info:** * Activity rating: Moderate * Distance: 4 miles * Vertical gain: 750 feet * Terrain: Uneven, rocky, dirt, hilly * Bathrooms: No * Breaks: Mid-trip **What to Bring:** * Sturdy hiking footwear * Weather appropriate clothing * 2+ liters of water * Lunch and/or snacks * Sun & Bug protection **Registration Details:** * Registration on the AMC website (activites.outdoors.org) is required for each participant. **Meeting Info:** * The group will meet before 9:00 AM. * Final details will be sent to all registered participants the day prior to the hike. **Cost:** * $10 Appalachian Mountain Club members / $40 non-members **Refund Policy:** * For this trip, a refund is possible if you cancel online one week before the trip and your space can be filled. *[Join the Appalachian Mountain Club](https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SRCH-BD-Membership&utm_content=646623979096&utm_term=amc%20membership&campaign=701Ht0000021JlHIAU&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19637476529&gbraid=0AAAAADsKo9dnAqa1VJqH3LyYNhdACYyP0&gclid=CjwKCAjw1tLOBhAMEiwAiPkRHjOmW2vC430Svt3FwgGO8z7PBAbPlNSkkAgZ0OM4Md0NcputTWw5qhoC6uQQAvD_BwE&_gl=1*18uwd4z*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3ODA3NDMyMTIuQ2p3S0NBancxdExPQmhBTUVpd0FpUGtSSGpPbVcydkM0MzBTdnQzRndnR084ejdQQkFiUGxOU2trQWdaME9NNE1kME5jcHV0VFd3NXFob0M2dVFRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MzMwNjUxOTk2LjE3ODAwNTIxMTU.*_ga*MTkxMjY5NzIyMS4xNzQ0ODIyNzcx*_ga_NDC0EQDH7W*czE3ODUxODA1MjAkbzMxMyRnMSR0MTc4NTE4MTA5MCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.)* *Membership supports hundreds of free/low-cost outdoor experiences, thousands of miles of trails, hundreds of thousands of acres of protected wilderness, outdoor leadership education, access to nature for everyone, and your local volunteer leaders.* AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

6.5 Mile Herald Square to Battery Park Hike

We'll be going from Herald Square down to Battery Park, and then for dinner at a restaurant on Stone Street that does separate checks for large groups. We'll be going through as many parks and points of interest as can be arranged. We'll be starting just north of the Broadway entrance to Macy's. There are restrooms available at Macy's in the basement -- the women's room is in the northeast corner, and the men's room is in the middle of the southern edge of the basement. Make sure you use the bathroom, our next opportunity won't be until Washington Square Park. Attendance on this hike is free, and all participants attend at their own risk. By attending, you agree to the terms of the release waiver, which you can read at **[http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc](http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc)** In it, you basically give up any right whatsoever to sue, to the fullest extent possible by law.

🥾🍕 Riverdale & Yonkers Hike & Food Crawl! 🏛️🍰

# 🥾🍕 Riverdale & Yonkers Hike & Food Crawl! 🏛️🍰 **🌆 Explore Where I Grew Up • Eat Amazing Food • Hike Through the Bronx • Finish With a 2-FOOT Pizza!** 📅 **Saturday, August 22, 2026** ⏰ **12:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 📍 **Meet in front of Walgreens** **5564 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10463** Get ready for a very different kind of Bronx adventure! 😎🥾 We're going to **walk, eat, explore, take in some incredible architecture, hike through Van Cortlandt Park, and eventually make our way into Yonkers for one of the craziest pizza experiences around!** 🍝🏛️🌳🍰🍕 And there's a little personal history behind this one... ### ❤️ A WALK THROUGH WHERE I GREW UP I was raised in **Riverdale**, so this hike is going to take us through some of the neighborhoods and places that were part of my childhood. 🥹🏡 We might even pass by the area where I was raised! 👀😂 **Don't worry — we won't disturb the current residents!** 🤣🏠 I'll be sharing some of my own stories and pointing out interesting places along the way, so you're not just getting a hike — you're getting a little tour through **my version of Riverdale.** ❤️ *** ## 🍝🇩🇴 STOP #1 — EL ECONOMICO We'll start our food adventure at **El Economico**, right near West 231st Street. And yes — I checked! 🇩🇴🔥 **El Economico is a Dominican restaurant**, serving traditional Dominican and Latin comfort food. It's an old-school neighborhood spot known for hearty portions and classic dishes like **mofongo, sancocho, pernil, chicharrón, stewed meats, rice and beans, plantains, and Dominican breakfast favorites.** 🍚🍗🥩🍌 We'll grab some **pastelitos** to fuel up before hitting the streets. 😋🔥 It's casual, authentic Bronx food — exactly the kind of place that fits this adventure! *** ## 🏛️🌳 STOP #2 — FIELDSTON After filling our stomachs, we'll head into **Fieldston**, one of the Bronx's most beautiful and unique neighborhoods. Get ready for: 🏡 Gorgeous historic homes 🏰 Victorian-style architecture 🌳 Tree-lined streets 🌿 Beautiful greenery 📸 Plenty of photo opportunities Fieldston is known for its **historic residential character and impressive homes**, and walking through it can feel like you've suddenly left New York City without actually leaving the Bronx! 😮 We'll take our time walking through the neighborhood and enjoying the scenery. *** ## 🍰🥕 STOP #3 — LLOYD'S CARROT CAKE Then comes dessert! 😋 We'll make our way to **Lloyd's Carrot Cake**, one of Riverdale's most famous food institutions. Lloyd's began in **1986**, when founder Lloyd Adams opened the original Riverdale storefront after developing and refining a carrot-cake recipe inspired by his mother's recipe. The family business has been serving its famous made-from-scratch baked goods for decades. 🍰❤️ Their signature carrot cake is known for its **moist cake, cream-cheese frosting, walnuts and raisins** — and it has developed a seriously loyal following. 🥕🍰🔥 This is one of those **"you can't come to Riverdale and not try it"** stops! *** ## 🌲🥾 STOP #4 — VAN CORTLANDT PARK Now it's time to work off some of that food! 😂 We'll head into **Van Cortlandt Park** for the hiking portion of our adventure. 🌳🥾 We'll explore the park's trails, wooded areas, open spaces, and beautiful scenery as we make our way north toward Yonkers. This is where the adventure gets a little more active, so **comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended!** 👟🥾 Bring water! 💧 And don't worry — we'll take breaks along the way. 😊 *** # 🍕🤯 FINAL STOP — PIZZA BARN IN YONKERS! And now... **THE GRAND FINALE!** 🎉🔥 We're heading into Yonkers to visit **Pizza Barn — home of the legendary SUPER SLICE!** 🍕🍕🍕 Pizza Barn has been serving Yonkers since **1975**, but in 2016 they introduced their famous **2-FOOT Super Slice**, which quickly became an internet sensation. 🤯📏🍕 That's right... ### 🍕🍕🍕 TWO. FEET. OF. PIZZA. 🍕🍕🍕 The Super Slice is literally **24 inches long** and has become one of Yonkers' most famous food attractions. Pizza Barn even calls it the **"World's Biggest Pizza Slice."** And here's the crazy part: The giant pizza isn't just for the picture — the restaurant says the Super Slice is a genuine New York-style pizza with different topping options. 🤤🍕 **Bring your appetite... or bring friends to help!** 😂 It's the perfect ridiculous ending to a day that started in Riverdale and took us all the way through the Bronx and into Yonkers. *** # 🚶‍♂️🚇 YOU DON'T HAVE TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE ROUTE! **This is important!** I know not everyone will want or be able to complete the entire hike, so **I'll let everyone know certain exit points along the route.** 🚇🚌🚕 If you need to leave early, you'll have opportunities to exit the group and make your way home. We'll also have **bathroom breaks 🚻, rest breaks 🪑, and opportunities to stop and regroup** along the way. So don't feel like you have to be a marathon runner to join us! 😂 Come for the entire adventure or join us for as much of it as you can. *** # 🎒 WHAT TO BRING 👟 Comfortable walking/hiking shoes 💧 Water ☀️ Weather-appropriate clothing 📱 Fully charged phone 💵 Money/credit card for food 🚇 Your preferred way to get home 😋 An appetite! *** # ⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY & TRANSPORTATION DISCLAIMER This is an **active walking and hiking event** involving extended walking, hills, stairs, uneven surfaces, streets, sidewalks, park trails, and changing outdoor/weather conditions. Please consider your **own physical abilities and limitations** before participating. Participants are responsible for their own safety and belongings during the event. **The organizer, Steven, and the Meetup group are not responsible for injuries, accidents, illness, falls, lost or damaged belongings, or other incidents that may occur before, during, or after the event.** By participating, you acknowledge that you are choosing to participate **at your own risk.** 🚨 **PLEASE ALSO PLAN YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION HOME.** Everyone is responsible for making sure they have a way to get home after leaving the group, whether you complete the entire route or leave at one of the designated exit points. Please make sure you have enough money/payment options, a charged phone, and a transportation plan. *** # 📱 NEED HELP FINDING THE GROUP? **Steven** 📞 **646-238-9910** Feel free to call or text if you're having trouble finding us. *** ## 🥾🍝🍰🌳🍕 LET'S DO THIS! We're going from: **Riverdale ➡️ Dominican food ➡️ Fieldston mansions ➡️ Lloyd's carrot cake ➡️ Van Cortlandt Park ➡️ Yonkers ➡️ 2-FOOT PIZZA!** 🤯🔥 It's a little bit of **history, food, exercise, sightseeing, childhood memories, and NYC craziness all rolled into one!** 😂❤️ Come explore the neighborhood where I grew up, meet some great people, eat some great food, and finish the day with a pizza that's practically the size of a small child. 🤣🍕 **Hope to see you soon!** #️⃣ **WEPA! 🇵🇷🔥**

Up the Hudson to BBQ Blues Festival @ Pier 76

**WHAT** Join us for a 5-mile, moderate-paced walk up the Hudson River to Hudson River Park's annual BBQ Blues Festival @ Pier 76. Entry to the festival's live music is free. Food (*including vegan BBQ*) and beverages will be available for purchase. **MEET** 11:00 am in front of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. There are restrooms inside the terminal on the 2nd floor. If you're late, message a leader and meet the group at either Pier 57 or Pier 76. If you can't make the walk, you can still come to Pier 76 as your schedule allows and enjoy the music and BBQ. We'll walk up the Hudson River, stopping at the Pier 57 rooftop park (14th St) for views and restrooms. One leader will remain with those who wish to take a break at Pier 57, where food and drinks are available for purchase. The other leader will continue to Pier 76 with those who wish to proceed directly to the festival. At Pier 76 (36th St), enjoy free entry to the annual [Hudson River Park BBQ Blues Festival](https://hudsonriverpark.org/visit/events/event/blues-bbq-festival-2026/). *List of performers and food vendors visible via link.* Live music starts at 1:15 pm on the Second Stage, and at 2:00 pm on the Main Stage. The music continues until 9 pm, featuring a lineup of five bands on the main stage. Stay as long as you wish. **BRING** a hat, sunscreen, water, snacks. Both stages have chairs (first come, first served) or bring a towel/blanket/camp chair to sit on. Numerous clean, well-maintained porta-potties will be available on the pier. Water bottles can be refilled for free. Backpacks/bags will be screened by security. Glass containers and outside alcohol are prohibited. ***This is an all-weather event***. Walk will be cancelled only if Hudson River Park cancels the event. In the case of high heat/humidity, consider whether it's safe for you to attend. Keep an eye on Meetup notifications and this event page for updates. **Leaders** Dan D [message via Meetup] Bob Lazzaro [message via Meetup]

Summer Streets/Manhattan Aug 15 🚸: Brooklyn Bridge to Inwood

***[Summer Streets](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml#summerstreets-manhattan4)* are BACK!** Join us for one of our favorite annual walks as we make our way along car-free Broadway and Park Avenue, continuing north through Manhattan all the way to Inwood. On the Third Saturday in August, New York City’s usual traffic noise and honking horns give way to walkers, runners, cyclists, performers, fitness classes, art installations, giveaways, and plenty of street activity. It is a wonderful way to experience the city from a completely different perspective. We will walk approximately 12 miles from the Brooklyn Bridge to Dyckman Street in Inwood. The walk will take about 6 hours and will be point-to-point at a faster pace. You do not have to walk the entire route. Join us for a few miles or stay for the full walk. There will be many opportunities to leave along the way, with easy access to public transportation. See the full program of Summer Streets here: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml **Walk August 15th -** Brooklyn Bridge to Dykeman Street Meet: * **9am** outside of Brooklyn Bridge City Hall subway station at the entrance of Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway. * Subways 4,5,6 * We will start the walk **promptly** at 9am!!! Pre-walk bathrooms can be used at Starbucks on corner of Park Row / Beekman Street with purchase. **Walk:** * **12 miles** (approx 6 hours) point to point. * Faster pace. * Many drop-out points. * Streets reopen to traffic at 3pm. **End of Walk:** * The walk ends at Dykeman Street after 12 miles/ 6 hours (subway A). **What to bring:** * **Water** will be available for refillable bottles along the way. But bring extra water. * Bring **lunch**/ snacks. No extended lunch break planned but we will take a few extra minutes at 550 Madison. * **Sun** protection. Hike leader: **Please do not post questions/comments prior to the walk.** **Ivan (text with your name: 917-446-0013)** **Sigrid (text with your name: 404-991-8229)** **Tiffany (text with your name: 718-300-1655)**

Battle of Long Island 250th Anniversary: Brooklyn

[Please register for FREE to attend.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984841479295) Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit historic sites and witness the reenactment of one of the Revolution's early formative battles. **Start:** Oculus World Trade Center **Finish:** Brooklyn **Distance:** \~12mi **Where to find us:** Near the PATH station at the west side within the Oculus **Terrain:** paved **Transit:** NJTransit, MTA, PATH **Return:** subway **Difficulty:** Average **Category:** nature, history, urban **Coordinator:** Charles Updike Enjoy a spectacular walk into and through Brooklyn and imagine the old town in the 18th century bearing witness to history. **Highlights:** * **World Trade Center** * **Brooklyn Bridge** * **Brooklyn waterfront** * **Greenwood Cemetery** **Partners:** The [9/11 National Memorial Trail](https://www.911trail.org/ "https://www.911trail.org/") is a network of over 1,300 miles of trails connecting New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in tribute to the heroes who perished on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who, in response, answered the call for their country. **More about FreeWalkers:** [Our calendar of walks and hikes](https://freewalkers.org "https://freewalkers.org") \| [About FreeWalkers](https://freewalkers.org/history "https://freewalkers.org/history") \| [Walker stories](https://freewalkers.org/stories "https://freewalkers.org/stories") \| [Walking tips](https://freewalkers.org/qatips "https://freewalkers.org/qatips") [New Jersey walks](https://freewalkers.org "https://freewalkers.org") \| [Pennsylvania walks](https://freewalkers.org "https://freewalkers.org") \| [New York City walks](https://freewalkers.org "https://freewalkers.org")

Summer Streets Morning Walk: Union Square to Central Park North

[REGISTER NOW ](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001ESjp/act00022703) **START LOCATION** Union Square South East, New York, NY, 10003, US (40.735111, -73.990295) Union Square between 14th and Union Square **East** **END LOCATION** Central Pk North East, New York, NY, US (40.798777, -73.95372) between 110th and 5th Ave **Summer Streets Morning Walk: Union Square to Central Park North** *AMC Staff:* Mari Ishihara (mishihara@outdoors.org) *Please meet the trip guide Mari (she/her) 14th Street and Union Square East.* *MARI will have a light grey hat and a grey backpack.* Don’t miss this special opportunity to experience NYC Summer Streets! With streets closed to traffic, we’ll enjoy walking right down the middle of Manhattan—free from cars, traffic noise, and the usual hustle. Stand tall, breathe deeply, and experience the city from a whole new perspective. Walking is not only great for your body, but also for your mind, and a peaceful morning walk is the perfect way to start the day. We’ll begin at Union Square and make our way north to Central Park, with three hours for this urban walk. We will travel approximately 6 miles. Enjoy the unique atmosphere that only Summer Streets can offer. Come join us for a refreshing morning walk and experience New York City in a way you rarely can! The trip guides will discuss AMC, membership, upcoming events & opportunities, etc. as well as nature information and Leave No Trace concepts. The route may be modified at the guide's discretion should it be necessary. Please be prepared to be outside in the Earth's elements for three hours and dress according for the activity and anticipated weather.Please bring water and food as well as any other items you need. If you have a medical condition that the trip guide needsto know about please email [mishihara@outdoors.org](mailto:mishihara@outdoors.org) prior to our time together. AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic. DIFFICULTY RATING 3 - Easy DIFFICULTY RATING DEFINITION Reasonable fitness for the expected activity is needed, but the trip is designed for those new to the activity. Expect to be active up to 4 hours/day. A bit more active time than the relaxed rating, but with generous breaks. OFFERED BY AMC New York-North Jersey Chapter STATUS Open TRIP LEADERS Mari Ishihara

Hike with Dr. Kirk! 3-4 miles

**Saturday, August 29 4-7pm** Free expert-led hike in South Mountain Reservation. Hike about 2-3 hours covering 3-4 miles at a modest pace over rocky trails with one long climb from the Rahway River up South Mountain. Focus on ecology and hydrology, led by Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway Watershed Association and expert on local watershed issues. Good balance required. Children welcome. No dogs. Sponsered by South Mountain Conservancy and the Rahway River Watershed Association. Meet at Clipper Pavilion (Not by McLoone's) on Cherry Lane in West Orange. [Advance registration required via rahwayriver.org/calendar.html ](https://rahwayriver.org/calendar.html)Email president@rahwayriver.org with questions. Leader: Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA) and expert on local watershed issues. Meet at: The gazebo by the dog park along Crest Drive in Maplewood. \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Governors Island - Partly in the Dark & at Sunset, Members Appreciation Event

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST EVENT WITH US, IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU RSVP WHETHER YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST OR NOT, YOU MUST SEND ME YOUR E-MAIL TO MY E-MAIL AS EXPLAINED BELOW. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM AUGUST 7. We have another event on Labor Day weekend as well. I use capital letters to emphasize stuff not to shout at you! I may do this with my other group. Please join that group at: [https://www.meetup.com/nyc-wanderers/?eventOrigin=your_groups](https://www.meetup.com/nyc-wanderers/?eventOrigin=your_groups) We will try to beat the heat once again. I consider this a Members appreciation event. I WON'T ACCEPT MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS ON THIS EVENT. THERE WILL BE NO FOOD STOPS. PLEASE BRING SNACKS AND WATER. If somehow this presents a serious hardship to you, try to deal with it. Don't be a baby! The wait list for this group does NOT operate in a conventional way. Those on the wait list will not be moved to the going list automatically. IF APPLICABLE, ALWAYS JOIN THE WAIT LIST WITH LOW PRIORITY WHICH IS FREE. IF THERE IS A WAITLIST, IT APPEARS MEETUP WILL ASK YOU IF YOU WANT TO JOIN MEETUP + BUT IN SMALLER LETTERS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE YOU CAN CLICK CONTINUE WITH THE FREE PLAN. There is NEVER a need to pay extra to use Meetup's High Priority wait list classification for this group. SOME PRIORITY IS INITIALLY GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE ATTENDED EVENTS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND HAVE FEW CANCELLATIONS. WE CAN ALSO ADD SOME FIRST TIMERS TO THIS EVENT WHO ARE ACTUALLY SERIOUS ABOUT JOINING US. IF YOU HAVE NEVER ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THE GROUP, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP AND COOPERATION AS I PLAN THE EVENT. I AM REQUIRING THAT YOU SEND ME AN E-MAIL TO [bsb2@att.net](http://bsb2@att.net/) AS SOON AS YOU RSVP, EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST, AND PUT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE BODY OF YOUR MESSAGE TO ME. THIS WILL HELP ME COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH THOSE WHO RSVP. SOMETIMES MEETUP MESSAGES DO NOT GET DELIVERED OR READ FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS. IF YOU CAN'T ABIDE BY THIS SIMPLE REQUEST, YOU ARE GOING TO END UP ON THE NOT GOING LIST. (NO GUESTS UNLESS YOU HAVE ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THIS GROUP. AS A FIRST TIMER, YOUR GUEST CAN SIMPLY SIGN UP JUST AS YOU DO.) TO GET ON THE WAITLIST, WHEN YOU CLICK "ATTEND" A SCREEN WILL APPEAR ASKING YOU TO PAY BUT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN YOU CAN JUST SELECT JOIN WAIT LIST WITH LOW PRIORITY. DISREGARD MEETUP'S ATTEMPT TO CHARGE MORE TO GAIN WAITLIST PRIORITY-THAT IS NEVER NECESSARY FOR THIS GROUP. Some folks have told me they consider this their favorite event because...Last few times we did this event it was magical. (Unfortunately part of the Island will be closed off as it gets dark so it is not as magical as in the past but it is still somewhat magical!!!) I AM GOING TO LIMIT SPACE ON THIS EVENT TO AROUND 15-20 MEMBERS. NO GUESTS UNLESS YOU HAVE ATTENDED EVENTS BEFORE WITH THIS GROUP AND HAVE FEW CANCELLATIONS. We are going to explore Governors Island and will be on the Island as the sun is setting. We will walk as it starts to gets dark -yes there are lights there but not that many! The views of the New York City skyline are great. (Photo by Marjorie). In the past, we have done this several times in late summer and once in the fall. This will be a fun, fast paced 4-5 mile tour of the Island. It's quiet, uncrowded, and a bit eerie out there when it is dark. We will be stopping a number of times to briefly talk about what we see. I will keep things moving. YOU WILL NEED TICKETS IN ADVANCE FOR THE FERRY. I WILL PROVIDE INFO ON HOW TO GET TICKETS TO THOSE ON THE RSVP LIST ONCE WE GET CLOSER TO THE DAY OF THE EVENT. THERE IS A COST -$5-TO THE FERRY FOR SOME FOLKS. DO NOT GET TICKETS UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM ME. Ferry cost is $5.00 round trip unless you are a Governors Island member, senior 65 or have IDNYC, etc. There may be a security check before you board the Ferry. Please leave your unlawful weapons at home (I actually know alot about this based on personal experience!). PLEASE ALSO READ "WHAT WE'RE ABOUT" ON THIS MEETUP'S HOME PAGE BEFORE YOU RSVP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WAIVER OF LIABILITY ON "WHAT WE'RE ABOUT” NOW SPECIFICALLY REFERENCES THE CORONA VIRUS. (THE WAIVER OF LIABILITY HAS BEEN POSTED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THIS MEETUP GROUP) MEETING DETAILS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL TO THOSE WHO RSVP NO LATER THAN THE EVENING BEFORE THE EVENT AND POSSIBLY SOONER. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, ON YOUR DESKTOP, PLEASE CLICK ON YOUR PROFILE WHICH IS ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE SITE, THEN CLICK "SETTINGS", THEN CLICK E-MAIL UPDATES" ON THE LEFT. MAKE SURE YOUR E-MAIL UPDATES ARE ON AND WHERE IT SAYS "UPDATES ABOUT YOU”, CHECK MESSAGES BOX. THIS WILL HELP TO INSURE YOU GET MESSAGES FROM ME. I LIKE TO THINK THOSE MESSAGES ARE IMPORTANT. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN EVEN CUSTOMIZE YOUR SETTINGS TO GET MESSAGES FROM SELECT GROUPS. We will meet NO LATER than 6 P.M to catch the ferry. If the weather forecast is bad, I will post a notice on the day of the event by 12 P.M. If there is no notice, we go. After we conclude our visit, the plan is to catch the 9 PM. ferry and arrive back on Manhattan ten minutes later near multiple subway lines. I am also going to ask that people NOT post any comments or questions prior to the event. You have more than enough information to do this once you get the meeting details. No offense, but I don’t need to know-and probably neither does anyone else- what you are doing that day if you can’t make it or what you think the weather will be. You may even think you have some deep insights to something or other but please keep that deepness to yourself. AFTER the event, post as many comments and photos as you like. Please respect my wishes on this.

First Mountain Ramble w/ Sharon ~6 miles

**Saturday, August 22, 8:00 - 11:00am** First Mountain Ramble. 5 - 6 miles going at a moderate pace with moderate difficulty. Some ups and downs. **Meet**: Bramhall Terrace, Crest Drive off South Orange Ave. **Leader**: Sharon Salmon 973-715-5554 \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

THE GREEN HEART OF THE BRONX: A WALK ACROSS HISTORY AND WOODLANDS!