Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx offers one of New York City’s most scenic hikes. As the city’s largest park, it features old-growth trees and peaceful estuaries that are especially beautiful in the fall. The park’s trails wind through wetlands and woodlands, but a standout hike starts at Orchard Beach. A peninsula extends into Long Island Sound east of the parking lot, offering stunning coastal views. “This area is a hidden gem,” says Natural Awakenings Publisher, Michael Lehrman. “It’s one of the best places to connect with nature, and you don’t have to leave the city to do it.”

Pelham Bay Park provides a perfect escape for those looking to experience nature without traveling far. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to shoreline paths, making it a unique urban hiking destination.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/parks. Pelham Bay Park is in the Bronx, east of the Orchard Beach parking lot.