The Appalachian Trail (AT) spans over 2,000 miles across the Eastern United States, making it the longest hiking-only trail. The AT goes through 14 states, from Georgia to Maine, and welcomes over 3 million visitors yearly.
The AT covers almost 100 miles between New Jersey and Connecticut, in New York alone. Walking the long footpath is a bucket-list item for many New York residents, and one New York hiker has laid out how to access the AT via public transit for a multi-day hike.
First Weekend
New York City hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can section-hike the entire New York AT in four weekends, mainly using public transit.
Beginning at the New Jersey-New York border (mile 1370.0), northbound hikers can take the NJ Transit Bus 197 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Greenwood Lake, NY. A one-mile hike along the State Line Trail connects the bus stop to the AT.
Hikers can end this section at mile 1387.3, where the Sapphire Trail leads to Harriman Station to access the Port Jervis Line, or at Elk Pen parking off Arden Valley Road at Mile 1388.4.
This section covers 18.4 miles of the AT and approximately 20 miles with connecting trails. A more than 200-year-old dairy farm home to the Bellvale Farms Creamery is along the route.
Second Weekend
The second weekend’s section covers approximately 23.3 miles of the AT. Hikers pick up where they left off last weekend, beginning their trek at mile 1388.4. Hikers take a ride-share from Elk Pen parking off Arden Valley Road to the Port Jervis Train Line, which takes them to Harriman or Tuxedo stations.
The path travels North, leading hikers to mile 1411.7 at South Mountain Pass Road. Hikers may consider a rideshare to connect them to the Metro-North Hudson Line, taking them to the Manitou station.
Along the second section of the AT is the trailside Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park and the famous Lemon Squeezer, two big boulders requiring hikers to remove their packs to squeeze between.
Third Weekend
The longest section of the four-part hike is 42.7 miles. It starts at mile 1412.0, connecting hikers to the Hudson Line at Manitou. The trail continues to mile 1454.0, putting hikers at the Appalachian Trail Station. The AT Station is a train station directly located on the AT, connecting hikers to the Metro-North Harlem Line.
This section features Canopus Lake Beach and Dover Oak, the largest oak tree on the AT.
Fourth Weekend
The final weekend begins at the AT Station at mile 1454.0 and takes hikers to the Connecticut border at mile 1468.7. New York City hikers return home via the Harlem Line, ending the last 14.7 miles of their multi-day hike.
Plan Ahead
Some transit options have limited schedules, especially on the weekends, so hikers are advised to check transit schedules when planning to hike the AT. If weather permits, New York City-based hikers can take on the 100 miles of AT in their state with four open weekends and public transit.
