When the city streets start to chill and leaves paint the skyline in amber and gold, it’s the perfect time to wander a little farther afield. Autumn’s crisp air and vibrant foliage make every path, park, and waterfront feel cinematic.
From serene gardens tucked into Manhattan to sprawling state parks and riverfront strolls, these 10 day trips mix fresh air, colorful scenery, and a subtle lift.
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park sits along the Hudson River in New York’s Hudson Highlands. It offers a mix of trails, scenic overlooks, and seasonal attractions. Forest paths lead to the Perkins Memorial Tower, where views stretch across the Hudson, while bike trails, cross-country ski routes, and boating or ice skating areas provide options for movement in any season. A small zoo, museums, picnic spots, and a carousel add variety, making the park a place to wander, explore, and take in the colors and energy of fall.
- Distance from NYC: 49.1 miles via Palisades Interstate Parkway North
- Recommended product pairing: A lightly uplifting hybrid flower or a cannabis-infused beverage. These products can energize the body for hiking while keeping the mind light and social for picnics or carousel rides.
Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park sprawls over 48,000 acres in Rockland and Orange counties, earning its spot as New York’s second-largest state park. Over 200 miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, weave through shimmering lakes, dense forests, and sunlit meadows. This offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping areas, swimming beaches, and boating spots add to the variety. It invites full days of wandering, paddling across quiet waters, or simply pausing to admire the vibrant fall landscape.
- Distance from NYC: 42.1 miles via New Jersey Route 17
- Recommended product pairing: A THC-infused tea or a lightly dosed indica-leaning edible. The seasonal flavor adds a playful autumn twist. But the mild effects enhance relaxation between trail stretches and make pauses at scenic overlooks feel extra cozy.
Mohonk Preserve
Less than two hours from New York City, Mohonk Preserve unfolds across 8,000 acres of cliffs, forests, meadows, and streams. It offers a playground for all kinds of outdoor adventurers. Trails twist and climb to dramatic overlooks, open into quiet clearings, and wind past the Shawangunk Ridge as it blazes in fiery fall colors. Hikers, climbers, and wanderers can explore the varied terrain, pause to breathe in crisp autumn air, or simply soak up the sights and sounds of nature.
- Distance from NYC: 91.2 miles via Interstate 87 North
- Recommended product: A hybrid tincture or mellow CBD-infused beverage to support relaxation and let the scenery take center stage.
Central Park Conservatory Garden
The Central Park Conservatory Garden feels like a hidden gem tucked within the city’s busiest park. Fountains sparkle, pergolas draped in wisteria invite lingering, and seasonal blooms calm every corner, especially in fall when leaves ignite in gold and amber. Designed to showcase the park as a sanctuary from the city’s rush, each path encourages lingering footsteps, quiet reflection, or simply soaking in the surroundings. Even in the heart of Manhattan, the garden is a vivid reminder that thoughtful care and nature can create a restorative oasis amid urban life.
- Distance from NYC: In New York City
- Recommended product: Any low-dose THC product or hybrid pre-roll for a gentle, uplifting effect. This can enhanc sensory awareness without overpowering the experience.
Wave Hill, Bronx
Perched above the Hudson River, Wave Hill stretches across 28 acres of gardens, woodlands, and winding paths. Each corner feels carefully composed—colorful plantings, framed views of river and sky, and tucked-away benches that encourage quiet reflection. Early mornings bring soft light spilling over the water. It’s perfect for lingering before exploring the gardens or joining a wellness workshop, guided walk, or art session.
- Distance: 11.4 miles from Manhattan via New York State Route 9A North
- Recommended product: A terpene-rich low-dose edible or tincture for calm energy and enhanced creativity, perfect for lingering longer among the gardens.
Croton Gorge Park
Set at the base of the Croton Dam, this 97-acre park offers one of the most cinematic fall backdrops in the Hudson Valley. The stone arch bridge and roaring spillway create a misty, almost surreal atmosphere. Trails wind along the Croton River and connect directly to the Old Croton Aqueduct, making it easy to extend the walk or settle in for a picnic by the water.
- Distance from NYC: 42.9 miles via New York State Route 9A North and Saw Mill River Pkwy North
- Recommended product: A balanced hybrid vape or edible for a gentle lift and enhanced appreciation of the scenery.
Applewood Winery Warwick, NY
Applewood Winery has been family-owned and operated for over 25 years. It offers visitors a chance to enjoy the valley’s sweeping views of mountains, orchards, and lakes. Guests can sip wines, ciders, and meads while enjoying the open-air ambiance. Or they can relax at the Pavilion Bar with table service on weekends. With a welcoming atmosphere for walk-ins and a focus on locally crafted beverages, Applewood provides a perfect spot to savor the season, taste thoughtfully made drinks, and enjoy a slower pace amid scenic surroundings.
- Distance: 60.9 miles via New Jersey Route 17 North
- Recommended product: A light, balanced hybrid or low-dose cannabis edible to complement the tasting experience and enhance relaxation while enjoying the views.
Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market
The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market brings together nearly 100 local vendors in downtown Troy, New York. Find everything from fresh produce and meats to artisanal foods, crafts, and handmade goods. Held outdoors in Monument Square on Saturdays from May through October, the market moves indoors to the Troy Atrium during the colder months, maintaining its vibrant energy year-round.
- Distance: 153.1 miles via Interstate 87 North
- Recommended product: Hybrid pre-roll for a balanced lift—uplifting enough to explore the market while keeping the mind relaxed and present
Long Beach, Long Island
As temperatures drop, Long Beach becomes a quieter escape for those who crave open space and reflection. The ocean in fall feels different—softer light, stronger wind, calmer energy. A light cannabis experience can deepen that meditative state and enhance the beauty of the horizon.
- Distance: 37.8 miles via Cross Island Pkwy
- Recommended product: THC-infused drink for a relaxed, reflective experience.
Hudson River Walks
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway runs 18.5 miles along New Jersey’s western Hudson River shore. It connects Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge. This wide, well-kept path passes through nine municipalities (including Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and Edgewater) and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water: walking, jogging, biking, fishing, or even launching a kayak.
- Distance: 7.5 miles via 11th Ave
- Recommended product: THC-infused lemonade for relaxed focus and gentle sensory uplift.
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