• Black Creek Preserve, Esopus NY

    This small park offers a short 2 mile loop that offers hemlock forests and a stop along the Hudson River.  Moderate trail for those who want to hike without too much difficulty (there are some steep areas and the trail can occasionally get rocky). This is a good location for both traditional forest therapy walks and hybrid hikes with forest therapy. NOTE: This is not the same as the Black Creek State Forest which is across street and just south of the Black Creek Preserve. Location: Esopus, NY (Right off 9W on Winding Brook Road) Links to info: NY-NJ Trail Conference Scenic Hudson Trail Map: [Click Here] Directions: Parking lot…

  • Chuang Yen Monastery

    This is a great hidden gem in the Hudson Valley – the perfect place to wander and relax. On weekends you can get a cheap vegetarian lunch in the dining hall from noon to 1. The Great Buddha Hall is usually open to the public and is a sight to see, regardless of your religious affiliation. Address: 2020 New York 301, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 Phone: (845) 225-1819 Website: [Click Here] (The grounds are open to the public 9am-5pm daily.) IMPORTANT: Please familiarize yourself with the monastery’s general ground rules to respect this sacred space. This includes wearing proper dress (modest and respectful clothing, no tank tops, shorts or short skirts)…

  • Esopus Meadows Preserve, Esopus, NY

    4 trails totaling 2 miles traverse tranquil woodland or lead along the Hudson shoreline. A popular destination is the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail site on Esopus Meadows’ shore. For maps, directions and additional information, click here. We meet in the parking lot at the trailhead.  Follow River Road down to the river.  

  • Fort Tryon Park, NYC

    Directions: Take the A Train to Dyckman Street. I will be in front of the playground where the park ends in a point where Dyckman and Riverside street intersect. Park Map: [CLICK HERE]

  • Memorial Park, Beacon NY

    The parking lot is on Route 52/Fishkill Avenue, across the street from Ron’s Ice Cream (298 Fishkill Ave, Beacon, NY 12508) for those who need an address to use for their GPS. Bathrooms: While technically there are bathrooms in the park, they are typically locked except for special functions, so best to assume no bathroom access at this location.

  • Undercliff-Nelsonville Trail loop (Cold Spring, NY)

    The loop we will be using begins and ends on Secor Street in Cold Spring, a block off of Route 301. For those who are familiar with the trail system, we will be starting on the Undercliff Trail and then looping back on the Nelsonville Trail. This loop is considered an easy trail and would take around 35-40 minutes to walk as a non-stop hike.  The trail is relatively even and well maintained with some minor inclines, but some spots have loose rocks so may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or balance concerns. We will be walking the loop slowly with several stops for sharing and forest therapy…

  • Winnakee Nature Preserve, Hyde Park NY

    This is an easy system of well-maintained trails with a great variety of trees. Hiking the main trails would take around an hour so this location is great for mindfulness walks with a mix of forest therapy. Location: At the beginning of Vandam Road, right off Route 9.  (Parking behind the florist at 4204 Route 9, Hyde Park, NY) There are other points of access with parking but this is the one we use. Website: [ Click Here ] Trail Map: [ Click Here ] Meeting Spot: Parking lot behind florist. Note: No bathrooms so you may want to stop at the Eveready Diner or a local gas station first and…