For Chol Hamoed Sukkot, we have prepared an array of six hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. In each case, the printed article contains only a summary of the hike, and a link is provided to the full hike description that appears online.

1. Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Located in the heart of the Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County, New York, Minnewaska offers some of the most dramatic scenery in our area. This 5-mile, four-hour moderate hike passes a spectacular waterfall, reaches a panoramic viewpoint over the Catskills, descends to cross the cascading Peters Kill, then climbs to a ridge high above the stream and follows along the ridge, with more views. It begins on a well-graded carriage road, but the second part of the hike follows narrow footpaths, with some relatively steep descents and ascents. The trailhead is about 80 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about one-and-a-half hours to get there. There is a $10 parking fee. For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/minnewaska-state-park-preserve/

2. Ramapo Valley County Reservation. This 3.8-mile moderate loop hike, in the Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah, follows the popular yellow-blazed Vista Loop Trail. It climbs to several viewpoints, passes a rock ledge with clumps of cactus, and goes by a waterfall. The hike should take about two-and-a-half hours. The trailhead is about 20 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about 25 minutes to get there. For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/ramapo-valley-county-reservation/.

3. Palisades Interstate Park, New Jersey Section. If you’re looking for a relatively short, easy hike near home, this 3.2-mile lollipop-loop, two-hour hike that starts from the Alpine Boat Basin in the New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park is ideal. Following a mostly level route, it parallels the shore of the Hudson River and affords panoramic views across the river over New York City and Westchester County. The trailhead is about 13 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about 20 minutes to get there. Metered parking at the trailhead is in effect (except on Wednesdays). For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/palisades-interstate-park-new-jersey-section/.

4. Teaneck Creek Conservancy. If you have only a very limited amount of time available, you can actually do a hike in Teaneck itself. The 46-acre Teaneck Creek Conservancy (part of Overpeck County Park), is located between Teaneck Road and I-95 in the southeast corner of the township. It offers a small network of level trails that traverse a natural environment. This 1.2-mile easy hike, which should take no more than 45 minutes, loops around the Conservancy. For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/teaneck-creek-conservancy/.

5. Turkey Swamp Park. If you’re headed down to the Jersey Shore for Chol Hamoed, you might want to check out this 3.2-mile easy hike that loops around the isolated and little-used northern section of Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold Township, Monmouth County. The hike is nearly level and should take about two hours. The park is about 57 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about one hour and 15 minutes to get there. For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/turkey-swamp-park/.

6. Old Croton Aqueduct. This 9-mile, one-way hike (with return by Metro-North train) follows the historic route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, built between 1837 and 1842 to supply water to New York City. The Old Croton Aqueduct was taken out of service in 1955, and subsequently became a state historic park. Although it goes through suburban Westchester County, it follows a pleasant, tree-lined route for most of its way, and its gentle grades appeal to those who are looking for an easy hike. This hike covers a 7.5-mile section of the Aqueduct, from Tarrytown to Ossining, but including the walk down to the Ossining station and back up from the Tarrytown station, the total length of the hike is about 9 miles. You should allow about five hours for the hike (including the return trip by train). The trailhead is about 27 miles from Teaneck, and it should take about 45 minutes to get there. For a complete description of the hike, go to https://jewishlink.news/old-croton-aqueduct/.