@Saetta The straight answer to your question would be to take the s62 down Victory Boulevard. However, I suspect you don't mean to go to Freshkills. That is not a park for another decade at least, it's currently being transformed from the world's largest landfill into a park.    The Greenbelt that I described elsewhere in this thread basically surrounds it, but it's not open to the public except for select events throughout the year (maybe 4 days annually).    It will be awesome when it's open! ... View more

MollyG, the bulk of the trails are in the Greenbelt, which is a collection of parks that all have their own names but probably nobody would know them by those names (Bloodroot Valley? Deere Park? Both are in 'the greenbelt').  The conservancy that cares for the trails has an interactive map: https://sigreenbelt.org/greenbelt-trails-interactive-map/   However, I also have put together a number of routes from the ferry to/through a lot of parkland on SI, including big pieces of the Greenbelt. Here's one from the ferry that is ~15 miles, only ~4 of which are strictly on the street (not even alongside a park).  https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/694314438 You'll see at mile 10 or so in the run mapped is the middle of the greenbelt so you can mix and match trails as you like them. Also, you can leave the run I linked to a bit earlier to meet up with the one train line on SI, so that a 10 miler or so from the ferry can bring you to the train that brings you right back to the ferry.    I also really, really encourage you to ask REI SoHo for more events on SI. They do stuff in the other boroughs, upstate and in Long Island, but (to my knowledge) not yet anything on SI! ... View more

I am a big fan of those racks that just lean against the wall. There's lots of brands and styles and it's a lot easier than pulleys or hooks, to me. ... View more

I find it really messes up my cadence, and takes me out of the experience. But, I know there is a sharp divide on music in the running community, and I don't begrudge anyone enjoying theirs - so long as they can still hear me!   (It is absolutely impossible to pass a trail runner with both headphones in and the volume cranked.) ... View more

Similar idea: buff. I prefer the merino wool for backpacking. ... View more

I am definitely going to sound like a broken record on these message boards, but I guess that's true to my real-life self.   Staten Island has the best trail running around, I am telling you!   There are trails accessible from a train or bus ride away, but it's also possible to run straight from the ferry through to "the woods" with fewer than 3 miles on the streets/not in or alongside a park.   I posted as much elsewhere, but when I'm really in shape there's a 12-15 miler I do starting from the ferry and ending at a beach in Great Kills. The whole time has less than 5 miles on streets, the rest of the time you're on trails. Huge variety in terms of setting, elevation, how "technical" the trails are, etc.  ... View more

Thanks! I've done that, but it's *brutal* in the heat from the Tuxedo Station to the woods. No tree cover, difficult walks alongside/crossing highways. I can do it, but I can't believe that's the easiest!   What about up by Anthony's Nose?   Also - If it's not a state park, what is it? Private? Federal? ... View more

I was on a cross-country road cycling trip and insisted on waiting at a pitstop until 9 AM, when the rotisserie chicken was ready. My co-riders just wanted to just get miles in before the heat of the day beat down on us, as it was already very warm. They eventually left us: myself, and a friend that I adore to this day. We ate the whole thing in less than 10 minutes and caught up to them, insisting the power of the chicken was what gave us strength. We pulled for the group the rest of the morning against 15+ mph headwinds. A great memory.  ... View more

I know you said "outside the city" but, I'm going to take advantage of the fact that most folks in the city don't think of Staten Island as part of the city, anyway, and suggest coming out to the fifth borough!   We really do have some fabulous outdoor spaces, and so many of them connect. If you are into hiking or distance running, I know of a route from the ferry all the way to the beach in Great Kills, 12+ miles of unique trails with fewer than five miles that are on the streets or not alongside a green space.    We have just some cool plant communities that are unique or rare in NY state, too. Birding here is great (though I am no expert). The NY Mycological Society always has a fruitful hunt here.    I'd love to do more to "sell you" on the place, but I'd have to know more about what you're looking for in an outdoors experience.   Once you're here, though, it'll be hard to beat our restaurant scene.  ... View more