Issue #3: Urban Adventures Part 1: How to Have an Adventure in NYC

Author

Steve Morris
April 14, 2025

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Where to hike, paddle, or camp within reach of NYC

  • LGBTQ+ friendly outdoor groups worth knowing

  • How to find calm in the chaos (even on a tight schedule)

  • One free kayaking spot and one overnight escape to bookmark

  • A simple poll to tell me if you want more posts like this

MAIN FEATURE:

Adventure is a Subway Ride Away

New York isn’t exactly known for its peace and quiet. It’s the city of noise, movement, hustle — not hammocks and hikes. But here’s the thing: it has both.

Tucked between the boroughs and bridges is a surprising network of trails, rivers, campsites, and cliffs. And if you know where to look, you’ll find the kind of adventure that gives you the same “wow” feeling as a big trip — without the TSA line.

These are the places to go.

Kayak the Hudson (For Free)

Yes, really. You can rent a kayak for free and paddle along the west side of Manhattan with city views on one side and a breeze in your face.

The Downtown Boathouse offers free walk-up kayaking all summer long — no experience needed, no booking, no catch.

It’s 20 minutes of pure freedom, and you’ll walk away feeling like you discovered a secret part of the city no one talks about.

Freedom score: 9/10.

Hike the Palisades (Just Across the Bridge)

Take the A train to 181st Street, walk across the George Washington Bridge, and boom — you’re in New Jersey, standing at the edge of the Palisades cliffs, overlooking the Hudson River.

The Long Path Trail and Palisades Interstate Park offer legit hiking, scrambling, and views that make you forget you're near a city.

Pro tip: Pack snacks, go early, and make a day of it. It’s challenging enough to feel real, but accessible enough to get home before sunset.

Feels like a dream. Tastes like adventure.

Camp on Governors Island (Seriously)

Want to fall asleep with a skyline view — in a tent?

Collective Retreats runs seasonal glamping on Governors Island, just an 8-minute ferry from downtown.

You’ll get firepits, hammocks, and morning yoga with a view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s not budget — but it is unforgettable. And you don’t even need a car to get there.

Adrenaline meets elegance.

Climb in a Queer-Led Gym

Adventure doesn’t have to mean forests and tents. It can be physical, social, and local.

Gowanus’ VITAL Climbing Gym hosts queer-friendly events and is one of the most inclusive indoor climbing communities in the city. If you’re craving movement, challenge, and a space where you don’t feel “other,” this is it.

“The Queer Alps” without the chaos (maybe a little).

Swim, Sun, and Be Seen

Rockaway Beach has become the unofficial home of queer beach goers in NYC. You can hike the boardwalk, surf in the morning, and have a group hangout on the sand by afternoon.

Pack light, bring SPF, and take the ferry back for an adventure-within-an-adventure experience.

Not so ancient ruins, wild heart.

What to Pack for Urban Micro-Adventures

  • Daypack or tote that can get a little sandy

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Light jacket (yes, even in July — you never know)

  • Trail snacks, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer

  • An open mind

Adventure = Attitude

You don’t have to fly to Patagonia or disappear into the Alps to feel something big.

Urban adventure is about flipping the script: treating your city like a wild playground, not just a place to work and crash.

If you’re with people who lift you up — and in a space where you can breathe deeply and move freely — that’s adventure. That counts.

And you don’t have to wait for a plane ticket to go find it, sometimes, it’s on the other side of a bridge.

Manhattan through Dumbo

What we're loving and thinking about this week:

Takeaway: You don’t have to fly to Patagonia or disappear into the Alps to feel something big.

Inspiration: Urban adventure is about flipping the script: treating your city like a wild playground, not just a place to work and crash.

Our Mantra: If you’re with people who lift you up — and in a space where you can breathe deeply and move freely — that’s adventure. That counts.

Key Takeaway: Freedom is the new luxury. And you don’t have to wait for a plane ticket to go find it.

That’s a Wrap! Here’s how we help:

  • Curated LGBTQ+ adventure ideas without rigid group tours

  • Stories, inspiration, and tools to explore your way

  • We’ll make you a personalised digital itinerary, fully LGBTQ vetted for safety (and fun!).

Your Thoughts

What kind of adventure travel do you want to read about next?

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Until next time,

Go beyond the usual