My favorite place to go for a nature walk in my neighborhood is the New York Botanical Garden’s Thain Family Forest, which is the largest original wooded landscape in New York City. I’m currently a member, so I can go as many days as I want for free. Wednesdays are also free to the public, so one does not need to be a member to enjoy the grounds.
Visits to NYC parks are always free, and a section of the forest is situated across the Moshulu Parkway Greenway inside Bronx River Park. There are two main paths in the park that support walking, jogging, and bicycling and many narrower trails for walks through the forest areas and along the two miles stretch of the Bronx River. Besides squirrels, I’ve spotted chipmunks and rabbits along with several varieties of birds.
Find hiking trails in your neighborhood on the NYC Parks website, and go take a walk.
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