By day, NYC’s train stations are alive with the sights and sounds of busy New Yorkers heading their separate ways. But weekend riders on the Metro-North Harlem line can be found escaping to a quiet, slow-paced world far away from the hustle of the city: the Appalachian Trail itself. Tucked away near Pawling, New York, a hidden gem of a rail stop will bring you right to the doorstep of the A.T. and offer easy hiking access to one of the trail’s most treasured overlooks. Now, there’s no need to choose between a leisurely weekend ride on the rails and an up close experience with nature – you can do both! Lace up those boots, and let’s go!
True to their name, the majority of New York's scenic trains wind their way through our state's most epic landscapes on historic, perfectly restored cars from another era. But one overlooked excursion offers something surprisingly unique and just as spectacular for rail fans and nature lovers.
The Metro-North Harlem line departs Grand Central Terminal just like any other urban commuter train, but instead of leading into the heart of the Manhattan jungle, it instead takes riders to a destination that's miles away from the commotion of the city: the Appalachian Trail.
The celebrated A.T. runs over 2,100 miles along the East Coast from Georgia to Maine and has become a bucket list must-do for avid hikers, determined backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The challenging terrain and incredible beauty makes the journey unlike anything else in the country!
There's something romantically nostalgic about New York's train system. Threading through quaint, rural farmscapes, around glorious mountains rumbling across glittering waterways, and even offering peeks at bustling urban life, there's no better way to spend a weekend - no matter the season!
The northbound journey takes less than two hours, and is only offered on certain days of the week (typically weekends and holidays). Return rides are limited, so plan ahead!
To tackle the two-mile trail to Cat Rocks Overlook, just follow the signs. The journey is rated as moderate, and features gorgeous, flat stretches of wildflower meadows, vibrant mountain views, and towering old-growth foliage with plenty of shade.
Novice hikers should take note that there are also some steep scrambles along the way. But at only 500 feet of elevation gain, Cat Rocks offers some incredible panoramic views that are totally worth the extra effort!
Since the Cat Rocks Trail is a part of the larger A.T., you can make your trip as long or as short as you'd like before turning around and heading back to the train stop for evening pick-up.
You'll likely encounter a few determined A.T. thru-hikers on this trail, so please respect the shared space, pack out all trash, and be conscientious of your surroundings. And be sure to cheer them on with some words of encouragement!
Some additional info worth noting: the Metro-North Harlem train typically only opens one car at the Appalachian Station stop, so be sure to ask staff on board which car you should ride in. Also, please take extra care in the planning of your Cat Rocks adventure by being mindful of train departure times – you don’t want to miss your ride! There is limited parking nearby if you’d like to commute by car instead.
The Appalachian Trail is such a special part of New England’s landscape. Fortunately, this unique hike-and-ride opportunity makes experiencing the A.T. accessible to nearly everyone! If you’ve ever experienced a portion of the Appalachian, we’d love to hear about it!
