Meet Justin Bailey, Backpacker's New York City Trail Scout
Escape America's biggest city for the trail with a little help from this AMC program manager and hiking expert.
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Follow Justin’s adventures on the AMC Outdoor Leader Blog, on Instagram @theoutdoorethos, and on Twitter @theoutdoorethos. He’s also available at his website, theoutdoorethos.com, and on Facebook.
Age: 31
Hometown: Queens, New York, NY
Day job: Regional Program Manager, Appalachian Mountain Club
All-time favorite local dayhike: Breakneck Ridge New York
Favorite local overnight hike: To Tom Jones Shelter in Harriman State Park
Best prehike breakfast spot: Silver Spoon Diner
Best posthike dinner spot: Dinosaur Barbecue
Favorite thing about hiking around New York City: Parks and trails are more accessible than people think. Every trip is a new adventure the moment you leave your front door. You discover all types of unique ways to get around using public transit when you don’t have a car.
Top tip for New York City hikers: Don’t be a stranger. There are so many social meet-ups and events taking place all around the city almost every day. It’s truly the greatest way to meet fellow hikers and backpackers who are always welcoming to newcomers and willing to share knowledge.