Day trips from NYC/ Central NJ

I am fortunate enough to have 10 days off between switching jobs and am wondering if anyone has any ideas for some good places to visit in two weeks. I am willing to drive a few hours each way and really have nothing specific in mind but I'd like to take advantage of this time off. I will be heading to Hilton head for the last few days so I should be able to get my fill of beach/ocean shots there but I wondering if there are any lighthouses or other interesting things I can see within a few hours of either NYC or central NJ (where my parents live).

I realize it isn't the best time with no leaves but I was thinking about heading to the Delaware Water Gap and grabbing some waterfall shots but other than that I have no other concrete ideas.

Any suggestions?

The Water Gap is good, several significant waterfalls plus scenes along the Delaware. You might consider Ricketts Glen Park in PA, many waterfalls. Many good places along the Hudson, such as West Point, Bear Mountain, wineries, etc. Couple lighthouses on the Jersey shore, eg Barnegat, as well as many colorful seaside towns. Plenty of stuff on Long Island, too, all the way to Montauk Point. In other words, any direction you want to go has good opportunities.

Ive Kayaked down sections of the delaware river many times and it is an awesome experience.. Plenty of rental places if you dont have your own gear(Kayak) I havnt brought my camera with me yet but I do have a small pelican 1400 series case that would work perfectly for it. Still a lil nervous about tipping over and my camera falling into the water!

I also do a lot of hiking and Bear Mt as sparker1 said is a great hike/landscape

im leaving tomrw for a 7day trip to NH (white Mts) & Maine to visit Acadia National park and I cant wait

There is a state park in PA called Ricketts Glen; it probably a good 3 hour drive from NYC. I have been trying to make a trip there for about 2 years, but with kids, work etc., it is not happening for me.

There is a 7 mile loop of trails that has at least 22 waterfalls.

http://www.dcnr.state.​pa.us …n/index.htm?tab​=Maps#Maps
http://www.dcnr.state.​pa.us …/document/dcnr_​003164.pdf

They have a campground. I don't know if you are into camping; my plan would be to go, get afternoon shots and scope the place, spend the night, then do the loop again (or go directly to your favorite falls) at dawn.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Harry - Ricketts Glen looks great and isn't that far from my parents house.

It's a shame that most of the great looking lighthouses around long island are all out in the water on their own islands....

Anymore Hudson valley places?

tats wrote in post #14057603
Thanks for the tips guys.

Harry - Ricketts Glen looks great and isn't that far from my parents house.

It's a shame that most of the great looking lighthouses around long island are all out in the water on their own islands....

Anymore Hudson valley places?

Either might be worth getting a ND filter to fool around with if you don't have one already.

tats wrote in post #14057603
Anymore Hudson valley places?

You might want to try Minnewaska State Park. Nice views of the Shawangunk Ridge up there and trails to hike. You can grab a bite to eat on way in or out in New Paltz.

The Bear Mtn. and West Point area is pretty good for shooting. You may also want to check out Ringwood State park and Skylands Manor.

In Jersey city should check out Liberty State Park has a great view of NYC.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/70337480@N04/6​971447617/

My Avatar
was taken at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden at Skylands.
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robn70 wrote in post #14077431
The Bear Mtn. and West Point area is pretty good for shooting. You may also want to check out Ringwood State park and Skylands Manor.

slickooz wrote in post #14077494
In Jersey city should check out Liberty State Park has a great view of NYC.

In Jersey Citi and Hoboken there is also the Hudson River walk. If it works for you, take the Path Train to any of the NJ river front stops (Exchange Place, Pavonia Newport or Hoboken) You can bring a bike with you on the Path Train -- If you have a camera bag that works with a bike you can easily ride up and down the river from exchange place (across from the financial center) all the way up to at least about 50th St. (Probably a lot farther, you may also be able to ride into Liberty state park though I am not sure how the river walk crosses the channel where the boats come in). I have done this twice with my kids, but we come in on the NJT Train to Hoboken.

This was taken last week from exchange Place.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/44350103@N05/6​968232447/

Thanks for all the recs guys. I actually live downtown (here is a shot out my window), so I have taken many trips to JC, but actually never made it all the way to Liberty State park.

I think I will def take a ride up the Hudson one day as well. Thanks!

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/robertpflynn/6​929805451/

I live in the Hudson Valley area (around Poughkeepsie) and there is a lot here ... but a little drab this time of year. I would visit Bash Bish Falls on the MA/NY border - that spot is nice year around. I have pictures posted from a visit there about a month ago: http://www.pbase.com …ndhog/winter201​2&page=all

If you're a hiker, there are some interesting ruins scattered about - backside of Breakneck Ridge, Mt. Beacon, etc.

Wow! Bash Bish Falls brings back memories.

As a kid, I went to summer camp near there and we did an annual day hike to Bash Bish. We did several day hikes each summer, but this particular one was always fun; under the auspices of a large timer rattler population in the area (bogus claim suspect) we hiked to Bash Bish by starting several miles (as I recall) down stream of the falls and hiked up the stream in the water, we were not allowed on the banks. Then we spend several hours at the falls jumping off the rocks and swimming. Fun place.

hairy_moth wrote in post #14113521
Wow! Bash Bish Falls brings back memories.

As a kid, I went to summer camp near there and we did an annual day hike to Bash Bish. We did several day hikes each summer, but this particular one was always fun; under the auspices of a large timber rattler population in the area (bogus claim suspect) we hiked to Bash Bish by starting several miles (as I recall) down stream of the falls and hiked up the stream in the water, we were not allowed on the banks. Then we spend several hours at the falls jumping off the rocks and swimming. Fun place.

Very cool! Things have changed .... they don't allow any swimming now.

I don't know about Bash Bish specifically - but I have seen a timber rattler on a hike in the area (Fishkill Ridge). Those suckers are huge!