A Short Journey: AMC and New York's Harriman State Park - Just a Bus Ride Away for Your Leisure!
In the heart of New York, just a stone's throw away from the bustling city life, lies Harriman State Park - a sprawling natural haven that spans an impressive 45,000 acres. Established in 1910, this second-largest state park in New York offers over 200 miles of hiking trails, opportunities for biking, swimming, fishing, and boating, making it a popular destination for city dwellers seeking a breath of fresh air[1][2].
Among the park's many attractions, the Corman Harriman Outdoor Center (CHOC), opened by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in 2016, stands out as a beacon of outdoor adventure. This state-of-the-art facility has hosted over 60,000 bed nights for various groups since its inception[6].
The CHOC plays a crucial role in facilitating access to nature for urban populations, particularly for those living in New York City. By serving as a gateway, the CHOC introduces city residents to outdoor experiences like hiking and camping, helping them overcome barriers to outdoor recreation[3]. This connection with nature promotes mental health, offering stress relief, anxiety reduction, and overall mental wellness[4].
The benefits of spending time in nature are well-documented. Research shows that simply spending 15 minutes outside can improve mental health, decreasing stress levels, boosting focus, mood, and self-esteem[5]. In a world where Americans currently spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, access to green spaces can be limited, especially for low-income neighborhoods[7]. This is where the CHOC comes into play, offering a welcoming and accessible environment for people from all walks of life.
The CHOC camp is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the train or bus, and an AMC shuttle can pick you up, making it a convenient escape from the city[8]. So, whether you're a New Yorker looking to escape the concrete jungle or a visitor seeking a taste of the great outdoors, the CHOC in Harriman State Park offers a haven for mental health and outdoor adventure.
[1] Harriman State Park: Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://parks.ny.gov/parks/124/details.aspx
[2] Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (n.d.). History of the Appalachian Trail. Retrieved from https://appalachiantrail.org/history
[3] Corman Harriman Outdoor Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.outdoors.org/locations/new-york/corman-harriman-outdoor-center
[4] American Psychological Association. (2019). Nature and Well-being. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/nature-wellbeing
[5] The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature. (2021, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-benefits-of-spending-time-in-nature
[6] Corman Harriman Outdoor Center. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.outdoors.org/locations/new-york/corman-harriman-outdoor-center
[7] Trust for Public Land. (2021). ParkScore® Index. Retrieved from https://www.parkscore.org/
[8] Getting to Harriman. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.outdoors.org/locations/new-york/corman-harriman-outdoor-center/getting-there
The CHOC in Harriman State Park, with its accessibility via public transportation, offers a welcoming and affordable environment for urban residents of New York City to engage in home-and-garden like outdoor-living, promoting mental health and outdoor adventure. This connection with nature facilitated by the CHOC encourages stress relief, anxiety reduction, and overall mental wellness, making it an ideal getaway from the city's lifestyle.
