I can’t exactly say for sure when or what kickstarted my passion for hiking–It just sort of happened one day. Hiking was never a frequented family activity for me growing up. In fact, there’s only one hike I can actually vividly remember going on with my parents, and that was the mountain conveniently located 15 minutes from our house called Turkey Mountain.

That one hike is so clearly etched into my mind because it featured my parents somehow managing to lead us off one of the clearest-marked trails I’ve ever seen, but that fun memory aside, Turkey Mountain is as basic of a hike as they come. An easy trek up, an easy trek down (so long as you actually follow the blazes), and some pretty decent views for a half hour walk in the middle of the woods on the outskirts of Yorktown Heights.

With the hike being so quick and non-strenuous, Turkey Mountain is easy to overlook. But even as someone that has lost track of the number of times that he’s been at the summit, it’s still a welcoming sight to look over the vast woodlands that surround my hometown. There are certain hikes that are best enjoyed during the summer months, whether due to trail conditions or the sights themselves, but Turkey Mountain’s simplicity makes it enjoyable all year round. The only prerequisite I suggest is going on a  day with clear skies to allow you to take in the New York City skyline peaking up in the distance 40 miles away:

Still, with how short of a trek it is, an overcast day might serve as a perfect excuse for a follow-up hike at a later date.

At the summit, there’s something to see in every which direction, the Big Apple not withstanding. The Croton Reservoir lies to the south, and once again dependent on the day’s visibility, Bear Mountain and the Shawangunk Mountains can be spotted as part of the panoramic view.

Now for those looking to catch a glimpse of the next Thanksgiving dinner, I’m sad to report that I have never seen an actual turkey on Turkey Mountain. Despite this, there’s plenty of animals to hopefully fill the turkey-less void. The trail is a popular destination for hikers to bring their four-legged friends along, but beyond the dog spotting, there’s always a critter or two scurrying along the woods.

While Turkey Mountain doesn’t hold the grandeur that the surrounding Hudson Highlands do, it still remains a popular hike for a reason. It’s ease makes it accessible to hikers of all ages and experience while offering a scenic overlook at the summit that you can easily spend a few hours atop  just talking with your hiking partners as I have found myself doing multiple times. Perhaps the view at the top of a difficult trail is more rewarding in a physical sense, but for what Turkey Mountain offers, it’s hard to ask for much more from my town’s quaint offerings.

As long as you don’t ask my parents to be your trailguides.

Turkey Mountain is located off of Route 118 in Yorktown Heights, New York. For more information, visit the NYNJTC’s page for the Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve.