$50 Day Trip: Waterfalls + Palace Gardens Near NYC! 🌿
📍 Croton Gorge Park Just 1.5 hours from Flushing, this hidden waterfall is NYC’s best-kept secret. Walk 5 minutes through lush forest to see a roaring 90-foot waterfall crash down a historic dam. Stand on the bridge—misty spray included! 🏰 Untermyer Gardens (30-min drive) This Persian-inspired paradise has: • White marble colonnades • Tiered fountains • Secret hedge labyrinths Free entry = NYC’s most instagrammable garden! 🍞 Picnic Pro Tips: • Grab sandwiches in Yonkers (try Zuppa for Italian). • Spread a blanket by the waterfall or in the garden’s olive grove. 💰 Total Cost: ~$50 (gas + food). No entry fees! #NYCDayTrip #HiddenNYC #WaterfallHike #BudgetTravel #NoCrowds