Hike-toberfest is coming to Vannie

A hike through the trails at Van Cortlandt Park or an afternoon celebrating Oktoberfest. Which one would you choose?

On Oct. 1, you won’t have to. The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will provide both: “The Hike-toberfest is a two-part event,” said Christina Taylor, executive director of the nonprofit, although you could still choose just one.

“People have the option of going through a leisurely stroll through the park for lots of stops ... Or, you’ll have the option of doing a 4-5-mile hike which will be pretty much walking and moving the entire time and you’ll get to see a lot of the park,” she said.

Later in the day, the Oktoberfest celebration begins, with four local beers from the Bronx Beer Hall, German food from Loreleye Restaurant, and yard games on the Van Cortlandt House Museum’s lawn.

During the hike, participants will see the lake, wetlands and some of the forested sections of the park. Those hikers who choose to go on the longer trail will see the northwest woods and parts of its famous John Muir Trail and Croton Woods, with its the sugar and maple trees, as well as the Old Croton Aqueduct.

“We’ll have our staff leading the hike,” said Ms. Taylor. “This is a great introduction to the hike and to the trails.”

The online publication Gothamist.com lauded Van Cortlandt Park as one of its “favorite places to be outdoors” in New York City this summer.

Tickets bought by Sept. 30 will be $50 for both events, $40 just for Oktoberfest and $20 for just the hike. Prices will be higher at the door. For more information, go to www.vancortlandt.org.