Benjamin Solomon is walking daily for 30 days.

Hiking through New York City

This is a unique journey in motion.

A hiker from Brooklyn, who aspires to climb the highest mountain in the U.S., is navigating the bustling urban landscape this month solely on foot. Benjamin Solomon has just one week left to complete his month-long adventure, aptly dubbed a “thru-hike to nowhere.” So far, he’s covered over 300 miles, which includes a daily trek to and from work that takes about three hours.

“New Yorkers are always rushing around, and while we have so many transportation options, I think we often forget about the benefits of just walking,” he shared. Solomon, 42, works in entertainment and began his journey on September 15, aiming to “walk everywhere” for 30 days—whether that meant going to work, grabbing dinner, or visiting friends.

He’s set some strict rules for this challenge: no cars, trains, buses, scooters, or bicycles, and absolutely no food delivery. This has meant an impressive daily commitment, logging at least 12 miles most weekdays, walking from his home in Williamsburg to his office in Midtown and back. He estimates this round trip takes around 180 minutes, compared to the typical one-hour subway ride.

Due to his dedication, Solomon has had to skip a few social gatherings recently, including a Rosh Hashana dinner with family and a college reunion in Colorado, as they were simply too far to walk. But he believes it’s a small price to pay. “There’s never a perfect time to commit to something. If you want to dedicate yourself to a goal, sacrifices are necessary,” he stated.

As of Wednesday evening, he had walked 497 miles—the same length as Vermont’s Long Trail. Along the way, he’s discovered new routes and met various people across the five boroughs.

“One of my favorite moments is walking across the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s a vibrant space used for everything: people work out, DJ, or even host dinner parties. I love that we can utilize public spaces in such creative ways. As New Yorkers, we just go about our business without a second thought,” he noted.

This entire venture stemmed from his long-held dream of experiencing a significant thru-hike, like the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails, which typically take months to finish. Yet, Solomon felt living in Williamsburg didn’t afford him that opportunity. “Why should I wait? How can I create a personal endurance hike right here in New York? That’s essentially what this thru-hike to nowhere is about,” he explained.

He added, “Many people think New York lacks nature, that you need to leave to experience it. But there’s plenty of nature here. Walking gives you a different perspective. When you’re on a high bridge above a river, it’s stunning—almost like being on top of a mountain. It really alters your view of the city.”

While “thru-hike to nowhere” might sound negative to some, it simply reflects him forging his unique path rather than following established trails like those in the Appalachian Mountains.

Initially, Solomon encountered some discomfort as he adjusted to the challenge, particularly with arch pain. However, he persevered, inspired by the vibrant community around him. With a week remaining, he hopes to complete an additional 160 miles, aiming for a total of 400 miles.