Discover sweeping Hudson Valley views on this scenic loop hike along the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail near North/South Lake. Highlights include panoramic overlooks like Sunset Rock and Inspiration Point, historic landmarks, and a peaceful mix of forest and escarpment edge walking. Ideal for moderate-level hikers seeking a rewarding Catskills adventure with stunning vistas and rich natural…
Over 100 years after the National Parks Service was founded, federal public lands will receive reviving funding focused on the care these outdoor spaces require. On Wednesday, July 22, the House passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) with a vote of 310-107 in favor. Now passed by Congress, the act is headed to the White House…
2020 has reinforced how essential the outdoors are and how we are stronger and more resilient when we work together. Many things have changed over the past five months. It started with the recommendation to wash our hands more often, then suddenly we were encouraged to stay home. A new term called “social distancing” became the in-vogue…
Our appreciation goes to the following partners and foundations for supporting the work of the Trail Conference in 2019. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Community Grants Fund of Putnam County A $2,000 grant supports the Steward Program at Breakneck Ridge.John T. Sloper Community Fund A $2,500 grant trains Stewards and restocks the program’s medical supply kits at Breakneck…
Everyone has a chance to be a trail angel through their passion for trails and support of Trail Conference volunteers. People who magically provide long-distance hikers with water, shelter, and food are known as “trail angels.” The volunteers who build and maintain the trails should be celebrated as trail angels, too. Everyone has a chance to be a trail angel through…
We’re working together as an organization to improve your volunteer experience. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is an organization powered by volunteers. Without you, we can’t fulfill our mission to ensure the trails and natural areas we share are sustainable and accessible for all to enjoy. This means it’s crucial our volunteer programming supports you and fosters positive…
On April 29, Vernon, N.J., was officially designated an Appalachian Trail Community—the second A.T. Community in New Jersey. Among those presenting the honor during the event at Heaven Hill Farm were Trail Conference Executive Director Ed Goodell, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Karen Lutz, Regional Superintendent of the Northern Division of NJ State Park System Joshua Osowski,…
The Trail Conference Conservation Corps has closed out our 2016 trail building season, but the Palisades Trail Crew works on, so keep an eye out for worktrips posted during this winter season. The Palisades Trail Crew completed a tremendous amount of work on a new multi-use trail in Sterling Forest State Park. This trail is…
The Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve will reopen to the public in a partial capacity on Saturday, May 28, 2016. UPDATE: 8/1/2017 Trails connecting the Lake Minnewaska area to the Sam’s Point area are now open. The following trails are OPEN: Currently, Smiley Carriage Road remains closed for restoration from Berry Picker Trail to…
Peter Dolan, a 2010 graduate of Bucknell University and a resident of Greenwood Lake, NY, has joined the staff of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as coordinator of our New Jersey programs. Peter holds a degree in biology from Bucknell and brings a variety of training and skills related to outdoor recreation and education to…
