Backpacking the Long Path

Backpacking the Long Path

By Ed Walsh

 

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.  Walt Whitman

This guide is written to assist hikers who wish to hike the Long Path from end to end in a single trip. It may also be useful to anyone planning a shorter backpack on the Long Path.

Currently an end-to-ender is supposed to have hiked all the sections from NYC to John Boyd Thacher State Park near Altamont. Although a route north of there has been described all the way to Sacandaga Reservoir, we do not yet consider it part of the official Long Path because it is mostly road walking.

It is now possible to backpack the entire length of the trail, but it still requires quite a bit of planning. It is not possible to camp out along the trail for its entire length. Some nights it will be necessary to hike to a motel or a nearby campground.

In Orange County the hiker has two options: the traditional route to Schunemunk Mountain, followed by significant rail-trail hikes and road walks, or the route from Harriman State Park along the Appalachian Trail south to High Point State Park in New Jersey. From there the Shawangunk Ridge Trail connects with the Long Path. The complete end-to-end route, following the traditional route through Orange County, is currently 358 miles long and includes approximately 60 miles of road walking.

The A.T./SRT alternative is only 5.8 miles longer, but has approximately 20 miles less road walking and also avoids a 9-mile paved rail-trail section. By taking the alternate you will be able to continue to find sufficient camping opportunities to within 15 miles from the end of the trail.

This section will tell you which sections of the trail are open for camping and will list facilities nearby where overnight camping or other accommodations are available for those sections where camping is not allowed. Just because a motel or campground is listed in this booklet does not guarantee its quality. The accommodations were chosen based solely on their distance from the trail. It is hoped that hikers will send reports on the facilities listed and these will be included in future editions of this guide. No reference is made to suggested tent sites where overnight camping is allowed. It is up to the hiker to find these on their own. Clearly a backpacker on the Long Path should have experience in map reading and a good “woods sense.”

This booklet does not give instructions on how to backpack. It is presumed that a hiker attempting to thru hike this trail in a single trip has some backpacking experience. However, due to its proximity to major population centers, the southern section is a good place to hone your backpacking skills.

Camping

Lean-tos or shelters located on the Long Path are three sided, open front structures with wood floors. They are usually buggy and almost all have resident mouse populations. In the Catskills, porcupines are a serious nuisance. They love anything salty, so hang your boots as well as your food. The Catskills, Shawangunks and New Jersey are also home to black bears. Although bears are usually not a problem, you should know how to protect your food supply. The shelters are all first come, first served up to capacity, usually 6 to 8 people. Groups of three or more should not use the shelters unless there is remaining room left in the late afternoon. They should be ready to make room for through hikers arriving late. Except for the Appalachian Trail section and the Catskills, shelters or lean-tos are rare. A tent is a necessity for backpacking this trail.

Although the Long Path passes through many State parks in its southern section, overnight camping is restricted to Cheesecote Park in the Town of Haverstraw (permit required), Harriman State Park (only within 100 yards of a lean-to), and the DEC lands along the Shawangunks.

Camping is allowed on State land in the Catskill Forest Preserve and in State Reforestation Areas as long as your campsite is 150 feet from any trail, road or water and below 3500 feet in elevation. Camping for more than three days in the same place requires a permit, as does camping with a group of ten or more. Permits can be obtained from the DEC. Only dead and down wood may be used for a campfire. A backpacking stove is highly recommended.

Overnight camping is not allowed on private property traversed by the Long Path. Permission to hike on these parcels was granted only after negotiations with the landowner. Please remember that you are a guest there. Do not do anything that might jeopardize these agreements. Campfires, horses, mountain bikes and motor vehicles are not allowed on private property crossed by the Long Path. Most of the private property is closed during big game hunting season. Some of this land is open for hunting, which usually extends from the Monday before Thanksgiving until the second week in December. For specific dates, write to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish and Game, State Campus, Albany, New York, 12226. The Trail Conference also maintains its own list of hunting seasons for areas under it’s purvey. Click here for more information. For your own safety do not hike on these sections during the hunting season.

Post Offices

The Long Path passes by or near 23 Post Offices. A list appears in the back of this chapter. Many long distance backpackers arrange a series of mail drops along the way by mailing food or supplies to themselves. This helps to lighten their load and allows the hiker to purchase his food in bulk and save money. The package should be addressed to the hiker c/o General Delivery with the words, “Hold for Hiker arriving on or about...” on the package. Post Offices are not obligated to hold these packages for more than 30 days, so if you are planning a long trip it will be useful to prepare these food drops ahead of time and have a friend or family member mail them to you as you hike. It’s a good idea not to seal these packages until they are ready to mail. Hikers usually find that they have packed too much food (or not enough) or have forgotten to include some useful piece of equipment. The Post Offices are usually open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to noon.

How to Use This Guide

The sections listed here correspond to the sections in the online Long Path Guide. The distances given are south to north. If camping is not allowed on a section that cannot be reasonably hiked in a day, directions are given to the nearest public accommodation (campground or motel).

If using a motel or commercial campground, please do mention the Long Path when registering.

SECTION 1

New York City to Route 9W at Lamont-Doherty

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None.
Bus service to and from the trail is available for most of this section.

Lodging

There are many hotels in Fort Lee; the closest to the Long Path is an Econolodge (201-944-5332) located directly across the street from where the trail goes up the Palisades, north of the GWB. Of course, New York City is just across the bridge.

Food

There are many restaurants and stores located in Fort Lee. The closest to the trail is the G.W. Grill, next to the Econolodge. The gas station at mile 1.45 offers Dunkin Donuts, vending machines, telephones, water and restrooms. There is also food at the State Line Lookout snack bar (Lookout Inn) at mile 11.35.

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 2

Route 9W at Lamont-Doherty to Nyack (Mountainview Avenue)

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None.
Bus service to and from the trail is available for most of this section.

Lodging

Super 8 Motel 845-353-3880. Located right on the trail before it crosses Route 59.

Best Western Motel 845-358-8100.  0.50 miles east on Route 59.

Food

There is a snack bar and deli on the eastside of Route 9W in Palisades (0.95 mi).

The village of Piermont has restaurants and delis.

Near the intersection of Route 59 are a convenience store and a McDonalds.

0.05 miles east on Route 59 are the Old World Food Market, delis, Dunkin Doughnuts and Chinese restaurant. 0.75 miles east on Route 59 is the village of Nyack with many restaurants and food shops.

0.20 miles west on Route 59 is Alain's French Bistro (expensive but good!), and 0.60 miles west on Route 59 are a supermarket, pharmacy, deli and Chinese restaurant.

Post Office

Palisades 10964 - at mile 0.55 turn left onto Oak Tree Road for 0.10 miles.

Piermont 10968 - at mile 3.25, after crossing the Sparkill Creek, turn west (left) onto Piermont Avenue for 20 yards.

 

SECTION 3

Nyack (Mountainview Avenue) to Long Clove (Route 9W)

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None. Although the Long Path traverses much State land in this section, camping is not allowed. Ed & Eudora Walsh (845-429-8550) will allow through hikers to camp in their backyard if prior arrangements are made. Bus service to and from the trail is available for most of this section.

Lodging

Raintree Motel 845-268-5600. At mile 5.75, Rockland Lake Road, turn left for 0.20 miles past the firehouse, then right for 1.00 miles to Route 9W. The motel is across the street on the left.

Holiday Court Motel 845-268-3300. At mile 5.75, Rockland Lake Road, turn left for 0.20miles past the firehouse, then right for 1.00 miles to Route 9W. The motel is 0.20 miles north (right) on 9W.

Green Inn Motel on the Lake 845-268-6836. At mile 5.75, Rockland Lake Road, turn left for 0.20 miles past the firehouse, then right for 1.00 miles to Route 9W. The motel is 0.10 mile farther north on Route 9W.

Food

Near mile 2.1 are a convenience store and restaurants.
There are restaurants both north and south on Route 9W from the intersection with the park road at Rockland Lake.
From the northern end of this section there are a deli, laundromat, Dunkin Donuts, pizza restaurant, Chinese restaurant, and Rick's Club American, 1 mile south on Route 303.

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 4

Long Clove to Mount Ivy

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None. Although the Long Path traverses much State land in this section, camping is not allowed. Ed & Eudora Walsh (845-429-8550) will allow through hikers to camp in their backyard if prior arrangements are made. Bus service to and from the trail is available for most of this section.

Lodging

Rockland Motel 845-354-1373. 1.30 miles south on Route 202 (mile 6.80) in Mount Ivy.

Food

From the southern end of this section there is a restaurant, bakery and laundromat 1 mile south on Route 303.

0.20 miles west from mile 1.20 is a deli.

Along Route 202, which is 0.15 mile north of the end of this section, are several restaurants and stores. See Section 5.

Post Office

Pomona 10970. At  mile 6.85 turn right for 0.15 mi to Route 202, then turn left (west) onto Route 202 for 0.90 miles.

 

SECTION 5

Mount Ivy to Lake Skannatati

Lean-tos

Big Hill Shelter mile 5.80

Water is available at stream crossing 1 mile south on LP or follow LP to AT&T right of way, turn left and follow for 1 mile to Breakneck Pond.

Camping

In Cheesecote Park in the Town of Haverstraw camping is allowed with permit only (845-429-2200). The park is open from April 1 through November 30.
In Harriman State Park camping is only allowed within 100 yards of a shelter.

Lodging

Rockland Motel 845-354-1373. 1.30 miles east on Route 202 in Mount Ivy

Food

At mile 0.15, to the right (east) on Route 202, is a deli, restaurant, pizzeria, bank and laundromat.

At mile 0.20, about 0.1 mile straight ahead past the Parkway underpass, is a diner, and 0.40 miles farther west on Route 202 is a shopping plaza with a supermarket, pharmacy, bank, laundromat and restaurants.

Post Office

Pomona 10970. At mile 0.20 continue west on Route 202 for 0.80 miles.

 

SECTION 6-1

Lake Skannatati to intersection with the Appalachian Trail

Lean-tos

Cohasset Shelter mile 4.45. 0.85 miles past the intersection with the Appalachian Trail, north on the original Long Path. Shelter is made of corrugated metal, no water. Note that this shelter is primarily for the use of a girl’s camp. Be prepared to vacate if they request to use it. (To continue on the suggested route the hiker must backtrack to the intersection of the AT). Distance from Big Hill Shelter – 8.15 miles.

Fingerboard Shelter mile 1.50 north on the Appalachian Trail (please note that the LP follows the Appalachian Trail south here. To continue on the suggested route the hiker must backtrack 1.50 miles). Water 0.50 miles on blue-blazed side trail at Lake Tiorati. Distance from Big Hill Shelter – 8.80 miles.

Camping

In Harriman State Park camping is allowed only within 100 yards of a shelter.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 
Turn south on the Appalachian Trail which nearly parallels the Long Path to the Shawangunk Ridge.
It is 49.6 miles from this junction to the Shawangunk Ridge Trail.
By taking this route you will have continuous camping opprtunities from LP mile 42.75 at Cheesecote Town Park (which you already passed) to Cole Hill State Forest, which is 15 miles from the end of the trail.
 

LP/AT SECTION

Harriman Park to High Point State Park

Lean-tos

Wildcat Shelter. Water from a hand pump. Distance from Cohasset Shelter – 13.65 miles.

Wawayanda Shelter. 0.10 miles from the AT on blue-blazed side trail. Water available at park headquarters, 0.25 miles from the shelter on another blue-blazed trail. Distance from Wildcat Shelter – 12.00 miles.

Pochuck Mountain Shelter. 0.10 miles from the AT on a blue-blazed side trail. Water available from a spigot at a vacant house at the foot of Pochuck Mountain. Distance from Wawayanda Shelter – 13.00 miles.

High Point Shelter. 0.10 miles from the AT on a blue-blazed side trail. Water available from streams near the shelter. Distance from Pochuck Mountain Shelter – 12.30 miles.

Camping

none

Lodging

Tuxedo Motel 845-351-4747. 2.10 miles east on Route 17.

Breezy Point 2.00 miles east on Route 17A.

Appalachian Motel. 1.80 miles east on NJ Route 94 in Vernon, NJ.

Hostel. St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Vernon NJ.

Apple Valley Inn 973-764-3735. 1.10 miles west on County 517 in Glenwood, NJ Reservations requested at least one day in advance.

Backtrack Inn. 0.40 miles west on Lott Road in Unionville, NJ. Hostel with bunk space for 4 people.

High Point Country Inn 973-702-1860. 1.40 miles east on NJ Route 23.

Food

NY 17A, west 0.20 miles is Belmont Creamery (icecream); west 1.60 miles is a deli and pizza place. East 2.00 miles to Greenwood Lake with a supermarket, deli, restaurants and pizza.

Warwick Turnpike, 0.20 miles east is a farm market.

NJ Route 94, 0.10 miles west is a farm stand. 2.40 miles east is Vernon, NJ with supermarkets, restaurants, delis, and a laundromat.

County Route 517, 1.10 miles west in Glenwood is a farm market and deli. NJ Route 284, west 0.40 miles is a small grocery store.

Lott Road, 0.40 miles west in Unionville is a grocery store, restaurant and pizza.

High Point State Park, 0.60 miles from the park office is a swimming area and snack bar

Post Office

Southfields, NY 10975 - 2.10 miles east on Route 17

Bellvale, NY 10912 - 1.60 miles west on Route 17A, inside general store

Greenwood Lake, NY 10925 - 2.00 miles east on Route 17A

New Milford, NY 10959 - 1.80 miles west inside store

Vernon, NJ 07462 - 2.40 miles east on Route 94

Glenwood, NJ 07418 - 1.10 miles west on Route 517

Unionville, NY 10988 - 0.40 miles west on Lott Road

 

Shawangunk Ridge Trail

The Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT), blue blaze and part of the Long Path system, begins at the Appalachian Trail (AT) in High Point State Park, 0.60 miles from the High Point Shelter and where the Monument Trail crosses the AT. The SRT  and Monument Trail, which are co-aligned for the next 1.50 miles, turn right and in about 0.50 miles pass High Point Monument. Cross the parking lot and follow the SRT north. 1.50 miles from the AT, the SRT leaves the Monument Trail and turns left, paralleling the eastern edge of Cedar Swamp on a woods road. The SRT soon turns right and crosses the Cedar Swamp on a boardwalk. Thereafter the trail climbs to the ridge, crosses the Monument Trail, and heads north into New York State.

 

SECTION G-1

High Point State Park, NJ to Lake Hathorn in Greenville, NY

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is allowed in Huckleberry Ridge State Forest located at miles 4.95 to 6.00 and 6.25 to 7.30.

Lodging

High Point Motor Lodge 201-702-1860. 1.40 miles east on NJ 

Food

Mile 7.70 - Firehouse Deli - turn right and follow NY Route 6 downhill 0.15 mile to the next intersection, deli is on the left.

Post Office

None

 

SECTION G-2

Lake Hawthorne in Greenville, NY to Long Path

Lean-tos

None

Camping

From Hawthorne Lake the trail passes through Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, where camping is allowed.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

The next five sections are for hikers that plan to go through  the middle of Orange County rather then follow the alternate option of taking the Appalachian Trail to the junction of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Although the LP passes through State and County Parks, camping is not legal for the next 53 miles. Hotels are available in sections 7, 9 and 10. If you hiked the AT/SRT route the information you need starts with section 11.

 

LP SECTION 6-2

Intersection with the Appalachian Trail to US Route 6

Lean-tos

Mile 4.45 Cohasset Shelter (no water); mile 8.00 Stockbridge Shelter (no water)

Camping

None

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 7

US Route 6 to NY Route 32 (Town of Woodbury)

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None

Lodging

Mile 7.35: Americas Best Value Inn, 1.3 miles from the trail. Continue straight on Estrada Road, and in 0.7 miles turn left (south) onto Route 32. The motel is on the right in 0.6 miles.

Food

Mile 9.80: Continue straight on Pine Hill Road for 0.3 miles (the road changes to Park Ave when it crosses the creek). Turn right on NY 32, restaurants and a deli are on NY 32.

Mile 11.60: restaurant at 1 Quaker Road (Peppy & Eddy's - Italian food). About 0.25 mile south on Rte 32; turn right on Evans Drive, and immediately right again on Quaker Road.

Post Office

Highland Mills 10930. At mile 9.80 continue 0.3 miles on Pine Hill Road which changes to Park Ave when it crosses the creek. Turn right on NY 32, the Post Office is 0.2 miles on the left.

 

Section 8

NY Route 32 (Town of Woodbury) to Heritage Trail in Monroe

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None

Lodging

None

Food

Mile 0.00: restaurant at 1 Quaker Road (Peppy & Eddy's - Italian food). About 0.25 mile south on Rte 32; turn right on Evans Drive, and immediately right again on Quaker Road. More restaurants farther south on Route 32.

Mile 8.00: about 0.5 miles north along Route 208 is Rambler's Rest, a bar/restaurant.

Post Office

Woodbury 10930. At mile 0.00 go 1.5 miles south on Route 32.

 

SECTION 9

Heritage Trail (Orange County rail-trail)

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None

Lodging

Mile 4.15: Holiday Express (845-469-3000) - follow Route 94 south for 0.7 miles to Route 17M, then 2 blocks west.

Mile 8.50: Anthony Dobbins Stagecoach Inn (845-294-5526) - follow Route 207 north for 0.5 miles to 268 Main Street.

Mile 8.50: Comfort Inn (845-291-1282) - follow Route 207 about 1 mile south across Route 6/17, then turn right to 20 Hatfield Lane.

Food

Mile 4.15: there are restaurants, delis, and laundromat near the station in Chester.

Mile 8.50: there are restaurants, delis, and stores in the Village of Goshen.

Post Office

Chester 10918, at 76 Brookside Avenue - mile 4.15. Go 0.7 miles south on Route 94 to Route 17M, then 2 blocks west, opposite the Holiday Express.

Goshen 10924, at 20 Grand Street - mile 8.50. Take first right off West Main Street.

 

SECTION 10

Heritage Trail in Goshen to Mountain Road in Greenville

Lean-tos

None

Camping

None

Lodging

Mile 2.05: Days Inn (845-374-2411) - Follow routes 6 & 17M west for 0.5 mile, on the left.

Food

Mile 1.45: Mason's Marketplace (deli) and tap room is on the right. Mile 4.75: deli

Post Office

Mile 2.05: New Hampton 10958, at 5070 NY State Route 17M - Follow routes 6 & 17M west for 0.75 mile, on the right.

 

SECTION 11

Mountain Road in Greenville to the Basha Kill

Lean-tos

None

Camping

The trail passes through DEC forest parcels at miles 0.00-2.00 and 2.40-3.15, and at mile 5.65 more DEC land can be found east of the trail.

Camping is also allowed in the Gobblers Knob section (DEC land) between miles 8.40 and 10.20. The stream in this section is seasonal.

American Family Campground, Guymard Turnpike, Godeffroy, NY. 845-754-8388. Hot showers, pool, cabins, laundry. April 15 to October 15. At mile 3.65 turn left on Guymard Turnpike and cross the bridge. 1.80 miles west on the Guymard Turnpike, on the left. Caters mainly to RV’s. Distance from High Point Shelter – 16.70 miles.

Lodging

None

Food

Otisville 1 mile right on Rte 211. General stores, ice cream store, bar/restaurant, pizzeria

Post Office

Otisville 10963 - at mile 8.10 go 1 mile right (east) on Route 211.

 

SECTION 12

Basha Kill to Ferguson Road

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is allowed in the Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest between miles 6.20 and 10.20. 

Lodging

Mile 5.25 in Wurtsboro. Days Inn. About 1 mile from the trail, south on Rte 209. 845-888-2727.

Food

Wurtsboro, mile 5.25. Restaurants, deli. Supermarket about 1 mile from the trail, south on Rte 209.

Post Office

Wurtsboro 12790 - mile 5.35, on the trail.

The Village of Wurtsboro is a good place for a layover day. A motel, restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacy are all within walking distance. You can also rent a glider at the nearby airport.

 

SECTION 13

Ferguson Road to Sam’s Point Preserve

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping on DEC land from mile 0.00 to about mile 6.45.

Mile 5.60: Spring Glen Campground is about 2 miles down the mountain, on Lewis Road. Tel. 845-901-1991.

Lodging

None

Food

Spring Glen Market is next to the Spring Glen post office.

Post Office

Spring Glen 12483. About 2 miles down the mountain from mile 5.60, on Old Route 209.

Cragsmoor 12420. About 2.20 miles from Sam's Point Preserve at the end of this section.

 

SECTION 14

Sam’s Point Preserve to Berme Road

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Mile 8.05, in Witch's Hole State Forest (NYDEC), about 0.5 miles west on Smiley Carriage Road. Camping is allowed 150 feet away from the trail and water. A stream is reached just as you cross into the state forest. If the stream is dry a reliable pipe spring is about 0.4 mile further down the hill.

Mile 11.45: John and Christy Adams - 0.45 miles past the end of this section - allow camping in their backyard if prior arrangements are made. Tel. 845-551-6858. Email: portbenfarm@mac.com

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

Cragsmoor 12420. About 2.20 miles from Sam's Point Preserve at the beginning of this section.

 

SECTION 15

Berme Road to Riggsville

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Mile 0.45: John and Christy Adams allow camping in their backyard if prior arrangements are made. Tel. 845-551-6858. Email: portbenfarm@mac.com 

Camping is permitted on state land along this section.

Lodging

Mile 1.4 - Colonial Motel in Kerhonkson - 1.1 mi north on US Route 209.

Food

Mile 1.4 - White Wolf Restaurant & Lounge in Napanoch - 0.8 mi south on Route 209 (open at 4.30 pm for dinner; closed on Mondays). Ricke Len's Country Restaurant & Pizza - 1.4 mi south on Route 209 in Napanoch, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Walmart Supermarket.

Post Office

Mile 1.4 - Wawarsing 12489, corner of Port Ben Road and Route 209, on the trail.

 

SECTION 16

Riggsville to Bull Run

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails. Water is available at Vernooy Kill Falls, mile 1.70, intermittently along the trail, and at Sundown.

Sundown primitive campsite is at the junction with Peekamoose Road at mile 9.65. No facilities. Water available from Rondout Creek.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 17

Bull Run to Denning Road

Lean-tos

Bouton Memorial lean-to - mile 5.20, 0.20 miles on a side trail. Water from a spring on the LP. Distance from Sundown – 5.20 miles

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 18

Denning Road to Wittenberg Mountain

Lean-tos

Terrace Mountain lean to - mile 8.40, 1.05 miles from the Long Path. No water available. Distance from Bouton lean-to – 11 miles

Camping

Woodland Valley State Campground 845-688-7647. Mile 8.40, May 15 - October 12, showers, flush toilets. Distance from the Long Path 2.75 miles.

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails. There are designated campsites between Slide and Cornell Mountains.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 19

Wittenberg Mountain to Phoenicia

Lean-tos

Terrace Mountain lean-to, 1.05 miles from the Long Path.

Camping

Mile 0.00: Woodland Valley State Campground, 2.75 miles from the Long Path.

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Mile 9.80: Black Bear Campground on Bridge Street in Phoenicia. Tel. 845-688-7405

Lodging

Mile 9.30: Phoenicia Lodge (Tel. 845-688-7772). About 0.7 miles west of the trail at the corner of Woodland Valley Road and NY Route 28.

Mile 9.85: Phoenicia Belle (B&B) Tel. 845.-688-7226. Turn left on Main Street for 0.1 miles.

Food

There is a grocery store, restaurants and pharmacy in Phoenicia. Brio’s Restaurant is highly recommended.

Post Office

Phoenicia 12464 – At the intersection with Main Street, continue straight ahead for about 75 yards. The Post Office is on the right.

Phoenicia is a good town for a layover day. Besides resupply, you can spend the day fishing or tubing on the Esopus.

 

SECTION 20

Phoenicia to Silver Hollow Notch

Lean-tos

Baldwin Memorial lean-to - Mile 3.20. Pipe spring, 50’ to left of trail. Distance from Terrace Mountain lean-to 14.05 miles. Tremper Mountain lean-to - Mile 4.00. No water. Distance from Baldwin lean-to 0.80 miles.

Camping

Mile 0.00: Black Bear Campground on Bridge Street in Phoenicia. Tel. 845-688-7405

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

Mile 0.00: Phoenicia Lodge (Tel. 845-688-7772). About 0.8 miles west of the trail at the corner of Woodland Valley Road and NY Route 28.

Mile 0.00: Phoenicia Belle (B&B) Tel. 845.-688-7226. On Main Street in Phoenicia, less than 0.1 miles from the trail.

Food

There are a grocery store, restaurants, and pharmacy in Phoenicia.

Post Office

Phoenicia 12464 - At the intersection with Main Street continue straight ahead for about 75 yards. The Post Office is on the right.

 

SECTION 21

Silver Hollow Notch to Platte Clove Road

Lean-tos

Mink Hollow lean-to - Mile 4.40. Distance from Tremper lean-to - 11.20 miles

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 22

Platte Clove Road to Palenville

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

Catskill Mountain Lodge 518-678-3101. Mile 10.00 - continue on Route 23A for 0.40 miles, then turn right on Route 32A for 1 mile. Motel and restaurant.

Clark House B&B 518-678-5649. Mile 10.00 - continue on Route 23A for 0.40 miles.

Food

Mile 10.00 - continue 0.20 miles to Palenville, which has a deli, and a general store with Coleman fuel available.

Post Office

Palenville 12463 - Mile 10.00 - continue on Route 23A for 0.30 miles.

 

SECTION 23

Palenville to North Lake

Lean-tos

None

Camping

North Lake State Campground 518-589-5058. Mile 4.80. 219 sites, showers, swimming. Reservations recommended. Distance from Mink Hollow – 24.90 miles.

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

Catskill Mountain Lodge 518-678-3101. Mile 0.00 continue on Route 23A for 0.40 miles, then turn right on Route 32A for 1 mile. Motel and restaurant.

Clark House B&B 518-678-5649. Mile 0.00 continue on Route 23A for 0.40 miles.

Food

Mile 0.00. Continue 0.20 miles to Palenville, which has a deli, and a general store with Coleman fuel available.

Post Office

Palenville 12463

 

SECTION 24

North Lake to Batavia Kill

Lean-tos

Batavia Kill lean-to. Mile 9.80, 0.25 miles on a side trail. Water available from stream. Distance from North Lake – 10.05 miles

Camping

North Lake State Campground. Mile 0.00. 219 sites, showers, swimming $16 reservations recommended. Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 25

Batavia Kill to Route 23

Lean-tos

Batavia Kill lean-to. Mile 0.00, 0.25 miles on a side trail. Water available from stream. Elm Ridge lean-to. Mile 7.40, water from a pipe spring 0.1 miles south. Distance from Batavia Kill – 7.40 miles

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails.

Lodging

Kopper Kettle Inn and Restaurant 518-734-3575. 2.50 miles west on Route 23.

Hamilton Motel 518-734-3190. 2.80 miles west on Route 23.

Hillside Mountain Inn 518-734-3668. 2.50 miles west on Route 23.

Food

Kopper Kettle. 2.50 miles west on Route 23.

Village of Windham, 3.60 miles west on Route 23 has restaurants, delis and a small grocery.

Post Office

Windham 12496 – 3.90 miles west on Route 23

 

CAUTION: Water is scarce throughout the next 3 sections, especially during the summer months.

 

SECTION 26

Route 23 to Greene County Route 10

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails. The first 0.75 miles of the LP in this section is on State land. The trail is on private property for the next 2.5 miles and camping is not permitted. Beyond that the trail enters Mount Hayden State Forest and remains on State land to the end of this section. Camping is permitted following the same rules as above.

Lodging

Kopper Kettle Inn and Restaurant 518-734-3575. 2.50 miles west on Route 23.

Hamilton Motel 518-734-3190. 2.80 miles west on Route 23

Food

Kopper Kettle. 2.50 miles west on Route 23.

Village of Windham, 3.60 miles west on Route 23 has restaurants, delis and a small grocery.

Post Office

Windham 12496 – 3.90 miles west on Route 23

 

SECTION 27

Greene County Route 10 to South Mountain Road

Lean-tos

Mile 5.25. Approximately 3 miles west on the red trail is the Hunterfield lean-to.

Camping

The first 0.55 mile are on private land, camping is not allowed. The remainder of this section is in a State Reforestation Area. Camping is permitted on State land at elevations below 3500 feet and at least 150 feet from water or trails. Distance between State lands – 10.10 miles

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 28

South Mountain Road to Conesville

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is permitted only on State lands at the beginning of this section. 

Lodging

None

Food

 

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 29

Conesville to Doney Hollow

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Nickerson’s Campground 607-588-7327. Mile 3.25, hot showers (coin operated), pool, laundry & store. Distance from Huntersfield lean-to – 11.50 miles.

Max V. Shaul State Campground 518-827-4711. Mile 8.70, 6.70 miles north on Route 30 from the intersection with Westkill Road. 32 sites, hot showers, flush toilets. Open mid-May through mid October.

Lodging

None

Food

Clarks Bar & Restaurant. Mile 0.40 on the right side of 990V.

Nickerson’s Campground - small store & ice cream

Post Office

Gilboa 12076 - Mile 1.60. About 0.15 mile left (south) on Route 990V.

North Blenheim 12131 - Mile 8.35 - about 0.2 miles from the trail.

 

SECTION 30

Doney Hollow to West Fulton

Lean-tos

Rossman Hill. Mile 5.85, water 100 yards in front of the lean-to from a well, may be dry in summer, fill up at streams before lean-to. Distance from Nickerson’s – 13.25 miles

Camping

Camping is allowed throughout the Eminence State Forest. Watch for private property signs toward the end of this section near West Fulton. Distance to State land from Nickerson’s – 7.10 miles.

Max V. Shaul State Campground 518-827-4711. Mile 8.40, 4.00 miles to the right on West Fulton Road and another 0.20 miles north on Route 30.

Water is readily available throughout this section. The streams at mile 4.10 and 4.55 and the well at mile 5.80 may be dry in summer.

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

West Fulton 12194 - Mile 8.70, turn right onto West Fulton Road for 0.20 miles.

 

SECTION 31

West Fulton to Middleburgh

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Camping is allowed in the State Reforestation Areas, 150 feet from trails or water. There is private property at the beginning and the end of this section.

Max V. Shaul State Campground 518-827-4711. Mile 0.00, 4.00 miles to the right on West Fulton Road and another 0.20 miles north on Route 30. It can also be reached by heading south on Route 30 for 3.00 miles from the intersection with Hardscrabble Road, mile 7.65. 32 sites, hot showers, flush toilets. Open mid-May through mid October.

Lodging

None

Food

Mile 8.70, 0.10 miles south on Route 30 is a farm stand. Mile 11.75, 1 mile north on Rte. 30 is a Grand Union supermarket. On Main Street in Middleburgh – Mrs. K’s Restaurant, Stewart’s & Red Barrel (not recommended, may not be friendly to hikers) on left, Hubie’s Pizzeria & Restaurant on right.

Post Office

West Fulton 12194 - Mile 0.00, turn right onto West Fulton Road for 0.20 miles. Middleburgh 12122 - Mile 11.75, follow the LP for an extra 0.15 miles.

 

SECTION 32

Middleburgh to Albany County Line

Lean-tos

Cotton Hill - Mile 6.75, no water at lean to. Get water at mile 6.15 at small stream just before crossing Treadlemire Rd. or at a pump (not reliable) on Treadlemire Road opposite a green barn (the pump may need to be primed). Distance from Rossman Hill lean-to – 21.40 miles

Camping

Camping is allowed in the State Reforestation Areas, 150 feet from trails or water. At mile 9.45, the trail enters private land. Distance between Patria and Cotton Hill State Forests – 9.75 miles

Lodging

None

Food

Mile 0.00 Middleburgh has delis, restaurants and grocery stores and a bank.

Post Office

Middleburgh 12122 - Mile 0.15 on the trail

 

SECTION 33

Albany County Line to Switz Kill

Lean-tos

Mile 11.45 - Lean-to is on private land, water from the creek below the Lean-to. Distance from Cotton Hill Lean-to here is 16.7 miles.

It is 20.45 miles from here to the northern terminus of the trail.

Camping

Camping is only allowed on the State Reforestation Areas in this section, not in the Wildlife Management Area. State Forest is reached at 3.60 miles and continues until the Long Path reaches Beaver Road at mile 5.05. Distance from Cotton Hill State Forest – 5.95 miles

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 34

Switz Kill to East Berne

Lean-tos

None

Camping

Cole Hill State Forest. Miles 2.75 through 4.75. Distance from Partridge Run Forest – 11.45 miles

Lodging

None

Food

None

Post Office

None

 

SECTION 35

East Berne to John Boyd Thacher State Park

Lean-tos

There is a lean-to in John Boyd Thacher Park but it is not available for overnight use.

Camping

The beginning of this section is entirely on private property and the end is in John Boyd Thacher State Park. Neither allows overnight camping. Camping is available at Thompson’s Lake State Campground, 4 miles from Thacher Park on Route 157. 518-872-1674. 140 sites, hot showers, flush toilets, swimming. Distance from Cole Hill State Forest – 11.45 miles

Lodging

Altamont Old Stone Inn B&B, 1160 Bern-Altamont Rd., Altamont. 518-861-0200.

Food

None

Post Office

None

  

Distances Between Accommodations

AT/SRT route

Miles

 

Orange County route 

 Miles

 

Fort Lee to Nyack

22.65

Motel

 

 

 

Nyack to Rockland Lake

 5.50

Motel

 

 

 

Rockland Lake to Mount Ivy

10.20

Motel

 

 

 

Mount Ivy to Big Hill shelter

 7.10

 

 

 

 

Big Hill to Cohasset lean-to

 8.15

 

 

 

 

Cohasset to Wildcat shelter on the AT

13.65

 

Cohasset shelter to Stockbridge shelter

 3.55

 

Wildcat to Wawayanda shelter

12.00

 

Stockbridge Shelter to Central Valley

10.60

Motel

Wawayanda to Pochuck Mountain shelter

13.10

 

Central Valley to Chester

19.55

Motel

Pochuck to High Point shelter

12.40

 

Chester to Goshen

 6.05

Motel

High Point to American Family Campground (1)

16.70

Fee

Goshen to American Family Campground

22.50

Fee

American Family Campground to Gobblers Knob (2)

 7.15

 

 

 

 

Gobblers Knob to Wurtsboro (3)

 9.30

Motel

 

 

 

Wurtsboro to Shawangunk Ridge State Forest (3)

10.30

 

 

 

 

Shawangunk Ridge State Forest to Witch's Hole (4)

14.25

 

 

 

 

Witch's Hole to Riggsville (5)

15.80

 

 

 

 

Riggsville to Sundown

10.10

 

 

 

 

Sundown to Bouton lean-to

 5.20

 

 

 

 

Bouton to Terrace Mountain lean-to

11.00

 

 

 

 

Terrace Mountain lean-to to Phoenicia (motel or campground)

10.90

 

 

 

 

Phoenicia to Baldwin lean-to

 3.15

 

 

 

 

Baldwin to Tremper Mountain lean-to

 0.85

 

 

 

 

Tremper to Mink Hollow lean-to

 9.80

 

 

 

 

Mink Hollow to North Lake Campground

24.90

Fee

 

 

 

North Lake to Batavia Kill lean-to

10.05

 

 

 

 

Batavia Kill to Elm Ridge lean-to

 7.40

 

 

 

 

Elm Ridge to Nickerson's Campground (6)

28.25

Fee

 

 

 

Nickerson’s to Rossman Hill lean-to (7)

13.25

 

 

 

 

Rossman Hill to Cotton Hill lean-to (8)

21.40

 

 

 

 

Cotton Hill to Partridge Run Reforestation Area

 8.75

 

 

 

 

Cotton Hill to Switzkill Creek - Lean-to on private land.

 16.7

       

Partridge Run to Cole Hill State Forest

 9.55

 

 

 

 

Cole Hill to Thompson’s Lake Campground

11.45

Fee

 

 

 

 

(1) Camping is allowed along the way in Huckleberry Ridge State Forest.

(2) Camping is allowed in Gobblers Knob.

(3) Camping is allowed anywhere in the DEC lands north of Wurtsboro.

(4) Camping is allowed in Witch's Hole, a DEC State Forest.

(5) Between Riggsville and Route 23 in East Windham the trail is in the Catskill Forest Preserve for almost 90 miles. Camping is allowed anywhere as long as you are 150 feet from trails, roads or water.

(6) Plenty of camping opportunities along the way in State Forests.

(7) The LP enters the Eminance State Forest 7.10 miles from Nickerson’s.

(8) Camping is allowed in the State Forests in this area.

Post Offices 

Palisades, NY 10964*

Piermont, NY 10968**

Pomona, NY 10970*

Southfields, NY 10975

Bellvale, NY 10912

Greenwood Lake, NY 10925

New Milford, NY 10959

Vernon, NJ 07462

Glenwood, NJ 07418

Unionville, NY 10988*

Woodbury, NY 10930

Chester, NY 10918*

Goshen, NY 10924*

Otisville, NY 10963*

Wurtsboro, NY 12790**

Warwasing, NY 12489**

Phoenicia, NY 12464*

Palenville, NY 12463*

Windham, NY 12496

Gilboa, NY 12076**

North Blenheim, NY 12131*

West Fulton, NY 12194*

Middleburgh, NY 12122**

 

No asterisk: more than 1 mile from the trail.

* Located within 1 mile of the trail

** Located on the trail

Transportation

Red and Tan Lines 845-356-0877

Bus service along Route 9W from Fort Lee to Haverstraw

International Bus Service 201-714-9400

New York City to Mount Ivy

Transport of Rockland 845-634-1100

Bus Service in Rockland County

Short Line Buses 201-529-3666

New York City to Mountainview

Adirondack Trailways Buses 800-858-8555

New York City to New Paltz and the Catskills

Addresses and Phone Numbers

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
600 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430-1199
201-512-9348
 
Palisades Interstate Park Police
845-786-2781
 
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 3 Office - Ulster and Sullivan Counties
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-5453
 
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 4 Office - Greene, Schoharie and Delaware Counties
1150 North Westcott Road
Schenectady, New York 12306
518-357-2234
 
New York State Campground Reservations
1-800-456-CAMP, or

Useful Publications

  • Fleming, June. The Well Fed Backpacker. Vantage Books, Random House, New York, NY, 1985
  • Fletcher, Colin. The Complete Walker III. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY, 1984
  • Hampton, Bruce and David Cole. Soft Paths: How to Enjoy the Wilderness Without Harming It. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA, 1988
  • Jardine, Ray. Beyond Backpacking, Ray Jardine’s Guide to Lightweight Hiking. AdventureLore Press, LaPine OR 97739, 2000
  • Manning, Harvey. Backpacking One Step at a Time. Vintage Books, Random House, New York, NY
  • Meyer, Kathleen. How to Shit in the Woods. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA, 1989
  • Meyers, William J. Harriman Trails. A Guide and History. New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. New York, NY 1992
  • New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. New York Walk Book. New York, NY 1998
---------- Hudson Palisades Trails. map set
---------- Harriman Bear Mountain Trails. map set
---------- West Hudson Trails. map set
---------- South Kittatiny Trails. map set
---------- North Jersey Trails. map set
---------- North Kittatiny Trails. map set
---------- Catskills Trails. map set
---------- Appalachian Trail in New York and New Jersey. map set
  • Schaefer, Vincent J. Vroman’s Nose: Sky Island of the Schoharie County. Purple Mountain Press, Ltd. Fleishmanns, NY 1992.
  • Waterman, Laura and Guy. Wilderness Ethics: Preserving the Spirit of Wilderness. The Countryman Press, Inc. Woodstock, VT, 1993
---------- Backwoods Ethics: Environmental Issues for Hikers and Campers. The Countryman Press, Inc. Woodstock, VT 1993.

 

Feedback Needed!

Please help to keep this guide up to date by sending your comments, observations and suggestions to Ed Walsh, 11 Kwiecinski Street, West Haverstraw, NY 10993-1410 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Thanks and enjoy your hike.