Harriman should be closer to you than the Catskills. Use Harriman, NY or Tuxedo Park, NY for driving directions. If you aren't interested in Harriman, let me know and I can try to think of something else for you. The Delaware Water Gap on the NJ/PA border offers wonder views of the Gap, but you'd need to be hiking the AT for 3 days (2 nights) to legally use the backcountry shelters in the Recreation Area. Plus, no fires because you're in NJ.
There's also the AT that runs along the NY/NJ border. There are a number of shelters along the way, but I have no first-hand knowledge for you. I'm guessing you'd be looking in Wawayanda SP, but I don't know much about that area. It's still NJ, so no fires. The Trail Conference sells the North Jersey Trails map set that would cover that area.
No problem. If you are in Northern NJ and are looking for a stove, check out Campmor in Paramus. By becoming a NYNJTC member, you can get 10% off almost everything in the store. Plus, most of the people working there know what they are talking about when it comes to gear.
For stoves, if you already have a pot and are looking for something cheap, simple and light to boil water, it's hard to beat MSR's Pocket Rocket. It's a canister-type stove (so not great in freezing temps). Looks like Campmor has them for about $35 at the moment. It can be a stable stove, so long as it used on level ground and isn't overloaded. At the very least, I'd steer clear of white gas stoves for warm-weather cooking--canister stoves are easier to use for less experienced hikers.
This is great information, especially about the campfires. I think we'll be okay on gear, I'll probably need to pick up a stove though.
I'll look at all of the trails you mentioned and let you know if I have any more questions.
Thanks again, this is a great help.
Regardless of where you go, you should at least have the 10 essentials, including a map and compass. For a checklist of items you might consider, go to the REI website, then to expert advice, then to backpacking. You should also have enough rope to hang your food, cookware, and toiletries. Be sure to treat any water you get from streams or lakes in this area. If you have specific gear questions, let us know.
Regarding Slide Mtn (Catskills) v. Harriman, I'd suggest Harriman. The Catskills are gorgeous, but based on the skill level of your party and distances requested, you might want to try something a little closer and a little less rugged.
You can backpack and camp in Harriman without a permit. Camping is allowed ONLY at the shelters, or in a tent near the shelter. Stealth camping is forbidden and could result in a hefty fine. If you want a fire, you can have one in New York (unlike New Jersey). Fires should be built small and in existing fire rings at the shelters. Use only downed and dead wood. During the summer months, don't expect to find much wood around; bring a stove to cook on.
As far as where to go, you have a few options based on your requirements of a 2-3 mile hike in. On the western side of the park, you could try Dutch Doctor (around 18T571400 4561050). For your mileages, I'd park at the Tuxedo MetroNorth station (it should be free to park there on weekends). You could then take the TMI trail past Claudius Smith Den to the shelter, then hike down White Bar to Kakiat and check out the view from the top of Almost Perpendicular. That last climb is challenging with full packs on since it's more of a scramble, but there's a nice reward on top.
My favorite shelter is Bald Rocks (near 18T572800 4566170). You can park on 106 at the RD intersection, then have a nice hike up and on the ridgeline. A unique formation called the Lemon Squeezer isn't too far away from there, and there's a reliable water source near the shelter.
Another option is closer to Bear Mountain in the northern section of the park. You'd park at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, hike along the ridge of West Mountain to the West Mountain shelter (near 18T583000 4570700). My only hesitation in recommending this shelter is the lack of reliable water sources close to the shelter. There's usually a small stream at the southern base of the mountain, but that trail has scrambles and is straight elevation gain/loss. If you decide on West Mountain, bring plenty of water for the hike in, cooking and the hike out. On clear nights, you can see the lights of the Manhattan skyline from the shelter. If you head past the shelter toward the Timp, it might be a little tough on the less experienced members of your group; it's a pretty rugged area with lots of ups and downs.
There are about 10 shelters in the park, so I won't go into all of them, but I think this should give you a decent start on trip planning. Generally speaking, the shelters on the east side of the park tend to be drier than those on the west. The shelters on the west are reputed to be less busy than those in the east, but at this time of year, they can all be busy.
If you decide on Harriman, get a map set. Once you've had a good look at the maps, I'd be happy to answer and other questions you may have on the park.
Obviously, there is no trash service at the shelters, so pack out your garbage. There's no toilet facilities either, so bring TP and a trowel so you can dig catholes for your waste.
I'm a little more familiar with the site now, and can see that there are an abundance of trials to hike. But I don't think you can set up camp on most of these trails, or am I mistaken? Is there a backcountry specific list anywhere?
Also just a small change from my earlier reply; the closer the better. Do you think Slide Mountain would be a good idea?
Well we all live in the northern jersey area so anything up to say 2hrs (longer if its really worth it) would be great.
Well water purification shouldn't be a problem (we would probably just boil it). As for gear I'm not really sure what would qualify as adequate. The last time I did such a hike was two summers ago in Yellowstone. We had some canned food and power snacks, a small propane stove, a tent, sleeping bags, some flashlights, small tools, rope, and I can't remember much else at the moment. That was a 6 mile hike from the car and then back the next day.
I wouldn't really call myself an experienced hiker either, but I'll have a leg up on some of my company. Is there anything else specific that I need to be carrying?
The only trails I've come accross online were on the appalachian, or catskills, but I am not very clear on whether camping is allowed on all trails or not.
Thanks for the help.
Where region are you looking at? New York? New Jersey?
Since you are looking for a backcountry trip, I'll assume you know how to purify water and that your group has adequate gear. Remember that this is still black bear country, so hang your food, cookware and toiletries before you go to bed.
Before knowing exactly what you're looking for, I'm guessing that you'll end up in Harriman State Park, about an hour north of the city. In that case, you'll need to buy the Harriman/Bear Mountain map set. You can purchase them on this website, or from a local outfitter (EMS, Paragon, Campmor, etc.). You'd also be well advised to purchase the Harriman Trails book as it provides a wealth of knowledge and history on the trails in Harriman. I don't see the book available on the TC website at the moment, but most of the local outfitters should have it. It's by Myles.
There are a number of loop hikes that would fit your description. Let us know what area or park you're looking at and I'm sure we can be of better help.
Hello,
I am looking to bring a few inexperienced friends on a hiking/camping trip. Basically I'd like to have the group hike for most of the day and camp at our final destination.
I'm looking for at least two to three miles and it would be great if the hike back to the car the next day was a different trail.
There seems to be a great number of trails to chose from, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to set up camp on all of them, can anyone provide some information as to how that works?
Thank you
Nick, Many cars will fit on the wide shoulder at the trail head on 52. If you are coming up from Ellenville the trail head is across the road from a couple of houses just after you pass over South Gully on a bridge. The wide shoulder that is best to park on is on the trail head side. The South Gully Trail is part of the Long Path and blazed with Aqua blazes. You will also notice that beyond the houses the Long Path heads south on a dirt road. You will need to either climb over or walk around a roadside guide rail to start on the South Gully Trail.
Andy Garrison
There's also the AT that runs along the NY/NJ border. There are a number of shelters along the way, but I have no first-hand knowledge for you. I'm guessing you'd be looking in Wawayanda SP, but I don't know much about that area. It's still NJ, so no fires. The Trail Conference sells the North Jersey Trails map set that would cover that area.
For stoves, if you already have a pot and are looking for something cheap, simple and light to boil water, it's hard to beat MSR's Pocket Rocket. It's a canister-type stove (so not great in freezing temps). Looks like Campmor has them for about $35 at the moment. It can be a stable stove, so long as it used on level ground and isn't overloaded. At the very least, I'd steer clear of white gas stoves for warm-weather cooking--canister stoves are easier to use for less experienced hikers.
Good luck and have a great hike!
Regarding Slide Mtn (Catskills) v. Harriman, I'd suggest Harriman. The Catskills are gorgeous, but based on the skill level of your party and distances requested, you might want to try something a little closer and a little less rugged.
You can backpack and camp in Harriman without a permit. Camping is allowed ONLY at the shelters, or in a tent near the shelter. Stealth camping is forbidden and could result in a hefty fine. If you want a fire, you can have one in New York (unlike New Jersey). Fires should be built small and in existing fire rings at the shelters. Use only downed and dead wood. During the summer months, don't expect to find much wood around; bring a stove to cook on.
As far as where to go, you have a few options based on your requirements of a 2-3 mile hike in. On the western side of the park, you could try Dutch Doctor (around 18T571400 4561050). For your mileages, I'd park at the Tuxedo MetroNorth station (it should be free to park there on weekends). You could then take the TMI trail past Claudius Smith Den to the shelter, then hike down White Bar to Kakiat and check out the view from the top of Almost Perpendicular. That last climb is challenging with full packs on since it's more of a scramble, but there's a nice reward on top.
My favorite shelter is Bald Rocks (near 18T572800 4566170). You can park on 106 at the RD intersection, then have a nice hike up and on the ridgeline. A unique formation called the Lemon Squeezer isn't too far away from there, and there's a reliable water source near the shelter.
Another option is closer to Bear Mountain in the northern section of the park. You'd park at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, hike along the ridge of West Mountain to the West Mountain shelter (near 18T583000 4570700). My only hesitation in recommending this shelter is the lack of reliable water sources close to the shelter. There's usually a small stream at the southern base of the mountain, but that trail has scrambles and is straight elevation gain/loss. If you decide on West Mountain, bring plenty of water for the hike in, cooking and the hike out. On clear nights, you can see the lights of the Manhattan skyline from the shelter. If you head past the shelter toward the Timp, it might be a little tough on the less experienced members of your group; it's a pretty rugged area with lots of ups and downs.
There are about 10 shelters in the park, so I won't go into all of them, but I think this should give you a decent start on trip planning. Generally speaking, the shelters on the east side of the park tend to be drier than those on the west. The shelters on the west are reputed to be less busy than those in the east, but at this time of year, they can all be busy.
If you decide on Harriman, get a map set. Once you've had a good look at the maps, I'd be happy to answer and other questions you may have on the park.
Obviously, there is no trash service at the shelters, so pack out your garbage. There's no toilet facilities either, so bring TP and a trowel so you can dig catholes for your waste.
Since you are looking for a backcountry trip, I'll assume you know how to purify water and that your group has adequate gear. Remember that this is still black bear country, so hang your food, cookware and toiletries before you go to bed.
Before knowing exactly what you're looking for, I'm guessing that you'll end up in Harriman State Park, about an hour north of the city. In that case, you'll need to buy the Harriman/Bear Mountain map set. You can purchase them on this website, or from a local outfitter (EMS, Paragon, Campmor, etc.). You'd also be well advised to purchase the Harriman Trails book as it provides a wealth of knowledge and history on the trails in Harriman. I don't see the book available on the TC website at the moment, but most of the local outfitters should have it. It's by Myles.
There are a number of loop hikes that would fit your description. Let us know what area or park you're looking at and I'm sure we can be of better help.