Also Inside (printed version only)

• Honoring Neil Zimmerman
• Hall named as NJ superintendent for PIPC
• Jacques d'Amboise - Appalachian Trail Dance
• "Tell me you don't love it"
• Lever's Grants for youth projects
• Annual Meeting
• Hikers' Almanac 

Conference hires first NJ Field Representative

Expands our commitment to NJ volunteer programs and parks

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference has expanded its staff with the hiring of our first-ever New Jersey Field Representative. Conference West Hudson trail crew leader Larry Wheelock was selected as the NJ Field Representative, and began work in mid-October at the four-day-a-week position.

This staffing expansion reflects the Trail Conference's commitment to improving our presence and effectiveness in New Jersey, and to providing better assistance to our trail volunteers.

"The Trail Conference is delighted to welcome Larry as our first New Jersey staff," remarked Conference Projects Director Anne Lutkenhouse. "The job's inaugural year requires strong knowledge of trail work and volunteer labor issues, knowledge which Larry keenly possesses. We are confident that Larry will be an effective facilitator in furthering our mission in New Jersey."

Larry's key responsibilities will include coordinating a needs assessment for trails in each park, leading to developing an action plan for each park or trail system; improving trail stewardship and communications with park agencies; representing the Conference at agency and colleague organization meetings; developing a broader base of member involvement; and developing a management committee for the Farny Highlands Trail Network.

Larry, a Trail Conference life member, joined the Conference in 1989, and began trail work shortly thereafter. He has been a West Hudson trail crew leader for 5 years and has served as an assistant leader on Sierra Club worktrips in the West. He also graduated from the Student Conservation Association's Wilderness Work Skills training, a week-long course in high-caliber trail building and repair skills. For the past two summers, he has been the seasonal trail crew leader for the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, working closely with both National, and State, park service officials.

The Trail Conference will not have an office in New Jersey, at least for this year; Larry will work out of his home in Vernon, NJ. To reach him, write to Larry Wheelock, NJ Field Representative, PO Box 169, McAfee, NJ 07428, or call 973-823-9999.

From the President's Notepad

Hiking into the new millennium

When you read this I will have assumed the title of President of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. This is an incredible privilege, one that I could not have foreseen as I began my volunteer work some fifteen years ago when I represented the New York Section of the Green Mountain Club on the Orange-Rockland Appalachian Trail Management Committee and became a trail corridor monitor. Since, at that time, Elizabeth Levers chaired the committee, I was introduced to the many facets of trail work by a volunteer without peer. Tirelessly and relentlessly she pursued whatever had to be done to keep the AT experience intact. She organized work trips and, slight as she was physically, lugged the tools and hardware and bags of cement with everyone else - and returned to plant saplings when the work was done. She wrote an endless stream of letters, of thanks and of protest, and got people to do her bidding without making them feel "used." You see, it was not about her. We were not doing anything for her. It was all for the trail and for the Trail Conference and for hikers everywhere. She was a great mentor to a lot of people, myself included.

I stand before you at a crucial juncture in the history of the Trail Conference. Neil Zimmerman has decided to step aside as president after 12 years - though not without a few final bangs of his gavel! His were years of incredible growth for the Trail Conference, expanding our responsibilities for hundreds of miles of trails, both north and south; building and strengthening our diverse partnerships; and introducing us to new land protection strategies. Such a transition in leadership will be difficult enough, but our long time executive director extraordinaire, JoAnn Dolan, is also leaving. Her impassioned advocacy has dramatically increased the Trail Conference's visibility and her steadfast pursuit of coalition with a broad range of constituencies was instrumental in the protection of Sterling Forest as a state park. Together, they are leaving behind a strong and vital organization that has gained the respect of stewards of open space as well as lovers of hiking.

In spite of these changes, I will make sure that we keep doing what we do best - taking care of the old trails, building new ones, and insuring that they will be available when my grandchild takes his grandchild hiking. We will continue our tradition of producing the best hiking maps and user-friendly guidebooks for this region. I am dedicated to supporting our member clubs, and especially the individual volunteers who do such a great job of maintaining our network of trails. And I am dedicated to strengthening our existing partnerships with parks, land trusts, and environmental organizations, and forging new ones to further our mutual goals.

There are many challenges ahead: more parklands mean greater vigilance; more trails mean more volunteers. And while some of our trails are threatened by misuse and overuse, others like the Long Path and the Highlands Trail are moving into counties where we have never hiked before.

We must also change with the times. I am dedicated to introducing the joys of hiking trails and the work of protecting them to the increasingly diverse populations living in New Jersey and New York. I am dedicated to developing rewarding trails for persons whose mobility is compromised. And I am dedicated to a more constructive dialogue with other trail user groups.

I want to thank those of you that have offered encouragement and support as I move into the presidency of the Trail Conference. As we weather the hoopla surrounding the millennium, each day will continue to be a trails day for us. To be sure, there are challenges and threats, but there are also great opportunities. In the coming months I will be asking many of you for help. Remember only that it is not for me, but for the Trail Conference, as together we continue to serve the needs of the hiking community.

Here's hoping that the only Y2K bug you have to contend with is the one that makes you itching to take a hike in the New Century.

Winter Destination Hike

Seasonal views from Clear Lake Scout Reservation

When the leaves have dropped to the earth, a whole new world of vistas unfold for the hiker, revealing scenes previously hidden by the leafy gauze of greenery. To avail of the season, may we suggest the following hike in Putnam County's Clear Lake Scout Reservation. The seasonal ridgetop views of the lake and hills complement the rolling terrain and stone-fence-lined old woods roads, their contours depressed by the weight of countless heavily loaded wagons. The route is also great for cross-county skiing and snowshoeing.

Hiking in Clear Lake Scout Reservation is particularly nice in the leaf-off season when views are more open. Protruding into the southeastern section of Fahnestock State Park, the camp is owned by the Westchester-Putnam Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Under terms of a conservation easement, only the northern and western parts of the reservation are open to the public for hiking. Hikers must stay away from the area used by the scouts near Clear Lake. Pertinent intersections are clearly marked with signs saying: STOP - NO PUBLIC ACCESS. The area is not open to pets or bicycles. Bushwhacking is also prohibited. Most of the major intersections have maps of the area posted on large signs.

This 6.4-mile hiking circuit -following blue blazes, then white/blue blazes, then white blazes - begins in the southern portion of Fahnestock State Park, at the junction of Bell Hollow and Sunk Mine roads, where there is limited parking. (See Trail Conference map #3, grid E-5.) Please note: Sunk Mine Road is a rough, unmaintained road and is not plowed during the winter.

About 300 yards south of Bell Hollow woods road along Sunk Mine Road, the Blue Trail turns off to the right (north) from the Candlewood Hill Trail (red). It proceeds along a woods road for 0.2 mile and then turns sharply left off the road just before a gate. The trail climbs steadily until it reaches the ridgetop at 0.6 mile, where there is a wide, but seasonal, view.

At 1.0 mile there is an open view of Clear Lake below. Continue on the Blue Trail straight ahead. You pass one end of the Purple Trail at 1.5 miles. The junction with the Green Trail, which leaves the Clear Lake property almost immediately and proceeds left (north) into Fahnestock to connect with the Three Lakes Trail, is at 1.9 miles. From here, the Blue Trail follows a woods road heading south. You'll pass the White Trail branching off to the left at 2.1 miles, and the other end of the Purple Trail on the right at 2.4 miles. Shortly after crossing a stream, the part of the Blue Trail which is open to the public ends at the junction of the Blue-White Trail at 2.6 miles. Turn left onto the Blue-White Trail. At its end, at 2.9 miles, turn left onto the White Trail and continue until it ends at the Blue Trail, at 4.3 miles from the hike's beginning. Turn right onto the Blue Trail, and re-trace your route along the ridge top southward to your car.

Helpful Hints for Hikers

• You always need water when hiking. Take at least a liter and drink it as you go!
• Snacks help to keep your energy level up.
• It's always a good idea to let someone know where you are going to hike, and when you expect to be back. Smart hikers do this no matter where they go.
• This trail is a footpath only - no bikes or horses.
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes which are broken in to your feet are best.
• Remember to bring clothes for all possible weather conditions forecast for that day. Being able to add, or subtract, clothing layers makes your journey much more comfortable.
• Now that autumn is here, daylight comes sooner - so start hiking in the morning, and take a flashlight just in case.

Trail information from the New York Walk Book. A map set is available from the Conference. See order form in the Hikers' Marketplace on page 8.

Get Involved

Catskill trails available

Want to be a trail maintainer in our NYS Forest Preserve? Some trails are now available for new maintainers. For information, contact Catskill Trails Chairman Peter Senterman in care of the Trail Conference office, or at [email protected].

Long Path maintenance sections available

Want to be a Long Path trail maintainer? Some sections are available in Rockland County, NY. For more information, contact Long Path supervisor George Zoebelein in care of the Trail Conference office.

Eric Hollman, maintainer of the Phoenicia-East Branch Trail in the Catskills, shown here with his "co-maintainer," sent in this photo remarking that "I am considering offering a training on developing canine volunteerism to expand our trail maintenance capabilities. Let me know if you think there is interest!" Well, Eric, we'll get back to you on this.

Trail News

Route 23A closed

Catskills Trails Committee chairman Pete Senterman reports that Route 23A between Palenville and Haines Falls is now closed to all traffic (see the Conference's Catskill trail map #41, grids O/P-3/4). This closure, which is due to permanent repair work of damage caused by the January 1996 flood, could last until Thanksgiving.

Popolopen Creek bridge out

The footbridge over Popolopen Creek at Hell Hole was washed out as a result of Tropical Storm Floyd, interrupting access to the Torne from south of the creek. As of press time we have no timetable from the Palisades Interstate Park for its replacement.

Black Rock hunting season

Black Rock Forest trails, including that portion of the Highlands Trail in the Forest, will be closed for deer hunting season from November 22 through December 14, inclusive. The Forest will re-open on December 15. For more details on the Black Rock hunting season, contact the Forest at 914-534-4517.

High Point Park special deer hunt

New Jersey's High Point State Park will have an 8-day special deer hunt, November 15-24. In addition, the day use area (north of Route 23) will be closed to all other use except hunting from November 15-18. This includes all trails in that area, the Appalachian Trail as well. The Park will post signs at either end of that stretch of the AT directing hikers to use Rt. 23 and Rt. 519 as a temporary bypass.

Metro-North's Cold Spring et al trains now depart earlier

Metro-North's Saturday, Sunday, and holiday trains servicing Cold Spring, Garrison, and Beacon, with flag stops at Manitou and Breakneck Ridge, now leave Grand Central Terminal earlier. The early train leaves at 7:52 a.m. (instead of 8:00 a.m.), and the former 9:00 a.m. train now departs at 8:50 a.m. Contact Metro-North at 212-532-4900 or 1-800-METRO-INFO for more details. It's prudent to call ahead and check the transportation times for any public transit, as seasonal changes can cause schedules to be adjusted.

Frank Bouton Shelter Dedicated

On September 18, family and friends of the late Frank Bouton, an avid and active member of the hiking and trail maintenance community, gathered to dedicate the new hiker shelter on the Peekamoose-Table Trail on Table Mountain in the Catskills. The shelter is about 3.5 miles from the Denning Trailhead parking area.

Trail Crew Schedules

HIGHLANDS TRAIL-NEW JERSEY

What & Where: Continue building new sections of the Highlands Trail in New Jersey.

When: Sunday, November 7.

Leader: Bob Moss, 973-743-5203.

NEW JERSEY TRAIL CREW

What & Where: Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail repair to bridge building in NJ's parks and forests. Bring lunch, work gloves and a beverage.

When: Sundays, November 14 and December 12.

Leaders: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109; Dick Warner, 201-327-4945.

WEST HUDSON TRAIL CREW

Black Rock Forest

What & Where: Trail rehabilitation and erosion control on the Highlands Trail.

When: Sunday, November 7.

Leader: Bob Marshall, 914-737-4792.

Harriman State Park #1

What & Where: Trail rehabilitation and erosion control on the Arden-Surebridge Trail.

When: Thursday, November 18.

Leader: Bob Marshall, 914-737-4792.

Harriman State Park #2

What & Where: Trail rehabilitation and erosion control on the Timp-Torne Trail.

When: Sunday, November 28.

Leader: Bob Marshall, 914-737-4792.

Storm King State Park

Note: As of press time, it was not known when Storm King State Park would reopen after clean-up of ordnance. The following worktrips may be canceled if public access is still closed. Call the crew leader for the latest in status of these work outings.

What & Where: Trail rehabilitation and erosion control on a new trail.

When: Sundays, November 14 and 21.

Leader: Larry Wheelock, 973-823-0166.

The Capture of Forts Clinton and Montgomery and the 1777 Trail

On the morning of October 6, 1777, under the cover of dense fog, 2500 British regulars, Hessian Jaegers, and New York Loyalists crossed over the Hudson River from Verplanck Point to Stony Point, marched 2 miles inland, and turned north towards Dunderberg for a 12-mile march to the twin forts of Montgomery and Clinton. Assisted by the local knowledge of the Loyalist Beverley Robinson, British General Sir Henry Clinton was executing a brilliant tactical move that would catch the Americans off guard, in an attempt to take the pressure off over-extended British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga. The initial landing at Verplanck Point lead the Americans, commanded by General Israel Putnam, to believe that Fort Independence above Peekskill was the British immediate objective. This left the twin Highland Forts of Clinton and Montgomery in jeopardy. The forts, situated on the south and north banks of the Popolopen Creek, across the Hudson River from Anthony's Nose, were lightly defended by some 600 men. In the late afternoon, after a ten-mile slog, along what is now the 1777 Trail, between Dunderberg, Timp Torne and Bear Mountain in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park, the British troops simultaneously overwhelmed the two forts.

By next day, the British had burned the stranded American vessels guarding the Hudson Highlands Narrows and destroyed an iron chain, boom, and chevaux de frise that had served as a river barrier, opening the upper Hudson River to British vessels. Fortunately for the Americans, other than sending a raiding party up the river which burned the state capital of Kingston, Sir Henry Clinton did not exploit this opening and ten days later General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates at Saratoga. After twenty days, on the orders of British Commander-in-Chief General Sir William Howe, the forts were evacuated and British troops returned to New York City, so the victory was for naught.

Construction of the 1777 Trail

The Revolutionary War trails involved in the above historic events were first scouted and blazed in 1974-75 as a joint project of the Rockland County Boy Scouts Council, the Palisades Interstate Park, the Rockland County Cooperative Extension, and the Trail Conference. The route was determined by Jack Mead, Director of the Trailside Museum on the site of Fort Clinton, from British military records and maps drawn by Major Robert Erskine, Surveyor-General of the Continental Army. The first hike was on March 27, 1975, and was led by Brad Bobb, Captain of the Shore Guard, Orange County Militia, and John Walker of the 42nd Black Watch British Infantry Regiment.

For a full description of the 1777 Trail, see the New York Walk Book or the Harriman Trails Guide.