Hike Recommendations

Where should you hike today? Where is a good swimming hole? Are the Mountain Laurel out in Harriman yet?

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Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/19/2010 - 8:11pm
Thank you for your reply. I didn't notice the Harriman stop as being listed until you mentioned it, and what you said makes sense, although i'm not sure if i want to "chance it" until i have more confirmation.
I realize that Tuxedo (or even Harriman) train station is an option, but i was hoping to do this hike on the northern trails (most of it being on the LP), since i haven't hiked often in that part of Harriman, and while i love the Tuxedo trails, i could probably hike most of them in my sleep at this point. Also, i would prefer to end the hike at Rt 17 instead of having to hike up Agony Grind and the Sapphire Trail after hiking all day. Last time i hiked from Tuxedo to Harriman, i almost gave myself heat stroke going up AG!
I appreciate the response though!
scope's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/20/2010 - 1:58pm
If you want to cross northern harriman, then after Bear Mountain (either to the north, south, or over the top) you could join up with the LP across to Central Valley. It is then a 20 minute hike to Woodbury Commons from where there are frequent (at weekends almost continual) buses back to Port Authority.
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/20/2010 - 7:46pm
Thanks, that's a great idea.
I wonder how the shoppers will enjoy having me on their bus after i've been hiking and sweating all day? ;)
SEEB's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/13/2010 - 8:59am
Thank you so much for all the suggestions, it has been extremely helpful! Seeb
stacycat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/07/2010 - 9:44pm
There used to be the Bear Mountain Inn, but it's been closed for several years. Not exactly a B & B, but a place one could stay and eat. Does anyone know anything about whether they plan to reopen it any time in the near future?
PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/20/2010 - 9:05am
The Bear Mt Inn will be repoened some day, the date just keeps changing with funding problems. There are accommodations at Bear Mt at the Overlook Lodge at the north end of Hessian Lake. There are motel-like rooms and rustic cottages for larger groups.
SEEB's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/06/2010 - 10:24am
Hi, I am looking for a rather specific type of hiking trip and that is why I thought maybe I could use your expertise. I am a young female (30) and although I have not done professional hiking, I am in great shape for long and strenuous walks and hikes. I live in Brooklyn and, like most people here, I do not own a car. I would like to make hiking more of a habit of mine, at least during the warm months of the year, and I simply cannot afford to rent a car every time. Most of the time I will be hiking alone and I would love to find a scenic day-long hiking trail that would take me to an evening accommodation for an overnight stay, with a small supper and early breakfast for the next day to travel back. This might be too good to be true, but I would really appreciate it if you could pass along any suggestions to me. Thanks, Seeb
JROGG's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/07/2010 - 10:44pm
Greetings Seeb, Might I suggest you check out meetup.com. New hiking clubs are constantly being formed. Many fellow hikers are happy to car pool or perhaps would meet you at Port Authority and such. I most recently belonged to hudsonhikers.org which is now the northeast chapter of the ADK. Also all nice people and perhaps could accomadate a ride. Last week I was on a group hike in Minnewaska State Park, a 2 hour drive from the city. There were people from all over the place with us including the city. I'm sure you'll find some like minded folk with similar transport issues. I'll inquire with last weeks leader and see if there's anyone from the city who can help you out. JR
BrianSnat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/12/2010 - 5:44pm
Ditto on the meetup.com suggestion. The NY Backpackers Club is a good one and has many NYC members, They run all kinds of trips from peak bagging in the Rockies and Adirondacks, to day hikes in the NYC area. They are very active and because so many members are from NYC, trips are planned with either car pooling or public transit in mind.
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/06/2010 - 10:34pm
Do you want a trail with an overnight shelter to camp out in, or do you want a trail that passes near a motel/B&B type place?
SEEB's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/07/2010 - 1:32pm
Since I would rather not carry that much with me, It would be nice to rest at a B&B or an Inn overnight. Thanks
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/07/2010 - 10:23pm
Okay then, since my hiking is limited to Harriman and the East Hudson areas, here is what i would suggest:
Take Metro North to Beacon. Spend some time hiking the trails on South Beacon Mountain and Fishkill Ridge, then hike on the Breakneck Ridge Trail down to the Cold Spring area. Spend some time hiking the trails around Cold Spring if you want. There are one or two B&B's in Cold Spring to stay at, and a few places to eat. In the morning you can hike in the opposite direction, or if you are feeling adventurous, take the train from Cold Spring to Garrison, and spend the day hiking the trails near Garrison.
If you get the East Hudson Trails map set from the TC, you'll be able to see all the different trails available in these areas.
I don't know of any inns/B&B's along the trails i've hiked in Harriman, but if i learn of any, i will let you know.
Have fun!
j0hn's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/05/2010 - 12:06pm
Hello all! My buddy and I are looking to do our first overnight sometime this in late August or early September. We are two young men in good shape and have completed many Bear Mountain and Harriman Trails. For our first overnight we were hoping to do a trip in the Catskills (but not limited to this area) with some good views, plentiful water sources, not very crowded, and a well marked trail. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks John
BrianSnat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/05/2010 - 4:45pm
I assume you mean just one night. Water will be an issue in late August. Many of the smaller streams and springs will be dry unless we get some rain. Here's a suggestion with good views and plentiful water. Indian Head Mt and Echo Lake. Park on Prediger Rd just off of Platte Clove Rd. Take the Devils Path to the Jimmy Dolan Notch trail. At the end of Jimmy Dolan Notch You'll then catch the Devils Path again and take it east over Indian Head Mt, to take in several outstanding views. Then descend Indian Head and take the Overlook Mt trail south to Echo Lake. There will be plenty of water there. Next day retrace your steps on the Overlook Mt trail, and catch the Devils Path back to your car. I don't have my map in front if me, but it's about an 8 or 9 mile RT. That might not sound like a lot for two days, but Indian Head is a pretty rugged hike and will take a lot more time than you think, especially with full packs
j0hn's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/05/2010 - 6:40pm
Thanks for taking the time to put that all into words for me. To answer your question: Yes, one night. I just purchased the Catskill map pack today and am going to map it all out. How is camping in those parts? Is there enough trees to hang a jungle hammock, or at all possible to camp a scenic view? Thanks agin
BrianSnat's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/12/2010 - 5:30pm
You can camp pretty much anywhere you like in the Catskills as long as it's at least 150 feet from water, road or trail and below 3,000 feet, There are a few exceptions including shelters and some sites marked with small, yellow "camp here" signs. Echo Lake is a pretty enough place to camp. There is a shelter there close to the water and some sites around the lake that I suspect are illegal because they are too close to water. There should definitely be enough trees to hang a jungle hammock throughout the Catskills. Another potential hike is Slide Mt and the Neversink River. Take the Phonecia East Branch trail to the Neversink valley. You can then make camp there, then complete a day hike over Slide by using a distinct, but unofficial trail along the river where you can catch the Cornell-Wittenberg-Slide (CWS) trail in col between Slide and Cornell Mt. The map shows the unoffical trail ending before it reaches CWS, but in reality it meets up with the CWS trail. Then take the CWS over Slide. Great view from the spring just before the summit. Nice spot for lunch and it won't be crowded the way the summit will be. Then you can hop on the Curtis Ormsby trail, then catch the Phonecia East Branch back to your campsite. Then you can pack out the next morning, after sleeping in and having a leisurely breakfast.
George Collier's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 4:11pm

Hi Guys!

I'm looking for a three day backpack trip in the North NJ, Southern NY area in the late September timeframe.

I would like to avoid carrying a whole day of water so an area with some sources would be good (I have a filter). Also would like to avoid crowded areas. I will have a leashed dog with me.

I was thinking of an out and back on the AT (say starting at Culver's Gap and heading North) but would love some suggestions.

I have been on tens of backpacking trips in the past (including winter trips and a number I have planned) and walk about 40 miles/week so OK fitness but its been a while since I backpacked in this area.

 Thanks!

George

srtmaintainer's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 9:49pm
You could pretty much avoid the crowds on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Water can be found and plenty of legal primitive camping opportunities now exist on the SRT between Greenville Turnpike and Route 52. The SRT is about 43 miles long at this time, I would be glad to help you plan a trip on the SRT. The description of the SRT in the Long Path guide is outdated, check out the SRT map on this website. Andy Garrison
George Collier's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 10:19pm
Andy, That sounds pretty interesting particularly avoiding the crowds. I glanced at the maps. I live in North Hunterdon New Jersey (Chester/Clinton area) and so would be driving from there. Tell me more! George Collier
srtmaintainer's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 10:52pm
Check your email. give me a call tomorrow evening if you want. Andy