Overnight backpacking in Hudson Valley/Catskills?
May 31st, 2012, 06:48 AM
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Overnight backpacking in Hudson Valley/Catskills?
Hi Guys,
I'm supposed to go overnight backpacking with my girlfriend this weekend, and I have yet to pick a route. I'm not particular where I go but I would't want to drive more than an hour from my house in Pine Bush. This opens up all of Hudson Valley, most of the Catskills, as well as Harriman (Bear Mountain), the Gunks, the Taconic region, and some of the lower Adirondacks. A pretty big area with a TON of hiking opportunities.
What I would like is a trail with some nice scenery, some water features (pond, lake, or waterfall) so we could take get wet if it's really hot (it would be awesome if we could camp by a pond or lake) and not too crowded. I think about 6-8 miles in to the campsite would be great. (Total round trip for the two days about 15 miles). It would be especially nice if we could do a loop but if that's not possible, a "there and back" is fine.
We are backpacking with a tent so we don't need the convenience of a formal campsite but I know that some regions do NOT allow "back country" camping.
This would be our first backpacking experience but we are experienced day hikers.
Can anyone suggest a trail?
Thanks,
Hal
I'm supposed to go overnight backpacking with my girlfriend this weekend, and I have yet to pick a route. I'm not particular where I go but I would't want to drive more than an hour from my house in Pine Bush. This opens up all of Hudson Valley, most of the Catskills, as well as Harriman (Bear Mountain), the Gunks, the Taconic region, and some of the lower Adirondacks. A pretty big area with a TON of hiking opportunities.
What I would like is a trail with some nice scenery, some water features (pond, lake, or waterfall) so we could take get wet if it's really hot (it would be awesome if we could camp by a pond or lake) and not too crowded. I think about 6-8 miles in to the campsite would be great. (Total round trip for the two days about 15 miles). It would be especially nice if we could do a loop but if that's not possible, a "there and back" is fine.
We are backpacking with a tent so we don't need the convenience of a formal campsite but I know that some regions do NOT allow "back country" camping.
This would be our first backpacking experience but we are experienced day hikers.
Can anyone suggest a trail?
Thanks,
Hal
May 31st, 2012, 07:30 AM
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I am a day hiker (only) and once hiked out of Woodstock. The town is very "colorful" and the hiking was decent. It has been several years since I went and don't remember the name of the trail. It seems that there were lookout towers along the way. The part that I liked was not only the day hike, but also the day we spent in Woodstock. This may not mean as much to you as you want to be away in the woods the entire time.
...But thought that I'd leave my two-cents.
Happy Trails To You!
...But thought that I'd leave my two-cents.
Happy Trails To You!
May 31st, 2012, 07:44 AM
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I like the Lake Minnewaska area, and that's certainly within your 1hr drive. I've only done day hikes there so I don't know if they have any overnight camping there.
Maybe look at Bash-Bish falls on the NY/MA border?
I don't particularly like Harriman since it gets so many visitors.
Fahnestock park may be another option - across the river in Putnam Co just south of I84.
Let me think about it a bit.
Maybe look at Bash-Bish falls on the NY/MA border?
I don't particularly like Harriman since it gets so many visitors.
Fahnestock park may be another option - across the river in Putnam Co just south of I84.
Let me think about it a bit.
