First-Timer out of Lower NY

[panther]

I'm looking go to backbacking for 2-3 nights sometime in end of June/early July. But the thing is, I want to go with one/two of my friends; three 17-yearolds. We havent figured out where we are going to go just yet, but do you think it'll be hard wherever we go? We're mature, smart, and strong but very unexperienced.

Considering our lack of experience and our youth, where would you recommend us to go backbacking for a couple of days around the NY area (as far north as NH and as south as MD)?

And also, although it depends on terrain/weather/speed/etc. how many miles/hour do you think we can make?

Thank you.

[Appalachian Tater]

The problem is you have too many choices. Be more specific on what you want to see and you are talking about a year from now?

Try this to start:

http://www.nynjtc.org/newhiker.html

Why don't you plan a couple of different distances to cover for the given timeframe so you are under no pressure to cover a lot of miles?

[Appalachian Tater]

Your youth is an advantage on a short hike. On a hike lasting several months, additional life experience is useful, but it comes at the cost of youth.

[Turtlehiker]

Ok First it is Backpacking.
Second don't try to go too far, too many miles is what gets most newbies.
Third stay warm and dry.

[modiyooch]

check out this thread for an Oct hike.

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif Group hike 10/27/07 - NJ AT Section 5

[panther]

Thanks guys. And sorry I dont know why i kept on typing backbacking, i know its backpacking! lol.

I read that you have to prepare for several months to do something like this, so thats why I'm asking now.

And i took a look at the link but it seems like its more for hikes rather than backpacking? And if there are any other links or another part of the forum that would help me, please tell me cause i dont know where to look/start.

[Appalachian Tater]

Here's the map of the major trails in the area:

http://www.nynjtc.org/ovmap.html

Of course, between Maryland and New Hampshire there's all kinds of amazing stuff.

The Catskills are nice. Bear Mountain area is great, the Shawangunks, Kittantinny Ridge. I did some of the Long Path starting at the GW Bridge up to Wurtsboro this summer and that was pretty neat, especially along the Palisades and the Basha Kill, but not very wilderness-like.

If you're interested in the A.T. in particular, here's a guide:
http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm

The main prep is getting the right equipment and clothing. Physically you just need to be able to walk with weight on your back. Try out all your equipment in the backyard or something first, even in the rain, cook, spend the weekend outside, go for some walks and short hikes and make sure your shoes don't cause blisters. That way you won't carry too much heavy junk.

You don't have to wait until next summer, either, this is the perfect time of the year for a weekend trip. You guys could leave your house and hike over the Tappan Zee and up to Rockland Lake, it's nice up there.

Why don't you plan 8 or 10 miles a day max and spend some time swimming and goofing off? It's hot during the summer. There's Nuclear Lake and Sunfish Pond. Go to Sunfish Pond area if you want to see bears--I saw three in one day in that area.

[Askus3]

Why are you waiting until June of next year? Next, like everyone said there is alot of nice scenery in your backyard, so to start out, why go to MD. Also, if you only have three days, you don't want to spend half your time driving. My theory is you should be spending twice the time you have doing what you want to do over going to & fro. So if you have 3 full days, the most you want to spend driving is 3 hours each way. Next question: do you have two cars? Maybe you should make a base and branch out like spokes of a wheel. I will go along way back to 1970 and I probably was nerdy at the time, but my friend and I asked our folks for a HS graduation gift to drive us up to Hunter, NY and pick us up at Denning and we hiked for 4 days through the Catskills and that is a good trek that could be done today! So I would highly recommend the Catskills. Pick up either the New York Walk Book, a Catskill Guide Book or The Long Path Guide Book. The Long Path thru the Catskills is a great overnight hike. Appalachian Tater gave you some great suggestions, and I want to add that the Long Path in the Catskills does go thru some serious wilderness (this is a section a distance north beyond Wutsboro) and is as good a training ground for a more serious trek on the AT thru the White Mountains. There are even two 4,000 foot mountains and 33 more over 3500 feet to climb and give you some serious elevation gains. I love the Whites but would never suggest it for newbies (read "Not Without Peril") or for anyone with less than six days coming from the NY Metro area (four days hiking and one day each way for driving). But even before the Catskills, try a 2 day/one night outing more local this Sept-Oct. following the AT across Harriman or on your side of the river, take the train to Manitou and hike to the Taconic Pkwy and camp at Dennytown campsite in Fahnestock. Or if you want an interesting fall color hike check out the Taconics. Follow the South Taconic Trail (see the NY Walk Book and get the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference map for that area). There is even an abandoned cabin you can camp in on Alander Mountain. There is a plethora of trails in that area to make a nice overnight.
So what are you waiting for - GO OUT NOW!!!!

[panther]

Wow thanks so much for both your input. Really appreciate it.

I just thought 2-3 nights would still be too much; but we do have alot of time in the summer after we graduate.
And the reason we dont really want to go now is because we're pretty busy with first semester of school and also college application is right now...but maybe once Nov comes we can go, although itll be colder...but more adventurous lol.

Thanks for the links, and also the Long Path in the Catskills sounds great, and maybe after a couple hikes the White Mountains.

[camper10469]

If you guys are looking for something more or less safe to start, try Giant Ledge in the Catskills. Do it fron teh rt 47 trailhead. It's a nice hike up. Water is just 1/4 mile below the ledge. Once up top there are plenty of camping spots in the woods if you just follow the bunny trails of the blue marked trail.

The other great part of doing the ledge is there are plenty of other hiking trails n camping spots all around you if you feel comfortable with the first night. Otherwise stay where you are and day hike the other trails in the area.

Get the Catskills trail maps at EMS. Water sources and lean-tos are on it. The trailhead parking areas are on there too. Oh and if you are planing on taking a bus, the bus stops are also indicated on teh map set. I believe the bus info is on the reverse side of the maps so you can call to get scheduals... etc.

Why wait, get out now. This is the best season of all. The leaves will be changing fast, teh weather is cool n sunny. June July is bug season and you'll be eatten alive by the black flys.

[shelterbuilder]

When you get your boots, go to an outfitter where you can try on several pairs, wearing the socks that you'll be wearing for the hike. Make sure that they feel comfortable and don't rub ANYWHERE before you buy them. Then take them home and break them in gradually over the course of several weeks/months. Wear them around the house for a few days - most outfitters will take them back if you have problems and haven't worn the boots outside yet.

Then just start walking! Around town, around school, around the woods nearby. Walking - with or without a pack - is the best way to get ready for a backpack trip. (Bicycling is number 2.)

As you get your equipment - hey Mom and Dad, these make great gifts! - try it out in the back yard under all different conditions until you know how it all works.

I'll defer to others who know your area better, but it sounds like you've already got some good ideas about where to go.

Good Luck!:D

[Tin Man]

Another good starter backpack is Pharaoh Lake/Mountain area of the eastern Adirondacks. There are many hiking options from 3 to 30 miles in this area. There are many lean-tos and camping options. This is how I got my brother started and now he is a backpacking maniac. This guide (http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Adirondack-Trails-Eastern-Preserve/dp/0935272747) is a very good resource to get you started and should be available at EMS, REI and other outlets.

[Appalachian Tater]

When you get your boots, go to an outfitter where you can try on several pairs, wearing the socks that you'll be wearing for the hike. Make sure that they feel comfortable and don't rub ANYWHERE before you buy them. Then take them home and break them in gradually over the course of several weeks/months. Wear them around the house for a few days - most outfitters will take them back if you have problems and haven't worn the boots outside yet.

Then just start walking! Around town, around school, around the woods nearby. Walking - with or without a pack - is the best way to get ready for a backpack trip. (Bicycling is number 2.)

As you get your equipment - hey Mom and Dad, these make great gifts! - try it out in the back yard under all different conditions until you know how it all works.

I'll defer to others who know your area better, but it sounds like you've already got some good ideas about where to go.

Good Luck!:D

Don't get boots, get trail runners!

[shelterbuilder]

Don't get boots, get trail runners!

Whatever works!:D