View Full Version : getting to the train from NYC via public transportation
bklynhiker
07-12-2008, 13:26
first time hiking the trail, and looking for a weekend camping trip/hike. anyone have any advice on trails? camping? how to get to the trail from NYC, i do not have a car. Thanks a lot
there is a train station right on the at somewhere near bear mountain or somwhere along the trail upstate. Im not sure of the exact details about getting there but im pretty sure you can take something straight out of penn station to get there. If you do some research i garuntee you will find out the details. I know its been talked about in past threads here. but if you just do a google search for the appalachian trail train station the info will pop up.
modiyooch
07-12-2008, 14:07
can't get any closer than the at train stop at Pawling. trail goes right over the tracks.
trainstops also near Harriman Park along a different train line. This would be a nicer location.
modiyooch
07-12-2008, 15:03
after thinking about it, I would take the train line that I mentioned to Harriman. Look at the one that stops in Tuxedo, NY. I know that's within 5 miles and it may even stop closer to the trail. The trail does cross the tracks and 17(I think) via a bridge. Harriman Park, I believe, was the first section of the AT. It is very nice. There is the Lemon Squeezer, and Tioratic Lake. I think there is camping near a pond a few miles in. If you like the area, on subsequent trips you could push further North to Bear MT and take the bus back to NYC that someone had mentioned.
Old Grouse
07-12-2008, 20:21
As mentioned, the Harlem line out of Grand Central has a stop on the AT. It's the one right after Pawling, but not all trains stop there, so ask in advance. If your train doesn't stop there, get off at Pawling and walk approx 2 miles north along the tracks or adjacent Rte 22 to where Trail crosses. You can go either east or west from there.
the trains that stop at appalachion trail station is a through train and is only twice sat morning outbound and twice sunday afternoon inbound the schedule is available online the other trains may require a switch and layover and stop at pawling
LIhikers
07-12-2008, 23:29
Check out this web site for info about public transportation to various spots where you can hike and camp.
http://www.nynjtc.org/trails/no-car.html
My personal suggestion would be to go to Bear Mountain. From the south end of the large parking lot you can walk through the under-pass and then take the 1777 trail (or is it the 1779?) to the AT. Then follow the AT southbound to the blue blazed trail that takes you to the West Mountain Shelter. It's not a long hike and it should leave you with enough time, and day light, to figure out how to set up your tent and use other gear you brought along. There's no water right there so carry in what you need. Then once it gets dark you'll be able to see the NYC skyline on the horizon, if it's a clear night.
The most important thing you can bring with you will be the map of Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails, 11th Ed. July 2007 . You should be able to get them from the places A-Train suggested or you can order them from the people who make them, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference
http://www.nynjtc.org/store/index.html
sasquatch2014
07-13-2008, 03:44
As mentioned, the Harlem line out of Grand Central has a stop on the AT. It's the one right after Pawling, but not all trains stop there, so ask in advance. If your train doesn't stop there, get off at Pawling and walk approx 2 miles north along the tracks or adjacent Rte 22 to where Trail crosses. You can go either east or west from there.
Do Not Walk the Tracks!!! Not only is it a good way to get your self killed but I do know that they ticket for this. When not stopping at the AT stop the train does about 60 or 70 past that spot.
As mentioned, the Harlem line out of Grand Central has a stop on the AT. It's the one right after Pawling, but not all trains stop there, so ask in advance. If your train doesn't stop there, get off at Pawling and walk approx 2 miles north along the tracks or adjacent Rte 22 to where Trail crosses. You can go either east or west from there.
I looked at Google Map and if you get off at Pawling it is 4 mile walk on Rte 22 to the AT station. If you go farther and get off at Harlem Valley-Wingdale it is a 2 mile walk south on Rte 22 to the AT train station.
Just a thought for anyone wanting to get there on a weekday. My Saturday plans fell through so I'm working on getting to that point on Friday instead :)