View Full Version : Easy Three Day Walk in New England or NY
Hello Whiteblazers,
I am an AT enthusiast, section hiker, and aspiring thru-hiker. I have a 65 year old father whose not in the greatest shape, but he's expressed interest in hiking a bit with me. I am looking for a place I can take him in the New England area and it can be on the AT or on another scenic trail. I was hoping people could make some recommendations. Here's what I'm hoping for:
- 2 overnights - in hostels, towns, huts, or cabins... I don't think he's ready for shelters/tents right now, but hopefully someday :)
- 8-12 miles per day, depending on terrain
- 3 days of hiking
- nothing too steep. This is hard for me, but I need to be sure I'm planning reasonable walking for my dad.
- Scenic - can be through cute towns, forests, along rivers/streams, whatever. We're just looking for a nice walk, basically.
- Loop or end-to-end are both okay. We can work out the transportation.
We're planning an early-spring hike. Any recommendations for AT sections (in CT? Mass? VT? NY?) or other scenic trails in New England or New York would be much appreciated!
Thanks again!
KOR
Cookerhiker
11-27-2009, 15:03
Your parameters make this difficult, at least along the AT in New England. Maine has some easy stretches in the 100 Mile Wilderness but unless you make end-of-each-day pickup arrangements, you have to camp or tent. All of NH & VT are out. CT has easy sections interspersed with ups and downs that sound like they're too difficult.
So that leaves Massachusetts. The best I can think of in MA is between Washington Mountain Rd. and Rt. 23. This road-to-road stretch is about 30 miles and breaks down nicely. I'd recommend hiking it southbound as follows:
Day 1 - Washington Mountain Rd. to Rt. 20 outside Lee - about 9 miles. Lee has motels but you'll have to arrange for a pick-up
Day 2 - Rt. 20 to Tyringham - about 9 miles. There's a B&B less than a mile from the Trail Crossing
Day 3 - Tyringham to Rt. 23 - 11 miles. There's a parking lot near the trail crossing so for shuttle purposes, I recommend parking here and getting your shuttle to the start at Washington Monument Rd.
This stretch isn't flat - very little of the AT is. But the ascents and descents are either short or gradual. You have enough time to enjoy your hike. The last day features the roughest footing but you'll have your car awaiting you.
Check out the on-line Companion (http://www.aldha.org/companyn/ma-vt09.pdf) for info on lodging and transportation. Better yet, purchase a new one; your dollars support ALDHA (http://www.aldha.org/) and the ATC (http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805859/k.BFA3/Home.htm).
Finally, you also mentioned NY. The NY AT east of the Hudson isn't too difficult but there are small ups and downs. The problem is lodging availability; it's either non-existent or expensive. West of the Hudson is too difficult (steep ups and downs) for your needs.
Good luck and happy trails.
Cookerhiker
11-27-2009, 15:08
Oh, you mentioned you're hiking in early Spring. I hiked most of the stretch I recommended above in April 2005 (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=94197) and it was fabulous. Had warm sunny days (warm enough to see a snake!) but no bugs yet - perfect conditions!
Cookerhiker,
Thank you SO much for this detailed section. I'm going to plan to do it with him. The degree of detail really helps him make this hike concrete. I think it sounds perfect for what we're looking for and since we're from Massachusetts, it's nice to have my dad's first AT section be in our home state.
Thanks again!
KOR
Jack Tarlin
11-29-2009, 15:53
KOR:
I lived in Western MA. for many years and Cookerhiker has given you some excellent advice. This is the perfect section to do with your Dad, tho be aware that it can be boggy and wet in the Springtime, so make sure your daily plans/mileage expectations are reasonable.
Have a great trip!
canoehead
11-29-2009, 16:13
Great area here but make sure your not over estimating your dads hiking legs 8 - 12 mi could a bit much if he's not used to it.
just sayin.
sasquatch2014
11-29-2009, 19:27
There is a B&B in Palwing NY but they are a bit pricy but as it is early spring they may be willing to budge on the price. They can help with rides or I may be able to help out. You could do a 3 day from around Bulls Bridge to I 84 in the days you have pretty mild climbs and nice mellows stretches between.
There is a B&B in Palwing NY but they are a bit pricy but as it is early spring they may be willing to budge on the price. They can help with rides or I may be able to help out. You could do a 3 day from around Bulls Bridge to I 84 in the days you have pretty mild climbs and nice mellows stretches between.
just a couple of vistas though. the tough part is balancing the goal of making it easy with an equally important goal (my opinion) of making it interesting enough to want to come back.