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Im planning a trip from DWG to Kent CT. There will be four of us. We are trying to figure out transportation. We would prefer to not drive our car. We could get dropped off in DWG, and then in Kent, what might we do there? Get a ride to Pawling for the train to NYC and then home to Lancaster. First we need to figure out transportation and then we will work on logistics and resupply points along the route. Thanks for any input.
I hiked NJ last summer and we had Vernon Taxi shuttle us to the end point. You can call them and get a price. I found their number on the ATC shuttle list.
From your neighbor in Hershey.
Maybe I could help... I live 15 mins. from DWG. I ve helped other hikers with shuttles ... Drop me a text @ [email protected].... Ernie
I may be able to help here in CT. I have a small car, but its only 30 minutes from Kent to the Pawling train station. Send me a message at [email protected] and we can iron out details.
If you can spend another couple days on the trail, finish CT by hiking up to Salsbury. There is bus service at Canaan, 12 miles east of Salsbury. Or better yet, spend a couple more days on the trail and get off at Lee, Mass - which is where I caught a bus to Boston after doing that exact DWG to Lee section. I think the whole trip took about 2 weeks. Just don't start at the beginning of a 10 day heat wave like I did!
We only have 10-11 days to to the section. We have done PA and those rocks slowed us down. What milage per day could be done in NJ and NY, CT
I always find that question difficult to answer as I dont know everyones hiking style (stop for lots of breaks vs. snack break & keep going), hiking pace, physical conditioning, etc. Not sure about NJ, haven't hiked it yet. I have done CT however. Not sure what you normally hike, but 15 mile days are doable for someone who generally backpacks 10+ miles per day. You could do more if you want, and there are a couple sections where there is a campsite/shelter every 3 miles (give or take) to give you more overnight options. The river-walk is a couple miles of flat ground. I have almost completed NY and I've done 18 milers there.
To do this carless, I'd recommend:
Use a casino bus from NYC to get to DWG. Its a short walk to the hostel from the bus station or an easy uphill to the backpacker camp. I paid $35 for a one-way Trailways ticket from NYC to DWG.
For exiting at Kent, you can hire a shuttle to Ten Mile station from the outfitter in Kent. The outfitter is just a half-mile from the trail and sells ice cream. I paid $25 for a one-way shuttle this past Spring.
Another option is to stop short of CT and catch the weekend train from the Appalachian Trail's only train station north of Pawling. You could spend Fri or Sat night camped at the nursery next door. Get there by 5 p.m. and you likely can score pizza just up the highway from the new pizza truck.
Just do not forget that the train only stops at the AT station on weekends. On weekdays you'd need to walk a couple of miles south to Pawling. I once failed to note this same detail at Port Jervis when I got off the trail at High Point NJ.
I've used and can recommend either of the outfitters. The one in DWG is/was sensational for me, went way, way beyond what could be expected to make sure my trip came off. The outfitter in Kent was a bit more expensive, but offered very good service at the very last minute for me. Both are honest business men who will go out of their way for you.
Get in touch with me... You can park at my house...I will drop you off at DWG... when you get to kent,call me and I will bring you back to my house for you car ... I ve done this before for a few people... i can give you references that Im not a crazy...lol
Let Ernman help you out! He hooked me up with the tent I thru hiked with this past year... Great guy, loves the trail!
I will be in touch ErNMAN.