NJ section Hike questions

[Jay_NJ]

Planning to take a week off in the end of May or early June and do a section Hike of the NJ AT. I have done many 2 and 3 day Hikes around NY AT/Harriman State Park. I am 25 yo, physically fit, and weighed my pack out with 3L of water and approximately 4 days of Food at 29lbs. I could probably cut a few pounds. I have hiked 14ish Miles in a day before with gear of approximately 20lb, and I do not want to push myself past the point of enjoyment..

The tentative plan is:

DWG Nat’l Rec Area. Start location (probably be on trail by 9am as I would be getting dropped off from NE NJ).
These are the approximate distances I got from the Thru-Hike Companion.
Day 1: 10.6 Miles to Mohican Outdoor Center.
Day 2: 14.8 Miles to Brink Road Shelter.
Day 3: 12.6 Miles to Mashipacong Shelter
Day 4: 12.3 Miles to J. Murray property.
Day 5: 13.8 to Vernon NJ (NJ 94) where I would stay with family over night.
Day 6: 9.1 Miles to NJ-NY State line. -- get picked up and head home
Day 7: Recuperate before work!

I would love some opinions and suggestions on the itinerary. I am really wondering where I can actually get off the trail onto a decently large road at the NJ-NY state line or really close to it before or after for my ride to pick me up? I have thought about just getting a mail drop in Unionville and not stopping in Vernon and ending @ Warwick TP.

[Cookerhiker]

If you do a maildrop in Unionville, it's extra walking into the town.

I'd consider hiking all the way to Rt. 17A on your last day. I know that would make your last day your longest day but after the ascent to the Waywayanda ridgeline, there's not a lot more up and down. As I recall, the trail becomes more NY-like with big boulders which I personally liked.

Yes, I also realize that if you're staying with family in Vernon, it may be hard to get away early in the morning but at least consider it. I think you're capable.

[perrito]

This all looks great. Just remember that from the state line, the blue blazed State Line Trail is another mile down hill to the road to get picked up. Enjoy!

[Jay_NJ]

Excellent advice guys, I greatly appreciate it. I am planning to do a nice 3 day loop in the near future at Harriman to start getting back into the grove of things. A

@ Cookerhiker: The family is my main FEAR for not making it to 17A on day 6. If I could get dropped off back on the trail at 8am I would be happy to push myself, but I foresee a 10am start time :/

@Perrito: Do you know the street & town the blue blazed State Line Trail brings you to after the 1 mile descent.

[perrito]

The road is Lakeside Rd. (CR 511) and there is a driveway to a parking area across from the Greenwood Lake Marina on the NJ side of the border. I believe the State Line Trail is about 500 feet before the NJ/NY border which is designated by painted markings on the ground. Be sure to go there then backtrack to complete NJ!

[Scooby99]

Mileage looks good, plan on going into Unionville, short, easy walk and the deli make some of the best sandwiches you will ever eat.

[snorz]

Remember there is no water at Mashipicong shelter.

[fredmugs]

Since you are 25 and in shape carrying a 29 lb pack I would say you might get a little bored. 3 years ago when I was 44 I hiked in 75 miles to finish PA and then was dropped off at Bear Mtn Inn around lunch time. I also lost my water filter and carried way too much to compensate. At the Secret Shelter my pack weighed 42 pounds.

Day 1: Bear Mtn to O'Brien shelter: 8.9 trail miles. I was trying to get to Fingerboard shelter and got on one of those stupid white blaze/red dot trails and did 5 miles right back into the same shelter. After 7 miles in PA that morning I racked up about 21 miles.

Day 2: O'Brien shelter to NJ line: 27 miles

Day 3: NJ line to Vernon: 9.3 miles should have kept going

Day 4: Vernon to Mashipicong shelter: 26 miles

Day 5: Mashipicong to MOC: 26.7 miles

Day 6: MOC to DWG: 9 miles with a lovely 700 mile drive home.

My point is you can do some serious big mile days in NJ once you get past High Point. I would definitely hit the grocery store in Unionville. Awesome subs.

[Old Grouse]

Remember there is no water at Mashipicong shelter.

But there is a honkin' big privy!

[Blissful]

Being "in shape" doesn't mean your limbs are hiker ready to haul 26 miles with a backpack. Good way to blow out a knee, imo. I've seen 24 year olds do that and end up limping. WHy rush it? Plenty to see and do besides just hiking; that isn't all there is out in the woods...

[Jay_NJ]

@ Blissful; I've found that out the hard way a few times. I find that ones fitness in the gym,etc. does not really correlate to ones ability to do extended hikes with weight. I didn't want to try more then 15 miles in a day and my goal is to finish injury free.