Hike Recommendations

Where should you hike today? Where is a good swimming hole? Are the Mountain Laurel out in Harriman yet?

Try searching our Hike Finder but if you don't find the perfect hike, try asking here.

 

 

ZoomWhoosh's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 11:19am
My parents (in their mid 80s) really want to hike the AT near Bear Mountain. I'm looking for some suggested hikes that are easy, fairly short (I'd say 5 miles at most, 3 is probably better), and include at least some of the time on the AT itself. Ideally, I'd like to find a path that begins and ends at two different places where we can park cars, but a loop would be OK, too. As a last resort, we'd settle for an out-and-back hike.

Also, is there a good source for maps that show not only trails but also show all road crossings and parking availability?

Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 08/01/2010 - 6:34pm
The best source for maps is right here at the TC. Get the Hariman/Bear Mountain set, and you will have plenty of hikes to choose from.
jeffs's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 07/30/2010 - 4:07am
to answer kara, i would choose the AT. there are many spots that you can access by bus.one of them being the greenwood lake area near the ny/nj border. feel free to email me at [email protected].
RichardL's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 07/07/2010 - 1:01pm
Which way do you like better, and why? To ascend from the tracks, via the: Jessup Trail, or, Tressle Trail? To descend the: Dark Hollow Trail, or, Sweet Clover Trail? Thanks, Richard
DragonBall's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 07/02/2010 - 4:15pm
Hi, I am going on an overnight hike tomorrow from Bear Mountain Inn and camping at the West Mountain Shelter; and then hike out on Day 2 heading south east on the Timp Torne to finish on the west side of US9W south of the intersection with Old Ayers Rd. Q1: Do you think it's feasible to go over Bear Mountain (via Major Welch) and south on the AT to reach West Mountain Shelter in a day (we going to start at about 10.30am since we are taking the ShortLine Bus). Or, should we take the S-BM trail instead and avoid going over Bear Mountain? [We are two relatively fit people in early 30s with some hiking experience]. Q2: Is there any water en route? ie from the brook running southwest from the Doodletown Reservoir that crosses the S-BM and Timp-Torne? Or, where is the closest water stop? Q3: At the end of the Timp-torne trail, does the Short Line bus stop to pick up passengers (bound for NY) at the intersection with Old Ayers Road (which leads to Jones point) and US 9W? The Shortline bus service have given me mixed answers! Thanks for your help.
Paul_A's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 07/03/2010 - 11:27am
Yes, you should be able to go over Bear Mountain and still reach the West Mountain Shelter in the time frame you've suggested. Don't forget, the days are long and daylight extends into the evening. And if that's not long enough, carry a headlamp or other light, and finish your hike after dark.
denali2001's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/22/2010 - 3:50pm
Planning to ride bikes to Mohonk Preserve area and do the Labyrinth/Lemon Squeeze hike. I understand there is a carriage road approach to the climb. Any route description I can find online? Also, any good place to lock up our bikes before the hike? Thanks.
JROGG's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/14/2010 - 11:21pm
Storm King just north of West Point is a good one, Trail map 113. Another idea is to follow The Long Path from the GW bridge. Much of it follows the Hudson.
bpickard1@twcny.rr.com's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/11/2010 - 3:13pm
I am new to this site and to the hiking trails. I am looking for easy to moderate hiking trails near the hudson and/or views of the Manhattan skyline. I am about 3 hours away, so I'd like it to be a day adventure. Thanks.
Paul_A's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/12/2010 - 4:07pm
The Long Path is along the top of the Palisades and the Shore Trail is at the bottom of the Palisades, right along the west bank of the Hudson River. You can find the map you need at www.nynjtc.org/product/hudson-palisades-trails
PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/12/2010 - 9:29am
HIke along the top of the Palisades or the shores of the Hudson River from George Washington Bridge or many parking spots along the route to the NY NJ state line.
hschil's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/11/2010 - 1:03pm
I have been suffering from tension headshakes and it seems that high altitudes helps relieve the pain sometimes. I am not new to walking, but I am new to hiking would appreciate recommendations within 60 miles or so to NYC. Thanks, Howard
JROGG's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/14/2010 - 11:30pm
I "highly" recommend Peekamoose Mountain in the catskils. It's a 2 hour drive from northern jersey and well worth the drive. Take exit 19 off the thruway to rt 28 then 28A then to rt 42. Parking was easy and kudos to the maintaineer who recently went through (I was there yesterday). The south to north route elevation starts at 1300' then a gradual 3 mile trek to 3800'. Although I haven't yet done the north to south route from Denning Road that looks like it might be more to your liking since it seems to start at 2300' elevation. The drive looks to be much longer to go around to the north side though. Get the trail map #43 in the catskill set. Believe me you'll love this hike.
hschil's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/16/2010 - 1:28pm
thanks for the recommendation. I will try it within the next few weeks.
PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/12/2010 - 9:37am
The highest hills in Harriman State Park are less than 2000 feet, so there is no real high altitude within 60 miles of NYC.
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/08/2010 - 5:19pm
I hiked the entire SBM trail yesterday, north to south, and would highly recommend the experience to anyone looking for a challenge/all-day hike. I would suggest figuring out a way to start early however, as getting off the bus at 10:15 does not leave a lot of time for resting during the hike if you want to finish before dark. It took me 10.5 hours to finish, and i had to make the ending descent to the trailhead in Suffern in darkness. Thankfully, i had my flashlight :)

Also, there is some STEEP descending on rocks in the northern part of the trail. If you are not comfortable scrambling down at steep angles, i would not recommend trying this hike.

I would also like to say thanks to all the maintainers of this trail for their great work- it helped to make the hike very enjoyable.

PVPatrick's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/09/2010 - 9:16am
Did you carry your water or filter/resupply along the route?
Michael K7's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/09/2010 - 11:22am
I carried 2.5 liters of plain water, and 2 quarts of Vitamin Water (for electrolytes). Drank all of the VW, and about 85% of the plain water.
jmoran's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 05/30/2010 - 12:21pm
I am looking to take my son hiking. I vaguely remember hiking the Green Pond Boston mile loop in college. (Loooong time ago) The description says it is 4.3 miles. Is that the whole loop? Would the steep sections be too much for him? thanks ! Jen :D
jmoran's picture

Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on 06/01/2010 - 8:17am
Well, we did it! I took my 12 and 8-year-old with me. While it was definitely challenging, we made it. I wouldn't recommend this loop to young hikers. It was quite steep and rocky. By the end of the hike, they were quite done, but certainly not complaining. We saw an abundance of wildlife and took on the beauty of the area. It was a great day!!