Hike Recommendations

Count on slushiness on shaded parts to nearly snowless on exposed southern exposures also the SBM trail is rocky almost end to end, so I would go microspike or screw shoes rather than snow shoes. I think the views are good, but you are looking down on Rockland county developments. The shelters are in generally poor condition, trash, etc. leaky roofs, and there are ATVs in the park and some people who let their dogs run off leash (generally less of a problem away from main parking areas which most of the SBM is). Other than that its great! Have a blast! If you end at Bear Mt, you can get hot chocolate and popcorn at the carousel!

June 20 Sunday. Final GPS tally: 29.3 miles + 2,000' elevation gain. Started from GWB NY side, to LP, down to Shore Trail, past NY state border to Peanut Leap Cascade, back up to LP, back to GWB. http://www.meetup.com/The-New-York-City-Hiking-Meetup-Group/calendar/135...

A beautiful hike. I did the same route but only from Englewood Boat Basin. I was calculating that alone to be about 18 miles. Add the extra to the GW about 4 miles round trip. The climb up the Palisades overshoots the Stateline lookout by about 3/4 of a mile and the climb up itself is about a half mile. Took me about 9 hours in warm weather. That was by myself and a little jogging thrown in. With a group and short daylight you've got to get going early. The stairs themselves can be a little daunting if you've got a little vertigo. Bring walking sticks or grab something trailside. I've never been there winter but I would not attempt the stairs with any kind of snow cover and I'm not to keen on icy either. I know us seasoned hikers are a hike any where any time mentality but the stairs can be a little dangerous even in dry weather. If I'm reading your plan right your going north on top and south on the bottom. I definetly recommend it the other way. After climbing the peanut leap trail the lookout is a great midpoint break at the food pavilion.(and an indoor bathroom!). You might want to check if it'll be open considering the new park closures. It is a popular x-country ski spot. Also it is somewhat self supporting with the food stand so maybe it will be spared. You'd also want to get the giant stairs done earlier than later. The variety of terrain and scenery will quick become one of your favorites. Have fun.

More like 22 or 23 miles. I hiked it one way along the top once from the state border to the GWB, and that was 11 miles.

I know a guy who once hiked the Long Path from the GWB all the way up to the entrance to Lamont-Doherty in one day - he took the bus back, though. As for me, I've done a few loop hikes around Closter Dock, Huyler's Landing and Forest View, and I'm still working up to the Giant Stairs.

Bus goes to Stockholm, NJ weekdays during rush hours but only to Newfoundland NJ on weekends. However you can access the Highlands Trail either way. In Stockholm you can reach the Highlands Trail - the bus passes right by it. The trail crosses Rt 23 at Canistear Road. From Newfoundland station you can bike to it as others have done in the past. www.highlands-trail.org This is the beautiful northern mountains of New Jersey :-)

I recommend:

1- Take the Metro North Hudson line to either Cold Spring, Garrison, or Beacon. The East Hudson Trails map set will show you the trails available here.

2- Take NJT from Penn Station to either Sloatsburg or Tuxedo. The Harriman/Bear Mountain Trails map set will show the available trails.

Have fun!

Try the following page on the NY/NJ Trail Conference web site.... http://www.nynjtc.org/content/you-dont-need-car

If you have the kittatinny guide book I'll make you a trade

Hi,    it would be best to contact the Ringwood State Park Office to confirm the rules and perhaps get permission.  I know the Park closes at sunset - so you will definitely need to check with them.   The phone number is 973.962.7031.

I've never heard anyone advise against the water in Harriman, after treatment. At the same time, I wouldn't be surprised if there was crypto or Giardia in some/most of the water sources. With the number of humans around (especially those who ignore the suggestions about human waste and proximity to water sources), I always assume crypto is there and treat accordingly. To filter out crypto, use UV or a filter that goes down to .2 "absolute" microns.

The other suggestion I have for you is to take your water only from moving sources, where possible. Some of the lakes in Harriman don't move much and a nasty layer of organics forms on top and clogs intakes on filters, etc.

One final note: I have never heard of viruses (e.g., hep A) in NY waterways, but I use a Steripen that will inactive the viruses. If you aren't using UV, the CDC advises you to take these steps: 1) mechanically filter the water, 2) treat it with a halogen (chlorine or an iodine solution), 3) let it sit 15 to 60 minutes (or per manufacturer instructions), 4) then drinking.

If you have the map set put out by the NY/NJ Trail Conference, for Harriman State Park, the streams are shown on the maps. My wife and I have used them as water sources when we hike and backpack in the park. Just make sure to treat it in some way to make it potable before you use it.