"practice" trails in NY?

[yodiggah]

Hey folks,

I'm starting a long hiking/hitch-hiking/hostel-hopping trip in September. Since I have very limited experience (never even pitched a tent) it seems prudent to see if I can fit in a weekend hike or two before I leave.

Any suggestions for mild trails within two hours of NYC?

Thanks,

Michael

[brendang]

Mike,

Have you been up to the 'gunks' in the New Paltz area?
Amazing cliff trails, crags, scrambles and hikes. The are is famous for its climbing, but for folks who are staying earthbound,the area has a terrific mix of elevation changes, rough eroded and carriage trails.

Here's a few links to get ya started:
http://www.mirolka.com/Minnewaska/
http://www.catskillhikes.com/gunks.html

New Paltz is a great college town with a good gear shop called Rock & Snow. Not the cheapest, but stop in, grab a map, and get some local info about the best treks; those guys know the gunks.

Heck if you want company, shoot me a note, I'm always looking for a good excuse to hang my tired dogs off Gertrude's nose.

B.B)

[yodiggah]

Thanks again, Brendan. Looks, terrific. I'm definitely going to see if I can make it up there in the next few weeks.

[natchez]

Training to hike :laugh:

Good decision of yours though, I'd do the same ;)

[TheNomad]

The Catskills could also be a place for you to play and get ready. Their in my region now so let me know if your headed out that way. Information is plentiful.

[yodiggah]

Thanks. I'm tackling the Gunks tomorrow. My hiking-partner/friend doesn't believe they really exist and says that Gunk is just a made up word from Harry Potter or something, so I'll see if we can prove otherwise.

[natchez]

Yo! That's fun. Will you 'report' here afterwards (and, if applicable, of your friend's face when seeing it with his/her own eyes)?

[yodiggah]

OK, so I won't pretend the report is worth the wait, but here it is. It was just lovely and I had a great time, even though it was quickly clear I wasn't quite (at all) in tip-top (or low-top) hiking shape. I mighthave time to go up there again in the next few weeks and give it another run.

[natchez]

That's good to hear, yodiggah :) slowly improving fitness by hiking: there is no more enjoyable way to do it (I think) :blush:

[TheNomad]

Where was it you went? being NEW to the neighborhood I am always looking for places to go. Although I have hit up four of the Catskills 3500 in the last week. WOO HOO!

Sorry Natchez, no pics yet. I do not have a camera at this point besides the crap-tastic cell phone. I am working on it however.

[natchez]

I don't know why people always think photos from cellphones are so bad. Those that I have seen (I myself don't own a cellphone with this feature) aren't that bad at all :unsure:

[yodiggah]

Hey Nomad,

I was at the Gunks on the mesnjdsalfkjhsdlkhf trail. OK, I don't remember the name, but it sounded something like the 'word' above.

[TheNomad]

Nice, i'll check on that. :laugh: