TRAIL ALKER NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE...MAINTAININGW OVER 1500 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001

The Twin Towers were gone. On the far horizon, half an outstretched fist south The View No More of the Empire State Building, the blue sky was wounded by billowing smoke. Stand- By Glenn Scherer ing on that ridge that morning, I knew the rescue workers hadn’t even begun to count September 12th: I woke up feeling the the dead. I found a spot next to a pitch need for a walk. I drove out to Longhouse pine and sat. Road, strapped on a water bottle, and I had hiked to this vista with my wife started through the woods on the Appala- Marty only the week before and seen the chian Trail toward Bearfort Ridge. Towers. How could we have imagined I’ve walked the Trail in this part of then that we would never see them again? northern New Jersey often, but it was as Memories rose with the smoke. I recalled quiet as I’ve ever heard it, with only crickets taking my brother’s family to the Trade and crows, the squeaking of my boots, and Center Observation Deck on a crisp De- the silence overhead utterly without planes. cember morning 15 years ago. We had The witch hazel, the only tree to flower looked off toward the Highlands and I had in autumn, hadn’t blossomed yet, but its pointed to this ridge. leaves were trimmed in yellow. I crossed On another Twin Towers visit, I had a dry creek bed where there should have watched the Dalai Lama’s saffron-robed been water. We were 12 weeks into a monks make a circular sand painting, a drought, with some leaves already turned fragile peace mandala in the Trade Cen- and fallen. ter lobby. Now the unspeakable violence In a mile, I reached a valley that has that drove the Tibetans to sanctuary in changed from hickory forest to beaver CHARLES PORTER America had come around the world to pond in the past two years. This dry sum- gave way to puddingstone—a gorgeous before I stepped beyond the trees at the us. mer, the pond had changed yet again, be- purple conglomerate imbedded with white summit, I wanted to stop, turn back, not In the past, spotting most human- coming a sedgy meadow. The beavers had quartz. Now I was on Bearfort Ridge, see. Then I pushed through the last bear made structures—housing developments or moved on. Without their pond—their probably named as a last stronghold of oak and staghorn sumac. I knew right transmission towers—from the Appala- moat—there was no safety here. black bears in pioneer days. where to look at the far edge of the folded chian Trail had detracted from my hiking I climbed steeply and reached a spot This ridge isn’t tall by Appalachian green hills. But there was only smoke and experiences. But not the Twin Towers. where drab gray billion-year-old bedrock Trail standards, but is high enough. Just a goldfinch. continued on page 7

In Time for the Holidays New York Walk Heave, Ho! A New Bridge Goes Up Book: 2001 in the Catskills; LP Is Rerouted Update Your Library with the Seventh Edition of the The new route and stream “Hiker’s Bible” crossing are already recorded on the recently published 2001 Didn’t one just come out? you ask. In edition of the Catskill trail map the past it was at least ten years between for the area (see Trail News de- Walk Book editions. Why so soon for the scription of seventh edition? (The sixth edition was the reloca- published in 1998.) Well, first of all, the tion). But the wonders of desktop publishing make it fea- author and illustrator of Scenes and Walks bridge itself sible to produce a new edition in a short in the Northern Shawangunks. Of course, was erected period of time. In light of the extensive we have also retained many of the sketches by a crew of trail changes that have taken place within by Robert L. Dickinson, a member of the six during the past three years, we decided that our triumvirate that produced the first edition BRIAN SULLIVAN one intense members should have the opportunity to of the Walk Book in 1923. Fagan’s sketches Catskills Trails Chair Pete Senterman Saturday in September. obtain a current, up-to-date version of this give the book a refreshing, updated ap- and his crew are taking a break. Over the Senterman notes that he decided early classic book. pearance, while those by Dickinson pre- past year Senterman estimates they have on to build the bridge “historically,” us- A special feature of this new edition serve the historical ambience that is very put in more than 900 hours on a bridge- ing the King Post design of the original is a collection of new, world-class illustra- much a part of the Walk Book. building, trail relocation project on the Overlook Road bridge pictured in 19th- tions by Jack Fagan, professor of geology All chapters have been updated, and Long Path’s route through the Platte Clove century books about the region. He adds, (retired) and outstanding illustrator, who three chapters have been substantially re- area—a project that culminated on Sep- “Of course, I didn’t realize how much work is already known to many of you as the continued on page 6 tember 22. continued on page 2 TRAIL WALKER from the president’s notepad... Volume XXVIII, No. 6 Nov./Dec. 2001

Georgette Weir Editor Nora Porter Managing Editor Paul Leikin Advertising Manager Tom Prentzel Coordinator The TRAIL WALKER (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Too Many Hikers Are Outside Our Ranks Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of mem- bership. Of membership dues, $4 is allocated to a one-year subscription. Subscriptions are As I looked over Trail Walker col- grounds by reaching out to urban families not members of—and may not even be available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. umns by previous Trail Conference presi- on their day visits to the park. I would like familiar with the work of—the Trail Con- Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. dents to ready myself for this writing task, to think that we will see some of them on ference. You can help. This year for the Postmaster: Send address changes to the ad- dress below. Opinions expressed by authors I was amazed at how one could relate a the trail as a result of their hike with Trail holidays why not give these friends a gift do not necessarily represent the policy or po- variety of topics to hiking. I was also re- Conference volunteers and that they will membership? I did this one year as a sition of the Conference. Contributions of minded of the variety of people who hike eventually join as members. thank-you to people who had helped with typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style and the changes that have occurred dur- But what percentage of hikers are the New York Walk Book; the next year and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. ing the 33 years that I have been hiking. members of hiking organizations and one of the recipients renewed as a life mem- Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER Consider the demographics of hikers, hence support our activities? Probably quite ber. are January 28 (Mar./Apr. Issue), March 27 (May/June issue), May 25 (July/Aug. Issue), for example. In 1968, there were far more small. On Sunday, September 23, my hus- With the growing interest in hiking, July 26 (Sept./Oct. Issue), September 25 (Nov./ men who hiked than women—I would we need to have more members to sup- Dec. Issue), November 27 (Jan./Feb. Issue). guess about 80 percent of hikers then were Can you recruit one port our activities and protect trails and Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowl- edged unless accompanied by SASE. For in- male. In 2001, the day-hike groups that I new TC member? trail lands. A form for gift memberships formation on advertising rates, please write pass on trails seem to be closer to 60 per- is on page 10. Your gift will recognize or call. Copyright 2001 by: cent male and 40 percent women; some band, Walt, and I led a Hudson Valley your friends’ interests and support the Trail New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. hiking clubs are predominantly women. I Ramble along the Camp Smith Trail in Conference in its work. If one in five of 156 Ramapo Valley Road have also noticed more young people hik- the eastern Hudson Highlands. All of the our members recruits one new member, Mahwah, NJ 07430 201-512-9348 ing lately. Typically, they are not mem- 18 people on the hike were experienced we would increase our membership by 20 e-mail: [email protected] bers of hiking clubs, but go out on the hikers; only two were Trail Conference percent in one year. For other ideas on editorial e-mail: [email protected] trails solo or with friends. members. Most of the group came on the how you can help, visit our website at World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org/ And, slowly, the ethnicity of hikers is hike because the Camp Smith Trail was www.nynjtc.org/membership. changing. One sees more Asians on the new to them and they felt more comfort- —Jane Daniels, President NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY trails now, for example, than in the past, able exploring it with a leader. I handed TRAIL CONFERENCE though still not so many African-Ameri- out membership brochures and hope that Jane Daniels was elected president of the Mission Statement cans or Latinos. Our Outreach program at least half of them will join our organi- The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Trail Conference for a one-year term at founded in 1920, is a federation of member in Harriman Park aims to introduce hik- zation. the October 16 meeting of the board of clubs and individuals dedicated to providing ing to people of these and other back- All of us have hiking friends who are directors. recreational hiking opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining CATSKILLS BRIDGE hiking trails. E T T E R continued from page 1 • Protecting hiking trail lands through L S support and advocacy. • Educating the public in the responsible was going to be involved.” use of trails and the natural environment. Watershed Restrictions Are his family buried him when he passed away The beams—eight at 18'' and done Board of Directors Counterproductive this September). Jane Daniels President at 8'—were all hand-hewn from hemlock Tom Humbach Vice President The knee-jerk reaction of many agen- Steve was a tireless volunteer: AT logs donated by private land owners in Daniel Chazin Secretary cies to the terrorist attacks of September Overseer on Kittatinny Ridge’s north end, the area. Improvements were made to the William Mishler Treasurer 11 has been to prevent people from enter- a mover-and-shaker who helped get Pyra- pre-existing abutments, remains of the Directors Paul Bell ing areas the agencies want to protect, e.g., mid Mountain preserved as a Morris original bridge, built in 1870. The new Wanda Davenport the watershed areas where we have hik- County Park, and an active volunteer fire- bridge was pre-assembled in Senterman’s Brian Goodman ing trails. It should be obvious to all that man. yard over five weekends. On the 22nd, John Gunzler Gary Haugland reservoirs are basically unprotectable He was always ready with a folksy the crew of six—including Senterman and Peter Heckler against a determined foe. For those who witticism, his camera, a paint can, or his his son Doug, Bruce Warden, Tom Ann Osborn do not value their life, crashing a truck chain saw (nobody cleared blowdowns Barry Mark Schofield, Pete Perricci, and Charlie Art Lebofsky through a guardrail from an adjacent road with more enthusiasm). He was tenacious Seeger—gathered to put it all together on Mary Smart is trivial. With monitored checkpoints and as a pit bull, regularly buttonholing park site. On Sunday, the bridge was open and Malcolm Spector a strong perimeter, the airlines failed at superintendents to get the AT materials he in use on a beautiful fall weekend. Staff protecting against hijackers. In the case needed or privys moved. Edward Goodell Executive Director “It was quite a challenge,” admits of our open spaces, the good guys out- In a time when AT maintenance is Scott Voorhees Administrative Senterman, who noted that the crew had Director number the bad guys at least 10 million becoming increasingly standardized, Steve to learn to use unfamiliar tools and tech- Larry Wheelock NJ Field to 1. It would be more cost effective to marched to a different drum. While doing niques, such as adzes, square edging, and Representative increase the hiking opportunities around a trail assessment on his section, we came fitting mortise and tenons. “If this lasts 50 Mario Andolina Database Manager the reservoirs so that there is a much greater across a confusing spot where the Trail years, I’ll be very happy—it will then be Kathleen O’Gorman Administrative chance of one of the good guys seeing sus- swung right, separating itself from a wide someone else’s problem,” he says, laugh- Assistant picious behavior. woods road. Steve had been there before ing. Part-time Walt Daniels us, and knew exactly how to keep way- John Myers Trail Lands With construction of the bridge, an Coordinator Mohegan Lake, NY ward hikers on the path. Beside the woods important new link in the Long Path’s route Neil Woodworth NY Conservation road was a sign scrawled in white paint through the Catskills is complete. The re- Advocate Steve Klein Passes Away on a scrap of lumber: “This ain’t the AT.” location off a mile of paved road was Student office clerks On any NJ Appalachian Trail work We’ll miss him. made possible when the Catskill Center Brett Moreng, Boris Paucinac, Jonathan Sheehy day, Steve Klein could be counted on to Glenn Scherer approved the trail crossing over its land. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference saunter up in his characteristic loping gait, Highland Lakes, NJ is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- The LP was then rerouted over a fourth tion. It is a federation of 88 hiking and out- clad in red plaid flannel shirt, suspenders, Letters are welcome. Send them to the peak—Indian Head—and along the east- door groups, and 10,000 individuals. and khaki pants (the same outfit in which TC office or to [email protected]. ern portion of the Devil’s Path.

2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 TRAIL WALKER What gives the Trail Conference its ability to stay one step ahead in the con- stant battle to protect open space is our vast network of volunteers. Knowledge- able, responsible users of the backcountry, from the Executive Director our volunteers act as an early warning sys- tem about trail land threats and opportu- nities. As open space becomes more scarce, volunteers will play an even more crucial role in how the Trail Conference meets the Our Work: As Important as Ever challenges that lie ahead. Bernd Kuchar’s volunteer service is a Annual Award By Edward Goodell thing under any circumstances and even good case in point. He is devoting his few (seen in photo with volunteer Bernd Kuchar) more so now. There was discussion about short months in the States to almost single- how attitude and a positive outlook would handedly building the Shawangunk Ridge Goes to 9:35 am, Tuesday, September 11: “Do be very important in coping with such a Coalition website and the computerized you know what happened at the World disaster. We were heartened by the idea mapping system. His work is critical to Leadership Duo Trade Tower? I think a plane has hit it.” that our work might help give some the our efforts along the Kittatinny- Those words, uttered by Bernd Kuchar, a solace they needed to carry on. Shawangunk-Catskill greenway. This Monica Resor and David Day of New Trail Conference volunteer from Austria, This conversation brightened my out- project involves monitoring and prioritiz- Jersey first met while hiking on the Four will be forever seared into my brain. look and that day I hiked up the Nordkop ing hundreds of different property parcels Birds Trail in the Farny Highlands in the Bernd and I had arrived at work a Mountain ridge at the southern tip of and environmental threats along the 25- mid 1990s. Not long after that they be- quiet 45 minutes earlier. In the course of Harriman State Park. All of northern New mile unprotected gap north of the New Jer- came a familiar leadership pair for Bob checking his overseas email, Bernd re- Jersey, lower Rockland County, and, of sey border. Bernd’s work is helping us man- Marshall’s West Hudson Trail Crew. ceived an instant message from a friend course, Manhattan spread out before me. age this mammoth task and get the word While each had been an active hiker- in Austria alerting him to the terrible events It was a disorienting scene. My frame of out. By the time you read this, the website maintainer-builder before meeting, as a unfolding in New York. reference gone, Manhattan did not look should be up and running at http:// pair they are virtually unstoppable. Dave’s Over the next few hours, Trail Con- like Manhattan anymore. It had changed www.shawangunkridge.org. engineering background and Monica’s ference office volunteers and staff listened and so had we, in ways I could little imag- Having a voice about which lands are management skills make for a truly dy- to the radio, our thoughts with Manhat- ine. Even so, I felt lucky to have a trail so protected and influencing how they are namic trail crew leadership team. They tan, from which our office had so recently near at hand and more committed to car- managed is the focus of the Trail Confer- have even created a website for trail work- been relocated. The next morning, still in rying out the tradition of good work at ence in the 21st Century. We must under- ers: www.trailstobuild.com, with links to shock, we gathered around the conference the Trail Conference. stand how the “green” pieces fit together crew schedules, hardware reports, and table trying to make sense of events and and expand our network of connecting trail other sites of trail-maintainer interest. understand how to move the Trail Confer- Staying a Step Ahead lands to maintain both ecosystem health This year, the Trail Conference hon- ence forward in a brand new world. Throughout our history of protect- and access to pristine nature. ors and thanks this dynamic duo by be- We were greatly inspired by the ing land, the Trail Conference has mobi- Despite any calamities we suffer— stowing on them the Hoeferlin Award, strength of others more directly affected lized grassroots efforts to successfully pro- natural or manmade—this interconnected given annually to volunteers who demon- by the tragedy. We were deeply concerned tect some of our favorite places. From network of trail lands will always be im- strate exemplary service to trail mainte- about the safety and welfare of our mem- the landmark challenge at Storm King portant for the physical and spiritual val- nance and management. bers and their loved ones. We talked about Mountain to the Sterling Forest Partner- ues they provide us. That is why, no mat- Monica has been an active AMC hike the fact that our work, the work of the ship, the Trail Conference has been there ter what happens now or in the future, we leader for many years, and began work- Trail Conference, bringing people in di- at the beginning of some of this region’s will continue with the good work of the ing with the Conference’s West Hudson rect contact with wild nature, is a good most successful conservation efforts. Trail Conference. Trail Crew on the Howell Trail under the guidance of Rockmeister Bob Reardon. After taking a Wilderness Workskills course with the Student Conservation As- sociation in the mid-90s, she began lead- ing trail crews herself. A D V O C A C Y David has helped create a number of C O N S E R V A T I O N devices to aid in trail work. Among these & is the rock-bar sling carrier that crew mem- bers thank him for every time they have More Shawangunk Land Saved ing to OSI, the lands will be open to the Passaic County Board of Freeholders were to carry a rock-bar into the backwoods. The Open Space Institute in August public for passive recreational use. other partners in the purchase. David started working with the TC trail announced additional land purchases by crew on the Shawangunk Ridge Trail and its affiliate, the Open Space Conservancy, Stonetown Circular Protected NY’s “Bare Bones” Budget has never stopped pushing rocks around. in the Shawangunks. The largest among The Torrey Tract in New Jersey— Zeroes Out Environmental These days Dave and Monica con- them is a 1,366-acre parcel on the west- 300 acres of rugged mountain terrain be- Protection Fund tinue leading work trips for the West ern boundary of Minnewaska State Park tween Norvin Green State Forest and the New York State’s Environmental Pro- Hudson Crew and have taken on the de- and northeast of the Sam’s Point Dwarf Wanaque Wildlife Management Area— tection Fund (EPF) was among the many velopment of a West New Jersey Trail Pine Preserve. Formerly owned by a Ukrai- is now protected open space. The Trail programs targeted by the legislature in its Crew. This new group proved its mettle nian civic organization, the Shevchenko Conference contributed $25,000 toward tactical passage of a “bare bones” budget over the past two years with a nearly com- property contains four major streams (the the purchase price of $1.1 million, com- in August. That budget, which aimed to plete restoration of the Red Dot Trail in Little Stony Kill, Mine Hole Hollow pleting the funding necessary for the land force Governor George Pataki to the bar- Worthington State Forest in New Jersey. Brook, Jumping Brook, and the Disappear- save. The Stonetown Circular, a 9.6-mile gaining table, zeroed out the EPF, perceived Like the award’s namesake, William ing Brook), numerous waterfalls, and sev- path long maintained by the Trail Con- to be one of the governor’s favored pro- Hoeferlin, one of the founders of the Con- eral hundred acres of ecologically unique ference, traverses the tract. Its steep slopes, grams. ference Trail Patrol, Monica Resor and dwarf pitch pine barrens. Napanoch Point, dense forest, wetlands, and trout streams With the depletion of the Clean Wa- David Day are intrepid and inspiring vol- two secluded valleys, a portion of Witch’s have long been a destination for local ter/ Clean Air Bond Act, the EPF is the one unteers. They continue to improve the Hole and Mine Hole Hollow, a stretch of hikers and anglers. Until its purchase in and only major state funding source to pro- outdoor experience for hikers in our re- the historic Old Smiley Road, and the site August, this valuable open space was tect air, water and wilderness in New York. gion, and with this award, the Trail con- of a former monastery below Sam’s Point slated for more than 175 homes. The Earlier this year all three parties—the Gov- ference says, “Thank you.” known as Mt. Don Bosco are among the Passaic River Coalition, NJ Green Acres ernor, the Senate and the Assembly—pro- —Larry Wheelock sites protected by the purchases. Accord- Program, Victoria Foundation, and continued on page 6 TC New Jersey Field Representative

TRAIL WALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 3 several years and to reprint the map with corrections periodically. Between map versions, watch the Conference website for updates: (http://www.nynjtc.org/commit- They Rock! tees/publications/errata/sf.html. RAIL They were too busy to remind ev- per part of the Sweet Clover Trail, with T Be aware that the Conference is not eryone last year, but this year the West rock stairs, graded terraces, and always informed of changes immediately. Hudson Trail Crew would like us to know sidehilling. One work trip was devoted If you find problems, report them at the EWS that Fall 2000 marked their 10th anni- to closing the old trail with branches, above site. N versary. There’s a lot of country west of rock check-dams, and forest debris in the Hudson, and the crew has worked order to promote the healing of this badly Trail Closings in Sterling Forest on projects in several areas. damaged area. Trails in the environmentally sensi- Some highlights reported by crew Crew members: Fall 2000 and tive Cedar Pond area have been closed. Permitted Watershed Recreational chief Bob Marshall and assistant crew Spring 2001 Specifically, the Cedar Swamp Trail (or- Activities Suspended chief Trudy Jonathan ange) running east from the Sterling Ridge All permitted recreational activities Schneider: Beard, Mary Trail to Fire Tower Trail (red) and the have been suspended at all New York City Harriman Nell Bockman, Cedar Pond Trail (green) running north properties throughout the watersheds of State Park: Last Race Brandt, from the Lake to Lake Trail (white) to the the city’s upstate reservoirs, effective as of fall, the crew re- Gail Brown, Cedar Swamp Trail are closed. The part 10:30 am on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, located the Jim Brown, of the Lake to Lake Trail (white) running according to an announcement by Com- Ramapo- Brian east from the north end of Blue Lake to missioner Joel A. Miele, Sr., of the New Dunderberg Buchbinder, Long Meadow Road is also closed (or will York City Department of Environmental Trail on George be closed) but can be replaced by other Protection (DEP). These activities include Dunderberg Cartamil, Don currently unmarked woods roads. fishing from the shore and rowboats at Mountain, im- HORST SCHNEIDER Corrigan, the reservoirs, as well as hiking or other proved the 1779 Heavy lifting by the West Hudson Crew. Kevin permitted activities at all of the city’s wa- Trail in an area Cwalina, tershed properties. near Queensboro Lake, and improved David Day, Tom Dunn, Jackie People with DEP fishing and hiking the Timp-Torne Trail near Mine Road. Eckhouse, Chris Ezzo, Ben Frankel, Vic- permits are advised that fishing and hik- During the spring season they improved tor Gabay, Claudia Ganz, Mary Hilley, ing privileges are suspended until further the Fawn Trail, including a small relo- Bill Horowitz, Joan James, Walter Jones, notice. cation; constructed switchbacks on the Frank Keech, Petra Knappe, Mike Unusual incidents or activities in the Timp-Torne on Popolopen Torne, and Kralovich, Len Levenson, Richard watershed may be reported to 1-888-DEP- rebuilt a badly eroded section of the Lynch, Paul Marcus, Gay Mayer, Dou- NYC1 (1-888-337-6921) or 1-888-H2O- Popolopen Gorge Trail. glas McBride, Marshall McKnight, SHED (1-888-420-7433). Sterling Forest State Park: Over the Carol Nestor, Trudy Pojman, Bob course of two seasons the crew completed Reardon, Monica Resor, Jane Sandiford, Split Rock Reservoir Access Limited improvements to the new Wildcat Moun- Trudy Schneider, George Sheedy, Bruce Access to the loop trails at Split Rock Long Path Relocated in Catskills tain Trail, including a rock staircase and Shriver, Ike Siskind, Harry Smith, Ron Reservoir has been restricted owing to the The route of the Long Path in the Platte several stream crossings. Snider, Ros Thalmann, Rachel prohibition of parking on Split Rock Road. Clove area of the Catskills has been moved Sam’s Point Preserve: Trail improve- Theilheimer, Aram Viagan, Denise Hikers are cautioned that parked cars are off a mile of road and over Indian Head ments. Vitale, Baird Voorhis, Paul Waclawski, being ticketed. The closure was called tem- Mountain. Schunemunk Preserve: WHTC con- Larry Wheelock, Hanson Wong, and porary, but no details have been made The LP now continues on the Devil’s tinued work on the relocation of the up- Liz York. available by the New Jersey Department Path east from Jimmy Dolan Notch to its of Environmental Protection. For updates junction with the Old Overlook Road, a on the situation, hikers are urged to con- distance of 2.75 miles. Indian Head has Torrey Society Hikes Schunemunk Mountain tact Ringwood State Park, the agency in several extensive viewpoints to the east, charge of the Split Rock trails: 973-962- south and north. Once on the Old Over- wenty-nine members of 7031. look Road, the LP follows it north, soon Tthe Torrey Society, the leaving the Devil’s Path and entering the Trail Conference’s highest donor group, enjoyed a NJ Watershed Trails: Still Open? Platte Clove Preserve, where markers beautiful September hike As far as the Trail Conference has been change from blue DEC disks to green tri- on Schunemunk Mountain angle Catskill Center markers. made aware, hiking trails in most New in Orange County led by Jersey watershed areas remain open. Hik- In the Preserve, the trail has been re- Gary Haugland. In March ers who encounter closed trails are asked routed away from the old road alignment Gov. Pataki announced to notify the Trail Conference. and through an extensive hemlock woods, that the mountain will be reaching a new bridge (see separate story) added to New York’s state Pochuck Shelter Water Supply and Platte Clove Road 0.9 mile north of park system. Removed Temporarily the Devil’s Path. Here the LP turns east The water supply provided by the (right) for 200 yards to Steenberg Road NJDEP Forest Fire Service on the AT at and a large new state parking lot. Fire Watch in Harriman State Park Pochuck Shelter in the Wallkill River Na- The LP continues north from the park- TC members encountered two major Bear Mountain State Park this past sum- tional Wildlife Refuge has been tempo- ing lot 9 miles to Palenville or 1 mile to unauthorized encampments in Harriman/ mer. Recognizing the potential for fire haz- rarily removed. The water tank was di- the recently marked (yellow) Huckleberry ard, they reported the locations to verted to Liberty State Park to provide Point trail, which heads east 1.4 miles to park staff, who dismantled the sites. water for rescue workers at the World the open rock ledges of Huckleberry Point. Chief Ranger Tim Sullivan en- Trade Center. These new routes are marked on the courages the assistance of Conference 2001 Seventh Edition of map #41 of the members in dismantling such unau- Sterling Forest Map Changes NYNJTC Catskilll map set. thorized encampments if possible, or Due to the Master Planning process reporting them to the Palisades Inter- for Sterling Forest State Park, there are A Closing in Fahnstock state Park Commission (845-786- on-going changes to the trail system in The Old Mine Railbed Trail from the 2701), the Trail Conference (201-512- the park. The Trail Conference expects this AT to the dam of Hidden Lake is now 9348), or www.nynjtc.org. to remain in a state of flux for at least closed and has been rerouted.

PETE HECKLER —Pete Heckler

4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 TRAIL WALKER TC Leaders Go Into the Woods with New Hikers at Harriman GET INVOLVED do not litter, observe and touch but do not take anything from Volunteers Wanted the woods, and limit group size.” (Hence, the two groups of 14.) Work from Home or Our Office and Help the Shawangunk Ridge Participants also learned The Trail Conference is leading the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition’s efforts to some of the rudiments of hiking: protect the remaining 25-mile gap of unprotected ridge north of the New Jersey what to bring, how to follow a state line. Part of that effort is to develop a Coalition website dedicated to sustain- maintained footpath, how trails able development of the magnificent environmental and recreational resources of the are built and by whom. On some Shawangunk Ridge. The website will contain a wealth of information pertaining to of the summer’s hikes they saw

recreation, smart growth, and environment of the ridge, information about the HERB YOUNG coalition, and a variety of maps. signs of recent trail work by a We are looking for volunteers who can help us research and gather the informa- New hikers with TC leader Richard Barr (front right) volunteer maintainer: fresh tion found on the website. If you would like to help us with this task, either from white blazes, clipped brushes, home or in the office, please let us know. Also, we would love to hear from those On a crisp Saturday morning in early and sawed sections of downed trees re- familiar with the activities, attractions, or services along the ridge and/or who have photographs from the area. Contact Bernd Kuchar at our office or directly at July, volunteers from the Trail Conference moved from the trail. [email protected]. headed out from the Tiorati picnic area in Volunteers who made the program Harriman State Park and along the AT possible include Art Lebofsky, who helped with groups of novice hikers in their wake. develop the nature notes, and leaders These were the first Outreach nature hikes David McCann, Linda and Bob THANK-YOU TO WALK BOOK VOLUNTEERS of the season in a new program jointly Franzmann, Martin Cohen, Herb Young, offered at Harriman this past summer by Richard Barr, Jill Hamell, Christine Trail Conference maps and guidebooks Pete Heckler, John Jurasek, Eric Kiviat, the Trail Conference and the Palisades In- Benton, Walt Daniels, Phyllis Stewart, require the help of numerous volunteers who John and Karen Magerlein, Loren check routes, distances, descriptions, and Mendelsohn, Eric Meyer, John J. Moran, terstate Park Commission. Betty Heald, Ann Klepner, and Jean Marie help proofread and otherwise fact-check in- Bob Moss, John Myers, Ruth Rosenthal, The groups that day—two, each with Herron. formation before it is published. The Publi- Geraldine Ryan, Arlene Sandner, Malcolm 14 participants plus leader—included 18 Was it a success? Here’s what Rich- cations Committee thanks the following vol- Spector, Mike Willsey, Neil Woodworth, children from urban areas in northern New ard Barr, assistant leader with Herb Young unteers for their contributions to the new and the late George Zoebelein. Nora Porter Jersey and New York City. The ages on the July 28 outing, had to say: “Ini- edition of the New York Walk Book: John was the book designer and layout artist. Blenninger, Dan Case, Tom Casey, Ken and Much valuable information was also pro- ranged from eight to 75+ (the latter a tially, I was skeptical that there would be Nancy Clair, Christian Lenz Cesar, Walt and vided by officials of federal, state, county, couple accompanying their grandchild). any interest among the picnickers. When Jane Daniels, Wanda Davenport, Daniel and local parks and Trail Conference super- The program aimed to introduce more we made the swing through the picnic area Eagan, Jack and Linda Lawson Fagan, Ben visors and maintainers, too numerous to people to the pleasures of nature walking. it seemed as if no one would take us up on Frankel, Victor Gabay, Demitris P. Haldeos, mention individually. According to Outreach chair Wanda our offer of a nature hike. To my amaze- Davenport, the activity was most definitely ment, almost 30 people showed up at the “touchy, feely.” appointed meeting place. It was just ter- RAIL “We hugged trees to experience dif- rific taking them out on our hike; the en- T Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563 ferent types of bark. We used our ‘animal thusiasm from the young kids and parents [email protected] ears,’ all the better to hear the birds. Count- was both rewarding and surprising. Sign REW less decaying logs were rolled to see what me up for next year!” The hikes are sched- C Harriman State Park we could see—earthworms, grubs, ants, uled to resume the last Saturday in June Nov. 3 (Resor) Popolopen Gorge and fungi. The children liked spit bugs 2002. S CHEDULES Nov. 4 (Resor) Popolopen Gorge and daddy-long-legs and marveled over Support for the program this year was Nov. 8 (Marshall) Popolopen Gorge the bones and fur of a long-dead deer. provided by a grant from the Appalachian Nov.11 (Buchbinder) To be decided For the latest schedules, check http:// Leave No Trace principles were stressed— Trail Conference. Nov. 18 (Marshall) To be decided www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/ trvolop.html#crew HUNTING SEASONS UPDATES NORTH JERSEY For all trips bring work gloves, water, New York and New Jersey have an- For more information about NY hunting Leaders: nounced their hunting schedules for large schedules, call the Dept. of Environmental lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 game and times when firearms are per- Conservation hunting, fishing, and game tools are provided. Contact leaders in Dick Warner, 201-327-4945 mitted. Hikers are strongly urged to wear licensing/sales office, 518-457-3521. advance for meeting times and places. Second Sunday of each month. Tackle a safety orange clothing during these times. Dates listed are inclusive. NEW JERSEY Volunteers must become members of the variety of projects ranging from trail re- Conference to participate in these Deer Season pair to bridge building in northern New NEW YORK Archery: Sept. 29–Nov. 24; Jan. 1-31 projects. A one-time “guest” participa- Jersey Southern Zone (including Catskills) Firearms: Dec. 3–Dec.8 (additional days tion is allowed, so bring your friends. Deer Season in some zones) NEW JERSEY HIGHLANDS Archery: Oct. 15–Nov. 18; Dec. 12–16 Muzzleloader: Nov. 19–21; Nov. 26 & 27 EAST HUDSON Archery (Westchester Co. only): Nov. 1– (some zones) Dec. 3–Jan. 31, 2002 Leader: Bob Moss, 973-743-5203 Special High Point State Park Muzzleloader Nov. 10, 9 am Dec. 31 Nov. 11, TBA call for info Firearms: Nov. 19–Dec. 11 Season: Nov. 5–9, 12–15 TBA Muzzleloader: Dec. 12–18 Leader: Bernie Stringer: Call for info, WEST JERSEY There will be NO bear hunting season this 914-528-5018; [email protected] Leaders: Hunting is not allowed in Bear Mountain- year. (This is a correction from last issue.) Harriman State Park, or, this year, in Storm David Day and Monica Resor, 732- 937- Most of Ramapo Mountain State Forest is WEST HUDSON King, which is closed to all recreational 9098; [email protected] users. However, it is allowed in parts of closed to hunting. Hunting is not allowed Leaders: Minnewaska and Sterling Forest State on Sundays in New Jersey. Monica Resor: 732-937-9098 AT Relocation Parks.Call 845-786-2701 for more de- [email protected] Nov. 10 Pochuck Project tails about hunting in these parks. For more information about New Jersey hunting schedules, call 908-637-4125. Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792 Meeting time is 9:00 am. Please contact Black Rock Forest closes to all hikers from This is the Pequest hatchery and is staffed [email protected] the leaders for driving directions. Nov. 19 to Dec. 11, inclusive. For de- seven days a week. Or visit tails, call 845-534-4517. www.njfishandwildlife.com for details.

TRAIL WALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 5 F O R & A B O U T ADVOCACY & CONSERVATION O u r M e m b e r s continued from page 3 posed increases to this vital fund. ment and several states, including New Caution Found If lawmakers fail to reverse their de- York and New Jersey. To hikers in the Mid-Hudson Valley: The Woman’s watch, on the trail up Thomas cision to zero out the EPF, New York will Keep up with this issue via Poughkeepsie Journal reported in Septem- Cole. Call 845-462-0142 and describe it have no money to purchase wilderness and www.hikersforcleanair.org. ber that a case of babesiosis, a tick-borne for return by mail: Georgette Weir state parks, no money for maintaining and disease never before confirmed in Dutchess building hiking trails, and no money to $2 Million for NY State Trails County, was diagnosed in a county resi- Omitted fund wilderness rangers until a new bud- In August, Governor George Pataki dent that month. This was the first case in Ilsa Dunham, from the list of 5-year main- get is passed in 2002. The Trail Confer- announced grants for 43 trail-related the county in which the patient was be- tainer rocker-patch award winners pub- ence and ADK will continue to jointly projects across New York State as part of lieved to have been infected locally. Ba- lished in the last issue. Our apologies. lobby the governor and legislative lead- the federal National Trails Program. In besiosis is a malaria-like disease; symp- ers to settle their differences and approve the region covered by NY-NJTC, the fol- toms include malaise, loss of appetite, and a supplemental budget that appropriates lowing projects were on the list: fatigue, generally beginning within a week New Life this EPF funding. • In Hastings-on-Hudson, design and of being bitten. Fever, drenching sweats, On the plus side, in early September, construction of a new trail on an exist- muscle aches, and headache soon follow. Members the legislature did vote to extend the au- ing railway bed to link Old Croton Left untreated, people can develop severe thority for spending reappropriations, Aqueduct State Historic Park to the hemolytic anemia, kidney failure, liver The Trail Conference welcomes meaning that unspent EPF monies from Hastings-on-Hudson river waterfront. dysfunction, and hypotension. A seven-day the following new life members: the 1999 and 2000 budgets could continue • On Long Island, construction of Kings treatment of antibiotics is used for treat- Andrew Baum, Han and Afina to be spent by DEC and the Office of Parks Park Hike/Bike Trail from the down- ment. In 20 percent of cases, the victim Broekman, Linda Hellmann, and Roy on environmental projects. town business district of the hamlet of also has Lyme disease. H. Williams. A Life Membership to the NY-NJ Kings Park to the waterfront and ex- Testifying for Blue Skies and tension of the Heckscher Walk/Bike Found Trail Conference is just $400 for an Mountain Views Path. Camera, on the trail to Windham High individual; $600 for a joint member- On behalf of our Hikers For Clean • Improvements to Bronx Park Pathway Peak. Would like to return it to the owner ship (two adults at the same address). Air Coalition, the Trail Conference, and to include repaving, drainage im- when they can identify it and tell us when The next time you renew, consider ADK, counsel Neil Woodworth testified provements, and landscaping to allow it was lost. We can be reached at 845- becoming one of the Conference’s in Arlington VA, advocating to the Envi- for safe use by bicyclists, pedestrians, 338-7537: Jonathan and Adele Wagman. more than 800 “lifers.” ronmental Protection Agency for the adop- joggers, rollerbladers, cross-country tion of strict rules to clean up smog and skiers, snowshoers, and day hikers on haze in our national parks and wilderness the Bronx River Greenway. areas. • Wallkill Valley Rail Trail: restoration NEW YORK WALK BOOK: 2001 The EPA is considering rules on “best continued from page 1 of trail surface and construction of a available retrofit technology” (BART) for wildlife observation deck. power plants and industrial facilities that • In the Village of Haverstraw, construc- contribute to haze in our parks. Strong tion of Bowline Pond Greenway Trail BART rules will result in significant re- View of Riga Lake along the west side of Bowline Pond. ductions of haze-forming, acid-rain-pro- from Brace • Bannerman Castle Trails: restoration ducing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide Mountain, one of of the historic trail system on many new illustra- emissions. Bannerman Island in the Hudson River, tions by Jack Fagan which will allow for public use. for the latest Defending the Clean Air Act • Development of trails on carriage roads edition of the New The United States Environmental Pro- at Wilderstein Preservation in York Walk Book. tection Agency will soon be releasing the Rhinebeck. results of a review of clean air regulations • Completion of the 10-mile non-motor- that the coal industry and certain utilities ized Wappinger & Poughkeepsie have been lobbying against. These New Greenway Trail by adding 1.5 miles Source Review (NSR) regulations now re- of new trails that will connect village, written or expanded: Catskills, Palisades to be the “hiker’s bible.” For those of you quire old coal burning power plants to up- town, county, and private properties. (which has been renamed Rockland who rely on public transportation, a new grade their smokestacks with clean air tech- County), and Greenwood Lake (which has entry in the index will point you to those nology when the plants are rebuilt or in- TC Supports Local Open Space been renamed Sterling Forest). The “Long trails accessible by train or bus. crease their power generating capacity. Ballot Issues Distance Trails” chapter has also under- Thanks go to many volunteers (see Testimony recently given by EPA Ad- The Trail Conference joined with nine gone a major revision, with most descrip- page 5). Special thanks go to Daniel ministrator Christie Todd Whitman to a other local and regional organizations in tions of the major hiking trails now pre- Chazin for undertaking the task of editing Senate subcommittee strongly suggests that September to support open space preser- sented in the chapter of the book corre- this new Walk Book. His tenaciousness the Bush administration may propose vation issues on the November ballot in sponding to the location where these trails and predilection for details have made this amendments to the Clean Air Act that will five towns in New Jersey. The group are actually situated. new edition of the New York Walk Book further reduce SO2 and NOx and, for the formed the Five Town Open Space Com- Even with the plethora of hiking one that will reward both reading and first time, reduce airborne mercury emis- mittee for the purpose of informing the guides now available, the Trail Confer- browsing. Buy it for holiday gifts and for sions. However, the new legislation report- residents of Oakland, Pequannock, yourself! We have held the price to just edly would repeal the New Source Re- ence expects that the demand for the New Pompton Lakes, Ringwood and Wanaque $19.95, with the price for TC members a view (NSR) regulations that now require York Walk Book will remain strong. Sim- about the value of open space preserva- low $15.95. The book can be ordered by old coal burning power plants to upgrade ply put, the book fulfills an important need. tion and the benefits of adopting such a going to our website at www.nynjtc.org/ their smokestacks with clean air technol- Together with its companion volume, the trust fund. store and then clicking on Hiker’s Market ogy when the plants are rebuilt or increase New Jersey Walk Book, it continues to be Place or by calling the Trail Conference their power generating capacity. Contributors include Neil Woodworth, the only comprehensive guide to the trails office at 201-512-9348. Elimination of this NSR rule would Glenn Scherer, and Ed Goodell. in the area. Beginning and experienced Happy Trails. also eliminate the legal basis for ongoing hikers alike will find much useful infor- —Jane Daniels legal actions against the owners of these Visit nynjtc.org for conservation news mation in the book, considered by many Publications Committee Chair facilities brought by the Justice Depart- updates.

6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 TRAIL WALKER The Healing Power of a Walk in the Woods

n the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Upriver, September 12 ITrail Conference invited members to submit reflections on the Tree branches rustle with the industri- tragedy and the solace they sought and found in nature. ous fervor of squirrels; twigs crack and Robert Boyle, an overseer/maintainer on the AT in New Jersey’s acorns bounce off rocks below. A gang of Mid-North region wrote that he sought consolation in three days of blue jays hop-scotches its raucous way hard work on the Pochuck Bridge Walkway in Glenwood, NJ. “I felt through the canopy. Two crows make brief, at least that I was in a small way providing for the quality of life that desultory conversation. we here in America have and share with people from other countries,” At the shore of the Hudson, water laps Bob wrote. at pebbles as quietly as a cat at her water Similarly, Coralyn Gorlicki noted that she and her husband spent dish. To the west, two gulls circle against September 15 trailclearing a section of AT maintained by the Univer- green hills. Southward, the silhouette of a sity Outing Club. “I realized as I trail cleared that the outdoors was cormorant protrudes from the water. Three something that even terrorists and a declining economy cannot take ducks land. from us.” Everywhere along this walk life is in- Bob Ward, Metro Area Trails Chairman, reminds us that even in different to extraordinary events. It is nei- the City, green havens await those who seek solace in nature; he wrote ther gentle nor kind. Neither angry nor to recommend walks along the trails in the Greenbelt Area of Staten reproachful. It is simply ordinary, inevi- Island. “They are accessible, for the most part, by mass transit.” table. I find consolation in this continuity. Nancy Manfredonia was reminded of a poem she had written ten As I sit by the river, a deep, muffled years ago during the Gulf War while walking along the Nissequogue roar approaches from the north—a barge. River on the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Her poem, and other It moves south toward two bridges in dis-

ARTURO DIAZ reflections from Conference members follow: tant view; toward the Highlands that rise on the horizon. I invest it with a cargo of A Valentine finally hit me, looking around at things insect hordes, they’ll continue to be there hope for persistence of the ordinary in hu- Sun so brilliant on the river that looked normal—not bent, twisted, in the future, albeit evolving to meet the man affairs, and watch as it pushes toward That I can barely open my eyes. burned, or worse. I can’t think of a better continuously changing environment. That Storm King; toward the Palisades, unseen; A special place in the world way to say how I feel when I’m in the permanence and persistence is profoundly toward points 80 miles south, and a place Away from all noise woods—it’s sanctuary. comforting. where, right now, the ordinary cannot even Except the swirling water. God bless America. —Joan Ehrenfeld be imagined. The Nissequogue —Rich Lightcap Highland Park, NJ —Georgette Weir Flowing by this sunny spot Chair, Science Advisory Committee Poughkeepsie, NY Searching for the Sound. Finding Endurance For three or four nights after the ca- Warm here, despite the winter day tastrophe, as I tried to close my eyes to Away from all news of horror and death sleep, images of the World Trade Center THE VIEW NO MORE Away from all ugliness as I saw it from so many ridgetops on the continued from page 1 Away from the insults of daily life trail system came to mind. I saw the tow- ers in the distance, together with the ap- There was always something miraculous On the way home I gathered in my preciative and happy “there’s the World A special, treasured place about them, something bold, startling. mind the names of local mountains from Trade Center!” exclamation that greeted Like your arms around me, half asleep The new vista was full of pain. New which I could once see the towers: the ba- each view as we emerged onto the rock Calm, and gentle, and safe. York City had now joined Beirut, Tel Aviv, salt heights of the Palisades and Watchung outcrops at the high points of the trails. —Nancy Manfredonia Baghdad, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Range, Wyanokie High Point, Pyramid More than anything else (as we so fortu- Long Island Greenbelt Trail other Third World skylines scarred by Mountain, High Tor, Mount Taurus, Ster- nately did not have personal losses to smoke. The Twin Towers, which I once ling Ridge, and a score of Appalachian grieve), these memories came to mind. I After Helping at Ground Zero described as standing like dual tomb- Trail overlooks. The view has changed am, in a way, dreading the next hike, and Just after the tragedy happened I stones, now, in their absence, marked a forever. I’ll never look from these green the gaping absence in those views. Never- dropped what I was doing and went to grave for the innocent. hills toward that city in the same way theless, the woods provide a solace not ob- help at ground zero in NYC. What I saw As someone who often writes about again. None of us will. tainable elsewhere. The woods speak of a and felt I can never put into words. When these hills—about the history of Appala- The words written in trail guidebooks permanence, an endurance, an ability to I got home on the 16th, I returned all the chian landscapes battered by 19th-century now linger in the culture like ghosts. Years survive difficulties and disasters; they’ve calls of concern from family and friends, forest clearcutting or blasted by mining— from now, whenever a hiker reaches a vista been here for eons before us, have dealt but after that, I just wanted to be in the I had always stressed nature’s ability to in our region and scans that place in the with glaciers, storms, climate change and woods. This was the time that the horror heal itself. How, I wondered, would we text describing where the view of the Twin do in healing ourselves? Towers should be, there will come a shock, The smoke above the ridge didn’t a deep chasm between the innocent past T R A I L V I E W S O F T H E S K Y L I N E speak of terror. Instead it was graceful, and the dangerous now. There will be the New York New Jersey this language of smoke, the way it rose moment of remembering. Instead of ridge- Bear Mountain - Harriman Palisades up, leveled out, and smoothly glided upon-ridge stretching out to touch twin sil- Black Mountain - Harriman Bearfort Ridge - Abram Hewitt away, whitish atop, grayish beneath. The houettes, there will arise a feeling of inex- The Timp - Harriman Watchung Range sun was fierce on the puddingstone. The pressible loss hinted at in these lines from Ramapo Torne - Harriman Wyanokie High Point - Norvin Green flies were bad. I didn’t sit long. As I pre- poet Kenneth Rexroth: Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)- East Hudson Pyramid Mountain Highlands South Mtn Reservation - Millburn pared to go there was a solitary call: chick- My sorrow is so wide High Tor Lenape Trail a-dee-dee, chick-a-dee-dee-dee. I cannot see across it; Hook Mountain Eagle Rock Reservation - West Orange High overhead a lone military jet at- And so deep that I shall Mombasha High Point - AT Lenape Trail tracted my ear. I turned an eye up quickly Never reach the bottom of it. Denning Hill (south view) - AT Mills Reservation-Montclair Lenape Trail to catch the third quarter crescent moon Sterling Forest Fire Tower Garret Mtn - Paterson This new horizon, seen from rocky Turkey Mountain - Yorktown High Mountain - Haledon hung in blue infinity like some inscrutable crags, seems like a good place to meditate Mt. Beacon Fire Tower Ilgenstein Rock-Hoeferlin Tr.- Ringwood haiku. on the way through to peace.

TRAIL WALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 7 C O N T R I B U T I O N S

TORREY SOCIETY Donald P. and Mary R. Harrington, Paul H. Steve R. and Susan J. Schwinn, Paul E. Scraggs, In Memory of Kimberly Gerhardt (Gifts of $500 or more) Harrison, Mary and Patrick Hartery, Ruth Howard M. Sebold, Raymond W. and Gail M. David Sutter and Naomi Sutter Dr. George L. Becker Harwood, Nancy G. Hassanein, Betty Heald, Seeman, Peter H. Seitz, Peter Senterman and Doug H. Peter Stern and Margaret Johns Bruce Henderson and Zhen Ying, Tom Hennigan, Senterman, Robert Serkey, Catherine Shanley, H. In Memory of Ken Lloyd Hedley M. Weeks Stephani and Frank Herold, Maynard and Yasuko Claude Shostal, Barry J. and Lisa M. Shrem, John Blenninger, Janet C. Kohler, Weiland A. Ross Minor Bishop High, Rowland A. Hill, Michael J. Hirschhorn and Daniel Shuster, Christopher P. Sikora, Karen James and Susan Goodfellow Jimena P. Martinez, Peter E. Hobday, Karen L. Silberbauer, Harold Simon and Susan Gjenvick, In Memory of Bill Devonmille Hobson, David A. Hoffenberg, James Hoffmann, Robert and Deborah Volpe Simone, Isaac Siskind Janet C. Kohler DONORS James E. Hogan, David E. Hogenauer and Claire and Marilyn E. Siskind, Brian and Natalie N. (Gifts up to $499) S. Hogenauer, Ellen Holt, James Horan and Jeanne Sniatkowski, Ron Snider, Richard M. and Betsy R. In Memory of Dorothy Kinaman Alan C. Abramowitz, Saul and Betty M. Adelson, Raffiani, Andy Huber, Kenneth and Mei Be Snyder, William and Dorothy Spearing, Paul G. Gloria Lewit Robert Alessio, Sheela B. Amrute, Robert E. Hunkins, Harry M. Iyo, Richard Johnson, Eric and Spens, Kathleen Stein, John M. Striker, Barry Angland, Else M. Arcoite, Cindy Aronofsky and Lisa Kahler, Steve Kameika, Henry Lawrence Strugatz, Jan A. Summers, David Sutter and RECOGNITION GIFTS Thomas F. Murasso, Scott G. Baker, Peter M. Kassell, Stuart A. Katchen, Edward C. Katz, Janet Naomi Sutter, Lynn T. Swanson, Peter Tilgner and In Honor of David Sutter and Naomi Sutter Balma, Claude P. Bamberger, Diane R. Bamford, Ann Katz, Robert M. and Linda S. Katz, Michael Suzan Gordon, Mario C. Taboada, Michael and Gloria Lewit Gregory J. Bark, William T. and Alta M. Barnett, A. Kaye, Larry Kern, Donald C. Kientzler, Felice Sharon P. C. Taylor, Carl E. and Victoria A.D. Stephen Barre, Walter J. and Elizabeth Barrett, Kirby, Terry Knox, Janet C. Kohler, Andrew and Thune, Anthony P. Tierno, Orrin E. and Sarah L. In Honor of Neil Woodworth’s work in the Robert L. Barrows, Christopher K. Bastedo, Camille Koster, Leslie A. and Martin A. Kruegel, Tilevitz, Fred C. Tourelle, Dave R. Vars, David A. Catskills Richard E. and Andrea Beaman, Steven Becker, Kyle Kubs and Chante Mantilla, Linda and David Vermilyea, Virginia and Cornelis Verwaal, Ernest David Sutter and Naomi Sutter Vaclav E. Benes, Wayne L. Bennett, Edna and K. Lakhdhir, Dr. Art Lebofsky, Gari K. and Lori H. Wagner, Eric Wakin, Fred T. Walter, Robert J. Laszlo Berkovits, Alan H. Bernstein, Anita Ledyard, Gus J. Lesnevich, Mark Levy and Celine Ward, Larry A. Wehr, Eric M. Weis, Robert and In Honor of Jeanne M. Dirr and Pauline Sikora Berson, Alfred Bertagnoll, John B. Blenninger, Keating, Barnet M. Levy, Helmuth H. Loddigs, Virginia Weismantel, Alexander D. Wentworth, Christopher P. Sikora Betsy R. Bond, Harry F. Bott, Robert Bovit, Les Lopes, August H. Lowe, Keith Lutz and Arthur Wester and Susan Smitten, Edward B. Robert Boysen, Robert W. Boyajian, Michael J. Michelle Kellert, David B. and Gail MacNeil, Whitney, Jeffrey D. Wick, George Willenbacher, In Honor of Dr. Leah Joseph receiving doctorate and Emily G. Bradford, William J. Brady III, Thomas P. Maginnis, Barbara and Donald F. Richard L. Williams, Donald H. and Kathleen Fred DeBergh Laurie Braverman, Roland Breault, Walter E. Malin, Margaret R. Malloy, Catherine Manos, Winfield, Nancy Wolff, Rhoda H. Woo, Paul Britt, Ed I. Brody, James J. Buchek, David W. Norman T. Marten Jr., Charlie and Mary Anne Wulff, Steven B. and Nathalie E. Yafet, Jack and CLUBS Massey, William B. Mather Jr., Malcolm J. Buell, Frank J. Burke, Raymond P. and Santa A. Alice Young, Aristide R. Zolberg, Catskill 3500 Club Byrnes, Ferdinand Caiocca, Jane A. and Peter M. Matthews, Fred Mauhs, Jean Mayer, David McAlpin, Robert E. and Karen M. McCarney, Campbell, Philip T. Caracci, John R. and MEMORIAL GIFTS ORGANIZATIONS Candice E. McFadden, Laura J. McGrath, Roland Kathleen Carlson, Michael J. and Grace A. In Memory of Edith Ehrlich Earth Share Casalino, Anthony and Virginia Castrogiovanni, B. McIntosh, Richard S. Mitnick, John Monchak, Ann Loeb Betty Moran, Joe H. Moreng and Linda W. Robert J. Chervy, Philippe Cheyette, William L. MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES and Marie Chiappane, Gyu and Byung Chung, Moreng, Andrew Moroz, Rhoda D. and Paul E. In memory of Anne Silberberg Morrisroe, David S. and Carol S. Morse, Martin J. David Sutter and Naomi Sutter, Peter Tilgner and Unilever Best Foods Herman H. Clausen, Wayne I. Clements, Bob Prudential Insurance Clifford, Arlene Coccari, Vincent A. and Karen Moskowitz, Jerome B. Moss, Gail N. Mulvihill, Suzan Gordon, Peter and Rita Heckler Dagi K. and John R. Murphy, Anne M. Murray, New York Times M. Coghlan, Michael A. Cook, David Corcoran, Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Christopher and Elizabeth Cornell, Elizabeth Buzz Nesti, Sherri Neuwirth and David Ogden, Cropper, Cheryl Crouch, Andy J. Damato, Kim L. Michael O’Connell, Kenneth H. Oelkers, Joel Darrow, Jack W. Davis, Fred DeBergh, Frank E. Okstein, Lore Oppenheimer, Nils Ostrom and DeLeo, Robert J. DelTufo, Michael L. DeLuca, Elizabeth Turner, John Palczynski and Pat Laverty, Jerome C. Dennehy, John Devery, Donna L Michael E. Paris, Peter Parnell, Anthony V. and Statement of Ownership, Management, and Difara and L. Abramaitis, Monique S. Dolecki, Domenica Paterno, Matthew S. Pavis, Sylvia Peck, Circulation Eugene F. Donnelly, Thomas A. Dunn, Robert C. William F. and Mary H. Penny, John A. and Tina and Hannah G. Eckstein, Marc Elfenbein, John T. Pershing, G. W. Phillips, Gale and Louis Pisha, Trail Walker is a bi-monthly paper published by the New York-New Jersey Trail Ellingboe and Page Hartwell, Vincent Ellison Jr., Daniel Poor, John V. and Claire Povilaitis, Junia E. Fran L. Erlitz, Sheila C. Ewall, R. Ann Fairfield, Pruden, Christopher B. Putnam, George and Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430. The editor is Donald E. and Mary Sue Farquhar, A. Christo- Elizabeth Rainoff, Chris and Lydie O. Raschka, Georgette Weir, at the same address; managing editor is Nora Porter, also at the pher Fiore, Frank F. and Ida Firestone, Steven A. Jeff S. Raskin, James Recktenwalt, David J. and above address. The annual subscription price is $4; contact person is Scott Voorhees; Fischler, Paul D. Friedman, Paul Galizia, Claudia Donna M. Reilly, Steven and Sandra Richman, telephone number is 201-512-9348. The tax status of the organization has not L. Ganz, Charles Geiger, Bessie Jenny Giges, Karla H. Risdon, Louis W. Rissland, Jim Robbins, changed during the preceding 12 months. Arnold Gitomer, John J. and Wanda C. Giuffrida, David A. Robinson, Ruth B. M. Robinson, Pat and Dick Rogers, Roger Roloff and Barbara Petersen, As of the filing date of September 21, 2001, the average number of copies of R. Dan and Ann Gladding, Robert J. Glynn, each issue during the preceding 12 months was 10,250; the actual number of Sibyl R. Golden, Joel S. Goldman, Jacqueline Ronald N. Romary, Charles L. Rood, Jack Rosenbaum, Peter Ross, Weiland A. Ross, Daniel copies of the single issue published nearest to the filing date was 10,000. The paper Grant and Chris Nowak, James B. Gray, William has a total paid and/or requested circulation of 7,442 (average) and 7,289 (actual, J. Gray, Judith Green, Andrew Greenberg, Gerald R. Rouse and Charles Rouse, David L. Rowe, most recent issue). The average free distribution for the 12 months preceding the N. and Lila K. Grob, John Grob and Anne Grob, Richard Rubinstein, Pat and Mike Ruscigno, Elliott G. Gross, Ann M. Gruhn and Peter Consuelo Ruybal, Eric B. and Jayne L. Rynar, Ron filing date was 2,788 (average) and 2,691 (actual, most recent issue). The total Franaszek, Joseph Hadley and Anne M. Reilly, Samuelson and Ruth Samuelson, Michael Sasse, average distribution was 10,250; the actual distribution of the single issue pub- Robert Haemmerle, Fred J. Hafele, Dr. Thomas B. Wini Schein, Aaron Schneider, Arlene Scholer, lished nearest to the filing date was 10,000. Hakes, William A. and Joan T. Hand, Eileen P. Robert J. Schultz Jr., Robert G. and Susan Schuur, This information is reported on U.S. Postal Service Form 3526 and here as Hanna, John M. Hanrahan, Betsy Hanson, Paul C. Schwartz, Melvin J. and Helga Schwartz, required by 39 USC 3685.

Country Dance New York, New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, & the NY-NJ Trail Conference present FALL FLING DANCE, CONCERT & ED FEST

Simultaneous Main Events AFTERNOON DANCING 7-11pm The big CONTRA DANCE English, International, Contras, Scottish Paul Rosenberg, caller; music by Active Daytime Culture SINGING/MUSIC SESSIONS Woody Guthrie; humorous songs; sea 8-11pm Folk Music CONCERT chanteys and work songs; round singing; old by Master Class leaders & special timey jam; slow jam, more guests (John Cohen, Felica Parker, Special 3-HOUR MASTER Ellen Weiss, & others) CLASSES (additional fee) Led by folks from New Lost City Ramblers, New School, Water Sign, Irish Arts Center, more

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 10AM-11PM PS 199, 270 W. 70th St., NYC (west of Broadway) All-day (including evening concert/dance): $20 members, $25 non-members; Day only: $12 members, $15 non-members; Eve only: $12 members, $15 non-members Members =members of the 3 sponsoring groups; also full-time students. Bring memb.card or a Trail Walker. Info: Dancephone 212-459-4080 FolkFone 212-563-4099 CD-NY: www.cdny.org Pinewoods: www.folkmusicny.org

8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 TRAIL WALKER You can also order at our web site: www.nynjtc.org Tech News Hikers’ Market Place Technology and Current Events NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW By Walt Daniels Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total Hikers know how to enjoy low-tech, puter viruses destroying our infrastructure. Official Conference Maps simple pleasures, which do much to re- I have not seen any proof that any of the NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2001) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______Sterling Forest Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______store our souls in times of stress. Of course, viruses recently released are the work of East Hudson Trails (1997, rev. 2000) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______many of us are also into high-tech equip- terrorists rather than that of a few warped West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______ment: Gore-Tex, cell phones, GPSs, com- persons, but they could easily be. As I write NEW!! Catskill Trails (2001) & see combo $13.95 $10.45 +$1.10 ______puters. this, today’s new virus contains the aptly Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.75 +$1.10 ______Low-tech vs. high-tech is an issue we named wtc.exe. Shawangunk Trails (2000) & see combo $9.95 $7.75 +.95 ______might all keep in mind as anti-terrorist Each of us must do our part to com- South Taconic Trails (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.75 +.65 ______proposals regarding monitoring of elec- bat these threats by using antivirus soft- North Jersey Trails (1998) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______tronic transmissions and restrictions on ware on our computers, keeping the virus Hudson Palisades (1991) $5.95 $4.75 +.80 ______encryption are floated in the wake of Sept. signature tables up-to-date, and never 11. Such monitoring intrudes on our indi- Books touching an attachment unless you know vidual privacy and freedom, but will it Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks who it is from and why it was sent. In achieve its anti-terrorist goals? Remem- Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______addition, it is important not to “cry wolf” Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______ber the Ewoks in Star Wars, who defeated by circulating email from others announc- Scenes & Walks in the Northern the high-tech evil Empire with swings and ing supposed viruses as most such mass Shawangunks (1999) & see combo $10.95 $8.75 +$1.75 ______catapults. A low-tech opponent can freely emails are hoaxes. Before you pass any Scenes & Walks in the communicate in the open with a little warning on, it is your responsibility to Northern Shawangunks (1999) Hardcover $17.95 $14.50 +$3.00 ______preplanning. A simple, innocuous mes- check its truthfulness with one of the New York Walk Book (1998) & see combo $19.95 $15.95 +$3.00 ______sage such as “Take the flowers to Aunt antivirus web sites listed below. New Jersey Walk Book (1998) & see combo $15.95 $12.75 +$3.00 ______Bessie at 2pm on next Thursday” could Norton Antivirus: www.sarc.com Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $7.15 +$1.75 ______mean “Bomb the GW Bridge at 1pm on Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.75 +$1.75 ______next Wednesday” to the recipient. Only a McAfee Antivirus: www.mcafee.com/ Doodletown-Hiking Through History in a simple prearranged code book is needed. anti-virus/ Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______For more information on this topic check Perhaps this is a good time for us hik- Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $13.55 +$3.00 ______out Center for Democracy & Technology ers to remind ourselves that even with all Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (1996) $9.95 $7.95 +$1.75 ______our high-tech tools, it is still important to Nature Walks in New Jersey (1998) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______(www.cdt.org) and Terrorism and Civil 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______Liberties and the Internet (www.pfir.org/ retain the old skills with a map, compass, Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & statements/liberties). first-aid kit, and acute observation skills Hudson River Valley (1992) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______There are many faces to terrorism, of our surroundings (see letter to the edi- Best Hikes w/ Children - New Jersey (1992) $12.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______from the individual terrorism of wife beat- tor). A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (1998) w/ 6 maps $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______ing or child abuse to the global terrorism ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______of the World Trade Center bombing. In Walt Daniels chairs the TC Technology the middle ground is the threat of com- Committee. Combo-Packs Catskill (5-map set & book) $27.80 $21.60 +$2.50 ______Harriman (2-map set & book) $22.40 $17.55 +$2.50 ______NY & NJ Walk Books $32.35 $25.85 +$5.00 ______Shawangunk Combo (4-map set & book) $17.90 $13.95 +$2.50 ______

The Personal Touch Hiking Cap $12.90 $10.50 +$1.50 ______HIKERS’ BOOKSHELF Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $23.90 +$3.95 ______Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $15.50 +$3.50 ______NY-NJTC T-Shirt Circle: L XL $13.95 $13.95 +$2.50 ______Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.25 +$1.25 ______Snow Trails sive sections but quite adequate. The meat Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______By Rich and Sue Freeman of the book consists of clear maps show- Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______Foot Print Press, 2001 ing road connections and skiable trails in Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______78 areas with terrain ranging from begin- Review by Pete Senterman ner to difficult. Each map is accompanied Subtotal with short trail descriptions and mileage Snow Trails is an excellent guide for charts. Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS (for non-clothing items) those who are looking for cross-country Driving directions are included along New Jersey Residents add 6% tax* skiing in central and western New York with type of marking, uses (some are TOTAL ENCLOSED $ State. Coverage is from Onondaga, mult-iuse, which may include snowmo- Cortland, and Broome Counties west to biles), rating, user fees (if any), pets, hours Lake Erie. Ninety percent of the book con- of operation, and a snow phone where Method of Payment: sists of maps and short descriptions of ski- available. NAME Check or money order enclosed able trails scattered across the region. Ski- This guide would be a great asset to ADDRESS Visa Mastercard Amex ing should be generally predictable and any cross-country skier in central and good considering the abundant lake effect western New York or who plans to visit CITY STATE ZIP Card #______Exp Date: ___/___ snow we hear about in the news. the region with his/her skies. Now, if they Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley As with most guides, this one begins would write one for eastern New York… Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. with an overview of weather, geography, *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you! gear and etiquette. These are not exten- Pete Senterman is Catskill Trails Chair.

TRAIL WALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 9 MICHAEL WARREN

GIVE A GIFT That Will Keep Us Hiking 1,500 miles of hiking trails await new members...

I want to give a gift membership to the NY-NJ Trail Conference in the category indicated: Individual Joint/Family Regular $21 $26 Sponsor $45 $50 Benefactor $95 $100 Student $15 $20 Limited Income $15 $20 Life $400 $600* * two adults at same address Rates effective through Dec. 31, 2001.

NAME (NEW MEMBER)

ADDRESS

CITY STATE ZIP

DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE

E-MAIL

METHOD OF PAYMENT: www.windham-area.com/hilltopacres.htm Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Card #______Exp Date: ___/___

Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Tax-deductible except for $4.00

www.appletreeinn.homestead.com Email: [email protected]

10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 TRAIL WALKER SUNDAY, DEC. 23 lot on Coles Ave., where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A mod- ADK-R. The Nordkop Bounce. 7 miles. Call leader: 201-871-3531. erate ramble of 4-5 miles. UCHC. Old Short Hills Park, Millburn. Leader: Dot Berreman, 908-464-9546. Meet: 10 AM at Old Short Hills Park in Millburn. A moder- SUNDAY, DEC. 30 HIKERS’ ALMANAC ate 4-mile ramble. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Call 908-580-1778 MJO. Fort Tilden Winter Beach Walk. Leader: Marvin Pasternak, for information. Meet: 10 AM in Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen 718-261-7199, before 9:30 PM. Meet: Call leader for meeting time and Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. This will be place. 2-hour walk along Rockaway Beach to begin the winter; observe a brisk ramble of 5-6 miles. winter shorebirds; poor weather cancels. Non-member fee $5. TUESDAY, JAN. 1 THURSDAY, DEC. 27 UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Call 908-580-1778 continued from page 12 5.5 mile point. A mostly level hike along the Whippany River and the old FVTW. Elk Pen Circular, Harriman State Park. Leader: Arnie for information. Meet: 10 AM at the Tulip Springs parking lot, Brookside Rock-a-Bye Railroad on both familiar and new sections of the Patriots’ Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 AM at Harriman Elk Pen parking Ave., Millburn. Ramble at a moderate pace through the pine forest to GAHC. Old Westbury Gardens, NY. Leader: Gunter Georgi, 516- Path. lot. 7-10 miles on variety of trails and including features such as mines, the Hemlock Falls and beyond. 883-2336. Meet: 10:30 AM at parking lot. Easy hike amidst Christmas Lemon Squeezer, Times Square. NYHC. Long Beach to Lookout Point. Leader: Mike Puder, 718- decorations. Entrance fee $5. SATURDAY, DEC. 22 743-0920. Meet: Call leader during week of hike for meeting time; meet WEC. Southern Wyanokie Trails. Leader: Don Weise. Meet: Call UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown. Leader: Mary Dell Morrison, SATURDAY, DEC. 29 at Roy Rogers across from LIRR ticket windows, lower level of Penn Weis Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160; advance regis- 908-684-1173. Meet: 10 AM at the Jockey Hollow Visitors Center. $4 Station. 11 miles at a moderate steady pace. Hike along the beach to ADK-R. South Mountain Reservation. 9 miles. Call leader: 845- tration and payment required ($8 non-members, $5 NJ Audubon mem- per-person admission is charged to those without park passes. Enjoy a welcome in the New Year. 986-8645. bers). 6-7 strenuous miles. Explore a beautiful, seldom hiked section of scenic 4-5 mile ramble at a moderate pace in this historic National Park the Hewitt-Butler Trail. Very interesting rock formations and panoramic (where Washington’s army camped during the brutal winter of 1779- UCHC. Watchung Reservation. Leader: Call 908-580-1778 for in- views. 80). Rain or snow cancels. formation. Meet: 10 AM at Trailside Nature and Science Center parking MJO. Hook Mountain Circular. Leader: Lanny Wexler, 516-938- 5721, or Laurie Livshin, 914-674-0325. Meet: Call leader for meeting time and place; accessible by public transportation. 8-mile moderately strenu- ous hike in hilly Hook Mt. State Park, Rockland County. Spectacular old friend, the 1779, coming in from the views of the Hudson and rugged hills of Harriman and Hudson Highlands. north, and turn left onto it. You have Walk back along level Shore Path by the shores of the Hudson. Optional F A V O R I T E H I K E S Italian dinner afterwards. Non-member fee $10. walked 1.4 miles on the RC. For the next HHC. Sparta Mountain. Leader: Ron and Anita Krauth, 908-534- 0.45 mile, remain close to the highway 2894. Meet: 9 AM at King’s shopping center on Rt. 523, park near Little on the 1779. Do not cross the parkway Italy. 4 miles with rolling hills at an unhurried pace. Explore the trails of Red, White, and Blue again when the 1779 does! When the 1779 Sparta Mountain wildlife management area. View mining sites and historic monument. Wear hiking boots. Snow or ice may require loca- Trail turns left on Beechy Bottom Road (a tion change. Contact leaders before hike. wide woods road), you should turn right and follow this road, marked with blue- SUNDAY, DEC. 9 and-white plastic discs as a bike trail. Fol- UCHC. Watchung Reservation. Leader: Call 908-580-1778 for in- low the bike path to the east and then north formation. Meet: 10 AM at the Trailside Nature and Science Center as it skirts Horn Hill and twice crosses parking lot on Coles Ave., where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A moderate ramble of 4-5 miles. the yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain SC Singles. Hatfield Swamp Natural Area in West Essex Trail. When you reach a T intersection Park. Family/Single Parent Hike. Co- leaders: David Ogens & Ronald with the markers going in both directions, Pate, 973-364-7573, press 2. Meet 10 AM at the parking lot on Kirkpatrick bear right and continue heading north, soon Lane in West Caldwell. 5 miles at a moderate pace; explore marshes/ wetlands; children 9 years or older and dogs are welcome. Rain cancels. crossing both the Ramapo-Dunderberg and Participants must sign a liability waiver before the hike; $3 non-member Appalachian Trails. The road is a pleas- fee. ant, flat walk—a delightful way to finish NYHC. Nassau Greenbelt, Bethpage to Massapequa. Leader: the hike. After about three miles of walk- Mike Puder, 718-743-0920. Meet: Call leader week of the hike for meet- ARTURO DIAZ ing along the bike path, you’ll be back at ing time; meet at Roy Rogers across from LIRR ticket windows, lower Enjoy great views on the Ramapo-Dunderberg/AT in Harriman. level of Penn Station. Moderate 8-mile hike at steady pace. the starting point at the north end of the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. The to- on top overlooking Owl Swamp and the THURSDAY, DEC. 13 By Jonathan Beard tal distance covered is nearly 10 miles, Hudson. Continue for 1.9 miles on the RD FVTW. Gyascutes Brook and Beyond. Leader: Dave and Naomi which took us five hours on a cool but Several of my favorite hikes start from and AT—you will pass another viewpoint Sutter, 973-778-0992. Meet: 10 AM at Ladentown parking area. Strenu- buggy summer day. ous, 7-10 miles hike; no beginners. This is a rarely visited part of Harriman the Anthony Wayne Recreation Center, overlooking Silvermine Lake—and cross S. P. Pass remains of Pittsboro and other fast-vanishing gems from the where the huge parking lot just off the an old woods road now known as the past. Return via Many Swamp to Conklin’s Cabin. Share a favorite walk in the NY-NJ re- Palisades Interstate Parkway never fills up, Silvermine Ski Road. After a gentle climb, gion with Conference members. For guide- unlike the overused area around the visi- you will find a trail shelter where the yel- SATURDAY, DEC. 15 lines, write to: [email protected] or call the tor center on Seven Lakes Drive near low-blazed Menomine Trail intersects the ADK M-H. Taconic Mountains. 9 miles. Leader: Russ Faller, 845- Trail Walker editor at 845-462-0142. 297-5126. Meet: 8 AM in Wappingers Falls. Call leader for details. Suffern. We recently did a long loop from AT/RD. ADK-R. Perkins Tower Challenge, Bear Mtn. S. P. 5.5 miles. AW, a strenuous hike but not too much Now it is time to look for the Dean Call leader: 845-627-9601. hard climbing. Trail, an unblazed woods road. Two keys: UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973-402- Begin by leaving the parking lot at it goes southeast, and it generally descends 2555. Meet: 10 AM at second parking lot. This will be a moderate hike the north end via the entrance ramp (head- by a stream and lake and an old trolley line. from the shelter. One problem in follow- ing west), crossing over the Palisades Park- ing trails and roads which are on the SUNDAY, DEC. 16 way at the Anthony Wayne Trail. Its small Harriman maps, but not maintained by ADK-R. High Point Figure Eight. 9 miles. Call leader: 845-986-8645. white blazes can be found on the curbs the Trail Conference, is that the storms of UCHC. Ramapo Lake. Leader: Micky Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: l0 and guardrails until two appear, signal- the last two years have blown many trees AM on Skyline Dr.; first parking lot on left at bottom of hill. This is a very ing you to leave the pavement and climb down across the trails. You will have to scenic moderate hike; well worth the commute. View beautiful Ramapo north into the woods. Follow the AW for Lake. Call leader if in need of directions or in doubt due to inclement look for the Dean at times, and climb over weather. 0.7 mile until it intersects the blue-blazed a lot of trunks, but it is 0.85 mile of easy GAHC. Central Park & Rockefeller Center, NYC. Leader: 1779 Trail, then turn left onto it, heading going. As you get closer to the Red Cross Wolfgang Hahn, 212-831-8254. Meet: 10 AM at Rockefeller Center south. The 1779 follows a low route, in a Trail, the way gets wetter. Turn left onto Christmas tree. Easy hike among Christmas decorations. Destination: Harriman State Park (NY) wet area rampant with ferns. The ridge the RC at the junction and continue east SC Singles. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Ronald Pate, to the east completely blocks the noise of Distance: approximately 10 miles 973-364-7573, press 2. Meet 10 AM in Tulip Springs parking lot off Cherry through swampy ground, crossing Elevation gain: 1,200 feet Lane (between Northfield Ave. and South Orange Ave. in South Orange). the parkway, and this is one of the quiet- Stillwater Brook on a bridge. The RC then 6–7 miles at a moderate pace. Rain cancels. Participants must sign a est areas of the park. After 1.45 miles, begins to climb, and hugs the side of Big Difficulty: Strenuous liability waiver before the hike; $3 non-member fee. you will meet the joint Ramapo- Bog Mountain. Soon you will hear traffic, Special features: Views of Hudson River Dunderberg (red blaze) and Appalachian and Silvermine Lake; less frequented area THURSDAY, DEC. 20 and need to cross the Palisades Parkway (white) Trails. Turn right and follow them of the park FVTW. Patriots’ Path – Long & Short. Leader: Charlie and Anita on the RC. Look both ways and marvel at Kientzler, 973-835-1060. Meet: 9:30 AM at Speedwell Lake parking (Rt. up onto Black Mountain. It is a good climb how fast you must have been going when Resources: Map #4 from the Harriman/ Bear Mountain Trails map set (NY-NJTC, 202 near center of Morristown). Some of us will hike the 10.2 miles from (summit elevation is 1200 feet) on a well you drove in that morning. Eighth edition © 2001) Rt. 24 Mendham to Speedwell Lake. Others may leave the hike at the maintained trail, and there is a viewpoint Once across the highway, look for our

TRAIL WALKER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2001 11 HIKERS’ ALMANAC

The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations and rules up Raccoon Ridge and enjoy the views. Bring binoculars since eagles 261-7199, before 9:30 PM. Meet: Call leader for meeting time and place. of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-heeled shoes. Bring food, water, rain gear, first aid kit, should be in the area about this time. Wear hiking boots. Possible lunch 7-8 mile moderate hike to walk off our Thanksgiving dinner. Hiking boots and flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot complete the hike or is not stop after hike. and at least two quarts of water required. Non-member fee $10. adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. More than 80 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. For a THURSDAY, NOV. 15 SATURDAY, NOV. 24 descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our Web site or send an SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. FVTW. Bockberg Escalator Reprise. Leader: Dave and Naomi UCHC. Jockey Hollow. Leader: Bob Hagon, 908-788-8360. Meet: 10 Club Codes Sutter, 973-778-0992. Meet: 10 AM at Bear Mountain Inn. 7-10 miles. AM at the Jockey Hollow Visitors Center. This will be a brisk ramble of Again, sip from Stalter’s Spring and ascend the forgotten Escalator. 5-6 miles. For info, call the night before the ramble between 7 and 9 PM ADK-MH Adirondack Mt. Club, Mid-Hudson Chapter NYHC New York Hiking Club only. ADK-R Adirondack Mt. Club, Ramapo Chapter PIPC Palisades Interstate Park Commission SATURDAY, NOV. 17 HHC. Johnsonburgh Swamp, NJ. Leader: Geoff Nicklen, 609-397- FVTW Frost Valley Trail Walkers SC Singles Sierra Club Singles Section ADK-R. Lake Sebago to Breakneck Pond. 7 miles. Call leader: 2603. Meet: 8:30 AM at Clinton commuter parking lot. 5-6 miles at GAHC German American Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club 845-359-2465. moderate pace with rolling hills. This hike into a little-known area near HHC Hunterdon Hiking Club WEC Weis Ecology Center UCHC. Watchung Reservation. Leader: Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Jenny Jump State Park will appeal to those who enjoy the undefined: possible brambles and swampy conditions; trail may or may not be good. MJO Mosaic Jewish Outdoor Mountain Club Meet: 10 AM at the Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot on WTA Westchester Trails Association Picturesque lake in the middle of interesting rock formations. Wear NJRT New Jersey RailTrails Coles Ave., as it intersects with New Providence Rd. Enjoy a brisk walk and what’s left of the fall foliage and the clear views offered by the loss sturdy boots; bring raingear, gloves, matches, and flashlight. Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference office. The deadline of leaves. Steady rain cancels. for the January/February issue is November 27. NYHC. Tappan to Nyack. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994. Meet: 11 SUNDAY, NOV. 25 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal near the Commuter Statue. Easy 6- UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Dot Berreman, mile hike on flat terrain on an abandoned railroad (tracks removed so 908-464-9546. Meet: 10 AM at the Elmdale parking lot, west side of Brookside Dr., north of Glen Ave., Millburn. Moderate ramble. NOVEMBER ADK-R. Undercliff Up Breakneck and Sugarloaf. 8 miles. Call there are no obstacles). leader: 201-836-3329. NYHC. Old Croton Aqueduct to Tibbets Brook. Leader: Sal WTA. Castle Rock. Leader: George O’Lear, 914-946-3940. Meet: 9 AM; call leader. 7 moderate miles; view the Hudson from Sugarloaf, SATURDAY, NOV. 3 UCHC. Garrett Mountain. Leader: Mary Sive, 973-746-3986. Meet: Varbero, 718-420-9569, 8-10 PM. Meet: Call leader. Easy 6-mile level hike along the aqueduct from Van Cortlandt Park to Tibbets Brook Park in continuing on the Osborn Loop and AT. Bad weather cancels; $4 fee. UCHC. High Mt. Preserve Park, Wayne, NJ. Leader: Peter 10 AM at Garrett Mt. Park near Paterson, first parking area on left. This will be a moderate circular with splendid views. Optional visit to Lam- Yonkers. Wolff, 973-239-0766. Meet: 10 AM at Wm. Paterson Univ. parking lot #6, THURSDAY, NOV. 29 uppermost level. Use new trails to climb to 885 ft. peak with unsurpassed bert Castle after hike. HHC. Highlands Trail Section #2. Leader: Bob Hagon, 908-788- views of Passaic Valley and many other peaks. Return on steep and WTA. Two Bridges. Leader: Marcia Cohen, 914-478-7074. Meet: 8360. Meet: 9 AM at Clinton commuter parking lot. 7 miles at a moder- FVTW. Ramapo Reservation. Leader: Al and Jane Leigh, 201-471- rocky trail at about 1:30. Sturdy boots recommended. Rain cancels. 9:30 AM; call leader. 6 easy miles; view the world between the Bronx ate pace. Scenic walk along an old railroad bed with some hills but 7528. Meet: 10 AM at Ramapo Reservation, Darlington. 8-9 miles on a Whitestone and the Throgs Neck bridges – fun walk between Ferry Pt. mostly flat. Rain cancels. variety of trails in an attractive area. Enjoy a day of hiking in the Ramapo MJO. Ramapo Ramble. Leader: Richard Jobsky, 201-689-0207, no Reservation. calls after 8:30 PM. Meet: 10 AM; call leader for meeting place and Park and SUNY Maritime College; $3 fee. directions (no public transportation). Intermediate level 6-mile hike in NYHC. Yellow Trail in Staten Island. Leader: Mike Puder, 718- SUNDAY, NOV. 18 the Ramapo Reservation of northern NJ. Non-member fee $10. 743-0920. Meet: Call leader during week of the hike for meeting time. UCHC. Pyramid Mountain. Leader: Micky Siegel, 201-797-7054. DECEMBER NJRT. Walks along the D&R Towpath. Leader: Bob, 908-232- Meet at Staten Island Ferry terminal, Manhattan side. After the ferry, Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. This 5877. Meet: 10 AM; call leader. Walk from Lock 11, South Bound Brook we’ll take a bus to Doctors’ Hospital. Moderate 8-mile hike on relatively moderate hike is a very rewarding experience; rest stop at one of the SATURDAY, DEC. 1 to Weston Causeway. flat terrain, moderate steady pace. world’s wonders, Tripod Rock. Call leader if in doubt due to inclement UCHC. South Mountain Reservation. Leader: Clotilde Lanig, 732- weather. HHC. Kittatinny Mountain. Leader: Jerry Barrick, 908-730-9405, 549-4977. Meet: 10 AM at the Bramhall Terrace parking lot (on Crest and Paul Ullrich, 908-782-2665. Meet: 8 AM at Clinton commuter park- SUNDAY, NOV. 11 MJO. Schunemunk. Leaders: Ken King, 631-789-1819 or Hanna Drive, 0.35 mile from the entrance on South Orange Ave). This will be a ing lot. 12.7 miles at a moderate pace, with steep ups/downs. A long ADK-R. SBM Over Pingyp and Cats Elbow. 8-9 miles. Call leader: Benesch, 732-565-1125. Meet: Call leader for meeting time and place. 7- moderate 4-mile ramble using unusual trails. circuit hike from Delaware Water Gap Info Center to Upper Yards Creek 201-569-0244. mile hike on the Jessup Trail to Long Path and over High and Little Knob. NYHC. Upper Montclair to Verona. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435- Car shuttle required. Steep and rocky but with great views and slow reservoir, mostly on the AT and Mt. Tammany fire road. Enjoy a beautiful UCHC. Patriots’ Path, Morristown. Leaders: Lynn Gale, 973-763- 4994. Meet: 10 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal, upstairs near the pace. No public transportation. view of the Gap from Mt. Tammany (1549 ft.). Bring hiking boots. 7230 and Betty White. Meet: 10 AM at the visitor’s center, Fosterfields Commuter Statue. Moderate 8-mile hike with some ups and downs. Historical Park on Kahdena Rd. in Morris Township. We will shuttle, and WTA. Claudius Smith Den, Harriman Park. Leader: Sam Hike through wooded areas of Mills Reservation in Essex County and SUNDAY, NOV. 4 peek at nature as we go on this casual ramble. Steady rain cancels. Acerbo, 914-939-2769. Meet: 9 AM; call leader. 7 moderately strenuous then along abandoned railroad right-of-way (tracks removed for easy miles; scramble up Almost Perpendicular to Smith’s Den; use a little- walking). ADK-R. Tallman Mountain and the Hudson. 4 miles. Call leader: GAHC. Harriman Park, NY. Leader: Brian Kassenbrock, 718-748- known trail to Parker Cabin Mt. for views, easy walking after that. Rain 845-735-5304. 0624. Meet: 9:30 AM at Sloatsburg RR Station parking lot. Difficult, or shine; $4 fee. SUNDAY, DEC. 2 MJO. Trail Maintenance and Hike in Sterling Forest. Leader: average, and easy hikes. NYHC. Brighton Beach to Marine Park. Leader: Mike Puder, Lanny Wexler, 516-938-5721, 7-10 PM or Hanna Benesch, 732-565-1125, WEC. Harriman Lakes & Ridges. Leader: Don Weise. Meet: Call ADK-MH. BashBish Falls, Taconic State Park. 3 miles. Leader: 718-743-0920. Meet: Call leader during week of the hike for meeting 6-10 PM. Meet: Call leader by Nov. 3. Give something back to the trails Weis Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160; advance regis- Ben Shor, 845-236-4291. Meeting time: 10:30AM. Call leader for details time. Meet at Brighton Beach station on the D subway line. Easy 6-mile by trimming, clearing brush, and painting markers along the Allis Trail. tration and payment required ($8 non-members, $5 NJ Audubon mem- and to register. level hike at a moderate pace. Walk the boardwalk to the Salt Marsh Followed by 4-5 mile hike to waterfall or view; pizza and beverages bers). 6-8 strenuous miles. Beautiful loop on Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail ADK-R. Dater’s Mountain. Harriman State Park. 7 miles. Call Nature Center in Marine Park. Stop along the way for lunch at a Thai provided by the club; no non-member fee. with views from Tom Jones, Parker Cabin Mt., and possible side trips to leader: 201-569-0244. restaurant. WTA. Trail Maintenance Plus Hike. Leader: Lore Jungster, 914- Lake Skenonto, Black Rock. UCHC. Rifle Camp Park. Leader: Mary Sive, 973-746-3986. Meet: MJO. Caumsett State Park. Leader: Lanny Wexler, 516-938-5721, 10 AM at the first parking lot from the park entrance. Nice views about 669-5777. Meet: 9:30 AM; call leader. We’ll do some clipping on a section FRIDAY, NOV. 23 of the AT assigned to the club; bring tools if you have them. Afterwards 7-10 PM. Meet: Call leader for meeting time and place. Leisurely after- midway in this circular hike at a moderate pace. a moderate hike in the area; $3.50 fee. Rain cancels. noon 4-5 mile walk at 1500 acre Marshall Field estate in beautiful Lloyd’s MJO. Post Thanksgiving Hike. Leader: Marvin Pasternak, 718- continued on page 11 PIPC. History Walk. Leader: Call 201-461-1776 for information. Meet: Neck, LI. Woods and along the beach; visit exhibit where injured raptors 2 PM at Fort Lee Historic Park (on Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee). Easy 2- are being rehabilitated. Optional dinner after the walk. Non-member hour walk, “500 Years of History,” with Ranger Ron. Parking $4. fee $5. NYHC. Staten Island Greenbelt. Leader: Steve and Bettye Soffer, SC Singles. Hatfield Swamp Natural Area in West Essex TRAILWALKER 718-720-1593, call 7-9 PM. Meet: Take 10:30 AM ferry from Manhattan Park. Leader: Ronald Pate, 973-364-7573, press 2. Meet 10 AM at the THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE and meet leaders at the steps of the train station in rear of St. George parking lot on Kirkpatrick Lane in West Caldwell. 5 miles at a moderate terminal. Easy hike of about 6 miles with a few hills; fall foliage should pace; explore marshes and forested wetlands in the Passaic River flood Volume XXVIII, Number 6 ISSN 0749-1352 November/December 2001 be near peak. Hiking boots recommended. plain. Rain cancels. Participants must sign a liability waiver before the hike; $3 non-member fee. HHC. Cattus Island. Leader: Phil Tunison, 609-466-3602. Meet: 8:30 AM at Flemington Outlet Center. A 6-mile easy hike through this Ocean WTA. Hook Mountain. Leader: Herb Hochberg, 914-472-3525. Meet: County park on Barnegat Bay, including estuaries, freshwater streams, 9 AM; call leader. 7 moderate miles along the Hudson, enjoying great salt marshes, and pine and oak forests. Bring insect repellent. Possible views of the river from the west side; $3 fee. stop after the hike. PIPC. Living History: “A Salute to Veterans.” Leader: Call 845- 561-1765 for information. Meet: 1 PM at New Windsor Cantonment (on THURSDAY, NOV. 8 Rt. 300 in Vails Gate, NY). FVTW. Long Mountain Circular. Leader: Arnold Seymour-Jones, NYHC. Historical Walk in the Old and New Lower East Side. 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 AM at Long Mt. parking. 7-10 mile hike including Leader: George Glatz, 212-533-9457, call 7-8:30 AM. Meet: 11 AM on NE the Long Path, Deep Hollow Rd., and Baileytown Rd. corner of 14th St. and First Avenue, Manhattan. Easy hike of about 3.5 miles, zigzag through the streets and various points of interest. SATURDAY, NOV. 10 HHC. Raccoon Ridge Birdwatching Hike. Leader: Wendy Draina, ADK-MH. Catskills, from Fox Hollow, over Panther Moun- 609-466-0684, and Pat Hennessey, 908-806-7147. Meet: 9 AM at Clinton tain, across Giant Ledge to County Rt. 47. 8+ miles. Leader: commuter parking lot. 3 miles at an unhurried pace, but with steep ups/ Vinny Cortina, 845-688-5362 (before 9pm). Registration required. downs. Carpool to Raccoon Ridge near Blairstown (about one hour). Hike printed on recycled paper