TRAILWALKER NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE...MAINTAINING OVER 1300 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS MAY/JUNE 2001

TC Seeks Schunemunk Mountain to Become Permanent New York’s Newest State Park Protection of Governor George E. Pataki announced Trail Corridors in March that the state will acquire 2,500 acres on Schunemunk Mountain in Or- By John Myers, ange County, NY, to create a new state Trail Lands Coordinator park. “We are thrilled by the governor’s decision,” says Trail Conference President The New York-New Jersey Trail Con- Gary Haugland, who attended the snowy ference is beginning an exciting initiative announcement ceremony held on the side to permanently protect all long-distance of the mountain March 2nd. The New trail corridors in New York and New Jer- York-New Jersey Trail Conference and sey. Our first priority will be to acquire ADK pitched the idea for this new state permanent corridors or easements on the park during a meeting with Governor sections where trails are on private land. Pataki several We plan to focus on major long-distance years ago and trails—the Appalachian Trail, Long Path, have been advo- Highlands Trail, and Shawangunk Ridge cating for the Trail—as well as on closing gaps in other mountain’s ac- trails, including the Hewitt-Butler, trails quisition and on Schunemunk, in the Hudson Highlands/ GEORGETTE WEIR preservation as a Fahnestock State Park area, in the state park ever Catskills, and in the Farny Highlands. since. ing approxi- of the open space resources of the Hudson The Trail Conference is actively work- “Schunemunk mately $2.5 Valley, began acquiring portions of the ing with the states of New York and New million from mountain in 1996. The property had been Jersey and various not-for-profits to ac- has long been a STELLA GREEN the State En- preserved by former owner Peter Stern. quire large key parcels that will benefit favorite destina- Governor Pataki making the announcement tion for hikers in vironmental The land will be managed by the State our trail system. Trail protection, however, our region,” Protection Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic often requires assembling many small Haugland notes. “Our maintainers have Fund. OSI, a nonprofit conservation or- Preservation (OPRHP) and will be opened parcels to create a continuous corridor. A ganization dedicated to the preservation good example of this is our protection of worked hard to preserve and upgrade the continued on page 7 more than 25 miles of trails on the moun- the Ginseng Ridge on the Long Path north tain, and our members and staff have pas- of the Catskills, where we assembled five sionately advocated for state protection. parcels totaling 400 acres covering five Now we know that this wonderful moun- Appalachian Trail Pochuck Creek miles of trail, (to be purchased by DEC). tain will be preserved and accessible for We plan to apply this successful approach future generations. We can all be proud of Crossing Enters its Last Phase to protect all the trails in our bistate sys- the governor’s announcement.” tem. Below is an overview of some of our specific goals. The State Department of Environmen- by Larry Wheelock, from the American Hik- tal Conservation (DEC) will acquire the New Jersey Field ing Society’s National APPALACHIAN TRAIL The narrow- property from the Open Space Institute us- Representative Trails Endowment (see est and most threatened stretch of the AT separate announcement) is along the New York/New Jersey border Did you think we’d is a welcome boost. We east of High Point State Park. We have never finish? Well, the hope that with a mighty created a coalition that includes the Na- You're Invited! light is at the end of the push by our many volun- tional Park Service (NPS), Appalachian boardwalk. teers and partners we will Trail Conference, Orange County Land After nearly two de- TRAIL CONFERENCE see it through by this au- Trust, Wallkill River National Wildlife cades of planning and con- tumn. Refuge, and other groups to push for cre- PEN OUSE struction, the great AT re- O H The Pochuck Creek ation of a new bistate park between High location across nearly crossing project began in Point and Waywayanda State Park. We May 20 3,000 feet of Pochuck the early 1980s when the are also working with NPS and New Jer- Creek floodplain in state of New Jersey pur- sey to add buffer lands to widen the corri-

See box on page 6 for details. Vernon, New Jersey, is LARRY WHEELOCK chased this land in the dor. approaching completion. Pochuck Creek Bridge Vernon Valley with Green Though the remaining HIGHLANDS TRAIL In New Jer- Please Join Us! Acres funds. Initial tests of the soil resulted work appears daunting, a new $3,000 sey, Green Acres is currently working on grant to the Trail Conference for this project continued on page 4 continued on page 7 from the president’s notepad... TRAIL WALKER Volume XXVIII, No. 3 May/June 2001

Georgette Weir Editor Nora Porter Managing Editor Paul Leikin Advertising Manager Schunemunk—A Personal Reflection The TRAIL WALKER (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of mem- hen I moved to the com- glimpses of giant anthill mounds in the open space through clustered residential bership. Of membership dues, $4 is allocated munity of Cornwall-on- woods, from the boulder jumbles of the development. to a one-year subscription. Subscriptions are available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. W Hudson seven years ago I Megaliths to the exotic lavender shading The work is not quite finished, how- Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. had clear and compelling reasons to do of the exposed rock noticeably scoured by ever, for more than half of the mountain Postmaster: Send address changes to the ad- dress below. Opinions expressed by authors so. Since it doubled my commute time and glacial action, Schunemunk provides an is still in private hands. The Trail Confer- do not necessarily represent the policy or po- put greater distance between me and the endless variety of experiences for the hiker. ence is actively pursuing all possibilities sition of the Conference. Contributions of Trail Conference office (then in Manhat- There are currently about 25 miles of for expanding protection, including pro- typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style tan), these reasons had to be good. The Trail Conference-maintained trails on the tection of adjacent Woodcock Hill. None- and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. reasons had names—Storm King Moun- mountain, including the Long Path and theless, we are thrilled at the announce- Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER tain, Black Rock Forest, and Schunemunk the Highlands Trail, which intersect near ment made by the Governor just a few are January 28 (Mar./Apr. Issue), March 27 (May/June issue), May 25 (July/Aug. Issue), Mountain. All three of these magnificent its center. In the fall all the available short weeks ago and the commitment he July 26 (Sept./Oct. Issue), September 25 (Nov./ hiking areas were at least partly located trailhead parking is frequently taken, sig- made to seek preservation of the entire Dec. Issue), November 27 (Jan./Feb. Issue). in Cornwall, and over the years I had nifying that I am not alone in my love for ridgetop. Unsolicited contributions cannot be acknowl- edged unless accompanied by SASE. For in- come to know them as my favorite desti- this mountain. According to the latest cen- I, and the Trail Conference, express formation on advertising rates, please write nations. I eventually decided that I needed sus, Orange County is one of the fastest gratitude to those who made it their busi- or call. to live in their midst, not just visit. growing counties in this region, so the tim- ness to protect this mountain over the Copyright 2001 by: New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. The first time I hiked on Schunemunk ing of the announcement of its protection years. This list includes H. Peter Stern and 156 Ramapo Valley Road I knew it was unique, different from all as a state park could not be better. Now the Storm King Art Center, Joe Martens Mahwah, NJ 07430 the other places in this region. The eight- we can work cooperatively with park per- and the dedicated staff of the Open Space 201-512-9348 e-mail: [email protected] mile long ridge, which in the north be- sonnel to resolve issues like unauthorized Institute, Neil Woodworth our ADK part- editorial e-mail: [email protected] comes two parallel ridges with a wetland vehicles and vandalism through long-term ner and passionate advocate in Albany, World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org/ in between, presents an ever-changing pic- management plans. and Governor George Pataki, who quickly ture. From the dramatic evidence of dif- As a side note, the Town of Cornwall grasped what a great addition this would ferent geological eras to the panoramic has been doing its part to protect the views be to the parks of New York State. To you NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE views along the trails, from the sparse pitch and enhance the experience of the trails and to the countless others who have pine cover of the ridge top to the dense on the mountain. Recent zoning changes moved this process forward—thanks a Mission Statement The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, hardwoods in the Barton Swamp, from the have included more stringent ridgeline million. founded in 1920, is a federation of member hawks circling in the summer updrafts to protection and preservation of contiguous —Gary Haugland clubs and individuals dedicated to providing recreational hiking opportunities in the re- gion, and representing the interests and con- cerns of the hiking community. The Confer- ence is a volunteer-directed public service or- ganization committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. L E T T E R S • Protecting hiking trail lands through support and advocacy. • Educating the public in the responsible A Harriman Caution foot trails and expect that everybody else Please note that I do my trail walking as a use of trails and the natural environment. While one of our TC supervisors was on the foot trail will also be walking. I park volunteer on horseback. I belong to Board of Directors hiking in the vicinity of the Reeves explain that this is a protected area and many conservation organizations. I be- Gary Haugland President Jane Daniels Vice President Meadow Visitors Center he had his car freedom from vehicles is a more than just lieve in setting land aside to prevent de- Daniel Chazin Secretary parked in that lot and someone attempted protection of the environment, it is pro- velopment. I also advocate use of some of William Mishler Treasurer to break into it. When he reported it to tection of the experience for everybody. I these lands, where appropriate, for recre- Directors Paul Bell PIPC staff he was advised that a profes- hope to encourage them to look for desig- ation. Some land can support horse, bike, Wanda Davenport sional ring of car thieves has been prey- nated bike trails and respect the need to and hiking (multi-use) trails. Some land is Brian Goodman ing on vehicles parked in the lots off Seven have foot-only trails. But, I am not going too fragile for any public access. John Gunzler Peter Heckler Lakes Drive. So be aware: Don’t leave to let them think it is just a law, I want Please remember that horses were Jan Hesbon anything in view in your vehicle that could them to know how I feel about degrading “there” when many of these trails were Tom Humbach draw unwanted attention. Be alert, and the experience of the hiking trail. discovered or created. Ann Loeb G. Gail Neffinger report any suspicious actions to PIPC staff. Maybe as bicycle use grows, some- Susan Data-Samtak Malcolm Specter Rita Heckler day a biker will want to enjoy walking on Pluckemin, NJ H. Neil Zimmerman Oradell, NJ a hiking trail free from vehicles too. And Staff when that biker is walking, he too will Editor’s note: The Trail Conference sup- Edward Goodell Executive Director Scott Voorhees Administrative What I Tell Bikers on Hiking Trails have the right to expect that everybody ports the development of multi-use trails Director I wonder if part of the problem when else using the foot trail will also be walk- as appropriate and encourages all users Larry Wheelock NJ Field bikers ride on hiking trails is that we kind ing. to contribute to the work of maintaining Representative Claire Bertollo Administrative of shrug our shoulders. Maybe we send Michael Rea them. Some trails, of course, are not ap- Assistant some email or we complain to our friends, Bellvale, NY propriate for all uses. Foot trails, for ex- Cesar Escurra Database Manager but then we just accept it. We start to think ample, are intended for use only by hu- Part-time that we can’t do much about it. Remember Multi-Use man walkers, and neither horse nor bike John Myers Trail Lands Coordinator I think that law is only a part of the I receive a copy of Trail Walker riders should be traveling on those. On Neil Woodworth NY Conservation solution. There are a lot of little laws that through New Jersey Rail Trails. I wish to the other hand, this is a good opportunity Advocate people break and don’t feel guilty about. let you know that I use trails for horse- to remind walkers that on multi-use trails, Student office clerks I tell bikers about the law in case they back riding. I understand that I am also pedestrians should, for safety’s sake, yield Mario Andolina, Brett Mereng, Boris don’t know it’s illegal. But first and more considered a member of NY-NJ Trail Con- the right of way to horses; this is, in fact, Paucinac strongly, I tell them that people use hiking ference by virtue of the fact that I am a the regulation on many multi-use park The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organiza- trails to get away from vehicles. I tell them “trail walker” in the Jockey Hollow area trails. tion. It is a federation of 88 hiking and out- that everybody has the right to walk on of Morristown National Historical Park. door groups, and 10,000 individuals. Trail Walker welcomes letters.

2 MAY/JUNE 2001 TRAIL WALKER Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge Manager To Speak at June 21 Delegates’ Meeting from the Executive Director All Trail Conference members are in- discuss issues, and help guide the Trail vited to attend the next meeting of the hik- Conference’s future work and activities. ing club delegates on Thursday, June 21, We look forward to seeing you there! Embarking on a Trail 2001, at the Fort Lee Historic Park, in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Getting There: Fort Lee Historic Park is of Opportunity The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Please immediately south of the George Wash- join us for a social hour, beginning at 6 ington Bridge on the east side of Hudson he deadline for this issue of Trail intend to focus in the future. As the recent p.m., for a chance to share refreshments Terrace, on the New Jersey Palisades. Fre- Walker comes as I complete my census shows, the demographics of our and chat with hiking club representatives. quent bus service from the GWB terminal Tfirst three weeks on the job. In that region are becoming more ethnically di- We’re very happy to announce that in Manhattan is available, or take the short time, I have been amazed by how verse. We need to reinvigorate the urban Elizabeth (Libby) Herland, Refuge Man- lovely (and free) one-mile walk across the this organization accomplishes so much hiker tradition and constituency by broad- ager for the Wallkill River National Wild- bridge. Ample (free) parking is available. with so little. We succeed year in and year ening our outreach to under-served com- life Refuge, will be our guest speaker. In From the Palisades Interstate Parkway, get out through the unheralded efforts of so munities. We also need to strengthen the addition to describing the wildlife refuge off at the last exit before the bridge toll (right fork after the gas station—and be many—mostly volunteers. synergy between the Trail Conference and and new land protection initiatives along sure to exit). Follow Hudson Terrace south Ours is a mature and successful or- our member clubs. the AT Corridor in northern New Jersey, under the bridge and take the first left into ganization poised for growth in our three Following in the footsteps of those Ms. Herland will comment on the view the park. From New York City, take the missions: trail maintenance, trail protec- before me, I hope to bring fresh energy from Washington, DC, and what hikers upper level of the GWB and use the sec- tion, and trail education. By growth, I and creativity to achieving our missions. might expect from the Bush administra- ond exit, “Ft. Lee.” Make a sharp right mean increased capacity to effectively Fundamentally, though, I recognize that tion. and another right onto Hudson Terrace. advance hiking interests in the face of ever we must continue to rely on the same bed- Although each member club or orga- Proceed under the bridge to the park en- increasing threats. rock volunteer activism that has propelled nization of the Trail Conference designates trance on the left. From the New Jersey Our volunteer trail maintainers have the organization through the past 80 years. a delegate to act as liaison to the Confer- Turnpike, take the Fort Lee exit, and con- built a justifiably good reputation for the With your help, this will be a very posi- ence, individual Conference members are tinue straight on the service road, paral- Trail Conference among land managers tive century for hiking and environmental always welcome at delegates’ meetings. leling the bridge toll plaza, until the ser- and hikers alike. Perhaps the greatest com- conservation in the New York–New Jer- Meetings, held in New York City or at vice road ends at Hudson Terrace. Turn pliment is that our work is so consistently sey region. Fort Lee Historic Park on the New Jersey right onto Hudson Terrace, and then make good that it is transparent. I want to main- Palisades, provide wonderful opportuni- the first, almost immediate, left turn into tain that reputation and better support the Late News Flash ties to share hiking and conservation news, the park. volunteers who are responsible for it. Fur- I am pleased to announce the hiring ther, I want to improve our monitoring of of a new administrative director—Scott trail lands beyond the immediate tread- Voorhees of path, particularly in areas where devel- Emerson, NJ. Call for Nominations opment pressures are impinging on the Scott has 25 hiking experience. years of overall Recognition Awards, Board of Directors, and Delegates-at-Large to Be In the area of trail lands protection, I operations Presented at Annual Meeting in October want to build on and extend our recent management successes at Sterling Forest, Stony Kill experience, in- Each year in October at the New Major Welch Trail Partner Award: pre- Falls, and Schunemunk Mountain. I hope cluding build- York-New Jersey Trail Conference’s an- sented to those outside the Trail Confer- to expand on this legacy with a proactive ing a nonprofit nual meeting, elections are held for 5 mem- ence–for example, state, federal, or local protection program that focuses on creat- trade associa- bers of the board of directors and 15 del- agency partner officials–who have given ing connected networks of open spaces. tion for which egates-at-large. Also at that time, awards long and/or significant assistance to the (See “Protection of Long Distance Trail he held the po- New Administrative are presented to members and friends to local hiking community. Corridors,” page 1, for more details.) sitions of trea- Director Scott recognize outstanding people in the hik- Corporate Partner Award: presented to a Voorhees To successfully protect our trail lands surer, human ing community. company that has furthered the hiking trail requires financial resources and a resources of- Conference members are welcome to experience and/or protection effort. grassroots advocacy network. These are ficer, and director of operations. Scott submit nominations, with supporting back- Raymond H. Torrey Award: the capacities that we must develop further to brings a wealth of skills and experience to ground information, for awards, board of continue to play the unique and impor- the job of running the office operations, directors, and delegates-at-large. Send Conference’s most prestigious award, tant role of creating networks of open space coordinating volunteer efforts, and gener- your suggestions to the Nominating Com- given for significant and lasting contribu- tions that protect our hiking trails and the in the face of burgeoning sprawl. ally building the organization’s capacity mittee, in care of the NY-NJ Trail Confer- In the education realm, Trail Confer- to respond to mission-related opportuni- ence, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, land upon which they rest. ence volunteers continue their prodigious ties and challenges. NJ 07430; telephone 201-512-9348; email Leo Rothschild Conservation Award: pre- output of maps and books. Five books and Scott takes over from Judith Fulmer, [email protected]. The deadline is July 1, sented to a person or organization that three map sets are scheduled for release whose loyalty to this organization has been 2001. has made a significant contribution to the in this calendar year alone. We also spon- unparalleled. Judith has seen the Trail protection of our trails and/or the natural sor workshops for hikers and maintainers Conference through two executive direc- Recognition Awards lands that surround them. of all levels and have inaugurated out- tor changes, served as interim executive The annual awards are as follows: reach hikes for those who may be new to director, moved the office from Manhat- Nominating Committee for Board walking in the woods (see “Tiorati Circle tan to Mahwah and, while commuting William Hoeferlin Award: recognizes and Delegates Outreach,” page 4). Longer term, I be- from Brooklyn, oversaw the hiring of her Trail Conference volunteers who have The Nominating Committee will lieve we can and should expand our edu- replacement. Throughout it all she has demonstrated exemplary service to trail present a slate of candidates for the board cation mandate to include empirical re- been a rock of stability and a source of maintenance, management, and/or trail of directors and delegates-at-large for the search on issues of concern and more in- support and solace to all those around her. land protection. October 2001–01 year. Current Trail Con- troductory and educational hiking events. As she sets her sights on challenges closer Next Generation Award: given to those ference directors are listed in the masthead Service to our members, member to home, she will be sorely missed. under age 21 who are making significant of Trail Walker (see page 2). clubs, partner organizations, and the hik- contributions of time and energy to trail —Edward Goodell ing public in general is an area where I building and/or protection.

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2001 3 National Trails Day TRAIL Opening of the Wildcat Mountain Trail in Sterling Forest EWS N The official opening of Sterling Sterling Forest Trail Supervi- Forest’s Wildcat Mountain Trail is sched- sors Suzan Gordon and Pete PETE TILGNER uled for National Trails Day, Saturday, Tilgner, will conclude the Sterling Forest is a “happening place.” Trail Confer- June 2, at 10 a.m. It will take place at the day’s events at 1 p.m. For fur- ence volunteers (from left to right) Mark Kassop, trail’s southern trail head located in the ther information, call the Park Storm King Mountain continues to and John and Mary Mack are making the new Commuter Parking Lot at the top of the Information Center at (845) Wildcat Mountain Trail happen. be off-limits for hiking. As of the end-of- ramp connecting New York Rt. 17 and 351-5907. March deadline for this issue, the Palisades 17A. Remarks by The Wildcat Mountain Trail is the Interstate Park Commission did not have Carol Ash, Executive latest addition to the Sterling Forest trail Tiorati Outreach Begins an anticipated date for reopening the park, Director of the Pali- network. The trail was cut by 19 volun- with Leader Training on which has been closed for removal of old sades Interstate Park teers who put in a total of 273 hours. Ad- National Trails Day ordnance. Commission, will ditional water bar and step work was done Trails Day is a good day to think about getting new hikers into the highlight the festivities. by the West Hudson Trail Crew. woods. The TC’s Tiorati Outreach pro- Woman to Pay for AT Corridor At 10:30 a.m. vol- Wildcat is blazed white and will be gram will be doing just that again this Damage in Dutchess unteers will be invited maintained by three of it’s original volun- summer. To get ready, a natural sci- The integrity of the AT corridor was to participate in a lit- teers: Mary and John Mack and Mark ence education workshop for leaders given a boost in February when a Dutchess ter pick-up along the Kassop. This continues Gordon and is scheduled for June 2. Learn from two pros how to answer natural sci- County woman agreed to pay $22,250 to trail’s short entry road. Tilgner’s goal of securing maintainers who ence questions from kids. For details, repair damages she allegedly made to pro- Following this, an in-and-out hike on the take ownership of the trail they have see “Families into Woods,” page 5. tected AT woodland. The damage—cut- southern portion of the trail, led by TC helped create. ting about a half-acre of forest on federal trail property—was originally discovered during routine monitoring by Conference POCHUCK CREEK TC Pochuck Project Gets “Community trails are a basic environmen- members Mike and Ruth Rosenthal. Ac- continued from page 1 tal protection measure because they al- cording to a report in the February 13 edi- $3,000 from American low people to have access to nature,” says tion of the Poughkeepsie Journal, the East in distressing results: a deep layer of or- Hiking Society to Robert N. Leggett, who with his wife, Fishkill resident was then sued by the U.S. ganic muck seemed incapable of support- The American Hiking Society’s Na- Dee, has seeded the Endowment. tional Trails Endowment has TC member club Long Island Department of the Interior. The money is awarded $3,000 to the NY-NJ Trail Greenbelt Trails Conference (LIGTC) was to pay for repairs to the damaged site, Conference for building materials for also named an AHS grant winner. The restoration of a second site as compensa- the last phase of the ongoing National Trails Endowment grant to LIGTC tion, and the costs for the government’s Pochuck Creek and Flood Plain Re- will fund the production and distribution investigation. location project in Vernon, NJ (see of a map set for the 125-mile Paumanok front page story). This project in- Path, which stretches from Rocky Point volves building a one-mile segment to Montauk Point. The maps will not only Changes on the East Hudson Trail of the Appalachian Trail to replace encourage more use of the trail, but will the current route, which is a hazard- create regional enthusiasm for its comple- Committee ous 2.1-mile roadwalk in a rapidly tion. Since the 1970s, many organiza- Since 1991, Jane Daniels has been a developing rural/suburban area. The tions across Long Island have been build- fixture with East Hudson Trails. Effective last phase of this project involves ing the Paumanok Path; it will serve as in January, she handed over the trail lead- PHOTOS: LARRY WHEELOCK finishing the boardwalk and build- the backbone for Suffolk County’s trail ing a second pedestrian bridge system by connecting to other hiking trails ership to Ron Samuelson, an avid hiker Volunteers building the western approach to the Pochuck Creek in October 2000 through a 25,000 acre federally des- and encouraging the development of new and big fan of the Highlands. “It is tough ignated wetland. trails. LIGTC is dedicated to developing to walk away after being so involved in ing a bridge across the Pochuck Creek The American Hiking Society, a na- and maintaining hiking trails on Long Is- trails, but I feel that I am leaving the East without prohibitive expense. Various strat- tional recreation-based conservation orga- land, preserving and protecting Long nization, awarded grants to 15 trail clubs. Island’s open space, and fostering an ap- Hudson trail management in excellent egies were proposed before a feasible and The 15 recipients were chosen from a preciation of Long Island’s ecology, his- hands,” Jane says. affordable plan was settled on. Then be- group of 79 applicants and each will re- tory, and scenic beauty through outdoor Under Jane’s leadership, the commit- gan an unprecedented team effort with vol- ceive between $1,000 and $5,230. recreation and education programs. tee added 60 miles of trails to their re- unteers, corporate, state, and federal part- sponsibilities, of which over 30 miles were ners to erect a magnificent suspension tion of North New Jersey, and with very phase, we are looking forward to a start new trails built by the crew. Jane helped bridge. Construction of the bridge over the competent guidance by the New Jersey this spring, hopefully in early June. There secure more than $10,000 in grants for Pochuck Creek was completed in 1995. DEPs’ Wes Powers and his enthusiastic will be a variety of work to be done by trail projects in the park, and she built a Once the bridge was finished, plan- staff. people with all levels of skill. If you want strong relationship with the NYS Office ning began for the next phase: construc- to get involved, contact the Trail Confer- of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preser- tion of nearly 1,700 feet of suspended Help Needed This Season ence Field Office at 973-823-9999 or our vation—Taconic Region, Open Space In- boardwalk. Eight hundred feet of board- As we look to the work remaining for main office in Mahwah at 201-512-9348. stitute, and Scenic Hudson. Jane thanks walk was begun and com- 2001, it may seem to be an the trail supervisors, crew chiefs, and all pleted in 1999, followed by almost impossible task: ap- Litter Day: May 6 volunteers, past and present, who have another nearly 900 feet in proximately 2,000 additional Mark Sunday May 6th on your cal- worked with her. Many volunteer jobs feet of boardwalk, nearly 500 2000. This was accomplished endar and head out with like-minded hik- await those who love the East Highlands; through the efforts of volun- feet of at-grade trail, and one ers to do some spring cleaning. Clubs revise trail brochures, work with youth teers from the New York- more small bridge. But when that have a hike scheduled that day are groups, install signs, protect open space, New Jersey Trail Conference, we consider that most of the encouraged to gather up litter, especially and, of course, trail maintenance. Appalachian Trail Confer- “bugs” have been worked out, at trail heads. If you’re going out on your own, bring along a garbage bag. When To volunteer or express your these projects begin to look ence Mid-Atlantic Trail you get back from your Litter Day trip, ideas, send an email to Ron at Crew, the Builder’s Associa- quite do-able. please report what you found and who [email protected] or call him at 845- As the permits and fund- participated. The statistics and highlights AT work done in 1999 east 437-5903 (day). ing fall into place for our 2001 are usually reported in Trail Walker. of Pochuck Creek

4 MAY/JUNE 2001 TRAIL WALKER cation, erosion control, and repair on the RAIL Popolopen Gorge Trail T Sterling Forest State Park Saturday, June 16; Sunday, June 17 (Chris REW Ezzo) C Continuing trail rehabilitation, relocation, GET INVOLVED CHEDULES erosion control, and repair on Southfields S Furnace. Exciting, Essential Volunteer Positions Available Harriman State Park The Trail Conference has always been primarily powered by volunteers and EAST HUDSON CREW Saturday, June 23 (Chris Ezzo); Sunday, that remains the case. There is a flood of new projects as a result of the move to Check www.trailstobuild.com for the June 24 (Bob Marshall) Mahwah and change in staff and volunteers. Ed Goodell, the new executive direc- spring work schedule. Continuing trail rehabilitation, relocation, tor, is seeking one or more people to work closely with him and the administrative erosion control and repair at a location to director on coordinating and enhancing our volunteer operation. In particular, he WEST HUDSON TRAIL CREW be determined. wants to develop a pool of non-trail volunteers for a variety of projects—from All are welcome. No previous trail work graphic design and webmastering to public relations and event management. If experience is necessary. There is work WEST JERSEY TRAIL CREW you are the type of leader who can motivate, train, and support volunteers in for every level of experience and inter- All are welcome; no previous trail work support of the Trail Conference mission, we want to hear from you! Call the office est. We offer on-the-job training with experience is necessary. Bring sturdy at 201-512-9348 or email [email protected]. experienced leaders. Bring sturdy boots, boots, work gloves, lunch and water. work gloves, lunch and water. All tools Tools are provided. If possible, please are provided. If possible, please notify notify the leaders that you are coming, the leaders that you are coming, so they so they will know how many people to Help Us Get Families will know how many people to plan work plan work for. for. We Rock! Leaders: David Day and Monica Resor Into the Woods Trip leaders are listed with each event: Phone: (732) 937-9098 Bob Marshall [Crew Chief] (914) 737- Email: To introduce urban families to the relax in an outdoor setting. It seems a per- 4792, e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] woods, the NY-NJ Trail Conference, in fect spot to offer an introduction to hik- Chris Ezzo (516) 431-1148 partnership with the Palisades Interstate ing. Claudia Ganz (212) 633-1324 Mt. Tammany Trail Park Commission, began an outreach pro- And so, on Saturday mornings dur- Monica Resor (732) 937-9098 May 12 (Saturday), May 20 (Sunday), gram in 1999 at the Tiorati picnic area in ing July and August, a TC hike leader and Harriman State Park June 9 (Saturday). Harriman State Park. The area is a popu- assistant prospect the Tiorati picnic Saturday, May 5 (Claudia Ganz); Sun- Continuing trail reconstruction/rehabili- lar destination for families from around grounds for attendees for a 1.5-mile na- day, May 6 (Chris Ezzo); Thursday, May tation work on the Mt. Tammany (Red the metropolitan area, be it Queens or Jer- ture walk along the Appalachian Trail. 10 (Bob Marshall) Dot) Trail in Worthington State Forest. sey City, who come to picnic, fish, and The young children are always anxious Continuing trail rehabilitation, reloca- Meet 9:15 a.m. (note: different meeting to go; it is the adults who must be con- tion, and erosion control on the Timp- time than last year!) in the Dunnfield vinced. At the end of the walk the Torne Trail. Creek Parking Lot. Rain cancels. Public children have asked 99 tough ques- transportation is available; please con- tions and the adults cannot believe Schunemunk Preserve tact the leaders for details. AMC’s Outings for Uurban Kids Thursday, May 17; Saturday, May 19; Seeks TC Volunteers they did it, i.e. walked 1.5 miles. To continue this program in Sunday, May 20 (Bob Marshall) Either the AT Relocation or the Mt. You may have seen some unusual sights Continuing trail rehabilitation, reloca- on the trails recently, groups of street urchins 2001, the Trail Conference seeks Tammany Trail from Harlem, Queens, The Bronx, and other city volunteers. The Appalachian Trail tion, erosion control, and repair on the June 17 (Sunday) and June 30 (Saturday). locales frolicking through the woods led by har- Conference supports the program Sweet Clover Trail. If the Pochuck (Appalachian Trail relo- ried AMC volunteers. It’s a trend: the AMC’s with grant money; we need you Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks cation) project in Vernon begins in early Outing for Urban Kids (AOK) program is gath- ering momentum. to volunteer to lead a walk. To Saturday, June 2; Sunday, June 3 June as targeted, we will go “on assign- The AMC’s NY/North Jersey Chapter op- prepare walk leaders for the natu- (Monica Resor); Thursday, June 7; Sat- ment” to assist with that work. If the erates AOK as a public service for the purpose ral science questions, a workshop urday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10 (Bob Pochuck project is delayed, we will con- of exposing urban youth to outdoor opportuni- will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 Marshall) tinue work on the Mt. Tammany Trail. ties and challenges, which they would not nor- p.m. on National Trails Day, June New project of trail rehabilitation, relo- Please contact the leaders for specifics. mally experience. (It also serves to so expose AOK leaders!) The experiences we offer occur 2, at the Tiorati Circle picnic in as near an approximation to wilderness as area. Conference Helps Fund Volunteer For more information and registra- we can find within a reasonable distance from Art Lebofsky, Ed. D., an edu- Trail Program in Catskills tion materials, contact: Tim Tierney, N.Y.C. Last year, under the aegis of AOK, 250 cational consultant, and Laura As in past years, the Trail Conference Trails Program Director, Adirondack children took to the trails on 16 separate out- Pakaln, a first-grade teacher, will ings that consisted mostly of hiking, but also has generously provided funding for the Mountain Club, 518-668-4447, included paddling and swimming. walk the route with us, providing ADK organized trail maintenance efforts [email protected], or www.adk.org http:/ Although almost all the children have a great an opportunity for questions/notes. in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The Trail /www.adk.org. time on almost all of our outings, AOK does After lunch there will be a group Conference Board approved $5,000 for the not consider this sufficient; we also strive to meeting to discuss the program in provide meaningful experiences and challenges, Volunteer Trails Program running June detail. Car transportation for bus Grant to Support Northeast to teach natural history, to imbue respect for through October 2001. Alpine Stewardship Awarded nature, to teach the importance of assuming re- riders will be available from This assistance helps equip and oper- The Trail Conference has made a sponsibility for one’s actions—in other words, Sloatsburg. ate volunteer and professional crews work- to help make better citizens of our wards. grant of $1,000 to the Guy Waterman Al- If you have questions or wish ing on intensive trail construction projects. Among AOK’s plans is an initiative to in- to sign up for the workshop, e-mail pine Stewardship Fund, based in East volve children in trail maintenance activities, for The work involved is designed to control Wanda Davenport at Corinth, Vermont. The fund aims to which we are seeking technical guidance from erosion, harden trails, and enhance the strengthen the human stewardship of the Trail Conference volunteers. As the AOK pro- [email protected] or call 201- hiking experience. alpine areas of the Northeast. In particu- gram continues to expand, more volunteers are 670-8383 before 9 p.m. If in the Trail Conference members are wel- needed, not only as trail maintenance advisers, lar, it will support stewardship projects long run we cannot grow the pool come to participate in the ambitious sched- but also to lead and assist hikes, plan activities of people who care about the that blend low-impact trail maintenance in order to enhance hikes and other outings, ule of one-, two-, four-, and five-day woods and nature, to include more and hiker education in safeguarding the and to coordinate arrangements with youth agen- projects in the Catskills and Adirondacks. open summits, exposed ridgelines, and cies. If you want to get involved, please con- of those from diverse back- The program provides all food, tools, areas of fragile alpine vegetation in the tact Marty Cohen at [email protected] or 201- grounds, then we all lose. transportation, and experienced leader- 670-8383 (before 9 p.m.). northeast. —Wanda Davenport ship.

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2001 5 our guests by the combined efforts of vol- NY-NJ Trail Conference To F O R & A B O U T unteers from the Central NY Chapter of Host Open House May 20 the North Country Trail Association, the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack See our spacious new headquarters on Mountain Club, and the Finger Lakes Trail the Ramapo River; meet new Executive O u r M e m b e r s Conference, whose 800-mile trail system Director Edward Goodell; greet old and is followed for almost 400 miles across new friends. When: Sunday, May 20, Shippensburg, PA. In addition to a week- upstate New York by the North Country 2001; time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please long schedule of hikes and other outings Trail. (North Country National Scenic RSVP to Claire at 201-512-9348 or by in the region, the conference agenda in- Trail, when completed, will meander email: [email protected]. Bus and train cludes workshops to enhance the educa- 4,000 miles from North Dakota to the stations are nearby and parking on site tion of users of the AT, encourage greater Adirondacks of New York.) is ample. Directions: 156 Ramapo Val- outreach to the public regarding AT main- Full registration information and high- ley Road in Mahwah, NJ (Route 202, tenance, and present new inventories of lights are available on the August Confer- just north of the Route 17 overpass). the historic and cultural sites along AT ence page of the NCTA’s Website at lands. Information and registration mate- www.northcountrytrail.org/conf01/ or in Thanks for Gift of Memorabilia rials can be obtained online at http:// the NCTA’s April issue of The North Star The Trail Conference is pleased to thank www.atconf.org/about/biennial.html or by or by mail from NCTA, 229 E. Main, Arthur G. Adams for his gift of photos and Browsing TC publications writing to Shippensburg 2001, P.O. Box Lowell, Michigan 49331, 616-897-5987. other memorabilia pertaining to the for- 20123, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0123. mative years of the Trail conference and they hiked and they bought books/maps The Finger Lakes Trail Conference its predecessors, The Wandervogels, The for their children.” Margaret Starmer en- will host the annual meeting of the North Wanderbirds, Walking News, and the late joyed herself as the people who stopped Country Trail Association, August 9–12, New Life Members William “Bill” Hoeferlin and Leon R. by were all so easy to converse with. She 2001, in Cazenovia, NY, just southeast of The Trail Conference welcomes the Greenman. The gift was made on behalf thanked the Conference for the opportu- Syracuse. Registrants will stay in college following new life members to our grow- of the estate of Walking News, Inc, and nity to volunteer. John Bresland remarked dorms and enjoy the varied landscape of ing family of more than 800: Barbara L. Leon R. Greeman and his sister Mrs. Selma that “not everyone at the Book Fair was host Madison County. Walks and bike Albeck, Arnold Dunham, and Jay Westfall Feuerstein, and includes material going an ardent hiker, but everyone that we met rides along the Old Erie Canal State Park of New Jersey; Krys and Ronald Doerfler, back at least to 1935. In a letter accompa- was fun and interesting to talk to, includ- towpath will take in the level northern end Lou Feeney, Susan Kormacki and Charles nying the gift, Mr. Adams noted: “With ing an 80-year-old poet and his wife who of the county, while more than a dozen M. Gordanier, and Hardwick Simmons, Leon’s death [see obituary in this issue], were just back from three weeks in Thai- other hike offerings will afford visitors as- from New York. an era comes to an end. land.” tounding views, frequent waterfalls, and An individual life membership is The enthusiasm among people who distances from short to challenging. $400, and a joint life membership (two A Double Thank-You volunteered contributed to the success: John Workshops, evening programs, self- adults at the same address) is $600. Next Belatedly, we welcome Arnold Dunham and Beth Bresland, Dan Chazin, Fred guided tours and walks are included in time you renew, we hope you’ll consider as a new Life Member of the Trail Confer- Liberman, Robert McCluskie, Mary Jo the scheduled menu of events, brought to becoming a “lifer.” ence, thanks to a gift from his wife, Ilse. Robertiello, Margaret Starmer, and Rich- Additional belated thanks go to Ilse for her ard Zinn staffed the booth; Bob Koshinskie gift to the “Transition 2001 Move To mailed postcards to stores announcing the Mahwah.” Acknowledgement of these con- event; Barry Mark and Walt Daniels made tributions was inadvertently omitted from a brochure. Jane Daniels pulled everything the last issue of Trail Walker. together, making sure that the booth looked great, that inventory was ample, and that Author to Talk on Long-Distance volunteers could have home-made cook- Hiking ies as a snack. Thank you all. Karen Berger, author of Hiking the Triple If you are interested in helping in the Crown: How to Hike America’s Longest future at a fair either selling books or mar- Trails, will present a slide show at Ramsey keting hiking and membership, contact Outdoor (240 Route 17N, Paramus, NJ) Jane Daniels at 914-245-1250 or on Tuesday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. The [email protected]. She will forward talk will highlight her travels along the your name, phone number, and/or e-mail Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and to an appropriate person. Continental Divide Trail. One of about 20 people who have hiked all three trails to Happy 70th to Interstate Hiking Club completion, Berger is a former contribut- TC Trails Chair Ilse Dunham sends word ing editor for Backpacking magazine and that this year the Interstate Hiking Club, is the hiking editor for GORP.com. a long-time TC member, celebrates 70 years of hiking and trail maintenance. For TC Joins Small Press Publishers at over 40 years IHC has maintained more Book Fair than 16 miles of hiking trails, one of which On March 24–25, Trail Conference vol- is the Sterling Ridge Trail; in addition, unteers staffed a booth to sell our publica- members past and present have become tions at the Small Press Book Fair in New individual trail maintainers, often for 15 York City. This foray was to bring our years or longer. Three years ago IHC was publications and the organization to the awarded the Hoeferlin Award for excel- attention of a wider audience and, we lence in trail maintenance by the Trail hoped, sell a few books and maps in the Conference. Congratulations for a long and process. distinguished history and best wishes for The fair was a success on both counts: happy trails for many years to come. the net take from the fair was slightly more than breaking even, and our presence was Enjoy Hikes at Summer Conferences noted by many attendees. TC volunteer The following two events are open to all. Mary Jo Robertiello reported that “Being The Appalachian Trail Conference’s at the fair was good for public relations. It biennial conference will be held this year, jogged some people’s memories about how July 13–20, at Shippensburg University in

6 MAY/JUNE 2001 TRAIL WALKER TRAIL CORRIDORS Next Generation Profile A seed was planted within me dur- continued from page 1 ing that summer. Over the years, it ger- In 1992, the Trail Conference gave the Woodcrest Bruderhof School its Next minated and grew into a strong love for acquisitions to protect the Highlands Trail Generation Award; at the time Donato Meier was among the young students there nature and a firm belief that it it must in Warren and Hunterdon Counties. They who enjoyed nature lessons on excursions led by school counselors. Almost 10 years be planted again in the next generation have made a number of purchases in the later, Donato leads the younger groups. Here, as part of a series of follow-up if our natural environment is to be pre- Farny Highlands in recent years that have articles on Award winners, Donato talks about introducing served. significantly benefited our trails. In New the next Next Generation to trails. That’s why I’m out here, flirting with York, Governor Pataki recently announced hypothermia in deepest January. My de- the creation of a new state park on Rattlesnakes, Blueberries, and Tidy Trails for All sire is to pass on a sense of personal re- Schunemunk Mountain, which will pro- sponsibility for our planet, to awaken tect parts of the Highlands Trail, Jessup the slumbering naturalist, to rouse Trail, Long Path, and other trails. We con- By Donato Meier the dormant Rip Van Winkle and the tinue to work with the Open Space Insti- It is 18 degrees Fahrenheit with hidden John Muir in the youth. tute to acquire other parcels on a numbing windchill to boot, and out- I stir from my reverie, and toss Schunemunk. side the Adirondack lean-to the re- another “dead-and-down” on the lentless wind blasts snow horizontally embers. The storm is abating, and LONG PATH The purchase last year against the walls, occasionally lash- with any luck, we’ll live to see the of the 5,000-acre Lundy property by the ing the huddled forms within the dawn. As I keep telling the kids, the Open Space Institute will preserve a long cabin with a shower of icy flakes. tougher the going, the greater the re- stretch of the Long Path along the Vernooy Camp-charred supper churns in my ward, and the more glorious the ad- Kill in the southern Catskills. In Orange stomach as I survey my young venture (in retrospect, of course). County, we are working to create a pro- charges sleeping on the wood floor I can’t wait for summer. I’ll be tected link from Schunemunk Mountain around me. back for Woodcrest Bruderhof to the state forest lands near Stewart Air- As I toss another “down- School’s 10th consecutive year of port. Our strategy here is to ask the towns Donato Meier stands above a group of young and-dead” on the fire, images of Shawangunk Long Path trail main- and developers to donate corridors through backpackers: Front row, from left to right: Naomi home and a warm bed flash across tenance, this time mentoring a group new subdivisions in this rapidly develop- Meier, Vreneli Kleinsasser, Eric Thomson, and my mind’s eye; what possessed me to of students. We’ll sidestep rattle- ing area. We are also working with Or- Adrian Wiser; flanking Donato are Glen agree to bring these kids out camp- snakes, flee the ever-present yellow- ange County Land Trust along the Wallkill Kleinsasser (L) and Milonika Keiderling. ing on this January night? However, jacket swarms, battle obstinate blue- River to get protection for the Long Path these thoughts are only fleeting and I re- At the time, that summer seemed like a berry bushes, and survive on gorp and here. main firm in the knowledge of my pur- long slog of blueberry shearing, waterbar peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches. SHAWANGUNK RIDGE TRAIL pose: I am out here for the next genera- construction, trail-blazing, and conglom- We’ll stain Rail Trail bridges and do This trail is the most threatened of all our tion, to pass on my enthusiasm for the erate cairn construction. On the other other work for our friends at the Mohonk trails. Two major developments are pro- appreciation of Nature, no matter which hand, our blistered hands had produced a Preserve. Above all, we’ll revel in the posed directly on top of the Shawangunk elements she chooses to unleash upon the tidy, well-maintained trail, and our recre- knowledge that hundreds of hikers pass- Ridge. In Mamakating, just north of Route puny human trespassers she finds at her ational excursions, exploring the gorgeous ing through the wilderness of the Gar- 17, an eight-story resort/gambling casino mercy. I can’t imagine a life lived with- lakes and summits of the Shawangunks, den and Empire States will notice and complex with up to 300 homes and shops out the intimacy of the outdoors. were a welcome respite. It was not until respect the work that has been done by is proposed. Near Route 84 in Greenville, Nine years ago, the roles were re- our efforts were highlighted by the unex- many dedicated Trail Conference crews 1,500 condominiums are proposed for the versed. I was the young, impressionable pected presentation of the 1992 Next Gen- to enhance the accessibility of the out- top of the ridge around four small ridge youth. It was my camp counselors, Matt eration Award that I realized what signifi- doors. Indeed, wanderers will wonder, lakes. New high-end homes and subdivi- and Mark, who introduced my peers and cance the work of trail preservation holds “whose woods these are?” We think we sions continue to appear on the Orange me to their passion for the outdoor life. for so many people. know. County side of the ridge. We are working with other groups and local citizens to fight ated an incredible new state park that ex- area. It is home to the timber rattlesnake, both of these proposals and are encourag- SCHUNEMUNK pands recreational opportunities in the a protected species. From its open ing the developers to sell to the DEC. To continued from page 1 Hudson Highlands and continues our ef- ridgeline, a hiker can see the Catskill High work for protection of the ridge, the Con- forts to protect the best of our Peaks, the Shawangunks, the Hudson ference is taking the lead in forming a new outdoor heritage.” coalition, the Shawangunk Greenway Highlands, and the Hudson River valley. Neil Woodworth, Coun- Partnership, whose goal will be to advo- Schunemunk also serves as the natu- sel to the New York-New Jer- cate for the creation of a protected corri- ral backdrop for the Storm King Art Cen- sey Trails Conference and the dor along the entire 35 miles of the ter, a leading sculpture park and museum Adirondack Mountain Club Shawangunk Ridge, from Minnewaska/ with a collection of 230 sculptures featur- and long-time advocate for this Mohonk to High Point State Park in New ing the work of many famous artists. The state acquisition, also spoke at Jersey. center has been an important partner in the event. “Schunemunk We are working with the Trust for efforts to preserve the mountain’s natural Mountain is the jewel of the Public Land to close five gaps along the environment. Hudson Highlands,” ridge: at Roosa Gap; at Route 17 near The soon-to-be state park includes Neil Zimmerman, Neil Woodworth, Stella Green, Woodworth said. “The state’s Wurtsboro; south of the Basha Kill; through lands that lie on the northern section of Gary Haugland and John Myers with Governor purchase of this wild and un- Deerpark and Mount Hope; and in the ridge. Acquisition of the southern por- Pataki after the announcement. spoiled mountain forever pre- Greenville near High Point. tion of the eight-mile ridge, still in private serves its breathtaking views, In the future we hope to look back ownership, will continue to be a major to the public after the state formally closes unique geology, and beautiful trails for gen- and see protected corridors along all of priority for the Trail Conference and ADK. on the property. As of press time, a time- erations of hikers.” our trails. Good planning and zoning by “It is clear that the Governor and OPRHP table for acquisition was still to be deter- With an elevation of nearly 1,700 feet the towns would blend well designed de- Commissioner Bernadette Castro share mined. and extending more than eight miles, that vision,” says Woodworth. “We are velopments as buffers to the trail corridor. “Acquiring the Schunemunk Moun- Schunemunk Mountain forms the western Overall we would leave a great legacy making headway on those parcels. Wood- tain Ridge is a true milestone in New York boundary of the Hudson Highlands. The cock Hill to the southwest of the moun- for future generations—continuous public State’s long and proud history of environ- mountain is covered by deciduous hard- greenways along all our trails, so they can tain is also well worth preserving, and the mental conservation,” Governor Pataki woods, scrub and pitch pine, an under- Trail Conference and ADK support the be enjoyable hiking experiences for gen- said in remarks at the announcement story of blueberry, and one of the most purchase of that mountain as well.” erations to come. event. “By working together, we have cre- extensive stands of mountain laurel in the

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2001 7 You can also order at our web site: www.nynjtc.org

Be Prepared! Give a Gift! Email News and Tips from the TC Technology Chair Hikers’ Market Place Email is a valuable and cost-effective there are a large number of “free” email tool for the Trail Conference, as the one- providers. They are free in the sense that third of our members who have given us you don’t pay any money, but you do have NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW their email addresses know. Once a to put up with some advertising while you month, or less, these members learn of read or send mail. When you sign up for Please order by circling price events or action alerts via an email from one of these accounts, read all the fine print Retail Member P/H Total the Conference. Members’ email addresses and watch for little check boxes that al- Official Conference Maps are used only for communicating in a low you to opt out of receiving a lot of NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2001) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______timely fashion about subjects of interest Sterling Forest Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______advertising email. Perhaps the best known Harriman-Bear Mtn. Trails (1995, rev. 1999) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______to our members. We do not give out or of the free email accounts are at East Hudson Trails (1997, rev. 2000) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______sell email addresses to anyone. www.yahoo.com or www.hotmail.com West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______The Trail Conference benefits from (Microsoft). For a more hiking flavored Catskill Trails (1998) & see combo $13.95 $10.45 +$1.10 ______email by saving a lot of money on post- email address try www.backpacker.com Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.75 +$1.10 ______age. (Backpacker magazine—click on Commu- Shawangunk Trails (2000) & see combo $9.95 $7.75 +.95 ______If you don’t currently have an email nity tab to sign up). South Taconic Trails (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.75 +.65 ______address, there are several options for get- What would you like to hear about North Jersey Trails (1998) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______ting one. If you already have a computer, via email from the Conference? Tell us at Hudson Palisades (1991) $5.95 $4.75 +.80 ______adding email capability is easy. The pro- [email protected]. We are considering the grams needed to get started most likely possibility of a formal, regular email pub- Books came with your computer. If you don’t lication—anyone want to volunteer to be Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks have a computer, most public libraries Book One: The Northern Catskills $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______the editor? Book Two: The Central Catskills $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______make Internet access available to their —Walt Daniels Scenes & Walks in the Northern patrons (and sometimes to the general Shawangunks (1999) & see combo $10.95 $8.75 +$1.75 ______public). Once you have Internet access Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks (1999) Hardcover $17.95 $14.50 +$3.00 ______New York Walk Book (1998) & see combo $19.95 $15.95 +$3.00 ______New Jersey Walk Book (1998) & see combo $15.95 $12.75 +$3.00 ______Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996) $8.95 $7.15 +$1.75 ______Health Hints for Hikers (1996) $5.95 $4.75 +$1.75 ______Doodletown-Hiking Through History in a Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $13.55 +$3.00 ______Circuit Hikes in No. Jersey (1995, repr. 1998) $9.95 $7.95 +$1.75 ______Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (1996) $9.95 $7.95 +$1.75 ______Nature Walks in New Jersey (1998) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Hudson River Valley (1992) $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______Best Hikes w/ Children - New Jersey (1992) $12.95 $10.35 +$1.75 ______A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (1998) w/ 6 maps $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks $14.95 $11.95 +$1.75 ______50 Hikes in the Hudson Valley $14.00 $11.20 +$1.75 ______

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) (2000) $17.90 $13.95 +$2.50 ______

The Personal Touch Baseball Cap $12.95 $10.50 +$1.50 ______Long-sleeve Denim Work Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.95 $23.60 +$3.95 ______NY-NJTC T-Shirt Circle: L XL $13.95 na +$2.50 ______Alpine Adventure Trails Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.25 +$1.25 ______TOURS Conference Logo Patch $2.50 na postpaid ______Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 na postpaid ______24th year in the Swiss Alps Conference Logo Decal $.85 na postpaid ______Optional length day hiking - Subtotal Two guides per tour allow you to choose a moderate or Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS (for non-clothing items) more strenuous hike each day - basing weekly in charming New Jersey Residents add 6% tax* mountain villages. TOTAL ENCLOSED $ Please call for a free color brochure - NAME Toll-free 888-478-4004 ADDRESS Alpine Adventure Trails Tours, Inc. CITY STATE ZIP 7495 Lower Thomaston Road Send to NY-NJ Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full Macon, GA 31220 descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348 anytime. www.swisshiking.com *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you! www.windham-area.com/hilltopacres.htm

8 MAY/JUNE 2001 TRAIL WALKER CONTRIBUTIONS DONORS I N M E M O R I A M Jill Avney, Susan Bagnoli, Mary and Raymond Balkonis, Bryce Bastian, William Beehler, Paul Bell, Edna and Lazlo Berkovits, Nancy and Tom Berner, Michael Blasenheim, James Boddor, Kenneth Bohne, Chris Bosco, David Boyum, Suzanne and Christopher Bujara, James Burns, Ledge Clayton, Stephen Codd, Richard Cohn, Josephine and Robert Conger, Michael Cranmer, Barbara Darlin, Wanda Davenport, Ted Dillenkofer, Ilse Dunham, Fran Dunwell, Melissa and Daniel Eagan, Ann LEON R. GREENMAN Adolph W. Forst and the and Frank Endress, Frances Fanger, Danielle and James Fitch, Judy and Robert Foester, Lynne Forest, Jakob Franke, Ronald Fried, Beate Fuller, Janet and Raner Gehres, Frank Gemeinhardt, Evelyn Conference members were surprised and Trail Conference: Hoyer, James Gilmore, Sibyl Golden, Lester Goldstein, Joan Grossner, Robert Grady, Francoise and saddened to learn in February that Leon A Mutual Remembrance Martin Graf, Martha Griffin, Eric Hallander, Ardyce Haring, Charles Heuer, Maria Himber, Sheldon R. Greenman passed away on August 17, Himber, Michael Hirschhorn, David Hoffenberg, James Hyson, Peter Johnson, Robert A. Jordan, Jr., One snowy day this winter, the Trail Albert Kent, Jo and Frederick Kies, Ellen Kirch, Ann and Stephan Klepner, Cecelia and Bruce Kaduk, 2000. Born 1917, in New York City, where Virginia and Dave Kuhnert, Peggy LaBelle, Henrietta and Arnold Lang, Jeffrey LaJava, Gladys he lived all of his life, he became an Eagle Conference received a bequest from the Lawerence, Drew Lehman, Norman Levin, Paula and Irwin Levine, Laurie and Lauron Lewis, Ruth Scout and remained active with the Boy estate of Adolph W. Forst, Old Tappan, Livant, James Lovett, Diana and David Marlinski, Robert Marshall, Jimena Martinez, Bill Menke, NJ, in memory of his beloved wife Jory Miller, Jeanne and Walter Millman, Thomas Moorhead, Wes Natzle, Marjorie Navidi, Cary Scouts. He operated the Down-East camp- Blosser, Carmen Negron, Jeanne and Doug O’Connor, David Ofshinsky, Will Ortiz, Mary and Cas ing and map store in lower Manhattan, Carmen. Patrick, Stephen Paylor, Bruce Pearce, Janine and Leopold Perazio, Georgeann and William Pettenger, where many hikers knew to take their A gentle, intelligent man, Adolph Frederick Pinkney, Helene and Charles Potter, Elenor and Charles Quadri, Wanda Quintana, Charles came to this country from Austria as a Reinbold, Sandra and Steven Richman, Peter and Dorothy Rinaldo, Ruth Robinson, Sal Rodriguez, boots, tents, and parkas for reliable re- John Rowan, J. Rudder of Rudder Realty Corp., Jane and Chris Sawyer, Patricia M. Scott, Robert pair. In 1975, he co-wrote with others the young boy shortly after the first World Seelenfreund, Al Shehadi, Jonathan Silver, Dr. Lester D. Simon, Corinne and Michael Slade, Josephine 440 page Guide to the Catskills With Trail War and volunteered in the U.S. Army Sommese, Margaret Starmer, Sally Strachan, Nancy Sweet, Betty Tabor, Peter Tilgner, Martin Treat, during the second World War. Later in Diana Trebbi, William Underwood, Christie VanKehrberg, Carol Vericker, Geoffrey Vincent, Nancy Guide And Maps. He was a member of and Ed Wallace, Janell and Terence Wassum, Paul Wilder, Lois and Michael Williams, Mary Wilner, the Explorer’s Club, the Catskill 3500 club, life he took art classes and began a new Cynthia and Arthur Wohlers, Judith and Yako Yafet, Jerold Yale, Joan and William Yeaton, Carolyn AMC, ADK, the New York Ramblers, and career as an accomplished painter, Zangara, William Zipf. the Trail Conference. In the 1970s, Leon carver, and photographer. Adolph and STONY KILL DONORS acquired the Walking News business that his wife Carmen cherished their many George Glatz, Mark Sturman, Eleanor Townsend. Bill Hoeferlin started. He reprinted a num- happy hours hiking in the Pawling, NY, ber of books that were classics to hikers, area particularly on the Appalachian MEMORIAL DONATIONS including the William Thompson Howell Trail. Choosing to be forever close to In Memory of Mrs. Shirley Rosen, wife of Dr. Albert Rosen: The Student Council of Albany Medical College, Dr. Sally Cohen, Dr. Stephen Cohen, Ronald Fecher, Holly and Alan Fox, Evelyn and diaries. He is survived by his sister Selma their beloved hiking trails, they were Gustav Friedman, Frances and Donald Gass, John Hatfield, Dr. Sylvan Hershey, John Kleiner, Feuerstein of Franklin Square, NY. Much buried in Pawling, NY; Carmen in 1973 Elizabeth Kolbert, Doris Lommel, Ruth and Frances Lupicki, Maple Avenue Pediatrics, P.A., Lila and hiking memorabilia that remained in his and Adolph, at 87 years of age, in No- Joachim Oppenheimer, Florence and Herbert Rosenthal, Carol and Gerald Russo, Joseph Scorese, Marguerite Shore, Herbert Shulman, Elise Siegel, Mary and David Sive, Naomi and David Sutter, estate has been donated to the Trail Con- vember 2000. Donald Russell Sweet, Valley Hospital Neonatology, Valley Pediatric Associates, P.A., Lynne and ference archives. Interestingly, it was 1989, long af- Daniel Van Engel, Linda and Robert Waxman, Eileen and Cyrus Whitney, Amy Wolf. ter his wife’s passing, that Adolph learned In Memory of Edward Greenstein: Engineering Department of NetGenesis. of the Trail Conference’s work. He be- JERRY SILVERSTEIN came a Trail Conference member that Donations of Archival Papers and Books: Arthur G. Adams Jerry Silverstein, a longtime member of year and ultimately included us in his MATCHING GIFTS the New York Ramblers, passed away this generous bequest. These funds are now CNA Foundation, Pfizer Foundation, TransAmerica Foundation, United Way of New York City, spring. He served as the Ramblers presi- in the Outdoor Fund dedicated to ex- dent for most of the 1950s and continued panding hiking opportunities in the re- his involvement with the club after that gion. (See article on Preservation of Long by selecting poems that always appeared Distance Trails on page 1 for more about with the club schedule. He is remembered how the Outdoor Fund is being used to Got a Match? by club members for the appropriateness expand trail lands.) of his selections and the wide range of It is awe inspiring that Adolph had As hikers, we’re sometimes looking for a match to light our campfire or (in sources from which he drew his choices. the forethought to ensure that he and his today’s high-tech society) the butane/propane stove. We at the New York-New wife’s passion for hiking would have such Jersey Trail Conference are also looking for matches to “stoke” our fires. We are an enduring impact. You, too, can help looking for the corporate match—the corporate gift that matches your gift. JAMES BARRY us continue building new trails for new Ask the company where you work if it will match your gift to the New Members of the Outdoors Club, New York generations of hikers by naming the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Your company’s matching gift can give us Hiking Club, and Urban Trail Club were York-New Jersey Trail Conference in more “fuel” for future trail building and protection. saddened to learn of the death last year of your will. Such a bequest is a wonderful James Barry, a beloved hike leader for way to support trail work far beyond many years. A memorial hike for James your lifetime. For confidential informa- will be held Sunday, May 20 (See Hikers’ tion and legal language, contact the Trail Almanac for details). Conference at 201-512-9348, or by email: [email protected], and someone will contact you. STEVE STERN Steve Stern died on March 4, 2001. Hik- ers cherish the memory of Steve’s trips to Change of Address Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory in If you are moving or have recently changed New Jersey, to Flat Rock Brook Nature your address, please provide the informa- Center, Bartlett Arboretum, and other des- tion requested below to the Trail Confer- tinations. He will always be with us, thanks ence office in order to ensure that you con- to these memories and in our wishes for tinue to receive your Trail Walker and other more. A memorial hike for Steve is sched- important mail. Mail to: NY-NJ Trail Con- uled for Sunday, July 15, and is sponsored ference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, by Outdoors Club and Urban Trail Club. Mahwah, NJ 07430. Name For exclusive trekking, climbing and Old Address (including street, city, state, other adventure sports in Indian and ZIP) and old phone (day and evening) Himalaya New Address (including street, city, state, Discovery Adventures and ZIP) and old phone (day and evening) Visit www.discoveryadventures.com Email 201-798-7307

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2001 9 HIKERS’ BOOKSHELF

Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to Denning Lean-To. Since it was replaced the High Peaks with a new lean-to higher up the moun- Book Two: The Central Catskills tain well before the book was published, OIN Edward G. Henry there’s no reason this should still be in J Black Dome Press Corporation, 2000. there. Like its predecessor, this volume is Reviewed by Daniel Case sized to fit handily within a pack pocket. THE PEOPLE If all hikers hiked the same way, there The layout designers smartly put the page would be a need for only one guidebook numbers in easy-to-spot black semicircles for any region. But they don’t, and com- along the sides, along with the chapter peting guidebooks often aim at different titles, so one can flip through it quickly WHO BUILD types of hikers. Ed Henry, a former Catskill for the desired chapter, a good idea other forest ranger, writes in a way best suited guidebooks should replicate. to the casual yet committed hiker, as in- This trail-ready design is an odd con- THE TRAILS! terested in what he or she is passing trast with the style of the guidebook it- through as in the trip’s ultimate goal. self, which will frustrate the hiker who Eschewing a dry 0.1-mile-by-mile keeps a close eye on the pedometer. How- account of highlights and landmarks, ever, if you prepare for hikes by reading 1,300 miles Henry opts instead for the looser narra- about them, or want the accumulated tive style, his trail descriptions comple- knowledge of a veteran forest ranger of hiking trails mented by generous offerings of informa- while traipsing through the woods, tion on the forest, animals, geology, and Henry will satisfy you. are waiting for you... history of the land at hand (or is that foot?). MICHAEL WARREN Every high peak in Ulster County, save Books Recently Received in ...thanks to the volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Join privately owned Graham, is covered in the TC Library Include: and help support the organized volunteer work of building and maintaining foot this volume. Also dealt with are popular Winter Trails: New York trails. Get discounts on maps and guidebooks, a subscription the TRAIL hikes on lower peaks like Tremper, Over- WALKER, and learn to do trail work. Add your voice to the thousands of hikers look, and Dry Brook Ridge, and a drive Joanna and Ron Farra, Globe Pequot in our region! around Ashokan Reservoir. Press, 2001 Welcome additions in this volume are Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to I want to join the NY-NJ Trail Conference in the category indicated: full-length chapters for the trailless peaks, the High Peaks which in the first volume rated a mere Book Two: The Central Catskills Individual Joint/Family appendix. In fact, to my knowledge, Edward G. Henry, Black Dome Press, Regular $21 $26 Henry’s is the first guidebook to tackle the 2000 Sponsor $45 $50 infamous bushwhack across the four peaks Benefactor $95 $100 Not Without Peril. 150 Years of Mis- Student $15 $20 between Table and Cornell mountains, adventure on the Presidential Range Limited Income $15 $20 without a doubt the most difficult route in of New Hampshire Life $400 $600* the book Nicholas Howe, AMC Books, 2001 * two adults at same address The notoriously thick patches of bal- (Paperback) sam fir and red spruce along this ridge The Catskill Forest: A History have led to some truly memorable trip NAME Michael Kudish, Purple Mountain reports in the past. Henry conveys their Press, 2000 ADDRESS flavor without too many of the usual cli- Basic Essentials: Snowshoeing CITY STATE ZIP ches; his impressionistic style renders it as “Glimpses of beauty and thoughts of glory Phil Savignano, Globe Pequot Press, DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE lose context among the hostile vegeta- 2001

E-MAIL tion.” I also got a chuckle out of “Ele- Wanderlust: A History of Walking ments of the spruce-fir forest play a large Rebecca Solnit, Viking, Penguin, 2000 Check one: new member renewal role in the off-trail wilderness experi- A Fine Kind of Madness. Mountain ence”—a wonderfully dry understatement. Adventures Tall and True Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail Henry adds to this a visit to Cornell’s Laura and Guy Waterman, The Moun- to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. 3,655-foot summit, which he christens taineers Books, 2000 Tax-deductible except for $4.00 “Dink Mountain,” and finds its view re- deems the whole experience of Lone, Rocky, Balsam Cap, and Friday. Inevitably, a few small errors crop up. He describes Slide as the first 4,000-foot peak in the Appalachians north of Virginia’s Old Stony Man. Not only can I not find any reference to such a mountain on the Topozone Web site, even if there is, West Virginia has 4,000-foot peaks to the north of any mountains in its neighboring state. Most significantly, his route up Table Mountain mentions the now-demolished

10 MAY/JUNE 2001 TRAIL WALKER information call 845-246-4590. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties, 8 AM. Moderate hike of 6.5 miles. Inclement weather date is following Monday. Upcoming Outings HIKERS’ ALMANAC TUESDAY, JUNE 19 FVTW. Palisades Circular. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. for Families Meet: 10 AM at State Line Lookout. 7-10 miles in a wilderness in view of NYC. 500 ft. cliffs down to the river. SATURDAY, MAY 12 Harriman State Park. An easy pace over moderate terrain . Desti- THURSDAY, JUNE 21 nation: a lake or mountaintop or both. Distance: 4 miles. Sponsored continued from back page MONDAY, JUNE 11 FVTW. Schunemunk Mountain. Leaders: Charles & Anita Kientzler, 973- by ADK North Jersey, New York, and Knickerbocker chapters. 835-1060. Meet: 10 AM at Taylor Rd. parking lot. 7-10 miles with great TUESDAY, JUNE 5 RVW. Harriman State Park. Leader: For more information call 845- Contact leader Emily Tourin Crowell for info: 973-478-1548 (before 246-1823. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., views of the Gunks and Hudson Highlands; we may explore the Megaliths. 8:30 p.m.) FVTW. High Mountain Preserve, Wayne. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973-239- Saugerties, 8 AM. Moderate hike of 5 mi. Inclement weather date is Strenuous because of the climbing. 0766. Meet: 10 AM at Paterson Univ. parking lot #6, uppermost level. 6- following Mon. SUNDAY, JUNE 3 7 miles using new trails to climb to a 885 ft. peak with unsurpassed views SATURDAY, JUNE 23 of the Passaic Valley and NYC skyline. Return on steep and rocky trail; Harriman exploration. Depending on the weather and the bugs, a UCHC. South Mountain Reservation Ramble. Leader: Don Meserlian, sturdy boots recommended. TUESDAY, JUNE 12 walk near Little Long Pond/Hogencamp Mountain. The pace will be FVTW. Mahlon Dickerson Circular. Leaders: Jim & Theresa McKay, 973-228-2258). Meet: 10 AM at Tulip Springs parking lot, Brookside Ave., easy over 4 miles of moderate terrain. Sponsored by ADK North Millburn. THURSDAY, JUNE 7 973-538-0756. Meet: 10 AM at Saffin Rock-Rill parking lot (#3/Water Jersey, New York, and Knickerbocker chapters. Contact leader Treatment Plant). 7-8 miles mostly in southern section of the park. MJO. Appalachian Trail – PA. Leader: Lanny Wexler, 516-938-5721; call Emily Tourin Crowell for info: 973-478-1548 (before 8:30 p.m.) FVTW. Wyanokie Circular, Ringwood. Leader: Mary Dell Morrison, 908- 7 - 10 PM. Meet: Call leader by Thur., 6/21. Moderately strenuous 9-mile 684-1173. Meet: 10 AM at Weis Ecology Center. 7-10 mile circular hike WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 hike on the AT in some of the most scenic sections in PA. Visit the legend- MAY 26, 27, 28 including Chickahokie Falls and Otter Hole. ary Devil’s Pulpit, Lehigh Furnace Gap and Bake Oven Knob. Hiking boots FVTW. Flat Rock Nature Preserve, Bergen Co. Leader: Len Rothstein, Minnewaska State Park. Nature Center Opening Weekend. Join ADK–NJ. Thursdays in the Woods: A weekly walk. Leader: Call before and 2 quarts of water a must. No public transportation available. Exces- 201-363-4851. Meet: 10 AM at preserve. 5 miles in a beautiful wood the park’s educators each afternoon for nature walks (1 p.m. each Wed. 9 PM to register and for meeting time & place – 201-967-2937 or sive heat/humidity or steady rain cancels. $10 non-members fee. 201-358-5292. area with winding trails. day), ecology games and songs (2 p.m. each day), and other activities for children and families. Contact the park’s education office at SUNDAY, JUNE 24 THURSDAY, JUNE 14 845-255-2011 for information and to register. SATURDAY, JUNE 9 UCHC. Watchung Reservation Ramble. Leader: Call 973-746-4319 for FVTW. Horse Pond Mt. Circular. Leaders: Jim & Theresa McKay, 973- UCHC. HIKE MISSING HERE. Leader: Mary Doyle, 908-580-1778. information. Meet: 10 AM at Trailside Nature and Science Center park- 538-0756. Meet: 10 AM at Jennings Hollow (Long Pond). 8 miles to Meet: 10 AM at Jockey Hollow Visitors Center. A $4 per-person admis- ing lot on Coles Ave. where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A Harrison and Horse Pond mountains. sion is charged to those without park passes. Enjoy a brisk ramble in this moderate ramble of 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. beautiful Morristown Historic National Park (where Washington’s army SATURDAY, JUNE 16 NYHC & OUT. Long Path, Palisades to Alpine. Leader: Mike Puder, 718- camped during the brutal winter of 1779). Steady rain cancels. 743-0920. Meet: inside George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal; call RVW. Eagle Mountain (3600'). Leader: For more information call 845- ADK–R. Hook Mountain/Hudson Traverse. 5 miles. Call leader: 845- leader during the week of the hike for meeting time. We will walk across 246-4145. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., 354-0738. the George Washington Bridge and then along the Long Path to Alpine Saugerties, 8 AM. Strenuous hike of 8.4 miles. Inclement weather date UCHC. Pyramid Mountain Ramble. Leader: Clotilde Lanig, 732-549- and return by bus. is following Saturday. 4977). Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center parking lot. OUT. Upper Nyack to Congers. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435-4994.9 miles, We will see one of the world’s wonders, Tripod Rock. Call leader if in MONDAY, JUNE 25 doubt due to inclement weather. moderate steady pace. Easy hike starting from new trail underneath RVW. Cornell (3847’) & Wittenberg (3843’) Mts. Leader: For more Hook Mountain and continuing along Hudson River,and around most of MJO. Stonykill Falls and Ellenville Ice Caves. Leader: Howard Israel, information call 845-246-7987. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, Rockland Lake through the Town of Congers. Meet 10AM at PABT near 718-639-0123; call 9-11 PM on 6/11 – 6/14 ONLY. Meet: Call leader. 87 Market St., Saugerties, 7 AM. Strenuous hike of 7 miles. Inclement commuters statue. Fare: $10.60 (seniors $5.80). Lovely waterfall; moderate amount of bushwacking and rock scram- weather date is following Monday. www.appletreeinn.homestead.com bling. Great views from High Point and Ice Cave Mt., where vast crev- Email: [email protected] ices await us. 10 miles of challenging terrain; be prepared for a long day. SUNDAY, JUNE 10 TUESDAY, JUNE 26 ADK–R. Camp Smith Shuttle. 7 miles. Call leader: 914-337-6612. Optional dinner to follow. Hiking boots a must; bring sunscreen, extra socks and a flashlight. Inclement weather may cancel. $10 non-mem- FVTW. Ramapo Mt. State Forest. Leader: Ben Sterman, 201-797-0468. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation Ramble. Leader: Dot Berreman, bers. Meet: 10 AM at 2nd parking lot. 6-7 mile tour of the lake, castle and the 908-464-9546). Meet: 10 AM at Oakdale parking lot off Cherry Lane near Cannonball Trail. View from Matapan Rock. Northfield Ave. Enjoy a moderate ramble in this lovely reservation. SUNDAY, JUNE 17 WEC. Bearfort Tower to Terrace Pond. Leader: Don Weise. Meet: Call THURSDAY, JUNE 28 Weis Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160; advance regis- UCHC. Watchung Reservation Ramble. Leader: Call 973-746-4319 for information. Meet: 10 AM at Trailside Nature & Science Ctr. parking FVTW. Anthony Wayne Circular. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201- tration and payment required ($5 non-members). 8 very strenuous miles 768-3864. Meet: 10 AM at Anthony Wayne parking lot. 7-10 miles. De- combining two favorite hikes: glacial lake, rock scrambles, rhododen- lot on Coles Ave. where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A moderate ramble of 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. pending on conditions, we can hike West, Long or Black mountains, or dron forest and views. Some of the Highlands’ best scenery. Steep perhaps all of them. terrain and fast pace. MJO. Ramapo Reservation. Leader: Richard Jobsky, 201-689-0207; call before 8 PM. Meet: 10 AM in northern NJ; call leader by Fri., 6/15. MJOMC. Trail Maintenance in Sterling Forest. Leader: Rick Levey, SATURDAY, JUNE 30 845-358-6311. Meet: Call leader by Sat., 6/9. We will give something This intermediate pace & terrain hike is about 6 miles. Includes medita- UCHC. Watchung Reservation Ramble. Leader: Call 973-746-4319 for back to the trail system by trimming bushes, clearing brush and painting tion minute. Not accessible by public transportation. Rain cancels; threat information. Meet: 10 AM at Trailside Nature and Science Center park- markers along the Allis Trail. Trail work followed by hike to a waterfall of shower does not. $10 non-members or free with guest card. ing lot on Coles Ave. where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A or scenic viewpoint. All volunteers will enjoy apres pizza and beverages moderate ramble of 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. to be provided by the club. MONDAY, JUNE 18 RVW. Alander Mt. from Mt. Washington Park HQ. Leader: For more MONDAY, JULY 2 RVW. Mt. Graylock, MA (3491’). Leader: For more information call 845-246-4590. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., C L U B C O D E S Saugerties, 8 AM. Strenuous hike of 9.3 miles. Inclement weather date is following Monday.

ADK-J Adirondack Mountain Club, North Jersey Chapter. Con- OUT The Outdoors Club. Contact: PO Box 227, Lenox Hill Station, tact: Betty Heald, 201-967-2937 NYC 10021. Free schedule on request. ADK-R Adirondack Mountain Club Ramapo. Contact: Pete Tilgner, RVW Rip Van Winkle. Contact: Robert Stinemire 845-246-4590. 201-871-3531 or [email protected] TLR Teatown Lake Reservation. Contact: 914-762-2912, ext. 16 FVTW Frost Valley Trail Walkers. Contact: Cherryll Short, 973- UCHC Union County Hiking Club. Contact: Herb Chertock, 908- 299-0212. Mon. 3 mi., Tues. 6-7 mi., Wed. 5 mi., Thurs. 7-10 mi., Fri. 464-8289. ramble up to two mi. UTC Urban Trail Club. Contact: Cap Field, 718-274-0407. MJO Mosaic Jewish Outdoor Mountain Club. Contact: 516-938- 5721. WWW/WEC Weis Wyanokie Wanderers/NJ Audubon Society’s Weis Ecology Center. Contact: Wendy Rhoades, 973-835-2160, for MSC Miramar Ski Club. Contact: Jay Schwarz, 212-673-7132. hikes and program schedule. NYHC New York Hiking Club. Contact: Halina Jensen, 212-568- WTA Westchester Trails Association. Contact: Guest schedule, 6323, or Bob Ward, 718-471-7036 (after 8 pm); $2 + SASE. Contact: Ann Cohen, 914-668-8222. Most hikers carpool NYR New York Ramblers. Contact: Anna Marynowska, 718-384- to trailhead. 2908. Hikes may be strenuous. The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations and rules 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, and flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot complete the hike or are not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. Many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, send an SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430.

TRAIL WALKER MAY/JUNE 2001 11 HIKERS’ ALMANAC

MAY SUNDAY, MAY 13 THURSDAY, MAY 24 THURSDAY, MAY 31 SATURDAY, MAY 5 UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton. Leader: Susan Jacobs, 973-402-2555. FVTW. Long Path. Leaders: Carolyn & Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: FVTW. Dater Mountain. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973-239-0766. Meet: 10 RVW. North Dome and Sherrill (3500’). Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank Meet: 10 AM at Tourne Park (second parking lot). 9:30 AM at Long Mt. Parkway parking area on Rt. 32, Woodbury. A hike AM at Johnsontown Rd. circle, Harriman. 7-10 miles, with a climb up parking lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties, 8 AM. Strenuous bushwhack of WTA. Camp Smith Trail/Anthony’s Nose. Leader: Herb Hochberg, 914- of 11+ miles on the Long Path. Dater Mt. with great views after some serious rock climbing. Lunch on 7 miles. Inclement weather date is following Saturday. For more infor- 472-3525. Meet: 9 AM at North White Plains station parking lot. 6 mod- Black Ash Mt. erate miles. Great views up, down and across the Hudson from Anthony’s FRIDAY, MAY 25 mation call: 845-246-4145. JUNE UCHC. Skyline Ramble – Oakland, NJ. Leader: Ed Fanslau, 201-652- Nose. Car shuttle. $3. NYHC. A Pinewoods Folk Music Club Weekend (Fri – Mon). Leader: 1496. Meet: 10 AM at Skyland Dr. in Oakland, NJ, where the yellow Kelvin Domovs, 973-267-2241. Meet: call NYC coordinator Marty Mahler FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Hoefferlin trail crosses the road, across from Camp Tamarack sign. A MONDAY, MAY 14 at 718-338-7929 for details. At Camp Friedman, Falls Village, CT. You can NYHC & OUT. Exchange Place to Hoboken and Beyond. Leader: Dina scenic spring ramble of 4-5 miles using the Hoefferlin trail and historic RVW. Devil’s Path (Indian Head to Plateau/Rt. 214). Call for details: hike the AT, the Mohawk Trail or walk around the lake. Rowboats and Tritsch, 212-781-8153. Meet: 10 AM at World Trade Center PATH Sta- Cannonball trail. Some rocky sections. We’ll stop at beautiful Ramapo 845-246-8616 or 246-8774. Very strenuous hike of 13.5 mi. Note: bail out swimming available. Public transportation is available to this location. tion (top of escalator). We will take the PATH train to Exchange Place Lake for a snack. Rain cancels. points will be included. Inclement weather date is following Monday. and walk along the Hudson River through Newport and Hoboken to the MJO. Mystery Moonlight Hike in the NJ Pine Barrens. Leader: Lanny SATURDAY, MAY 26 PATH Station. We can continue on to Weehauken and take the ferry Wexler, 516-938-5721. Meet: Call leader by Fri., 5/4. A nighttime hike TUESDAY, MAY 15 MSC. Memorial Day Hiking Weekend. At our lodge in Waitsfield, VT. back from Port Imperial. Rain cancels. into White’s Bog by the light of the full moon. We’ll follow white sand FVTW. Doodletown Circular. Leader: Arnie Seymour-Jones, 201-768- Call for information: 212-978-9309. roads passing through pine forest and cranberry bogs. 5-6 miles; expect 3864. Meet: 10 AM at Bear Mt. Inn. 6-7 miles. Visit the site of the former ADK – R. Black Rock Forest - Scenic Circuit. 9-10 miles. Call leader: 845- SATURDAY, JUNE 2 to get home really late. No public transportation available so carpooling town, with a tour of old cemeteries and lovely wooded areas. 359-24. NYHC. Osborne Loop. Leader: Mike Puder, 718-743-0920. Meet: Grand will be the way to go. Early dinner at Olga’s Diner. BRING A FLASH- UCHC. Hartshorne Woods Park, Middletown. Leader: Mae Deas, 908- Central Station; call leader during the week of the hike for meeting LIGHT. Rain cancels. $10 non-member fee or free with guest card. FRIDAY, MAY 18 233-6641. Meet: 10 AM at Buttermilk Valley Trailhead and parking lot on time. About 8 miles at a moderate steady pace; some climbing. UTC. High Tor. Leader: Judy Levine, 718-482-9659, evenings; no mes- NYHC & OC. East River Walk to Roosevelt Island. Leader: Dina Tritsch, Navesink Ave., off route 326. Join the leader in exploring this new (to us) MJO. Bonticou Crag. Leader: Howard Israel, 718-639-0123; call 9 - 11 sages please. Meet: Port Authority Bus Terminal at8:15, upper level 212-781-8153. Meet: 10 AM on southeast corner of 125 St. & St. Nicholas area close to the shore. Maybe afterward, a drive over the Sandy Hook PM on 5/28 – 5/31 ONLY. Meet: Call leader. One of the most spectacular (Bear Mt. Bus) to purchase one-way ticket to Mt. Ivy. Return on different Ave. We will walk along the East River from120 St. through Carl Schurz for a view of the ocean and/or a walk on the beach. views of the Gunks. Great variety of terrain; short distance but the bus. Bus leaves at 8:45.Seven miles, many hills, 200-gott climb up rocks; Park to the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Then, we ride the tramway over NYHC & OUT. Silver Lake and Clove Lake Parks in Staten Island. intensity of some of the climbs will make up for it. Not for beginners; 500-foot decline down rocks. Rain cancels. the river to walk around the island. Rain cancels. Leader: Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569. Meet: 10:15 AM at Staten Island hiking boots are a must. Inclement weather may cancel. $10 non-mem- Ferry Terminal, Manhattan. Enjoy the beautiful Staten Island parks with bers; plus $7 land use fee. SUNDAY, MAY 6 SATURDAY, MAY 19 Silver and Clove Lakes and walk past the mansions of Howard Avenue. UTC & OUT. Bronx River Parkway and Cranberry Lake Circular. Leader: ADK – R. Let’s Tickle Anthony’s Nose. 8.5 miles. Call leader: 973-838- UCHC. South Mountain Reservation Ramble. Leader: Naomi Shapiro, Sal Varbero, 718-420-9569, 8–10 pm. Meet 9:15 at Grand Central Termi- 8031. 973-762-1832 and Eck Dwyer, 908-790-0939; call before 9 PM. Meet: 10 SUNDAY, MAY 27 nal. 6 miles. Hike along the Bronx River Parkway to Kensico Dam, then UCHC. South Mountain Reservation Ramble. Leader: Joan Lepselter, AM in Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., UCHC. HIKE MISSING HERE. Leader: Call 973-746-4319 for infor- do a circular of Cranberry Lake. 908-273-4188. Meet: 10 AM Locust Grove parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. across from Millburn RR station. A brisk 5-mile ramble with steep “up” mation. Meet: 10 AM at Bramhall Terrace parking lot (on Crest Dr., .35 and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR station. A brisk ramble of at the beginning. Bring plenty of water, hiking boots and a snack for mile from the entrance on South Orange Ave. A moderate 4-mile ramble SUNDAY, JUNE 3 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. energy. Steady rain cancels. using unusual trails. UCHC. Patriot’s Path Ramble – Morristown. Leaders: Lynn Gale, 973- WEC. Return to the Megaliths. Leader: Don Weise. Meet: Call Weis NYHC. Appalachian Trail — West Mountain to Pawling. Leader: Mike WEC. Breakneck Ridge Challenge. Leader: Don Weise. Meet: Call Weis 763-7230 and Betty White. Meet: 10 AM at visitor’s center for Fosterfields Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160; advance registration Puder, 718-743-0920. Meet: Grand Central Terminal; call leader anytime Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ, at 973-835-2160; advance registration Historical Park on Kahdena Road in Morris Township. We will shuttle, and payment required ($5 non-members). 8 very strenuous miles on New during the week for meeting time. About 9 miles with a steep hill and and payment required ($7 non-members). 8 very strenuous miles – a and peek at nature as we go. Steady rain cancels. York’s nearby giant, Schunemunk Mountain. Visit the massive boulder mountainous terrain. serious, non-technical rock climb for experienced, fit hikers only. Incred- NYHC. Mount Loretto & Lemon Creek. Leaders: Steve & Bettye Soffer, crevices of the Megaliths. Views of the Hudson, Gunks and Catskills. NYHC. Ethnic Diversity and Elegance. Leaders: Marty & Judy Mahler, ible views of the Hudson and Storm King Mt. Wet conditions will modify. 718-720-1593. Take the 10:30 AM Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan NYHC. Minnewaska State Park. Leader: Bob Ward, 718-471-7036. Meet: 718-338-7929. Meet: street level Bedford Ave. Station on the L train; call WTA. Breakneck Ridge. Leader: Peter Hibbard, 914-949-9050. Meet: 9 and meet the leaders PROMPTLY at the rear of the St. George ferry Call leader after 8 PM to either offer or sign-up for rides. Option of joining leaders between 6 & 9 PM for meeting time. We will walk from Brook- AM at North White Plains station parking lot. 5-6 miles at very moderate terminal near the Staten Island Transit Ramp. MetroCards required. We us for a short 3 mile walk or a longer 6 mile walk along carriage roads lyn to Manhattan on the Williamsburg Bridge and then south in Manhat- pace. Starts with very steep climb and continues with more moderate will walk in the new state park at Mount Loretto and then go on to a City of this lovely park. tan. Return via the Brooklyn Bridge. Those who wish can eat an early ups and downs. Short trail out. Hiking boots required. Rain cancels. $3.50. park near Lemon Creek. WTA. Northern Trailway. Leader: Barry Kaplan, 914-946-2869. Meet: supper together on Montague St. MJO. Princeton and Delaware & Raritan Canal. Leader: Nestor 9:30 AM at North White Plains Station parking lot. The easiest 8 miles TEA. Overlook Trail. Leader: Joanne Landau Schwalb. Meet: 9:30 AM MONDAY, MAY 28 Danyluk, 718-364-6445. Meet: Call leader by Fri., 6/1. 8 miles; accessible in the world, almost no uphill. From Mahopac to just above Croton at Nature Center, Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY; call 914- NYHC. Kingston, NJ, to Hamilton, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, 718-435- by public transportation. Walk through the historic campus of Princeton Reservoir. $3. 762-2912 for more information. 3.5 miles through Hidden Valley to Over- 4994. Meet: 9:30 AM at Port Authority Bus Terminal. Take a scenic walk en route to the Canal. Follow canal past lakes to Kingston, NJ. Early look Trail; scenic views, meadows and ravines. Limited to 20. along the Delaware and Raritan Canal; see a portion of the canal where dinner after the walk if conditions permit. Rain cancels. $10 non-mem- THURSDAY, MAY 10 hikers rarely go. ber fee or free with guest card. FVTW. Storm King Mt. (Alternate: Black Rock Forest). Leader: Arnie SUNDAY, MAY 20 Seymour-Jones, 201-768-3864. Meet: 10 AM at second parking lot at UCHC. Watchung Reservation Ramble. Leader: Joan Lepselter, 908- TUESDAY, MAY 29 MONDAY, JUNE 4 right, 3.5 miles past West Point back gate at Routes 218 & 293. 7-10 273-4188. Meet: 10 AM at Trailside Nature and Science Center parking FVTW. Sunfish Pond. Leader: Joe Brownlee, 973-635-1171. Meet: 10 RVW. Table (3843’) and Peekamoose (3847’). Leader: For more infor- miles; a lot of climbing (over 1,200 feet). lot on Coles Ave. where it intersects with New Providence Rd. A brisk AM at Douglas parking lot, Delaware Water Gap (last exit on Rt. 80 mation call 845-246-8546. Meet: Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 ADK – NJ. Thursdays in the Woods: A weekly walk. Leader: Call ramble of 4-5 miles. Steady rain cancels. before toll, right on Old Mine Rd., 4 miles to lot on left). 6-7 miles including Market St., Saugerties, 8 AM. Strenuous hike of 8.6 miles. Inclement before Wed. 9 PM to register and for meeting time & place – 201-967- NYR. Long Valley to Gladstone. Leader: Call Michael Polymenakos for a nice climb to lunch overlooking Sunfish Pond. Steady rain cancels. weather date is following Monday. 2937 or 201-358-5292. info, 718-726-6186. Meet: 7:25 AM at Penn Station; NJ Transit ticket continued on page 11 windows. SATURDAY, MAY 12 MJO. Greenwood Lake. Leader: Herb Gecht, 718-743-5825; call 7:00 - ADK – R. Tuxedo - Mount Ivy - White Bar. 6 miles. Call leader: 845-634- 9:45 PM on 5/14 - 5/17 ONLY. Meet: Call leader. 8-mile moderately 7635. strenuous hike along the Appalachian Trail to Prospect Rock. Scenic TRAIL ALKER UCHC. Turkey Mountain, Montville. Leader: Peter Wolff, 973-239- views of Greenwood Lake. Accessible by public transportation. Rain W THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE 0788. Meet: 10 AM at Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center. This will be an cancels. $10 non-member fee or free with guest card. interesting and not very strenuous loop including a waterfall and some UTC: James Barry Memorial Walk. Leader: Rolande Chapeau, George Volume XXVIII, Number 3 ISSN 0749-1352 May/June 2001 great views. Last time we saw several wild turkeys. Glatz (NYHC, 212-533-9457, 8–10 am) Sal Verberro (OC, 718-420-9569, NYHC & OC. Pawling Nature Preserve. Leader: Mike Puder, 718-743- 8–10 pm). Meet 10:30 am in front of the PATH train booth at the World 0920. Meet: Grand Central Terminal; call anytime during the week for Trade Center. 3–6 miles, flat, easy pace to some of James Barry’s favor- meeting time. See great views, quiet ponds, and bubbling brooks in ite places. Heavy rain cancels. Rain date May 27. relatively unspoiled Dutchess County. WTA. Undercliff Trail, Cold Spring. Leader: Ellie Carren, 914-591-7038. MONDAY, MAY 21 Meet: 9:15 AM at North White Plains station parking lot. 6 miles, mod- RVW. Balsam Lake Mt. and (optional) Graham Mt. (3500’). Meet: erate to strenuous. Head toward Mt. Taurus, but turn off onto yellow Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties, 8 AM. trail. Climbing at start but level on the way back. Spectacular Hudson Moderate+ hike of 6 miles including bushwhack of Graham Mt. Inclem- River views. $4. ent weather date is following Monday. For more information call: 845- UTC. Jamaica Bay to Fort Tilden. Leader: Judy Levine, 718-482-9659, 846-4145 or 246-7616. after 9 pm; no messages. Meet: 10 am at Broad Channel train station, upper level; “A” train going to Rockaway. Walk through nature preserve, TUESDAY, MAY 22 then through quaint streets of Broad Channel over to Rockaway Beach, FVTW. Sandy Hook Ramble. Leader: Mickey Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: on to beach walk. 10 AM at Lot D directly before Spermaceti Visitors’ Center. 6 miles. Walk up the beach at low tide and back along the bay.

printed on recycled paper