RAILWALKER TNEW YORK/NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE — MAINTAINING 1,669 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS JULY/AUGUST 2006 In this issue: Hikers + ATVers = Progress...pg 5 • Trail Gardeners Wanted...pg 5 • How to Lead a Hike...pg 9 • Cool Spot for a Hot Day...pg 10 LONG PATH REACHES 75YEARS&347MILES Seventy-five years ago, Vincent J. Schaefer, a 25-year-old cofounder and hike leader of the Mohawk Valley Hiking Club in upstate New York, had a big idea: an unblazed north-south walking route in ness paths, woods roads, and paved walks. New York linking downstate urban areas to It included urban, suburban, rural, and the Adirondack High Peaks. “In 1931, my wild areas. It crossed public lands and pri- Dad drew the route on topo maps,” recalls vate property. And it wasn’t long before it his son Jim. “His original idea was to start at was vulnerable to the forces that threaten it Bear Mountain and include high lands that today: development, traffic, and loss of more or less paralleled the Hudson River. He rights-of-way. included the Shawangunks, the Catskills, the The economic boom that followed the Helderbergs, and the eastern Adirondacks to end of World War II began to transform the top of Whiteface Mountain.” the New York landscape. Forests and farms Schaefer brought his idea to other hike became residential subdivisions; once quiet leaders, including Raymond Torrey, a country lanes whizzed with traffic. Though cofounder of the New York/New Jersey the uncertainty of an unmarked trail Trail Conference. Torrey wrote a hiking appealed to Schaefer’s explorer sensibility, G N O H C N

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T D O D H O P T LP views include (left to right): cityscapes (George Washington Bridge), column in the New York Post (“The Long the biggest uncertainty in the years since farmland (Vroman’s Nose near Albany), and mountain streams (Kaaterskill Falls). Brown Path”) and in 1933 he began World War II has been the very possibility including descriptions of hikes along of walking a long-distance route through Schaefer’s route, which came to be called New York backcountry or rural areas, original settlers’ ships, in their livestock the Long Path. blazed or unblazed. HIKERS TRACK fodder, and as medicinal plants which sub- Still, the idea has proved inspirational to TRAIL INVASIVES sequently moved west with the pioneers, An Ever Changing Route a few dedicated individuals. In 1960 continued on page 7 The New York Walk Book describes the Robert Jessen of the Ramapo Ramblers and Long Path (LP) as “a living trail system, one Michael Warren of New York City urged Why We Monitor whose size and shape are ever changing.” its revival and began to lay out a formal Invasive Plants Which is probably why it’s sometimes path. The concept of the trail had by this By Anne Todd Osborn hard to get a handle on it. point evolved into a fully cleared and To begin with, “ever changing” was a blazed footpath. Two flurries of trail-build- “Strider” hiked the Appalachian Trail from characteristic that appealed to Schaefer. ing occurred in the 1980s and ’90s, first in Maine to Georgia beginning just days after Unlike the cleared and blazed paths of the Catskills, and the second further north, college graduation. It’s a great way to “See the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail in in Schoharie and Albany counties, where America First” and a good way to get in Vermont from which he took inspira- the Long Path North Hiking Club was shape for the Peace Corps. Noticing plants tion, Schaefer envisioned the Long Path formed. Its members built and maintain along the way that were known to be a nui- as a three- to ten-mile wide corridor continued on page 8 sance in her home state of New Jersey, she defined around a series of landmarks— wondered how they had spread to Maine “geologic, historic or culturally and other remote sections of the famous trail. interesting sites he selected every few National Trails Day Photos Her mother, a landscape designer, miles,” says Jim. Hikers would navigate Turn to page 3 explained that many old world plants came Kudzu of the North to the landmarks, which might be on pri- to North America in the ballast soils of the Please turn to page 7. vate land as well as public, using topographic maps and compass. Schaefer VOLUME XXXIII, NUMBER 4 ISSN 0749-1352 PERMIT #970-100 would later write that he wanted hikers to “enjoy the sense of uncertainty, explo- ration, and achievement that reaches its highest level when the individual is dependent on the use of compass, marked map, and woods knowledge to reach an objective.” Then, as today, the LP included wilder- RAIL ALKER T W FROM THE CHAIR VOLUME XXXIII, NO.4 JULY/AUGUST 2006 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi-monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as What and Where Is Solitude? a benefit of membership. Subscriptions are available to libraries only at $15.00 a year. People hike for different reasons—to exer- account being away from the sounds of civ- diately increased our sense of solitude as it Periodical postage paid at Mahwah, N.J., and cise, to be outdoors, to explore nature, to ilization, such as road noise. drowned out the sounds from the nearby additional offices. Postmaster: Send address reach scenic views, to enjoy solitude or com- The next day, this survey topic was a sub- highway, we continued our discussion. changes to the address below. Opinions expressed panionship, or any combination of those. ject of a discussion among my family as we We realized that the noises of civilization by authors do not necessarily represent the policy Although I may consider the solitude of a hiked a short, 2.4-mile stretch on the AT. felt more intrusive to our sense of solitude or position of the Conference. Contributions of typed manuscripts, photos, and drawings are hiking destination when planning a hike, I The trail, just north of the Smokies, was than did encountering people at a trailhead welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style had not thought of it as a reason to hike. or on a trail. Think of the Grand Canyon: and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. But early in May, when hiking the even with hoards of people milling around Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER Appalachian Trail in the Smokies, I was ...a stream cascading alongside at the top, there is a sense of solitude to be are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 asked to think about solitude and hiking by felt in the vast distances of open space that (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), the trail almost immediately July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 someone from the Virginia Tech School of surround one. And the Grand Canyon, (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. Forestry doing a survey on the subject. The increased our sense of solitude... like many places of natural beauty, offers issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be first questions on the survey asked me to possibilities to quickly disappear from the acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. indicate on a map where I had hiked, my crowds or avoid them altogether. For information on advertising rates, please write start and finish times, stopping points isolated, and for the first mile we saw no We live in an area where people and the or call. Copyright 2006 by: along the way, and the number of people one. As we came downhill to I-40, the noises of civilization are hard to escape. But New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. met. Subsequent questions were designed noise of truck traffic steadily increased and there are places where you can find solitude 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) to determine what constituted solitude for our feeling of solitude decreased. The con- both from people and noise. If I mention Mahwah, NJ 07430 the respondent. I was asked to rate the lev- trast was glaring and we made a couple of them, though, those refuges might disappear. 201-512-9348 el of solitude in a variety of situations. The comments about solitude to each other. e-mail: [email protected] editorial e-mail: [email protected] focus was on the number of people met After crossing under the highway, we went – Jane Daniels, Chair, Board of Directors World Wide Web: www.nynjtc.org within 15 minutes of the trailhead or near back into the woods, where we could hear an attraction. I noticed and commented on one another speak. Noticing that a stream the fact that the survey did not take into cascading alongside the trail almost imme-

NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Gertrude’s Nose Trail is completed. One such person is my grandson, who Mission Statement Thank you for getting all those officials devotes some of his free time to cleaning up The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, to look at and plan transportation connec- trails, wood roads, and unauthorized picnic founded in 1920, is a federation of member clubs tions to Schunemunk State Park—with areas in Ringwood State Park. Cars, car and individuals dedicated to providing Letters comprehensive proposed trail changes. parts, radios, washing machines, cans, bot- recreational hiking opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the Thank you for getting major blow- tles, and any other thing you can imagine hiking community. The Conference is a Kudos to our Chainsawers downs removed in these two parks and have been abandoned there. At first he volunteer-directed public service organization I am the maintainer of both the Ramapo- organizing chainsaw crews for the WHTN worked alone or with park maintenance committed to: Dunderberg and Timp-Torne trail segments Committee. And thank you for finding a men. The task was too big to make headway • Developing, building, and maintaining hiking trails. beginning at Jones Point in Harriman/Bear Trail Crew Chief. and park funds were not always available. • Protecting hiking trail lands through Mountain State Park. The many days of Thank you for working with Scenic Frank happens to be a member of a Rover support and advocacy. high winds and thawed ground this past Hudson to establish a new tail in the new auto club in Penna. The membership comes • Educating the public in the responsible winter resulted in over 100 blow-downs Franny Reese Preserve in Highland, NY. from states in the northeast. These members use of trails and the natural environment. along the Dunderberg Ridge. In addition, And, personally, thank you for your love to put their vehicles to the test on diffi- Board of Directors there was a large hole in the trail left by the administrative planning to separate Storm cult woods roads. Frank’s idea was to bring Jane Daniels Chair upended root mass of a fallen tree. About King State Park from Black Rock Forest in this enthusiasm for rough road driving and Peter Kennard Vice Chair two dozen of the blow-downs were removed terms of trail maintenance. In the former, the task of cleaning up the park together. Daniel Chazin Secretary by dragging or cutting with hand tools, but you helped reopen Storm King and The membership was all for it. However the Herb Hochberg Treasurer more than 70 large blow-downs remained. planned the orange-blazed Butter Hill Trail park saw problems. Frank and the park offi- Directors Steve Zubarik and Roland Breault, and promoted the By-Pass Trail extension. cials worked things out. It must be done at Robert Boysen John Moran members of the TC chainsaw crews, spent In the latter, you gradually but finally con- no cost to the park, and the park would set Chris Connolly Mary Smart Ellen Cronan Malcolm Spector two full days cutting out the remaining vinced Black Rock Forest to allow the the rules of the road. John Gunzler Daniel Van Engel blow-downs and beautifully filling the hole Conference to adopt all the marked trails The next thing was to spot the sites and Seth McKee in the trail. All of this work was completed there (more work for me, but the relation- coordinate the available time. That first trip Staff within two weeks from when I notified ship between BRF and NY/NJTC is was successful. Everything went as planned. Edward Goodell Executive Director them. This allowed the trail to be reblazed greatly streamlined and enhanced). You There have been five or six pick-ups since Joshua Erdsneker Operations Director and fully restored in time for spring hiking. even prompted BRF to construct a neces- that first and each time the group picks up Dennis Schvejda Advocacy Director Please join me in thanking our trail sary bridge. the trash and disposes of it. Their most Larry Wheelock Trails Director Maureen Edelson Development & crews for their wonderful work. The more I’m sure you have done more than mem- memorable trip was on February 25, 2005, Membership I see, the more I am amazed at the work ory serves. For all you have done for the two or three days after a snowstorm. The Director done by our volunteers. Conference and for the hiking community, task was to bring out and dispose of an Bill O’Hearn Conservation —Robert E. (Bob) Fuller I can only say once again, Thank You and almost intact VW Bug. The end of the sto- Director East Brunswick, NJ Congratulations! ry is that eight hours later they brought out Heidi Adami Volunteer Coordinator —John Blenninger the VW from the park and hauled it up to a Allison Werberg Cartographer/ Thank you, Larry Braun Wallkill, NY New York state junkyard. GIS Technician Dear Larry: Trails Supervisor, Black Rock Forest The young man’s name is Frank Battersby. Gary Willick Fulfillment I was sorry to hear that you resigned as He is a student at Stevens Institute of Tech- Coordinator chair of the West Hudson Trails North Editor’s Note: The following letter was nology, a member of the NY/NJ Trail Elizabeth Bleiweiss Accounting & Operations Manager Committee (WHTN) after five years of written in September 2005 but was lost in Conference, the Rover Club, and an avid Catherine Gemmell Information service to the Conference and to the hiking the mail. It tells a story worth publishing, hiker and biker. Our families are all extreme- Manager community. though almost a year late. ly proud of all his endeavors. Eddie Walsh, Jr. Trail Projects I have always admired your tenacity and —Hugh Murray Coordinator accomplishments for the Conference. You Next Great Leader Hawthorne, NJ Part-time Staff have put in thousands of hours to improve Your article “Next Great Leaders,” John Myers Land Acquisition our trail systems, and I am impressed at (July/August 2005) brought to mind the The Trail Walker welcomes letters to Director the editor. Send them via email to your achievements. many people who in their own way work to [email protected] or mail to: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a Thank you for getting things done in keep our woods, parks, and forests places volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is Minnewaska State Park after years of where we can hike or just spend a few hours Trail Walker Editor, NY/NJ Trail a federation of 100 hiking and outdoor groups, Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, and 10,000 individuals. bureaucratic delay. Relocation work on the away from it all. Mahwah, NJ 07430 2 JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER From the Executive Director would be unpaved and built to standards 3. North of Thacher State Park: There appropriate for the anticipated level of is no marked trail north to the Let’s Extend the use—hardened in more populated areas Adirondack Park. The Long Path Long Path to the and more primitive in remote areas. Wher- North Committee has proposed ever possible, overnight camping would be several corridors, but a large number Adirondacks in Time allowed to facilitate through-hiking. of acquisitions and conservation To accomplish this will require a commit- easements may be required to protect for Its Centennial ment to use all of the tools at our any one of these routes. disposal—advocacy, planning, partnerships, 4. Adirondack Forest Preserve: The Long As the Long Path land acquisition, trail design and construc- Path would most likely enter the for- marks its 75th year tion, and stewardship. Some of the most est preserve in the area of the Wilcox (see article on page 1), challenging areas that will need the concert- Lake Wild Forest where there are a it represents what ed focus of state, county, and municipal variety of woods roads that can be can be accomplished partners are: used to approach the high peaks area. when hiking enthusi- 1. Orange County: The 25 miles The Adirondack Park could be the asts energetically and between Schunemunk State Park and one place where the Long Path fulfills persistently pursue a the Shawangunk Ridge are mostly Vincent Schaffer’s original vision of a good idea over time. a road walk. As one of the fastest three- to ten-mile wide corridor It also represents the challenges of fully real- growing counties in New York, with defined by a series of landmarks. izing a continuous “wilderness” corridor spiraling development and real estate across a landscape that is increasingly con- prices, a much more unified effort Whether or not we are able to perma- strained by development. will be required to protect a continu- nently protect a recreational corridor There are 347 miles of blazed Long Path, ous corridor. spanning the length of the Hudson River essentially connecting Manhattan with 2. North of Ginseng Ridge in Greene will depend on whether we can join with Albany. This is an amazing accomplish- County: For much of the 50 miles municipal, county, and state volunteers to ment for a trail that does not have any north of Greene County and the make it happen. Remembering that a G N special federal or state protected status. Catskills to Thacher State Park young man’s vision 75 years ago has already O H C Rather, it has been stitched together over its west of Albany, the trail is located inspired the unlikely achievement of a B R tortuous course by the hard work of many, on private lands by permission. By blazed Long Path through one of the most E H led by Trail Conference volunteers, work- volunteering their lands for others to densely populated regions of the country, The Long Path is currently blazed along ing closely with local municipalities, park use, these landowners are among the I’m betting that we can. this route from Fort Lee, NJ, to Altamont, managers, and private landowners. heroes who are keeping the trail open, NY. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail, More miles of Long Path are located on but public agencies should shoulder – Ed Goodell, [email protected] connecting the AT at High Point, NJ, public lands today than ever before, but more of the burden. with Minnewaska State Park, is also shown. 117 miles are still located on private lands or roads. And with land values rising in response to development pressure, the routes across private lands are ever more NTD Crews Turn Out Despite tenuous. I believe the best way to commemorate Wet, Stormy Weather the 75th anniversary of the Long Path is to commit ourselves to completing the entire trail from Manhattan to the Adirondack high peaks in advance of its 100th anniver- sary. While 25 years may seem like an overly long time to accomplish this, there is an awful lot still to do. What would a completed Long Path look like? End-to-end, it would be, at a minimum, a 500'-wide, protected corridor that spans the entire Hudson River water- shed from the Adirondack high peaks to Manhattan by way of the Catskills. It would be an officially designated scenic trail and given protected status. It would be reserved for foot use and include side trails into local parks and trail networks. The treadway Lambert Wixson (left), John Casti (right) joined Walt Daniels at Save the Dates Breakneck Ridge Trail Harlem Valley for Fall Workshops AT relocation Venture scouts on the AT, Worthington S.F. Details to come in next issue.

October 14 (Saturday) Maintenance 101 Thacher Park trail gang Two locations this year! Port Jervis, Orange County, NY and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester County, NY

November 11, 12 (Saturday, Sunday) Clearing the Staten Trail Layout and Design Wet work at Thacher S.P. above and right. Island Greenbelt On Bear Mountain AT, above & top left National Trails Day, June 3,was a soaking wet affair in our region. Many events were cancelled. But as these Correction: photos attest, some folks were undeterred and either completed their intended missions or amended them. In the Due to a data error, the membership latter category, 12 youth and parents who prior to this year never had anything to do with trail creation or mainte- map published in the May/June Trail nance, participated in Hike + Serve Venture Crew 100’s exploration of a proposed new trail at Norvin Green State Walker (page 2) showed certain coun- Forest. Crew President Becky Gehman (age 16), thought the day’s outing was terrific despite the rain, and found ties as having zero members, when in the proposed trail and lake “just beautiful.” Ken Card did his usual excellent job of leading youth in the outdoors. fact members reside in those counties. We regret the error. Crew Advisors Judy Murphy and Bill Badinelli were responsible for this (unpictured) National Trails Day event.

TRAILWALKER JULY/AUGUST 2006 3 Trail Crew Schedules TRAIL July, August, and early September, 2006 August 26 (Saturday) NORTH JERSEY WEEKEND CREW For the latest schedules and additional Hudson Highlands Gateway Leader: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Leader: Walt Daniels NEWS details, go to nynjtc.org and click on Meet: 9 am, Peekskill Train Station Second Sunday of each month “Trail crews/Work trips.” Large gully threatening trail Trips start at 9:30 am; call for location and details TBD = To Be Determined during the week before the scheduled trip day. Tackle a variety of projects ranging from trail AT Bridge at Dunnfield Rebuilt For all trips bring work gloves, water, repair to bridge building in northern New Jersey. The AT bridge at the Dunnfield access area lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, of Worthington State Forest, recently dam- tools are provided. Contact leaders in NORTH JERSEY WEEKDAY CREW Leader: John Moran, [email protected] aged beyond repair by flood events, is being advance for meeting times and places. reconstructed by the New Jersey Dept. of Volunteers must become members of This crew will cover the NJ Ramapos, Ringwood Transportation (DOT) and should be the Conference to participate in these METRO CREW S. P., Norvin Green S. F., and NJ Palisades area. complete by the time this issue reaches the projects. A one-time “guest” participation Leaders: Its purpose is to respond quickly to immediate public. Special thanks are due to Sheree needs, rather than to schedule definite events far is allowed, so bring your friends. Joe Gindoff, 914-760-3568 Davis with the DOT, Bob Gray, Chief Lizbeth Gonzalez, 646-319-5159 in advance. If you’re interested in being on call Ranger with the National Park LONG PATH/SHAWANGUNK RIDGE CREW for this work, contact John Moran by email. Leader: Eric Meyer, Jakob Franke, Tools and gloves will be furnished, feel free to Service/Appalachian Trail Park Office, and BEAR MOUNTAIN PROJECT 201-768-3612 (eve), 212-342-0178 (day) bring your own. Mass transit and carpooling are Gene Giordano, chair of the New Jersey possible. A variety of work for a variety of skill levels: clear- ing corridor; prepping site; quarrying stone with AT Local Management Committee, who August 5 (Saturday) use of highline; moving crushed stone with cul- kept the pressure on to get this dangerous Place and time to be determined. July 8 (Saturday) Pelham Bay Park vert chute, five-gallon pails, or wheelbarrows; problem corrected. EAST HUDSON CREW The TC joins with Friends of Pelham Bay Park and building crib walls; setting rock steps; and split- Leaders: the NYC Parks Department in removing invasive ting stone. Novices are very welcome on these Breakneck Parking Dangers Walt Daniels, 914-245-1250 plants, addressing erosion and drainage issues, days. To register for any of the trips below or for more info, email: offi[email protected], go to the Hikers parking along the sides of Route 9D Michael Bongar, 914-788-0616 and removing shoreline debris along the bridle at the trailhead for the Breakneck Ridge Trail Josie Gray, 845-831-5786 trail. The NYC Parks Department will provide tools Trail Conference website at www.nynjtc.org/ MaryAnn Massey, 914-967-8774 or you can bring your own. BearMountainTrails, or call 201-512-9348. should be aware that since recent publicity Patrick McGloin, 631-223-2164 Meet: 10 am at the Bartow-Pell Mansion parking has highlighted the popularity of this trail, lot located at 895 Shore Road, Bronx. July 11(Tuesday) parking has become very limited and the use July 18 (Tuesday) If you are coming by train, be sure to let the (The Bronx Equestrian Center at Pelham Bay Park of this area is at times dangerous. On a recent leader know so that we wait for the train. has offered a $5 trail ride discount to volunteers July 25 (Tuesday) who work that day.) August 1 (Tuesday) weekend it was noted that all parking space Weekdays August 20 (Sunday) was occupied and some drivers were parking Leader: Walt Daniels Aug 5 (Saturday) August 22 (Tuesday) along the highway shoulder. One such driv- Meet: 9 am, TBD Alley Park Queens August 29 (Tuesday) er, when pulling away from the shoulder, was Work varies; in Kitchawan Preserve and Hudson Erosion control WEST JERSEY TRAIL CREW unable to see an oncoming vehicle exiting Highlands Gateway Meet: 9 am upper parking lot. Not active in July and August from the northbound lane of the tunnel, July 15 (Saturday) Aug 12, 13 (Saturday, Sunday) which resulted in a serious accident. Please be WEST HUDSON NORTH CREW Kitchawan Preserve Forest Park, Queens extra cautious when parking or walking in Not active in July and August Leader: Walt Daniels General assistance this area. Through traffic does not always Meet: 10 am Meet: 9 am, Croton Train Station WEST HUDSON SOUTH CREW slow down for pedestrians. Make alternative Restoring trails. One has a major stream crossing Not active in July and August requiring a bridge. NJ HIGHLANDS CREW plans for your hike if you cannot park safely Leader: Glenn Oleksak in the area. July 22 (Saturday) 973-283-0306, [email protected] Wilkinson Trail on Sugarloaf Mountain Catskill Bound? Note Rt. 23A Closures Leader: Josie Gray First Sunday of each month Rt. 23A between Palenville and Haines Meet: 9 am, Cold Spring Train Station Trips start at 10 am. Call, email, or check NY/NJ Waterbars TC website calendar for directions and details of Falls will be subject to periodic closures or work trip. limited traffic for most of the 2006 con- struction season as work is planned for

B many projects along the road. Alternate routes are Rt. 23 or 28. Rt. 23A through

E Learning to Use

A the Village of Hunter is also having major

R a Culvert Chute repaving, curbs, and drainage done this sea- Crews broke ground in late March on the son, so expect delays and very rough road. M relocation of the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain. As of the deadline for this issue, Repeat: No More Parking O 10 days of workshops had been held and 15 At Seven Springs Road for Schunemunk U work days completed. More than 40 volun- Some bad news is worth repeating. As we N teers have participated in the construction reported in the September/October 2005 T so far, contributing over 500 hours of issue, autos will no longer be permitted on A service to the project. Seven Springs Road, thereby ending access I

N Volunteers have built stone steps and to a trailhead parking area for the many square feet of stone crib/retaining Jessup/Highlands Trails on Schunemunk T walls. They also have set up and begun Mountain. Hikers will be allowed to walk

R using a tool new for the Trail Conference: a the road to access the trails. The aqua blazes A 287- foot-long culvert chute, used to trans- of the HT already follow the road and the I

L port crushed stone fill and surfacing from yellow blazes of the JT will soon join them.

S Perkins Drive down to the location of the There is parking along Seven Springs Road

P new trail under construction. near the intersection with Mountain Road,

R Thanks go to the Thendara Mountain the access road from Route 208. Mountain

O Club (TMC), which is offering overnight Road is busy and parking on it is not rec- housing for project volunteers at their Lake ommended. The road was closed in order J

E Tiorati Camp this summer. to end a severe problem with illegal dump- C To get involved, come out for a work trip ing at its end point. T or participate in one of the ongoing Trail

U University workshops and training events (see crew schedules above, Trails U schedule Visit Us Today! P on page 9). Contact Heidi Adami, Volun- D teer Coordinator (201-512-9348, ext. 26),

A www.NYNJTC.org or Eddie Walsh, Project Manager (201-512- T

E 9348, ext. 24), to register for an event or for A volunteer monitors the 287-foot long chute used to move material more information. to a work site on Bear Mountain.

4JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER A DVOCACY From the Advocacy Director: Dennis Schvejda &CONSERVATION Hikers & ATVers...Working Together? NJ to Spend $40 million Trail Conference and rider group find common ground For State Park Improvements Belleayre Resort to be Scaled Back? NJ Governor Jon Corzine’s budget propos- Shandaken developer Dean Gitter says he is al allocates $40 million for improvements willing to reduce the size and impact of his One word sums up the current situation The comprehensive ATV legislation to state parks, state-run historic sites, proposed Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park regarding comprehensive ATV legislation stalemate may be coming to a close. wildlife areas, forests, and marinas. In the by up to 45 percent, but he remains silent in New Jersey: stalemate. Efforts over the If the Trail past five years, no more than $16 million on specifics. Gitter’s original plan, proposed past several years to enact comprehensive Conference has been allocated for upkeep. While a more than six years ago, was for a resort on ATV legislation have failed due to the could work with great improvement, the commitment is 573 acres of a 1,960-acre parcel in the Ulster opposition of the ATV riding communi- the ATV riding seen as a down payment, since New Jersey’s County town of Shandaken and the ty, while efforts to gain access to legal community, I 39 state parks and 58 state-run historic sites Delaware County town of Middletown, ATV riding areas have been blocked by have no doubt need at least $250 million in improve- near the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. the conservation community. we would finally ments, according to state officials. The proposal called for 400 hotel rooms, Illegal ATV riding has damaged secure passage of 351 additional hotel and housing units, a almost 350,000 acres of New Jersey our “wish list” Trump Donates Land for New State Park 21-lot single family residential subdivision, parklands, threatening visitor safety and ATV legislation. Donald Trump has donated to New York and two 18-hole golf courses. disrupting recreational opportunities State two parcels totalling 436 acres along the enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of What Next? Taconic State Parkway in New York, that will NY Budget Nixes ATV Trails park visitors. It is the number one threat With your encouragement the Trail be known as the Donald J. Trump State Park. Last year, lawmakers and ATV advocates to our parks. Meanwhile, the only legal Conference would seek additional sup- Trump had eyed both parcels—the northern agreed to raising the registration fee for off-road vehicle park in the state, near port from the conservation and ATV 282 acres known as Indian Hill and the ATVs from $10 to $25 with the caveat that Chatsworth in the Pine Barrens, is sched- community to work together with the southern 154 acres known as French Hill— the money would be set aside for trail uled to close by 2008. While some of NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection for golf courses or homes. His donation development. This year, the legislature’s New Jersey’s 250,000 ATV riders head to (DEP) and the state legislature to pass means the land will remain as open space and budget agreement repeals trail develop- Pennsylvania or New York, a lack of legal comprehensive legislation that includes will eventually have trails for hiking, bird ment plans and orders the registration fees and local ATV riding areas makes our legal places to ride. Specifically, cam- watching, and other passive pursuits. be swept into the state’s general fund. parks temptations that draw more and paign components could include: It also reduces the registration fee back more ATVers. The current situation defining elements necessary for compre- NJ Highlands Coalition Forms to $10. serves neither group, and the public’s hensive ATV legislation with input from The New Jersey Highlands Coalition, an open space investment is compromised. non-governmental organizations and offshoot of the four-state Highlands Coali- NJ Governor Delays Land Funding Vote What are we to do? I believe if we are DEP; securing organizational support tion, has been formed as a separate Conservation groups have been told by the to begin to make any progress towards from conservation and ATV organiza- organization to more closely monitor the New Jersey governor’s office that Gov. reining in illegal ATV riding in our tions; reaching out to organization state-mandated Highlands Council’s ongo- Corzine won’t seek to put a question on parks, we must work with responsible members and the public at large to edu- ing work on a Highlands regional master this fall’s ballot to pump up the Garden members of the ATV riding community. cate and engage their support for passage plan. The Trail Conference is one of the State Preservation Trust, which could be One such organization is the New Jersey of legislation; sponsoring “town hall” organizations making up the Coalition’s out of money as soon as this summer. Off-Highway Vehicle Association meetings, press events, and editorial executive committee. (NJOHVA), a not-for-profit coalition board meetings; working with citizens that advocates safety, environmental, and municipal officials to pass resolu- conservation, and land ethics education, tions in support of legislation and serves as a communication network, and ordinances to curtail illegal ATV riding; Once Upon a Trail works to protect, promote, and enhance organizing visits to each state legislator responsible and quality off-highway to discuss ATV issues and gather sup- Naturalizing Unused Trails Takes a Gardener’s Touch vehicle recreation opportunities. Recent- port for legislation. ly I met with John Parrinello of This important first step, the Trail By Denise Vitale NJOHVA to review items essential for Conference and NJOHVA agreeing on I have a story to tell…a story about making comprehensive ATV legislation. For the ATV legislation in principle, was accom- an impact. It starts with a footprint in the first time, these historic foes have plished after years of frustration. While back-country of the Grand Canyon near an reached an agreement in principle. it is a milestone, it is but the first of old mining camp. It was behind a rock, off Currently, you can purchase an ATV, many necessary steps on the path to leg- the trail. A boot met the ground in that leave the dealer, and never buy insur- islative success. We will not succeed spot over 100 years ago when soles were ance, register the vehicle, or complete a without your support and your willing- connected to leather uppers with hob-nails. license/training course. NJOHVA ness to commit volunteer time. The tale goes back much further than that would support comprehensive ATV leg- The Trail Conference takes the opin- to ancient Roman times. You can still see islation to close these loopholes, require ions of our membership seriously. Please the imprints of the chariot wheels that automobile-size license plate tags, and share your thoughts on this proposed rolled across the fields of Europe. levy hefty fines for ATV trespassing if collaborative campaign by sending mes- Why is this story important to us? Any- the legislation is truly comprehensive sages to me at [email protected]. If one who has hiked up on Bear Mountain and provides at least two sites for legal you are so inclined, please indicate your or in the Delaware Water Gap knows why. ATV riding. willingness to volunteer...as you see, As new trails are built, old trails The impact of many off-trail hikers has left will be replanted. there’s plenty to do! bare areas criss-crossed with herd paths and sections of trail widened to 20 feet and relentlessly to maintain our current trails more across. If you look more closely as and build new trails we hope will still be can find their way into sustainable depths. cuttings from plants on the mountain. We you hike along, you will also find the used many years after our boots no longer In addition to rescuing plants in harm’s way are also looking for volunteers willing to imprint of trails, long closed, but still make imprints on this earth. The work we to fill in voids left in damaged areas, we are raise the new plants so they are ready for us do will tell our story for generations to also learning to propagate new plants from in the coming years. come. Our message is that we care, not only seeds and cuttings collected from native Once we step upon a patch of earth, it When time is taken to about providing a path through nature’s trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. will bear the imprint of our soles forever. help the earth heal herself, beauty, but also about preserving that This is where gardening meets trail work, Please join me in the restoration of Bear beauty and diminishing the scars of our and we are looking for some volunteers to Mountain trails so the imprint we leave an unused trail can disappear abandoned paths. When time is taken to help us. When we relocate sections of the behind tells a story of kindness to the land into the landscape with time. help the earth heal herself, an unused trail Appalachian Trail across Bear Mountain, a and the healing that comes from caring. can disappear into the landscape with time. project that began this spring, we will have If you have any interest in working with To this end, we are beginning a new large sections to restore to a more natural us on this special project, please contact visible under layers of leaves and the decay chapter in our history focusing on our habitat and replant with indigenous vegeta- Denise Vitale at [email protected] or of branches placed many years before to commitment to removing the traces of old tion. We are looking for someone with 845-738-2126. disguise the now-forbidden corridor. routes when we build new trails. In this experience in plant propagation to teach a We at the Trail Conference are the stew- chapter, passages of compacted, lifeless soils group of volunteers the appropriate tech- ards of over 1,600 miles of trails. We work will be rejuvenated so that water and roots niques and timing for collecting seeds and

TRAILWALKER JULY/AUGUST 2006 5 NEW STAFF Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved! Calling All TC Expands NJ Open Space Work With New Conservation Director If you are interested in volunteering with for two new publications. One will present Volunteers! William P. (Bill) O’Hearn has joined the Trail Conference and do not see an selected hikes in the New York metropoli- the Trail Conference as Conservation opportunity that suits you, contact the tan area; the other will describe trails in By Popular Demand, We Bring You: Director, with the primary goal of Volunteer Coordinator, Heidi Adami, Westchester County. Proficiency in Adobe New York/New Jersey Trail Conference expanding the Conference’s acquisition either by email, [email protected], or Illustrator and ArcView 9 is desirable. Volunteer Business Cards! and conservation activities in New phone, 201-512-9348 ext. 26, and she Sample design specifications and a Jersey. O’Hearn previously held the will find a way to get you involved. sample map are available on the web at Printed on Tyvek, these tear-resistant, positions of New Jersey Regional Plan www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/pubs-ed.html. waterproof cards are the perfect tool to help Director for the New Jersey Highlands Publications Committee you deliver the message about the Trail Coalition and Director, Land Trust for Our volunteer Publications Committee is GPSing: Volunteers hike a designated Conference mission. These cards can be the Passaic River Coalition. responsible for producing and marketing trail with a GPS receiver, recording handed out to fellow hikers and curious Bill will work with John Myers, Land all Trail Conference map sets and guide- important waypoints and taking careful people you meet along the way, helping Acquisition Director and architect of books. We welcome volunteers who are notes. The information gathered is then you to provide the valuable outreach we the Trail Conference’s Land Acquisition interested in contributing to our efforts, sent to the Trail Conference office, where need to grow and maintain a network of and Stewardship thereby ensuring that the public will be it is stored and used to produce our maps. dedicated volunteers. Fund, who has provided with the most accurate, up-to- worked on the date, and useful information! Volunteers Project Managers: Project managers To receive your free Trail Conference program primarily with the following talents and interests are oversee the production of maps and Volunteer Business Cards, contact Heidi in New York State particularly welcome: guidebooks, coordinating the work of Adami, Volunteer Coordinator, at 201- since 1991, to other volunteers and contractors and 512-9348, ext. 26 or [email protected]. eventually take on Editing: Our publications are edited ensuring that the publication comes out the organization’s by volunteers. on time and within the approved budget. New York State projects as well. The Trail Conference’s conservation pro- Field-Checking: We need volunteers to Marketing: We need people with expert- gram has preserved 3,600 acres to date field-check our maps and guidebooks. ise in marketing to assist us in the 50 Attend in New York and New Jersey. This involves following the description or marketing of our publications. We are Bill has served as a board member of the route shown on the map and making also looking for volunteers to visit stores Trails Workshops the Sterling Forest Partnership and is a sure that it is complete and accurate. and make sure that they stock our current 15-year member of the Trail Conference. Trail Conference publications. Soaking April rains on both of this year’s Indexing: Volunteers are needed to annual spring trails workshop days did not Volunteer Coordinator prepare the indices for our guidebooks. Accounting Advisor deter 50 determined registrants. While poor to Focus on Recruitment, Retention The Trail Conference maintains a complex conditions dictated that some field work be Heidi Adami joins the Trail Conference Photographs: If you have good-quality set of financial records and occasionally needs rescheduled, the lecture portions of both staff as Volunteer Coordinator. Heidi photographs taken from our trails, we may some nonprofit accounting advice and guid- Maintenance 101 and Construction/ has a background in nonprofit work be able to use them in our guidebooks. ance. If you are a CPA and would be willing Restoration workshops were presented at the that includes volunteer recruitment and to volunteer your expertise, please contact picturesque and hospitable U.S. Senator retention as well as development and Graphic Design: Volunteers are needed Elizabeth Bleiweiss at [email protected] or Frank S. Lautenberg Visitors Center at Ster- marketing. She is also an experienced for graphic design and layout of our books 201-512-9348, ext 23. ling Forest State Park. The wet weather volunteer; upon graduating from Kutz- and maps. outside allowed time for extended discus- town University with a bachelor’s Other Opportunities sions and “Q & A” sessions inside on day degree in psychology, she completed a Cartography: We need volunteers to assist • Minute Takers one. When the rain did relent for a bit in the year of service with the AmeriCorps’ in the preparation of our new digital maps, • Network/Server administration afternoon of the second day, it was possible VISTA program (the domestic Peace as well as sketch maps for our guidebooks. • Desktop computer support to observe several examples of poor trail con- Corps) and has been involved with a We are currently looking for cartographers (hardware and software) ditions in the field and discuss the number of volun- application of the methods of remediation teer and nonprofit presented earlier. organizations over A note of appreciation goes to the the years. Grow- instructors who were able to provide a ing up in central rewarding learning experience in defiance Pennsylvania, IN MEMORIAM of the uncooperative weather. Heidi spent her Thanks very much to: youth and early Meyer Kukle Jerry Wyckoff adult years hiking the Susquehannock, Meyer Kukle, an avid hiker, conservation- Jerry Wyckoff, founder and charter mem- Maintenance “101” Loyalsock, and Mid-State Trails. She ist, and former executive of an outerwear ber of the North Jersey Chapter of ADK Ike Siskind recently moved to New Jersey and looks company, died in January. He was 85. (Adirondack Mountain Club), died peace- Peter Tilgner forward to exploring the open spaces of A passionate environmentalist, Meyer fully on April 26 after a long battle against Suzan Gordon the New York and New Jersey area. was involved with the Palisades Interstate cancer. His last evening was spent singing Park Commission, which honored him favorite songs with fellow Orpheus chorus Construction and Restoration with a certificate of appreciation when he member and friend, Jack Morrison. Jerry Monica and David Day turned 80. He also had what he termed a celebrated his 95th birthday in March. “55-year love affair” with the New Jerry was the author of several books on A special note of thanks to the folks York/New Jersey Trail Conference. Ten geology, including Reading the Earth: who provided the refreshments and years ago, he dedicated 100 acres of his Landforms in the Making (Adastra West, support services: family’s property in the Catskills to conser- Inc., 1999), and he often led geology hikes. Leave a Lasting Legacy vation through the Catskill Center for He was a staunch supporter of the New Rita Heckler Conservation & Development. Preserva- Jersey Environmental Lobby from its Lou O’Neil A Charitable Gift Annuity can be tion easements guarantee the land will beginning in the 1970s and, most recently, Trudy Schneider purchased directly from the Trail always stay wild. was actively involved in preserving the New Marilyn Siskind Conference for a minimum of $10,000. Meyer is survived by his wife, Lenore; Jersey Highlands. Jerry’s passing is a great Joyce Gallagher Annuity income can be provided for life three sons, Richard, David, and Peter; a loss to north Jersey’s environmental Joan James for up to two people, and payments can daughter, Susan, and five grandchildren. community, particularly in its endeavors to Mary Hilly be deferred until a time when you need Memorial donations may be made to preserve open space. Jack Driller them most. For more information on Meyer’s Fund, Palisades Interstate Park Donations in Jerry Wyckoff’s name may Mark Liss including a New York/New Jersey Trail Commission, P.O. Box 155, Alpine, NJ be sent to: Association of NJ Environmen- Manny Silberberg Conference Charitable Gift Annuity 07620. tal Commissions, P.O. Box 157, Chris Ezzo in your planned giving portfolio, Mendham, NJ 07945; Skylands CLEAN, Bob Marshall contact Maureen Edelson at 551 Ringwood Avenue, Wanaque, NJ [email protected] or 201-512-9348, 07465; or NY/NJ Trail Conference, 156 Thanks also go to Sterling Forest Park ext. 29. Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Manager James Gell and his staff for their —Betty Heald cooperation and hospitality.

6JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER S

C Help Combat the Invasive Mile-a-Minute Vine What Is It? I

E The Problem: Be on the look-

N out for the non-native and highly invasive mile-a-minute C vine (Polygonum perfoliatum). It

E has been called the Kudzu of the northeast because of its very aggressive nature. Early germina- tion and fast growth allow mile-a-minute to out-compete native vege- tation. This annual vine can grow up to six inches a day and reach lengths of more R

than 23 feet a year! Prickly stems and vines E C E

allow it to climb over surrounding vegeta- D E L

tion and form dense, tangled mats that D N I H

shade out the sun and choke underlying S

A N

vegetation. This can lead to a decrease in I R T

local biodiversity while reducing the aes- A K thetics of the landscape. Mile-a-minute is The non-native mile-a-minute vine turns familiar scenes into alien landscapes. easily recognized by its triangular leaves, downward facing prickles, ocrea (circular and; 3. post-control monitoring for signs of especially along edge habitats receiving full leaf surrounding the stem), and small clus- recurrence. Hand pulling of this shallow to partial sun. It is our only area plant with ters of iridescent blue fruits that appear in rooted vine before seed set (before mid-late deltoid leaves, prickles, and ocrea. In New late summer. July) is the preferred control approach. York, it is currently known from Iona Plants pulled after seed set should be Island and Dunderberg Mountain in Bear The Solution: Look, Find, Report, Pull, “cooked” in the sun in black plastic bags for Mountain State Park, the Palisades Park- Monitor! Although well-established in sev- at least three weeks to kill the seeds. way and Blauvelt State Park in Rockland eral mid-Atlantic states, this vine appears to County, Stewart buffer lands in Orange S E be a rather recent arrival in New York/ How to Help: Watch for this distinctive County, and Camp Smith in Westchester G R O J New Jersey, known from just a half dozen looking non-native invasive during hikes, County, among other areas. To report an ) Y locations in our area. This suggests contain- infestation or volunteer to help with this R R A L ment may be possible if we act now. effort please contact Kristen Fix at 845- (

R O E Z

Government agencies and other organiza- C 758-7015 or kmfi[email protected]. N E E D R tions have been collaborating to launch an E For additional pictures and more informa- O L L D

early detection and rapid response effort to N tion go to: www.ipcnys.org/sections/target/ I Poison ivy vine? No, it's a seven-foot H S combat its spread. This includes 1. educa- mlm_overview.htm.

A long black snake emerging from a tree N tion and outreach to improve detection of I R hole along the Pump House Trail at T the vine; 2. control of known infestations, A K Wawayanda S.P., April 30.

HIKERS TRACK INVASIVES aggressive of colonizers on their clothing or No less than in Asia and Africa, our own tion at precise intervals on the presence or continued from page 1 on the soles of their sneakers. native butterflies, birds, and mammals absence, and the abundance of these sys- “Strider” got in the habit of cleaning the depend on highly complex and rich plant tem-changing species. GIS mapping is escaping into the wild wherever Europeans soles of her boots frequently. It wasn’t systems thousands of years old. They too employed to watch any changes in plant wandered and settled. Once gardening as because she disliked the little muddy waffles constantly are threatened by the uncon- communities. One short section in each an esthetic (dare I say competitive?) pursuit in the tent or at home. “Strider” cared about trolled spread of non-native plants through park will be measured by all the volunteer of plant fanciers overtook gardening for the effect of her movements through the movements of wind, water, insects, birds, monitors in that park plus a half dozen or food, fodder, flowers, and pharmacology, landscape. In the countries where Peace and mammals (of which man is only one). more trained botanists. The data points more and varied bushes, trees, vines, and Corps volunteers work, often in or near These plants may be trees, vines, shrubs, will be graphed to see if the volunteers’ data grasses foreign to the continent made their environmental hot spots, preventing the grasses, sedges, reeds, or green flowering are in line with the professionals’ data. My way into and then out of people’s gardens. spread of exotic weeds prevents the loss of plants. They may win the race for nutrients bet is that their data are every bit as good! The national highway system employed essential grazing or planting systems that and space by a number of stratagems: shad- Another focus of the USDA grant is the exotic fast-growing plants of all types to sta- people have lived with for eons. It also slows ing out the competition, altering the soil testing of retained knowledge of the volun- bilize banks and bare soils. Departments of or prevents extinction of rare and wonderful chemistry, germinating earlier, growing teers, and any changes in their advocacy conservation nationwide naively planted indigenous plant and animal communities. rampantly in a wide variety of light regimes such knowledge begets. Roughly 30 teams exotic trees, shrubs, and roses for will be deployed this summer. We hope to “improved” wildlife habitat. The choices get similar numbers of fresh recruits for were made for thriftiness, the ability to 2007 and 2008. That would generate a lot thrive on neglect, and rapid growth and How did they get of very good information about the spread dispersal, the very description of successful of these invasive plants over time, the effi- “pioneer” plants. here from there? cacy of using trained volunteers to monitor Not every invasive plant is from another them, and the measure of environmental continent. Many are North American advocacy gained in defense of threatened species taking advantage of locally stressed landscapes—the ripple effect of trained cit- or disturbed places. Not every foreign plant or soil types. They also employ multiple izen scientists on the places where they live. can be coaxed to grow even in the best of methods of propagation: huge quantities of conditions let alone escape to be a nuisance seed, aggressive vegetative or root sprout- The Careful Hiker in the wild. ing, riding on passive dispersers like wind “Strider” finished her AT thru-hike, gave a and water, or clinging to active dispersers speech about it at her college, and spent the Problem is Global like birds and mammals. next five years in West Africa and Madagas- Unfortunately for the insects, birds, and car helping people and hiking and healing animals that depended upon their native TC Volunteers Start Field Work the land. I last saw her just before she head- flora with which they had co-evolved, a few The New York/New Jersey Trail Confer- ed west to a new coast, her freshly scrubbed hardy newcomers tended to out-compete ence together with Rutgers University is in boots packed for careful, thoughtful hiking the plant members of these creatures’ high- the first phase of a three-year study to teach in the Olympic Range. ly diverse and complex ecosystems. The volunteers how to recognize and monitor resulting simplified systems of far fewer over two dozen of these disturbing plant Anne Todd Osborn is science project coordi- plants deprive many species of essential opportunists. Parkland trails in Harriman nator of the Trail Conference and has served food stuffs, breeding habitat, and adequate and Ringwood /Ramapo have been flagged as a member of the TC board of directors. shelter. Hikers themselves may unwittingly Anne Osborn and Joan James brave the rain in dozens of two-mile segments in order transport the seeds of some of these most to flag monitoring sites at Harriman S.P. that citizen scientists may collect informa-

TRAILWALKER JULY/AUGUST 2006 7 LP Runner Raises $1,500 for Trail Conference DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND Charity runner David O’Neill had two goals this March 21, 2006 to May 25, 2006 spring: finish his early-May trail run on the Long GIFTS Path and be home in time for Mother’s Day with John W. Abbuhl, Betty J. Aiken, Sheela B. Amrute, Anthony D. Andora, Anonymous, Michael J. Ashworth*, Christine his wife Angela and his sons. He made it. Balcerski, Peter M. Balma, Murray Barnes, Basha Kill Area Association, Christopher K. Bastedo, Gottfried Bernert, Larry Bernstein & Susan Bernstein, Eugene N. Bilenker, Minor Bishop, Anthony C. Blandino, Elizabeth Bleiweiss & Louis Starting from Fort Lee Historic Park on May 1, Riccardi, John B. Blenninger*, Peter W. Blom, Phyllis H. Bloom, Ian Blundell, Walter E. Britt, Melinda Broman, Jeffrey J. & David and his family and friends were cheered on Susan Burek, Ferdinand Caiocca, Barbara L. Chase, Geoffrey Chellis, Steven R. & Phyllis S. Cohen, Dave Colavito, James A. by New York/New Jersey Trail Conference mem- Conklin, David Corcoran & Karrie Olick, Henry G. Corey, Keith Cornell, Matthew & Jennifer Coulter, Keith Croket, Ellen M. bers Dan Chazin, Jakob Franke (chair of the Long Cronan*, Leo F. Cuomo, John P. Denkowski, Crist Dixon, Rosanne T. Dobbin, Richard D. & Joyce Draper, Joan Ehrenfeld & David Ehrenfeld, Tim Finneran, Barry Fisher, Robert L. & Judy Foester, Sheldon Freidenreich, Edgar L. & Olive I. Freud, Path South Committee), and TC Development Hank & Linda Funsch, Maria Geiselhart & Tom DiBella, Jane Geisler*, Frank Gemeinhardt, Ron Gherardi, Chris Giffuni, Director Maureen Edelson. David’s course over the John & Wanda Giuffrida*, Phyllis Glinert, Edward Goodell*, Rebecca W. & Henry E. Goodhue, Dan Goodman, Gary next 12 and a half days took him across 347 miles of challenging New York and New Jersey Grasselena, John & Anne Grob*, Henry G. Hagedorn, Ira Haironson, Raymond C. Harker Jr., David Harris, Paul H. Harrison, William J. Hentschel, Tracy Heydweiller, Rowland A. Hill, Joseph Hirstius, Blaine T. & Mary Jo Hoekstra, Raymond T. Hoelz, terrain. He reached the trail’s terminus at Lewis Road and Route 146, Altamont, NY, on Ed & Terry Hoyt, John Hunkele, Buddy Jenssen & Linda Bowden*, G.A. Kalosieh, Paul Kazarov & Barbara Whipple, David May 13. This was David’s second Long Path run. Kazarov, Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation*, Noel A. Kemprowski, Peter L. Kennard*, Robert J. Kess, William H. While running for fun and personal pursuit, David also raised $1,300 (and a great deal Kikillus, Felice Kirby, Charles Kovacs, Richard Kukle, Edward Landau, William Layfield, Jeffry T. & Cynthia Lee, Andrew T. of awareness) for the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference. He hopes the funds will go Lehman, Todd Littell, James M. & Lois Lober*, James Van Loon Jr., Ron F. Luna, Charles Lutomski, David B. & Gail MacNeil, Walter & Frances Madsen, Paul N. & Annette S. Marcus, Brian Markey, William B. Mather Jr., Douglas F. McBride, Michael specifically to assist the Long Path, which marks its 75th anniversary this year. McCullough, Seth L. McKee, Donald B. McLellan & Jeane S. McLellan, Janet McMillan, Rick & Joan Meril, James M. Meyers, Congratulations, David, and many thanks from the Trail Conference. John & Claudia Moran, Joe & Linda Moreng, Steven R. & Suzanne L. Moses, David M. Moyle, Miklos Muller & Jan Keithly*, For more about Charity Runners and David O’Neill, visit his website, www.charityrunners.org. Richard W. Murray, Andrea Natalie, Marjorie Navidi, Robert F. Neff, Edward Nugent, Patricia O’Malley, Susan O’Neill, Orange County Land Trust, Helen Ostrowski, Richard Lock, John Palczynski & Pat Laverty, Anthony V. & Domenica Paterno, Charles & Yvonne Payne, William & Georgann Pettenger, George Petty & Marilyn Katz, Hugo M. Pfaltz, Gale & Louis Pisha, Peter Policarpo, James Prommel, Leo D. & Marian Redmond, Nicholas Reitter, Karen D. Richards, David & Judith B. Roth, John Rowan, Peter M. Rowe, Henry T. & Alexandra Sarnataro, Save the Ridge, Inc., Helen Schneider, Arlene Scholer, Noel P. Schulz, Melvin J. & Helga Schwartz, Steve R. & Susan J. Schwinn, Robert Selja, Adrian W. Serra, Terry Sherman, Herbert Crew Reopens Sam’s Point Blue Trail Shulman, Brian Snaitkowski, Malcolm Spector*, Paul J. & Jo Ann Stasko, Mark Steinhacker, Jules Verne Steinhauer, Carol Strouts, Barbara Strubberg, Michael J. Stumpf, Raymond & Linda Sullivan, David G. & Barb Farrell Swenson, Samuel Tatnall, John Thomson, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon*, Enrico A. & Evelyn Tissi*, John P. Turrell, Richard I. Ulman, United Way of Bergen County, Ernest V. Valera, Brysen & Lauren Van Eck, Daniel R. Van Engel, Constantine G. Vasiliadis, Michael A. Vetrano, Janice M. Vicine, Irene M. Voce, Carla P. Vogel, Ernest Wagner, Barbara Ward, Anthony A. Weedo, Hedley M. & Barbara Weeks*, Larry A. Wehr, WhatGoesAround.org, Ed & Gail G. Wojciechowski, Neil G. Zaffos MEMORIAL GIFTS MATCHING GIFTS In memory of Raymond Begin In memory of Harry B. Silman Alliance Capital Management LP, Iroquois Group, Inc Lydia Zakim Earth Share, JPMorgan Chase Foundation In memory of Claire Federbush In memory of Louis Spielvogel Matching Gifts Program, Pfizer Founda- David & Naomi Sutter Jeffrey L. Steinhorn & Deborah tion Matching Gifts Program, Herman, Fred L. & Judith T. Simon HP Employee Charitable Giving Program, In memory of Clayton C. Helbig IBM Corporation Matching Grants Miller G. & Christine Smyth In memory of Milton & Sylvia Zatal Program, JPMorgan Chase Foundation In memory of Meyer Kukle Ilene Zatal Matching Gifts Program, Pfizer Founda- John B. Blenninger In memory of Muriel Zuckerman tion Matching Gifts Program, Unilever Lydia Zakim United States Foundation, Inc. In memory of Katherine D. Van Tassell SPECIAL GIFTS Helena Andreyko, Peter & Iris Arno, Carol A. Barth, Julie A. & Richard Dunn, In honor of Ken Zadeck’s 50th birthday Christine M. & Robert J. Ebeling, John & Marcia L. Gauquie, Lynn M. Greco, Mark & Dana Wegman, Evan Glassman Harvey & Carol H. Insler, Judy A. Malbuisson, Salvatore J. & Mary Manzella, Kevon G. & Janet M. McGuirk, Virginia & Bob Nasser, Catherine Nasser, Joan NEW LIFE MEMBERS Natalie, LeeAnn Pasquini, Barbara A. Priester, Jeanne & Robert Scigliano, Frank & Lorraine Anelante, James J. Margaret S. & Alan W. Simon, Freda B. Steuer, Dean H. & Suzanne Thorsen, Gebhard, Joseph Gindoff, Bruce Modick M. Bruce & Ann M. Van Tassell, Patricia & Roy Wanser STEWART PARK AND RESERVE A weekend of hard work was put in on the old Blue Trail at Sam’s Point in May by the In memory of Jerome (Jerry) Wyckoff COALITION (SPARC) DONORS Shawangunk Ridge & Long Path Crew. They cleared over one mile of blueberries and James F. Ahearn, Richard S. & Suzanne K. Cantor, Elizabeth Heald, Robert J. Guy Jacob, Abraham & Cynthia Ofer, blazed about half of the trail (blue). The trail is very passable now, and one more day Jonas, Jack & Sue Morrison, John R. & Janet H. Schuring, Robert J. & Lyn Walter E. Britt Terry, June P. Slade, Richard N. Warner of weed whacking and clipping and blazing (August 5) should finish the job. *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society

LONG PATH REACHES 75 Ridge, and the Catskills—a complicated Thacher Park to Edinburg Bridge in continued from page 1 and enormous achievement. Jakob Franke, Saratoga County. Landmarks 43 to 84 are, current chair of the Long Path South Com- he says, “somewhat remote locations in the more than 75 miles of the trail. In Saratoga mittee for the Trail Conference, calculates eastern Adirondacks.” GPS locators have County, there is active interest in linking that 230 miles of the recognized route are been recorded and will be included in a with the trail and carrying it further north. currently protected, 90 miles are on roads, new edition of the Trail Conference Long Additionally, a southern extension to the and 27 miles run across privately owned Path Guide scheduled to be published in LP on the Shawangunk Ridge—the land with owners’ permission. Its presence is 2007. To reach them, hikers must rely on Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT)—was built sufficiently stable that it inspires end-to- their backcountry navigating skills. “They to connect with the AT at High Point State enders. Edward Walsh, a member of the LP are bushwhacks in the old tradition in the Park in New Jersey. The SRT offers an South Committee who manages the end-to- Forest Preserve,” says Jim Schaefer. “No cut alternative route for the LP to one through end awards program, notes that recognition trails, but old logging roads, trails, game Rockland and Orange Counties that of LP end-to-end hikes began in 1991, and trails and such to get from one place to includes extended road walks. that since then, 90 individuals have earned another—classic hiking in wilderness or the LP end-to-end patch. Most have walked almost wilderness conditions.” the trail as section hikes; the first to do it as Taken all together—the LP south and a continuous hike was Mary Ann Nisely, north, wilderness bushwhack or paved who accomplished the feat in 1998. And road—Jim Schaefer views the LP as one of David O’Neill has run the length of the LP the most varied and accessible trails in the as a fundraiser for the Trail Conference in country. “There are blazed trails for hikers H S

two consecutive years (see story above). L who like those. There are paved sections for N A E W R From Altamont north to Whiteface people who like to rollerblade or who need R D E A

W Mountain, the trail exists, depending on handicapped accessible trails. The LP is the LP/AT junction at Harriman S.P. L E

A your point of view, either as an ambition— most ecologically and culturally sensitive H C I a scheme on maps that needs to be face Mountain atop the Adirondacks.” hiking experience,” he says. “None other The LP course follows the Palisades. M transferred to the ground—or complete as These landmarks, he notes, have become than the Long Path of New York touches that unblazed corridor that links a series of goals for 84 different hikes, “much like the all outdoor enthusiasts.” Adding Up the Miles landmarks identified by Schaefer. hikes he took the Mohawk Valley Hiking Today, the LP is recognized on maps for 347 “During his final years,” says Jim Schae- club on from 1929 to 1955 or later. He How long will the Long Path be when it miles, from Fort Lee in New Jersey to the fer, “Dad drafted a ‘Guide to the Long Path took our family to many of them.” celebrates 100 years? Read Executive Director village of Altamont, 15 miles west of Albany. North,’ citing 84 landmarks, from Gilboa, Jim notes that many of these landmarks Ed Goodell’s column on page 3 for some It crosses the Palisades Interstate Park, in Schoharie County, across the Helder- are on or near the course of the currently thoughts about the future. Harriman/Bear Mountain and Schunemunk bergs, Rotterdam and Glenville Hills and blazed LP trail from Gilboa to Thacher Mountain State Parks, the Shawangunk through the eastern Adirondacks to White- Park, and the LP-blazed road walk from

8JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER at Bear Mountain TRAIL U Trail Skills Trainings How to Lead a Hike Workshops July-August 2006 Tips from a Veteran Hike Leader When you’re at a crossroads Trail Conference member and volunteer “It’s important to wait at trail junctions for To register for any of the workshops Women’s Weekend* Richard Zinn celebrated 25 years of leading the entire group to gather. Make sure below, or for more information, contact Basic rock moving and stone construction hikes in May 2006. His first hike leader- everyone takes the correct turn.” [email protected], call 201-512- July 21, 22, 23 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) ship experience was at Mt. Taurus in the 9348, ext. 22, or register online at Registration deadline: July 16 East Hudson Highlands, Take a break www.nynjtc.org/BearMountainTrails. All Topics: mechanical advantage, simple tools and over the years, he has “People need a break in a strenuous hike, or workshops will take place on a section of the for moving large rocks, safety considera- developed some good the opportunity to take in a view, or time new AT route. Directions, meeting places, tions, proper body mechanics, and methods leadership messages to for basic human needs—like a separation. and times will be given upon registration. of reducing natural resource impacts. We share with us all. Mau- A lunch break with a great view is smart.” will be constructing stone steps and cribbing reen Edelson captured Stone Cribbing Apprenticeship Level I walls. There will be special emphasis on some of his sage advice. Have adequate resources July 8, 9 (Saturday, Sunday) instruction and learning. Registration is lim- “Carrying some extra water is always a Registration deadline: July 4 ited to females; attend all or some days. Choosing a hike to lead good idea.” Instructor: Jed Talbot (Off the Beaten Path Instructor: Mariah Keagy “Tailor the hike to your abilities—pace, and SCA Skills Instructor) strenuousness, distance—and preferences, Reaching your destination SPECIAL DRAINAGE TOPIC: like a nice climb to a good view.” “People enjoy conversation, meeting new Stone Cribbing Apprenticeship Level II Stone Culvert Construction people, and catching up with old friends. July 14, 15, 16 (Friday, Saturday, August 12, 13, 14 (Saturday, Sunday, Know where you’re going I’ve even had romance blossom on my Sunday) Registration deadline: July 11 Monday) “Preview the trail one to two weeks before hikes. AMC hikes always end with an Instructor: Jed Talbot (Off the Beaten Registration deadline: August 3 you lead.” offer of a ride back to the city or to mass Path and SCA Skills Instructor) Learn to build a stone culvert with stone transportation. We wind up with happy paved inflows and outflows. Cribbing and Communicate with your group and sociable people on our trails.” Stone Splitting* stone shaping techniques will also be covered. “Let people know the meeting place. Have July 15 (Saturday) Instructor: Eddie Walsh (NY/NJTC) a sign-in sheet so you know who’s in your Registration deadline: July 11 group. Hikers should introduce them- Topic: Proper use of tools to rough split Advanced Stone Work with Peter Jensen* selves. Welcome new members. Ask for an boulders to desired dimensions (portable August 25, 26, 27 (Friday, Saturday, experienced hiker to volunteer to sweep. generator, electric hammer drill, hand ham- Sunday) Let people know the rules and standards mers, tracers, and rifting hammers). Registration deadline: August 16 of your hike.” Instructor: Eddie Walsh (NY/NJTC) Participants will work alongside Peter Jensen, primary trail designer for the new Project Overview and Orientation AT on Bear Mountain and expert stone July 15 (Saturday) worker, to build a narrow section of stone Enjoy a Long Distance Swim At Lake Minnewaska Registration deadline: July 11 cribbed treadway and stone steps along a A general introduction to the site including rock ledge. This is an excellent chance to The Minnewaska Distance Swimmers Swim tests are scheduled for Sundays July a presentation and walk of the proposed learn new skills and construct a piece of the Association (MDSA) invites anyone who is 9, 16, 23, and 30 at the Rosendale Pool six trail culminating in some light trail work new AT. Must register for all 3 days. hiking or biking at Minnewaska to qualify miles north of New Paltz on Route 32. A and/or visiting crews in action. Instructor: Peter Jensen as a distance swimmer and enjoy an final test for 2006 will be on Saturday, Leader: Larry Wheelock (NY/NJTC). uncrowded beach with an expanded August 5 at 12 noon at Moriello Pool in swimming area at Lake Minnewaska. A New Paltz. More details are on the MDSA *These workshops are sponsored in part by funds from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 200-yard buoyed cable stretching out 25 website, www.minnewaskaswimmers.org, and National Park Service Appalachian Trail Park Office. yards from shore outlines a zone where one or call 845-895-5012. Reservations for can take a 400-yard uninterrupted swim. swim tests are helpful but not required. Entrance to the water is at the former “fam- ily beach” on the southeast end of Lake Member Club Profiles Minnewaska, a walk of about 15 minutes from the upper parking lot. The Trail Conference comprises 10,000 Established Club Member To use this beach it is necessary to be a individual members and more than 100 Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club member of MDSA. A swim test, $15 member clubs with a combined member- (NHOC) annual membership fee, two photographs ship of 150,000 hikers. We plan to briefly Club President: Patrick McGloin (head shots), and forms including a release profile one or two of our member clubs Membership: 550 of liability are required for membership. in each issue of Trail Walker. We invite The Nassau Hiking and Outdoor Club club representatives to submit photos celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, from hikes or maintenance outings or and has a decades-long history with the other events (please set your digital Trail Conference. Its original hiker/mem- camera for highest resolution). Email bers were secured with the help of the your photos, along with complete Trail Conference, which provided then- caption information to: [email protected]; Nassau County Executive Eugene put “TW club photo” in the subject line. Nickerson with a list of local residents who might be interested in joining. The New Member Club group’s first hike was at Tackapausha in Fire Island Wilderness Committee Seaford, Long Island, on December 18, Club President: Joe Zysman 1966. Despite the club’s name, the focus Membership: 100 of its activities these days is not on Long Joined Trail Conference: February 2006 Island, but instead, on hiking in Harri- Club President Joe Zysman says the Fire man, the Ramapos, the Shawangunks, Island Wilderness Committee joined the and the Catskills. “We like hills,” says Trail Conference in order to resume Club President Patrick McGloin, “and maintenance of the trails at Fire Island we don’t have many on Long Island.” For National Seashore. The Fire Island more information, visit www.nhoc.org or Wilderness is the only federal wilderness email [email protected]. in New York state, and it’s the smallest maintained area of the National Park Ser- vice. For more information on the Fire Island Wilderness Committee, contact Joe at fi[email protected].

TRAILWALKER JULY/AUGUST 2006 9 FAVORITE HIKE BOOKNOTES By Shawn Viggiano Particularly impressive is the fact that the descriptions are up-to-date. For example, Tillman Ravine Natural Area the Storm King hike incorporates the relo- cation of the Stillman Trail that was opened less than a year ago. Wherever appropriate, references to Trail Conference maps accompany the hike descriptions, and the author recognizes the important contribu- tions of the Conference in building and maintaining our trail network. There are a few minor errors. For exam- ple, the author states (p. 233) that Hudson Moon Take a Hike New York City Line Metro-North trains “make one morn- Avalon Travel Publishing, 2006 ing stop” at the Breakneck Ridge station, By Skip Card and that “[r]eturn service is even more Reviewed by Daniel Chazin unpredictable.” In fact, two trains stop at this station each weekend day—north- Take A Hike New York City: Hikes within bound in the morning, and southbound in Two Hours of Manhattan is undoubtedly the the afternoon. best book of its kind on the market today. Overall, though, the book is well worth O

N Containing over 60 hikes in both New York its $16.95 price. In fact, after perusing the A I

G and New Jersey, it is a great choice both for review copy of the book I was provided G I V the novice hiker with limited knowledge of with (which, of course, will find its home N W

A the area, as well as for the experienced hiker in the Trail Conference library), I quickly H S who is looking for a new place to go. made a trip to Barnes and Noble to pur- Waterfalls and hemlock groves make Tillman Ravine a cool spot on a hot day. The book’s coverage is comprehensive, chase my own copy! the writing is clear, and the selection of You wake up early one morning and look You will hike through a pine plantation hikes demonstrates that Skip Card, the Daniel Chazin has edited many TC guidebooks at the temperature; it’s 80 degrees and and then drop down to the Tillman author, has an extensive knowledge of the and chairs the TC Publications Committee. humid. You want to escape the air-condi- Ravine. Notice the temperature change, area. Each hike is accompanied by sketch tioned house and get outside. But where usually a good 10-degree difference from maps which, while providing sparse infor- Moon Take a Hike—New York City is can you go for the day to escape the heat? top to bottom. The trail follows along the mation on intersecting trails, do clearly available for purchase from the Trail Believe it or not, you might try New Jersey. brook, crossing it several times. The ravine show the route of the hike. Excellent qual- Conference. See Hikers’ Marketplace on One great cool place in the state is the narrows, and the trail climbs back to the ity photographs that capture the special page 12 for details. Tillman Ravine in Stokes State Forest in top of the ravine. features of each hike are also included. the Kittatinny Mountains of northwestern At this point you will be at the middle New Jersey. part of the figure eight of the perimeter The Tillman Ravine Natural Area trail; turn left. After a short distance the sive (and larger) bird guides. Photographs encompasses more than 500 acres of large trail quickly drops back down into the are excellent, and the information is hemlocks and northern hardwood forest. ravine. Once at the bottom you will come succinct, accurate, and helpful. Tillman Brook, a cold mountain stream to a beautiful slide and at the bottom of the Although the Forward suggests that the that originates from a spring deep in the slide is the “tea cup,” a pothole formed guide is suited to birders of varying ability Kittatinnies, cuts through the red shale and from the swirling motion of the rushing from beginner to expert, I don’t agree. I sandstone walls as it rushes downhill to water. After the tea cup you will see the have been birding for many years (although form a beautiful ravine. Rhododendrons largest of the falls, Tillman Falls. I am by no means an expert in field identi- and Christmas ferns cling to rock ledges. If From here the brook starts to flatten out. fication), and there are several aspects of you time your hike for late June or early Eventually the trail heads out of the ravine this field guide that would drive me crazy. July, you should enjoy the bonus of the and meanders through a beautiful hard- Several common species (e.g., white-breast- rhodies in full bloom. wood forest. You will come to the second ed nuthatch) are presented only in field A 1.6-mile perimeter trail forms a figure parking lot. Cross the lot and follow the The National Geographic Field Guide notes as comparators to another bird. eight loop in the ravine, with a few connec- trail; you’ll find yourself once again at the to Birds: New Jersey tors across the mini-loops in between. The middle of the figure eight. Hang the left to National Geographic, 2005 trail system in the ravine was reconfigured follow the trail to the parking lot where you Edited by Jonathan Alderfer and reblazed recently, so existing maps are started. Reviewed by Patricia Grove not accurate. Check the map posted at the Rather than sit home with the air condi- trailhead kiosk for the up-to-date layout. tioner on, come out and enjoy nature’s own Do you like to be able to identify the birds There are two parking areas; it does not cooling system. Soak your feet in a cold you see and hear? Does this guide belong in matter which one you start from. I prefer to mountain stream, sit under the shade of a your daypack when you hike in New Jersey? start from the “first” lot, the one most dis- hemlock, or enjoy the breeze on a moun- Perhaps. tant from Walpack. It leads straight into tain top. This field guide belongs to the genre that the ravine, and I can see it right away. The feature photographs rather than illustra- main perimeter trail is blazed with a white Length: About 1.6 miles tions. It does not attempt to be rectangular. Three cross-loop trails are also comprehensive, but rather includes 169 The bald eagle is classified as blazed white, but in circle, diamond, and Rating: Moderate, owing to a couple of species that one would typically encounter “mostly brown and white.” triangle shapes. steep sections in the state. Each entry includes a photo- From my preferred parking lot, start out graph of the bird, a description of field There is only one photograph for each by taking the trail to the left of the kiosk. Features: Waterfalls, pools, hemlocks, and marks (colors, bill shapes, and the like) that species, so in species in which juveniles or hardwood forests one could use to identify the bird, a para- males and females look very different, this graph about the behavior of the bird, notes guide would be no help. There are no flight How to Get There: Take I-80 west. Get off about its typical habitat, and lists a few areas silhouettes for raptors. at Sparta, Rt. 15 exit. Take Rt. 15 north. in the state where one might expect to One curious aspect of this guide is a color Where Rt. 15 turns into Rt. 206, take Rt. encounter the species. A state map is colored index, but if like me, you have friends who 206 north. Go past Stokes Forest entrance. to show generally where the species might be call and say “I saw this greenish bird ….” the Make left onto Strubble Rd. Follow signs found in winter, summer, or year-round. index might help narrow the possibilities! for Tillman Ravine. Park at first lot. Field notes provide hints about behavior or appearance that aid in identification. Patricia Grove is a professor of biology at the Maps: Kittatinny Trails Map 17. Trails The field guide is compact (4 x 6 x 0.5 College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, NY. were recently redesigned. Check map at inches), and birds are presented in the same kiosk for new design. order as they would be in more comprehen-

10 JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER HIKERS’ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

Saturday, July 22 Thursday, August 3 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 AMC-NYNJ. Blueberry Hike, Harriman State Park, NY. UCHC. Weis Ecology Center, NJ. Leader: Carolyn and Jim gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot Leader: Art and Nancy Tollefson, 212-727-8961. Meet: Tuxedo, NY; Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 10 am at Weis; call for directions. complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. call for meeting time and place. Moderate 7 miles, stopping for all Moderately strenuous 6-7 miles, with views from several peaks blueberries found near the trail, which might slow us up a bit (hope- including Wyanokie High Point; for experienced hikers. More than 90 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. fully). Heavy rain cancels. For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY/NJ Trail Conference. Friday – Friday, August 4-11 Club Codes ADK-R. Horse Stable Rock and Stone Memorial. Leader: AMC-NYNJ. Week of Hiking in Green Mountains, Vermont. Call 845-354-0738 for meeting place and time, and hike details. Leader: Larry Spinner, 845-356-5219; call before 9 pm. Meet: call Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. Moderate 7 miles. leader as soon as possible for details and registration information. UCHC. Turkey Mtn., Montville, NJ. Leader: Al Verdi, 973-263- Moderately strenuous, hilly hikes featuring steep climbs and scram- ADK-R Adirondack Mountain Club – NYR New York Ramblers 8569. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mtn. parking. Moderately brisk bles as we summit some of Vermont’s 4,000-footers; no beginners. Ramapo Chapter OSF Outdoor Singlefriends 4-5 miles, rocky trails and some hills; not for beginners. Historic Biking, kayaking (outfitters available). Stay at Arbor Inn, VT, with pool AMC-NYNJ Appalachian Mountain Club – RVW Rip Van Winkle Hiking Club limestone quarry, waterfall near Bott’s Pond. and hot tub; reasonable cost includes lodging and meals. New York/North Jersey Chapter TNC Tenafly Nature Center Sunday, July 23 Saturday, August 5 GAHC German-American Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club OSF. Fahnestock State Park, NY. Leader: Lyne Ciccarelli, IHC. Minnewaska State Park Meander, NY. Leaders: Carolyn IHC Interstate Hiking Club 862-268-0127. Meet: Please call for meeting place and time. and Jim Canfield, 973-728-9774. Meet: 8:30 am at Harriman RR Moderate hike in this beautiful park near Cold Spring, NY. station, Rt. 17, Arden, NY. Moderately strenuous hike on Long Path Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. and carriageways. The deadline for the September/October 2006 issue is July 15, 2006. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leaders: Rick and Ellen Jeydel, 908-232-2413. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, and Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Strenuous, very 973-402-2555. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate 2-hour July TNC. Trail Work at Tenafly Nature Center, NJ. Leader: Peter fast paced 5 miles on rocky trails, often muddy. Steady rain cancels. hike through beautiful park with stream and lake; some ups and Tilgner. Contact: www.tenaflynaturecenter.org or call 201-568-6093. downs. Steady rain cancels. Saturday, July 1 We’ll remove overgrown vegetation, dead trees and branches, and cut Monday, July 24 Sunday, August 6 UCHC. Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Mae Deas, and pull invasive plants that grow over the center’s 8 miles of trails; 9:30 RVW. Hunter Mtn. (4,040'), Catskills. Leader: call 845-246- 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, short hike part- am till noon. Volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, 8546 for meeting place and hike details. Meet: 8 am. Moderately AMC-NYNJ. Breakneck to Cold Spring, NY. Leader: Art Tollef- ly in woods with some hills and partly on level paths; returning by with socks pulled over cuffs to minimize tick exposure. Water bottles strenuous 5.5 mile hike; expected to take 5 hours. Optional bush- son, 212-727-8961. Meet: Breakneck stop on Metro North train; call lunch time. Good for a hot day; bring lunch to enjoy after the walk. are available at TNC. Minimum age is 13 years old. TNC will supply whack to SW Hunter Mtn. for meeting time. Moderately strenuous 9 miles, taking the easy way up Breakneck and then Undercliff Trail to Cold Spring. Drivers must Steady rain cancels. tools and some gloves. Registration is not required, but is requested. UCHC. Grover Cleveland Park, Essex Fells, NJ. Leader: arrange own shuttle or take train one stop. Heavy rain cancels. Sunday, July 2 Wednesday, July 12 Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, OSF. Wawayanda State Park, NJ. Leader: Lyne Ciccarelli, IHC. Wawayanda State Park, NJ. Leader: Steve Rikon, 973-962- RVW. Rotary Park, Kingston and Maritime Museum, NY. short hike, mostly level. Enjoy the best of two different parks. 862-268-0127. Meet: 10 am; please call for meeting place. 4149. Meet: 9 am at A&P/Hewitt, NJ, Post Office shopping center, Leader: call 845-246-4590 for meeting place and hike details. Meet: Tuesday, July 25 Moderate hike in this beautiful state park. Warwick Tpk. Moderate hike on many trails around the lake, through 8 am. Easy 5 miles; optional boat ride to lighthouse (fee). TNC. Trail Work at Tenafly Nature Center, NJ. Leader: Peter a hemlock forest and giant rhododendron thicket. See Wawayanda in UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Eck UCHC. Old Short Hills Park, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Tilgner. Contact: www.tenaflynaturecenter.org or call 201-568-6093. all its glory. Shared park entrance fee. Shuttle required. Khoon Goh, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking lot, Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderately We’ll remove overgrown vegetation, dead trees and branches, and cut corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Millburn RR GAHC. Fire Island/Sunken Forest, NY. Leader: Gunter Georgi, easy hike on various trails, area is hilly. and pull invasive plants that grow over the center’s 8 miles of trails; 9:30 516-883-2336; must call leader to register. Meet: 10 am in Sayville, am till noon. Volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, station. Brisk 4-5 mile hike with some hills. Rain cancels. Saturday, July 15 Long Island. Moderate hike and swimming. with socks pulled over cuffs to minimize tick exposure. Water bottles Monday, August 7 UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: are available at TNC. Minimum age is 13 years old. TNC will supply AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Anthony Wayne to Tiorati, Har- Monday, July 3 Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature & Science tools and some gloves. Registration is not required, but is requested. riman State Park, NY. Leader: Mike Handelsman, 718-633-6129; AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Hal Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4-5 mile hike call 7-10 pm. Meet: call leader. Moderately strenuous, hilly 9 miles McLaughlin, 718-428-1154. Meet: call leader. Moderate 5 miles. with mixture of level and slightly hilly trails. Steady rain cancels. Wednesday, July 26 We’ll spend 15 minutes at visitors center learning history of Sterling UCHC. Buttermilk Falls, India Brook, Mendham, NJ. for experienced, fit hikers only. Hike on the AT to Black and Finger- Sunday, July 16 Forest, then hike Sterling Lake Loop and Pine Meadow Trail; includ- Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for direc- board Mtns. Bring 3 quarts of water and good hiking boots. Car ing historic Iron Mine tour. Mostly ages 50+ but all ages welcome. IHC. Ladentown Loop, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: tions. Easy 3-4 mile hike to lovely waterfall; bluebird boxes and shuttle; rain cancels. Mostly ages 50+ but all ages welcome. Hank Perrine, 212-666-0694. Meet: 9 am at Ladentown parking lot, raspberry bushes along the way. UCHC. Turtle Back Rock, South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. RVW. Sam’s Point Preserve, NY. Leader: call 607-246-7616 east end of TMI Trail, Pomona, NY; call for directions. Moderately for meeting place and hike details. Meet: 8 am. Moderate hike, with Saturday, July 29 Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for strenuous. We will head south on the SBM Trail, then circle back; directions. Easy, short hike. Level hike to Girl Scout oval. possible hike to the Ice Caves; mileage depends on group. route depends on weather. ADK-R. Iron Mountain. Leader: call 845-354-0738 for meeting place and time, and hike details. Moderate 7 miles. Thursday, August 10 UCHC. Loantaka Brook Reservation, Morris Twp., NJ. GAHC. Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island. Leader: UCHC. Sebago Boat Launch, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am at Kitchell Rd. Evelyn Hoyer, 718-457-8319. Meet: 10 am at bath house of most RVW. Five Rivers Environmental Park, Delmar, NY. Leader: Leader: Katya Hanson, 732-530-5213. Meet: 10 am at Sebago boat parking near the pond. Easy, short hike; a stroll where you can talk easterly parking lot. Moderate hike and swimming. call Sandy Thorpe, 845-246-7174 for meeting place and hike details. and not watch your feet. Meet: 8 am. Easy 5 miles. launch; call for directions. Moderately strenuous 8 miles, featuring UCHC. South Mt. Reservation, W. Orange, NJ. Leader: woods roads; shuttle may be required; for experienced hikers. Wednesday, July 5 Louise White, 973-746-4319. Meet: 10 am at Turtleback Rock UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn NJ. Leader: Ellie Sunday, August 13 UCHC. Allamuchy Mountain State Park, NJ. Leaders: Jeane parking, Walker Rd., W. Orange. Moderate 4 miles in nicely wooded King, 908-233-8411. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking, across and Don McLellan, 908-464-6246. Meet: 10 am at Allamuchy area; see Turtle Back Rock. Glen Ave. from RR station. Moderate 4-5 miles to Hemlock Falls. NYR. New Townsend Trail, Sterling Forest, NY. Leader: Clive scenic overlook on I-80 East. Nice, easy, level hike with beautiful lake Morrick, 212-242-0931. Meet: 7:30 am at Port Authority bus terminal Monday, July 17 Sunday, July 30 for lunch stop; bring insect repellent. for 7:45 NJT bus #197 to Greenwood Lake, NY. Hike the entire, newly- RVW. Hidden Pond, Minnewaska State Park, NY. Leader: IHC. Suffern to Reeves Meadow, Harriman State Park, NY. blazed Townsend Trail, as well as Sterling Lake, Wildcat Mtn., Furnace Saturday, July 8 call 607-246-7616 for meeting place and hike details. Meet: 8 am. Leader: Jim McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 9 am at Reeves Meadow Loop, Indian Hill, and Sapphire out to Harriman RR Station. Moderate- UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Moderate hike. visitors center, Seven Lakes Dr., Harriman. Moderately strenuous 8.5 ly strenuous, hilly hike. Please call leader for details, including mileage. Mimi Solomon, 973-379-3910. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs park- miles. Hike on the SBM, Kakiat, and Pine Meadow Trails; shuttle from AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Reeves Brook, Harriman State ing, Brookside Ave., Millburn. Moderate hike with several hills. Reeves Meadow to Suffern, NY, train station. IHC. New York City Walk. Leader: Roy Messaros, 201-337-5004; Park, NY. Leader: Robert Danetz, 201-692-9217. Meet: call leader. Expect hike to take 2-3 hours. To Mayapple Hill, over Northfield Ave. must call to tell leader where you will meet the group. Meet: 8:30 am Moderate 7 miles; relaxing day in the woods, with stops to enjoy the RVW. North Point, Catskills, NY. Leader: call 607-246-7616 for Bridge, then on lower trail back to Tulip Springs. at Ridgewood NJ Transit train station, or 9:30 at Hoboken station, or beauty. Mostly ages 50+ but all ages welcome. meeting place and hike details. Meet: 8 am. Moderate hike to the same 9:45 at Church St. Path station, Manhattan. Moderate street and Sunday, July 9 vistas that inspired artists of the 19th-century Hudson River School. UCHC. Mills Reservation, Cedar Grove, NJ. Leader: Cherryll bridge walk in lower Manhattan, then cross Manhattan Bridge to IHC. Parker Cabin from Hollow to Mountain, Harriman Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, short UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: lunch stop in new waterfront park in Brooklyn, then cross Brooklyn State Park, NY. Leaders: Pete Tilgner and Suzan Gordon, hike, mostly level on the Lenape and Blue trails. Naomi Shapiro, 973-762-1832. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature and Bridge to Battery Park, ending with Staten Island Ferry ride across NY 201-871-3531. Meet: 9:15 am at commuter parking lot, Rt. 17 at Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Moderate 4 miles Harbor and back. Bring lunch and liquids. Rt. 17A, Southfields, NY. Moderately strenuous. Enjoy three good Tuesday, July 18 with some rocky trails. Rain cancels. GAHC. Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island. Leader: Joy climbs, using one of Harriman’s newest trails. UCHC. Pine Meadow, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Wayne Mollenhauer, 516-883-8595. Meet: 10 am at bath house of parking Frey, 732-537-9190. Meet: 10 am at Reeves Meadow visitors center, Monday, July 31 Tuesday, July 11 lot #5. Moderate hike and swimming. Seven Lakes Dr. Moderate hike to the lake; for experienced hikers. UCHC. Painter’s Point, South Mtn. Reservation, NJ. Leader: UCHC. Light Trail Work in Wawayanda State Park, NJ. Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leaders: TNC. Trail Work at Tenafly Nature Center, NJ. Leader: Peter Leader: Dave Hogenauer, 973-762-1475. Meet: 10 am at state park short hike, mostly level. A favorite hike along the Rahway River. Rick and Ellen Jeydel, 908-232-2413. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Tilgner. Contact: www.tenaflynaturecenter.org or call 201-568-6093. entrance parking lot (entrance fee). 6 miles on the AT with only slight Nature and Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Very We’ll remove overgrown vegetation, dead trees and branches, and cut hills. We’ll also do some light trail maintenance, picking up any trash fast paced 5-mile hike with some rocky, muddy trails; for experienced and pull invasive plants that grow over the center’s 8 miles of trails; 9:30 August and doing some clipping/lopping. Bring clippers/shears if you have hikers only. Steady rain cancels. them and a small garbage bag. am till noon. Volunteers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, Wednesday, August 2 with socks pulled over cuffs to minimize tick exposure. Water bottles AMC-NYNJ. Skannatati Circular, Harriman State Park, NY. Monday, August 14 Teen and Parent Hikes are available at TNC. Minimum age is 13 years old. TNC will supply Leader: Mike Handelsman, 718-633-6129. Meet: please call by July UCHC. The Tourne, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Cherryll Short, Join Hike ‘n’ Serve Venture Crew 100 open hikes on Sundays in tools and some gloves. Registration is not required, but is requested. 31 for meeting time and place. Brisk and strenuous 10 miles. Enjoy 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, short hike to July. Start time 10 am. Kickoff hike July 2 led by NY Post writer Friday – Monday, July 21-24 a mid-summer, mid-week romp in mid-Harriman. Birchwood and Crystal Lakes. Skip Card, author of Take a Hike New York City: Hikes within AMC-NYNJ. Yoga and Hiking in Vermont. Leader: Dara UCHC. Hedden Park, Dover, NJ. Leadesr: Len Shnitzer and Two Hours of Manhattan. Youth must be accompanied by his/her Sullivan, 718-343-3378. Meet: call leader as soon as possible for Norma Cohen, 732-499-9176. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy parent. For more information, schedules, meeting times, and to details and registration information. Join us for a long weekend of hike along Hurd Brook to the lake. Continued on back register, visit www.glengray.org. First family to register earns a moderately vigorous, hilly hikes to lovely views, combined with copy of Skip’s book! relaxing yoga. Stay at Arbor Inn, Stowe, VT, with pool and hot tub; RAILWALKER reasonable cost includes lodging and meals. T JULY/AUGUST 2006 11 continued from page 11 Saturday, August 26 UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: RVW. Landis Arbortoreum, Esperance, NY. Contact: Mae Deas, 908-233-6641. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature and 845-417-8097 or 518-895-8474. Meet at 8 am. Easy hike: 5 miles, Science Center, Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Brisk morning HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE 4 hours. Inclement weather date, following Monday. hike of 4-5 miles; mixture of level, easy walking and slight hills on YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG Tuesday, August 15 rough terrain. Steady rain cancels. UCHC. Stony Lake, Stokes State Forest, NJ. Leader: Wayne RVW. Black Creek Forest, Esopus, NY. Contact: 845-246- NY/NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW Frey, 732-537-9190. Meet: 10 am at Stony Lake parking (park fee). 6459. Moderate hike: 3 miles, 4 hours. Meet at 8 am. Inclement Moderate hike, moderate steepness, beautiful views from the weather date, following Saturday. Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total Appalachian Trail; for experienced hikers. Sunday, August 27 Saturday – Monday, August 19-28 Official Conference Maps IHC. Fahnestock State Park, NY. Leader: Jane Egan, 973-636- NEW!! Catskill Trails (2005) & see combo $14.95 $11.21 +$1.35 ______AMC-NYNJ. Week+ of Hiking in Maine. Leader: Bob Fuller, 0809; call before 9 pm. Meet: 9 am at Fort Montgomery (Trading 732-613-8992, call before 9 pm, [email protected]. Meet: Post) parking on Rt. 9W North. Moderate 7.5 miles with a few NEW!! East Hudson Trails (2006) $10.95 $8.21 +$1.20 ______contact leader as soon as possible for details and registration infor- moderate climbs. Hike on some little-used trails in the Hubbard- NEW!! Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2005) & see combo $9.95 $7.46 +$1.20 ______mation. A week of strenuous 10-12 mile hikes, with steep climbs and Perkins/Round Hill area of Fahnestock; this area was once used for NEW!! Hudson Palisades Trails (2005) $8.95 $6.71 +$1.20 ______scrambling. For experienced, strong hikers; no beginners. Baxter farming and iron mines. Share rides to the trailhead. State Park (Mt. Katahdin) and Rangeley-Stratton area. Motel accom- NEW!! Kittatinny Trails (2005) & see combo $12.95 $9.71 +$1.35 ______modations in Millinocket and Stratton, ME. Reasonable cost includes GAHC. Sunken Meadow State Park, Long Island. Leader: NEW!! North Jersey Trails (2005) $8.95 $6.71 +$1.20 ______lodging only; car pooling coordinated. Marlies Binz, 718-849-1463. Meet: 10 am at bath house of most easterly parking lot. Moderate hike and swimming. NEW!! Shawangunk Trails (2005) & see combo $10.95 $8.21 +$1.20 ______Saturday, August 19 NEW!! South Taconic Trails (2006) $4.95 $3.71 +.80 ______UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Naomi ADK-R. Historic Cold Spring Foundry, NY. Leader: call 845-365- Shapiro, 973-762-1832; call before 9 pm. Meet: 10 am at Locust NEW!! Sterling Forest Trails (2005) $7.95 $5.96 +$1.00 ______3618 for meeting place and time, and hike details. Easy, about 4 miles. Grove parking lot, Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from NEW!! West Hudson Trails (2006) $8.95 $6.71 +$1.20 ______UCHC. South Mtn. Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Millburn RR station. Brisk 5 miles in little over 2 hours, steep hill at Naomi Shapiro, 973-762-1832; call before 9 pm. Meet: 10 am at start. Rain cancels. Books Locust Grove parking, Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from New York Walk Book (2005) & see combo $22.95 $17.21 +$3.00 ______Monday – Thursday, August 28-31 Millburn RR station. Brisk 5-mile hike with steep hill at start; little New Jersey Walk Book (2004) & see combo $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______over 2 hours. Rain cancels. AMC-NYNJ. White Mountains of New Hampshire. Leader: Bob Fuller, 732-613-8992, call before 9 pm, [email protected]. Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $8.96 +$2.50 ______Sunday, August 20 Meet: contact leader as soon as possible for details and registration Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______IHC. Parker Cabin & Tom Jones Mountains, Harriman information. Three days of strenuous 10-12 mile hikes, with steep Harriman Trails Guide (1999) & see combo $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______State Park, NY. Leader: Jim McKay, 973-538-0756. Meet: 9 am at climbs and scrambling. For experienced, strong hikers; no beginners. NEW!! Hiking Long Island (2005) $19.95 $14.96 +$3.00 ______Parker Cabin Hollow trailhead, Rt. 106, Southfields, NY. Moderately Hike in the heart of the White Mountains, including many 4,000-foot- strenuous 8 miles. ers. Motel accommodations in Gorham, NH. Reasonable cost Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $6.71 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown, NJ. includes lodging only; car pooling coordinated. Kittatinny Trails (2004) & see combo $18.95 $14.21 +$2.50 ______Leader: MaryDell Morrison, 908-684-5175. Meet: 10 am at visitors Monday, August 28 NEW!! Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2005) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______center parking lot. Scenic 4-5 mile hike in this national historic park. UCHC. Great Swamp Nature Center, Chatham, NJ. Leader: Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks Monday, August 21 Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Easy, (1999) (hardcover) & see combo $10.95 $8.21 +$2.50 ______AMC-NYNJ. Sociables 50+ Tuxedo Circular, Harriman short, level hike along the boardwalk and Laurel Trail. Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.46 +$2.50 ______State Park, NY. Leader: Dean Gletsos, 845-354-0738. Meet: call RVW. Black Creek Forest, Esopus, NY. Contact: 845-246- A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (2002) w/6 maps $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______leader. Moderate 8 miles with ups and downs; guaranteed great 6459. Moderate hike: 3 miles, 4 hours. Meet at 8 am. Inclement Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a views. Hiking boots, 2 quarts water required; rain cancels. Mostly weather date, following Saturday. ages 50+ but all ages welcome. Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $9.71 +$2.50 ______Tuesday, August 29 Nature Walks in New Jersey (2003) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Cedar Grove Community Park, Cedar Grove, NJ. UCHC. The Tourne, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Joe McLaughlin, Leader: Cherryll Short, 973-299-0212. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. 973-263-2799. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate hike up the AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______Easy, short, level hike: a railroad bed, hemlock gorge, and the reservoir. Torne and then over to the lake; for experienced hikers. ADK Catskill Trails Guide (2005) $19.95 $14.96 +$2.50 ______RVW. Bearpen & Vly (3600'/3529'), Catskills, NY. Contact: Wednesday, August 30 ADK Catskill Day Hikes for All Seasons (2002) $12.95 $9.71 +$2.50 ______607-363-7267 or 845-338-8772. Meet 8 am. Strenuous hike: UCHC. Crosslands, Bernardsville, NJ. Leader: Bob Stanton, Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks 8 miles, 6 hours. 908-647-3559. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. Moderate hike for Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______Tuesday, August 22 everyone; carriage roads and trails on this beautiful old estate; visit to Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Schooley’s Mountain, Long Valley, NJ. Leader: Bill Audubon Center, lunch along the Passaic River. Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $14.21 +$3.00 ______Barton, 908-647-6658. Meet: 10 am at Cooper Mill on Rt. 24, 2 m. Thursday, August 31 west of Rt. 206, in Chester. Moderate hike to the county park. NEW!! Moon Take a Hike NYC (2006) $16.95 $12.71 +$2.50 ______UCHC. Elk Pen, Arden, Harriman State Park, NY. Leader: Walking Manhattan’s Rim (2003) $13.95 $10.46 +$2.50 ______Wednesday, August 23 Mike Handelsman, 718-633-6129. Meet: 10 am at Elk Pen parking UCHC. Kay Environmental Center, Chester, NJ. Leader: Joe lot off Rt. 17; call for directions. Moderately strenuous, hilly, 8-9 mile 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $12.71 +$3.00 ______McLaughlin, 973-263-2799. Meet: 10 am; call for directions. hike, enjoying the ups and downs of the Appalachian Trail, and 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.50 ______Moderate; eat lunch along the Black River in a beautiful wooded park. others. For experienced hikers only. Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (2005) $15.95 $11.96 +$2.50 ______Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.21 +$2.50 ______Hudson to Delaware: The Great Valley (2004) $75.00 $56.25 +$5.00 ______Join the volunteers Combo-Packs Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $30.35 $22.69 +$2.50 ______who bring you the great outdoors! Harriman (2-map set & book) $23.40 $17.55 +$3.00 ______NY & NJ Walk Books $38.60 $30.95 +$4.25 ______Shawangunk (3-map set & Scenes & Walks book) $18.90 $14.18 +$2.50 ______1,669 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand our horizons. Kittatinny (4-map set & book) $27.80 $20.85 +$2.50 ______Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at most The Personal Touch outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books. Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $9.00 +$2.50 ______Save time and a tree by joining or renewing online at Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.43 +$5.00 ______www.nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew button. Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $14.93 +$5.00 ______Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.21 +$1.85 ______Membership Level Individual Joint/Family Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______Individual $25 $31 Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______Sponsor $50 $60 Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______Benefactor $100 $120 Subtotal ______Senior/Student $18 $24 Postage/handling from above ______Life $500 $750 New Jersey residents add 6% tax* ______TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______Name ______

Address______Method of Payment: NAME City ______State______Zip ______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______ADDRESS Card #______E-MAIL ______CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Signature: ______EMAIL TELEPHONE Card #______Exp. Date: ____/ ____ Make check or money order payable to NY/NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Make check or money order payable to the NY/NJ Trail Conference, Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. *Tax must be paid on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing or shipping, by customers Tax-deductible. with NJ ship-to (not billing) addresses. Prices are subject to change. (05/06)

12 JULY/AUGUST 2006 TRAILWALKER printed on recycled paper