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RAILWALKER TNEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE... MAINTAINING OVER 1,600 MILES OF FOOT TRAILS MARCH/APRIL 2004

HUGE CATSKILLS RESORT PROMPTS CONCERNS By Neil Woodworth include another 18-hole golf course as well will involve extensive blasting, excavation, The Slide Mountain Wilderness, Big as a 240-unit hotel, 168 detached housing and earthmoving on a narrow mountain Indian Wilderness, and the proposed units in 21 structures, a wastewater treat- ridge. The project proposes to create and Hunter-Westkill Wilderness are three areas ment facility, and golf course maintenance maintain a 154-acre 18-hole golf course on in the central Catskills that may be affected buildings. Approximately 2 miles of road- the top of this narrow ridge. On either side by a massive development proposed at way and parking areas accommodating a of this ridge are feeder streams flowing into Belleayre Mountain. couple of hundred parking spaces are to be the Esopus Creek, a critical source of In December 2003, the New York State constructed. Highmount Estates will be drinking water for the New York City met- Department of Environmental Conserva- composed of a 21-lot residential subdivi- ropolitan area. tion (DEC) issued a Notice of Acceptance sion with lots ranging from 2 to 16.8 acres. The trails and trailheads of the Slide of Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2,400 feet of internal roads would be con- Mountain Wilderness, which are already in (DEIS) for Crossroad Ventures’ massive structed. The Wilderness Activities Center danger of overuse, are just a short drive Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park. With this will use existing buildings. from the resort. In relatively close proximi- decision, the public hearing and comment ty to the project site are the very popular Big phase of the project review process com- Indian Wilderness and the proposed menced. The Crossroad’s project consists of Hunter-Westkill Wilderness area. The Trail approximately 1,960 acres of private land Conference and ADK are urging DEC to located to the east and west of the state-run Development require the project sponsors to address the

ADDIE HAAS Belleayre Mountain Ski Center; 573 of the impact of the resort complex and the very Larry Braun,West Hudson North trails chair 1,960 acres are to be developed (331 acres large number of potential guests on these on the east side and 242 acres on the could impact Forest Preserve lands. Additionally, as DEC COLOR HIS west side). is the legally designated custodian of the The eastern portion of the site, located Slide,Big Indian, Forest Preserve, we are asking the agency to COLLAR GREEN on the prominent Belleayre Ridge, is complete its own careful evaluation of the By Jonathan D. Beard referred to as the Big Indian Plateau. The impact of the project on the carrying capac- Big Indian Plateau would include a 154- and ity, long distance scenic views, and future Many Trail Conference volunteers enjoy acre 18-hole championship golf course, the management of these Forest Preserve units. their adopted jobs because they get to go Big Indian Resort and Spa, and Belleayre DEC is currently planning a significant hiking, paint blazes, or build bridges – all Highlands. The spa would include a 150- Hunter-Westkill expansion of the Belleayre Ski Center, pleasant alternatives to days spent in the unit hotel building, 95 detached hotel which is located on the same mountain as office on the phone or in meetings. But not lodging units in 55 structures, a golf club- the proposed resort. If construction of both Larry Braun, the Trail Conference’s West house, golf maintenance buildings, and a wilderness areas. projects takes place at the same time, the Hudson North trails chair. After a life spent wastewater treatment facility. Approxi- impact on the mountain and the watershed outdoors, operating cranes and other heavy mately 3.5 miles of roadway and 292 could be greatly increased. DEC must eval- equipment, Larry has become an adminis- parking spaces are proposed. Belleayre uate the combined impact of these two trator. Instead of being told what to do, Highlands would consist of 88 detached According to the DEIS, approximately very large projects on the natural and water Larry now finds himself with a bit of hotel lodging units in 22 structures, tennis 85 acres of the project will be converted to resources of this critical part of the NYC authority and some big responsibilities. courts, and a swimming pool. An addition- impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, and park- watershed and the Catskill State Park. He meets with agency officials, park al 2.4 miles of road would be constructed ing areas) and a total of approximately 530 superintendents, and museum directors, to access the area. acres will be clearcut. This Big Indian com- Neil Woodworth, counsel to the TC/ADK making lots of phone calls, and sending e- The western portion of the site will be ponent of the project will undoubtedly Partnership, delivered testimony for the mail. He has become a manager, overseeing composed of the Wild Acres Resort, High- alter the character of these currently wild partnership at public hearings in January. the four trail supervisors who monitor mount Estates, and a Wilderness Activities lands. The creation of this mountaintop maintenance in the four areas that are his Center. The Wild Acres Resort would and mountainside resort and golf complex responsibility: Black Rock Forest, Storm King State Park, Schunemunk State Park, and Minnewaska State Park. Even though he traded in his blue-collar COMPLETELY REVISED EDITION OF job for white-collar duties, Larry was not wearing a suit or tie when he took a reporter NJ WALK BOOK AVAILABLE IN APRIL on a quick walk through three of the dozen or so trails at Black Rock Forest (BRF) last The New York-New Jersey Trail Confer- illustrations of Dr. Jack Fagan, who studied fall. As he moved quickly along the Sackett ence is proud to announce the publication art at the Cooper Union. Dr. Fagan created and Short Cut Trails to reach the Compart- of a completely revised second edition over 100 illustrations of scenic vistas and ment Trail, he bent down every few yards to of the New Jersey Walk Book. The only historic sites throughout New Jersey specif- pick up branches that a recent windstorm comprehensive guidebook to hiking ically for this book. His illustrations had dropped across the path. throughout the Garden State, this book provide the reader with a vivid depiction of On the Compartment Trail, he exam- is a must for every hiker in New Jersey. what they will see when hiking the trails. ined the big trees, which the forest crew The New Jersey Walk Book contains Dr. Fagan, a retired professor of geology, had cut, using chainsaws, the week before. detailed descriptions of hiking trails from also wrote a chapter on the geology of New “They did a great job,” he says, explaining the Ramapos to the Pinelands on federal, Jersey for this edition, in addition to geolo- that although the Trail Conference took state, county, and municipal parklands. gy sections in various chapters. Learning over maintaining the trails at Black Rock Directions to each trailhead are provided, about the rocks underfoot adds interest to Forest several years ago, to free the forest’s and loop hikes are suggested, where appro- any hike, and the geology material is easily own workers for other jobs, only BRF priate. For those who wish to reach the comprehended by those without any prior employees operate chainsaws here. Several hiking trails without using a car, informa- background in the subject. tion on public transportation is included. continued on page 8 The book is enhanced by the world-class continued on page 4 TW-MarchApril04 2/17 2/17/04 10:57 PM Page 2

TRAILWALKER FROM THE CHAIR VOLUME XXXI, NO. 2 MARCH/APRIL 2004 GEORGETTE WEIR EDITOR LOUIS LEONARDIS GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- 100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is published bi- Mahopac Library was the result of a ques- the Putnam County Lake Management monthly by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit of membership. Land Use Center tion raised by my husband Walt, a hiker Program have provided money for books. Subscriptions are available to libraries only at who is active in local and regional land and When the Mahopac Public Library opens $15.00 a year. Periodical postage paid at Each one of us wears several hats, and when conservation planning activities: Why don’t in mid-April, its Land Use Center will be Mahwah, N.J., and additional offices. we’re lucky, the skills that those hats public libraries have resource materials up and running. Postmaster: Send address changes to the address below. Opinions expressed by authors do not represent work together in surprisingly available for people on local planning So, if you want to learn about the envi- necessarily represent the policy or position of productive ways. I, for example, wear a boards, conservation boards, etc.? Think- ronmental impact statement process, how the Conference. Contributions of typed Trail Conference hat. It may not always be ing his suggestion was more than just a to preserve cultural resources, plan land use, manuscripts, photos, and drawings are on my head, but the skills and concerns good idea, I followed up and talked to negotiate land agreements, or if you want a welcome. Manuscripts may be edited for style and length. Send SASE for writers’ guidelines. I have as a hiker and chair of the Trail Michelle Powers of the Putnam County report on storm water runoff, a book on Submission deadlines for the TRAIL WALKER Conference board are always with me. Planning Department about helping me lakes, even a video on how to manage are January 15 (Mar./Apr. issue), March 15 I also wear the mantle of full-time head of develop a small collection on land use Canada geese, visit the Mahopac Library (May/June issue), May 15 (July/Aug. issue), July 15 (Sept./Oct. issue), September 15 reference at a public library in Mahopac, issues. At first we thought a book budget of in Mahopac, NY. Anyone is welcome to (Nov./Dec. issue), November 15 (Jan./Feb. New York. Ordinarily, these two realms about $1,000 might be sufficient. Howev- use the collection during library hours issue). Unsolicited contributions cannot be may not have a lot of overlap. er, when others enthusiastically embraced (see www.mahopaclibrary.org). In addition, acknowledged unless accompanied by SASE. But it turns out that my association with the idea, a collection limited to 50-75 those people with library cards from the For information on advertising rates, please write or call. a library is going to help people with con- books suddenly appeared inadequate. With Mid Hudson Library System may borrow Copyright 2004 by: cerns about land use and conservation, permission from the library director, Patri- circulating materials. Others may request New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc. such as those of us who are members of the cia Kaufman, a 20 x 20 foot room was circulating materials on interlibrary loan. 156 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) Mahwah, NJ 07430 Trail Conference. The Mahopac Library is made available in the new library to It is my hope that other public libraries 201-512-9348 scheduled to move into a new 30,000- house the proposed collection. The proviso will provide a similar service, even if it is on e-mail: [email protected] square-foot building in the middle of April. was that the whole project had to be a smaller scale. If you have questions or editorial e-mail: [email protected] I have been closely involved with planning independently funded: books, materials, would like a tour, please contact me at the World Wide Web: http://www.nynjtc.org the new facility, including a lot of decisions and furnishings. library, [email protected]. We about what will be in it. One of its features To date, thanks to the generosity of the need all the hats we can muster to preserve – and thought to be the first of its kind in Smart Family Foundation and the success our trails and our land. NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY a public library – will be a land use center. of State Assemblyman Willis Stephens in TRAIL CONFERENCE There are such resource centers in academ- finding some state money, the hardest Happy Trails and Happy Land Mission Statement ic settings, such as the Pace University items to be funded – such as furnishings – Conservation! The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Land Use Center, but by and large they are have been taken care of. Hudson River Val- founded in 1920, is a federation of member not open to the public. ley Greenway, Putnam County Historical Jane Daniels, Chair, Board of Directors clubs and individuals dedicated to providing The idea of a land use center at the Preservation Advisory Commission, and recreational hiking opportunities in the region, and representing the interests and concerns of the hiking community. The Conference is a volunteer-directed public service organization committed to: • Developing, building, and maintaining Learn Trail Building, Maintaining, & Monitoring at Annual Workshops hiking trails. • Protecting hiking trail lands through Inexperienced, novice, and seasoned trail You should take this class if you are inter- managing the Appalachian Trail on support and advocacy. maintainers are encouraged to attend one ested in becoming a maintainer or National Park Service property. Partici- • Educating the public in the responsible use of trails and the natural environment. or two of three workshops to be presented enhancing your skills. (By the time of this pants will learn how to check boundaries by the Trail Conference April 17 and 18 in publication, a definite date should be con- and what problems to look for. Take this Board of Directors Cold Spring, New York (Maintenance 101 firmed for the Catskills training, which is course if you are interested in helping trails Jane Daniels Chair will be offered also in May in the Catskills). intended primarily for those people inter- in a different way. You need to feel com- Tom Humbach Vice Chair All will be taught by experienced trail ested in maintaining trails in that region; fortable in off-trail situations. Daniel Chazin Secretary Herb Hochberg Treasurer builders who are members of the Trail please call the office, 201-512-9348, to All three April workshops will take place Conference. verify which day. The information packet at the Hubbard Lodge on Route 9 near Directors Mary Vance Duggan John Moran Registration for all workshops is will be sent one week prior to the Cold Spring, New York, and are open to John Gunzler Robert Newton required. Simply fill out the coupon below workshop date.) Conference members, members of Confer- Gary Haugland Anne Osborn and send it to the Conference office by Trail Construction and Restoration will ence clubs, and people from nearby Peter Heckler Mary Smart April 10, along with a $4 registration fee be offered on Sunday, April 18. If you have communities. Attending a class is a good Art Lebofsky Malcolm Spector for non-members (no fee for TC mem- wanted to help on a trail crew or do some way to determine whether you would to Staff bers). An information packet will be sent to heavy repairs on a trail, this is the workshop like to be a maintainer, monitor, or mem- Edward Goodell Executive Director all registrants by April 10. Sign up is first for you. Workshop participants will restore ber of a trail crew. Maureen Walsh Administrative Director come, first served. Past workshops have a section of a trail by constructing steps, Each day will begin with bagels and coffee Larry Wheelock Trails Director been oversubscribed, so send in your waterbars, and side hills, basic elements of at 9 am. Workshops are slated to begin at Joshua Erdsneker Volunteer Projects registration early. many hiking trails and techniques often 9:30 and will include classroom lecture and Director Trail Maintenance 101 will be offered on used to restore eroded trails. discussion, field work, and material to take Jim Davis Development Saturday, April 17, in Cold Spring and in Monitoring Trail Lands will be offered home. At 3:30 all participants will regroup Director Edwin McGowan Science Director May (15 or 22, date to be determined) in on Sunday, April 18. Monitors are the “eyes for socializing and sharing their experiences. Richard Benning Land Protection the North Lake area of the Catskills. This and ears” of our trail system, people who Sessions will be held rain or shine. Specialist training session teaches techniques, main- walk trails looking for evidence of misuse Registration can also be done online Lisa Cargill Development tenance standards, and what problems to or encroachment. This workshop draws at www.nynjtc.org/workshops/index.html. Associate Nayarid Barahona Product Manager expect on the trails and how to solve them. heavily on Trail Conference experience in Ramon McMillan Administrative Assistant Registration Form Do you currently maintain a trail? Yes No Part-time Staff Trail Maintenance Workshops Amy Little Coordinator, If yes, do you work as an individual or with a club? Shawangunk Please check the session(s) you want to attend: Ridge Coalition Maintenance 101 Name of club, if applicable: ______John Myers Land Acquisition April 17, Cold Spring May TBD, North Lake Name of trail you maintain:______Director Construction and Restoration (April 18, Cold Spring) Gary Willick Fulfillment Staff Check here if you have questions and would like someone Neil Woodworth Counsel, Trail Monitoring Trail Lands (April 18, Cold Spring) Conference/ADK to call you. Partnership Name: ______Return by April 10. One form per person. If a non-member, Address: ______include a check for $4 per person made payable to: The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It City/State/Zip: ______NY-NJ Trail Conference, Trail Maintenance Workshop, is a federation of 85 hiking and outdoor groups, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430 and 10,000 individuals. Day Phone: ______Eve. Phone: ______

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and state park movements that was fostered here at the turn of the last century. To accomplish this, we should bring together expert trail builders, historians, A DVOCACY landscape architects, writers, and artists to CONSERVATION design a trail that not only takes the visitor & up the mountain but that offers interpretive Last Private Parcel Bought Phone calls urging Governor McGreevey exhibits and signage. For many who hike on At Stony Kill Falls (609-292-6000) and the DEP commis- Bear Mountain, it is among the few times With a January purchase by the Open sioner (609-292-2885) to “stay the course” they are ever on a primitive trail and per- Space Institute (OSI), the last of three pri- by vigorously defending the sale in court, haps the only time they will hike the vately owned parcels of land at the foot of could be helpful. Appalachian Trail. Many are tourists, immi- Stony Kill Falls in Minnewaska State Park From the Executive Director grants, and members of other groups Preserve have now been acquired for public Orange County Developing underrepresented among outdoor enthusi- ownership – forever protecting one of the Open Space Plan An Idea for the asts who are experiencing the North most magnificent falls in the New York Over the course of the last six months, a American backcountry for the first time. State park system, and ensuring public technical advisory committee has been Bear Mountain Trails Bear Mountain presents an outstanding access to this timeless resource. meeting in Orange County, NY, to develop It was New York-New Jersey Trail Confer- opportunity for us to foster public appreci- The New York-New Jersey Trail Confer- strategies for the county to work with oth- ence volunteers who first got to work on ation of the role of trails in providing access ence and its members played a crucial role er organizations and government entities to Benton MacKaye’s idea for an Appalachian to open space, the importance of parks and in the protection of Stony Kills Falls by preserve open space in this time of seem- Trail (AT). Shortly after his 1921 article volunteer organizations such as the providing key funding that made protec- ingly unchecked sprawl. Formed at the calling for an East Coast greenway from Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Pal- tion possible. “None of this would have request of the Orange County Planning Maine to Georgia, Trail Conference volun- isades Interstate Parks Commission, the happened if it were not for the vision (and Department, its members include many teers met with MacKaye and began National Park Service, the NY-NJ Trail dollars) of the Trail Conference,” said Trail Conference partners, among them the scouting a 160-mile AT route from Kent, Conference, and the Appalachian Trail Robert Anderberg, OSI vice president and Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Connecticut, to the Delaware River. By the Conference. general counsel. In a special fundraising Scenic Hudson, and the Orange County end of 1923 the first 20-mile section across I think a collaborative design workshop effort headed by former Trail Conference Land Trust. The goal is to produce an Bear Mountain/Harriman Parks was open. integrating local and professional opinions President Neil Zimmerman, our members Open Space Plan that will become part of In 1925, the Trail Conference helped create is a good way to produce a trail design and contributed $115,000 to fund OSI’s acqui- the recently adopted Orange County the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) interpretive system that will help the hun- sition of two parcels totaling 94 acres in Comprehensive Plan. and the Trail Conference chair, William dreds of thousands of visitors to understand 2001. Those parcels already have been con- The value of our hiking trail network in Welch, became the first ATC chairman. the importance of trails and open space. veyed to the Palisades Interstate Park the county is well recognized. TC’s land Part of this original section of the AT, from How the design might manifest itself on the Commission. conservation efforts on the Shawangunk the Bear Mountain Inn to Perkins Tower ground cannot be pre-determined, but it is The final piece of the preservation puzzle Ridge have included county-owned atop Bear Mountain, is considered to be easy to imagine some of the possibilities. was put into place this year, on January 9, parcels, and hikers have a true friend in the the most heavily used section of the entire Interpretive signage along the three Bear when OSI acquired an 18-acre property county’s planning commissioner, David AT. Park officials report 1.67 million visi- Mountain trails (Appalachian, Major from Napanoch Sand & Gravel. The for- Church. Since parts of all of our long-dis- tors to Bear Mountain annually, including Welch, and Suffern-Bear Mountain) and at mer mining site will provide hikers with tance trails – the Appalachian Trail, the 500,000 visitors to Perkins Tower. the base of the mountain could introduce direct access to the base of the 87-foot falls Long Path, the Highlands Trail, and the All of this traffic has taken a heavy toll on new hikers to trails and the volunteer organ- and offer space for a modest parking area. Shawangunk Ridge Trail – cross Orange the Appalachian Trail over Bear Mountain. izations that build and maintain them. According to PIPC’s executive director, County, the Trail Conference has been A major and permanent reconstruction of Key concepts about trail building and Carol Ash, the parcel will be integrated into advocating for protecting these existing this historic trail is overdue. The magnitude responsible hiking could be demonstrated the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. hiking trail corridors and developing local of this construction, which will include along the AT as it makes its way up the “We’ve had our eye on this property for a trails connecting the parklands, protected rerouting the trail to a permanent and sus- mountain. long time,” she said. “It provides a wonder- private lands open to the public, and new- tainable location on the east side of the At the top of Bear Mountain, where ful opportunity to protect one of the most ly protected open space as recommended mountain, and eliminating the road walk there is automobile access, a handicapped- scenic spots in the park.” by this committee, and linking these with on the western slope and replacing it with accessible trail could encircle the summit, the municipalities in the county. As these a dramatic, new route, will require offsite disperse the heavy foot traffic, and include Trail Corridor at Risk In West Milford are times of tight budgets, this important materials, external expertise, and a coordi- displays interpreting the development of The protection of 420 acres of open space work will require the creative collaboration nated volunteer effort for several years to the Appalachian Trail, the Palisades Inter- that are currently part of a West Milford, of many groups, and the Trail Conference come. state Park system, and the state and NJ, redevelopment property continues to is pleased to be among them. In addition to the engineering and con- national park movements of a century ago. hang in the balance. Even though both the struction of a safe and permanent trail Indoor exhibits, or even a museum of the township, which owns the land, and the Golf Course Proposed route to handle the volume of visitors, I Appalachian Trail, could be located in the state, through the Green Acres program, Near HT in Chester believe the Trail Conference should take restored Hiker’s Lounge of the Bear Moun- have signed a contract of sale, the closing A large development proposal, including the opportunity to create a testament to the tain Inn and seasonally within Perkins has been stayed by a court injunction, a golf course and housing, is seeking idea of accessible open space, volunteer Tower at the top of Bear Mountain. pending resolution of a lawsuit filed against approvals to start construction in Chester, trail-building, and the birth of the national In addition to the AT and interpretive the sale by three residents of West Milford. NY. The Trail Conference has a stake in the exhibits, which will provide an enduring The redevelopment property is impor- outcome of this plan because of its proxim- way to promote and pay tribute to trails tant to open space advocates as an ity to the Highlands Trail (HT). The land Announcing New Evening Hours and trail volunteers, the construction of the undeveloped connector between Norvin is situated in Orange County between for the Mahwah Office AT itself would provide a high profile Green State Forest and the Newark Water- Bellvale Mountain, not far from where the opportunity to recruit and train a whole shed, both prime hiking areas; the HT co-aligns with the Appalachian Trail, The Trail Conference Office will now be new generation of Trail Conference volun- Highlands Trail traverses the property, con- and Goose Pond Mountain State Park, open late on Mondays and Wednesdays! teers. The project would demand the best necting the two. On TC Map #21, the area which is completely traversed by the HT. You can now stop by the office to purchase design and construction techniques avail- is seen in grid 5 D and E, roughly defined The proposal encompasses 400 acres, books and maps or volunteer in the able and would be accomplished entirely as bounded by Indian Trail Lake to the with different types of housing including evenings. If you are interested in volunteer- with volunteers under professional guid- north, Gordon Lakes to the east, and, to high-density planned adult communities ing, but can’t make it in during the day, ance. The entire project would proceed as a the west, that part of the Pequannock and condos in addition to the golf course. now’s your chance to come in during series of clinics and training exercises. Watershed that includes Echo Lake. There are those who see significant the evening. These volunteers could then be recruited Open space, trail corridor protection, and degradation of water quality, increased ero- for trail maintenance and trail crews water protection are key issues for this prop- sion, fragmenting of natural corridors, and Monday: 9:00 am – 8:30 pm throughout the region. erty. It serves as a major water recharge area, disregard of archaeological importance in Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm In this way, the trails over Bear habitat for numerous threatened and the plan as laid out. If a significant portion Wednesday 9:00 am – 8:30 pm Mountain will not only raise the awareness endangered species, and contains high of this land were to be preserved, it could Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm of the general public about open space and quality wetlands, steep slopes, rock out- provide a new off-road location for hikers trails, but will also increase the volunteer croppings, and dense, contiguous forest. on the HT, while also opening up recre- Our new hours are subject to change, so capacity of the Trail Conference to main- Numerous wells also surround the property. ational opportunities for current and future please call, 201-512-9348 before you come tain its existing trail network as well as State Dept. of Environmental Protec- residents. The Trail Conference will contin- to ensure we’re here. expand into new areas. tion (DEP) Commissioner Bradley ue working with and supporting interested – Ed Goodell Campbell has vowed to enforce the parties as the review process continues. purchase agreement in court, if necessary. continued on page 7

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IT’S BEEN A WET YEAR; 3. Stay in the treadway, even if it is mud- EXPECT MUD AND FLOODING dy. Walking around wet areas widens the trail, impacts wildlife, and makes RAIL The year 2003 was unusually wet in our an ugly sore on the land. T region. The consequences have been appar- ent on many trails and are likely to be more 4. Be sure to wear gaiters and footgear evident during the spring melt season. that can handle the mud, and bring an EWS Water tables are very high and even trails extra pair of street shoes to change into N that are normally dry may be underwater when you finish hiking. this spring. Expect Trail Closings North Jersey Trails Updates Keeping in mind that this will likely be a 5. If at all possible, try to avoid hiking at Storm King State Park Camp Glen Gray Old Guard Trail: very muddy spring, Trails Director Larry right after heavy rainfall and during the Some of the trails in Storm King S. P. may Adopted by Trail Conference in October Wheelock offers a few precautions: muddiest periods of the spring. be closed again from August through the 2003, this former Scout trail has been ren- end of 2004 for the final sweep for unex- ovated and extensively relocated along its 1. If you’re planning a hike, think in terms ploded ordnance. Sector “B”, which approximately 4-mile route. The trail con- of higher, drier areas; try to avoid the reopened July 4, 2003, will be the only area nects the core of Camp Glen Gray with low-lying marshes and wet areas. Trails affected by this work that had been Schuber/Yellow trails near Northeast Look- such as the Appalachian Trail are planned some time ago and has now been out. Also connects with Cannonball, designed to stay up on the ridges, financed. This closing will affect portions Hoeferlin Memorial, Millstone, and although the AT through northern of the Stillman Spring, Howell, and the Ringwood-Ramapo Trails. Blazed with New Jersey goes through low-lying Bobcat Trails. The exact dates have not rectangular 2" x 3" tags, green tulip-tree farmlands and marshes in many places. been determined. This work will be done leaf on white. The Ramapo-Dunderberg and the Suf- by the Army Corps of Engineers. The fern/Bear Mountain Trails stay mostly Palisades Interstate Park Commission staff Millstone Trail: Extended for 0.2 mile on higher elevations, as does the Ster- will see that appropriate signs warning north of Midvale Mountain Road to avoid ling Ridge Trail in Sterling Forest. hikers will be put up when work begins. roadwalk; now totals 2 miles. 2. Limit your group size to 15 or less. New Connection Schuber Trail: New footbridge over North (Officially designated Wilderness areas to LP In Rockland County Brook near Tindall Cabin (combined oper- usually have lower limits; Leave No A new trail now connects the Long Path ation, Ringwood Eagle Scout, Bergen Trace principles call for group limits of

(LP) with Buttermilk Falls County Park in County Parks); about 0.5 mile of trail 10 in any season.) WHEELOCK LARRY Clarkstown (Rockland County), NY. The moved from Cannonball Road north of Water surrounds a bridge on the AT in NJ. white-blazed side trail of the LP starts 0.1 Tindall Cabin to avoid roadwalk; mostly mile south of Towt Road in Nyack, and coaligned with Old Guard Trail on new heads west for 0.3 mile. At the junction with footpath along North Brook. an orange trail, the white trail turns south along an old woods road that is the exten- Yellow Trail: North of Midvale Mountain sion of West Broadway. Open fields are to Road, this trail has been moved westward Trail Crew Schedules the left, and a steep slope to the right. In 0.4 into woods for 1 mile and is partly mile, the trail climbs up the steep slope, and coaligned with the Millstone Trail to avoid For the latest schedules, check WEST HUDSON CREW after another 0.2 mile, it crosses Schuyler a roadwalk. www.nynjtc.org/volunteers/trvolop.html#crew Leaders: Chris Ezzo: 516-431-1148 Road into Buttermilk Falls County Park. 0.3 TBA = To be announced Brian Buchbinder: 718-218-7563, mile from the road crossing, the white trail Yellow-Silver Trail: The southern trailhead [email protected] passes a blue trail on the right, which leads has been extended west for 0.5 mile to end For all trips bring work gloves, water, Claudia Ganz: 212-633-1324, to Buttermilk Falls (0.65 mi). After another at the Schuber Trail, while maintaining its lunch, insect repellent. In some cases, [email protected] 0.3 miles, the white trail reaches a parking connection with relocated Yellow Trail. tools are provided. Contact leaders in Robert Marshall: 914-737-4792, lot on Greenbush Road. Buttermilk Falls is advance for meeting times and places. [email protected] 0.2 mile from the parking lot on the blue Ramapo Reservation Volunteers must become members of the Monica Resor: 732-937-9098, trail, which runs from the parking lot to the White Trail: The western trailhead has Conference to participate in these proj- [email protected] white trail. There are some fine views to the been extended about 300 yards north to ects. A one-time “guest” participation is April 15 (Thursday) west from the blue trail; 0.3 mile from the connect with the Halifax Trail. allowed, so bring your friends. Stony Brook Trail, Bob Marshall falls, an orange trail starts east, reaching the April 17/18 (Saturday & Sunday) white trail in 0.35 mile. WEST JERSEY CREW T.B.A., Chris Ezzo Leaders: David Day and Monica Resor April 24 (Saturday) Phone: 732-937-9098 Menomine Trail, Claudia Ganz Eagles Galore for TC Bird Counters Email: [email protected] May 15 & 16, Special Project Call or email leaders for meeting place 1777/79 Trails Bridge across the details and times. Heavy rain in the Popolopen Gorge to be replaced. Nine TC volunteers spotted approximately 25 bald eagles at the inaugural Winter Bald morning will cancel; if in doubt, call Leaders: Chris Ezzo or TC Trails Direc- Eagle survey along the lower Hudson River January 11. At one point, seven eagles were seen leaders that morning. tor Larry Wheelock (201-512-9348). giving chase to one of their own that had snatched a fish from the icy waters. April 17 (Saturday) Ever since Tropical Storm Floyd washed A month later, 18 survey participants conducted a synchronized count of eagles at eight Blue Dot Trail, Worthington State Park away the bridge across the Popolopen different night roosts – the first count of its kind in New York. By counting night-roosting We will begin an extensive repair and Creek in Harriman/Bear Mt. State Park, eagles, we could be sure each bird was counted just once. The result was a whopping 134 relocation project on this very popular we have been waiting patiently for the eagles counted, a record for the lower Hudson. trail, at its trailhead junction with the replacement to be built. Finally it is The goal of the survey project is to gather data on eagle use of day perches and night Dunnfield Creek Trail. about to happen. During the week of roosts in areas with potential for human disturbance, including six sites with hiking trails. May 1 (Saturday) May 10 (exact date to be announced Blue Dot Trail, Worthington State Park later), the parts will arrive and on the We will continue the work of repair and weekend of May 15 and 16 we will be relocation of this very popular trail, at its installing it. NJ WALK BOOK... Conference member Daniel Chazin of Tea- trailhead junction with the Dunnfield continued from page 1 neck, NJ, who has been hiking in New Creek Trail. EAST HUDSON CREW Jersey for over 30 years. The author of the April 10 (Saturday) Another special feature of this edition is a popular Hike of the Week series in The NORTH JERSEY CREW Place TBA new chapter on ecology written by Dr. Joan Record and a member of the board of the Leaders: Sandy Parr, 732-469-5109 Check website for additional work trips. Ehrenfeld, professor of ecology at Rutgers Trail Conference, Daniel rehiked most of Dick Warner, 201-327-4945 University and a member of the Trail Con- the trails in the book, carefully reviewing Second Sunday of each month. ference science advisory committee. Dr. and revising descriptions prepared by other Tackle a variety of projects ranging from Ehrenfeld details the various biomes volunteers. trail repair to bridge building in north- through which the trails pass and explains To obtain your copy of this exciting ern New Jersey. interesting features that the hiker will new book, contact the Trail Conference, encounter along the way. 201-512-9348 or www.nynjtc.org, or visit This edition was edited by longtime Trail your favorite outdoor store or book store.

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ECOLOGY FOR HIKERS

Frogs take hikes too! By Victor Lamoureux, Ph.D. With the approach of spring, overwinter- ing the winter can be much more complex. American toads, and pickerel frogs over- replace it with natural antifreezes. They ing frogs will respond to various cues to The green frog is one of the most com- winter terrestrially or semi-terrestrially then allow the external cellular spaces to end their dormancy and undergo a migra- mon frogs in the northeast and is highly where oxygen is readily available. However, freeze while maintaining the inside of the tion back to breeding ponds. Many people aquatic. The ponds where they spend the freezing becomes a bigger issue. Toads are cells. After several weeks in this frozen state, are surprised that frogs migrate at all, but summer are typically poor locations for known to burrow or follow existing holes the frogs can thaw without damage. frogs do need specific conditions in order overwintering because they become highly below the frost line where they can remain The cycle of a frog’s life will see them to survive our harsh northern winters. anoxic (oxygen poor) during the winter. A safe and “warm” for the winter. Many frogs migrating back to breeding ponds with the Finding suitable sites in the fall, and return- recent radiotelemetry study, where minia- (especially pickerel frogs) have been found approach of spring, then a quiet summer ing from them in the spring, are the causes ture radio transmitters were surgically in caves, lounging about near subterranean feeding, followed by an autumn search for of many amphibian journeys. implanted into the frogs, found that green streams. Frogs want to avoid freezing tem- an appropriate overwintering site. While In northern climates, frogs might need frogs undertake extensive migrations away peratures, but some frogs that overwinter hiking for the scenic vistas this spring, don’t to overwinter for up to six months. They from their breeding ponds. These migra- terrestrially can freeze without harm. The forget to look closer to your feet. You may survive this period by building fat reserves tions can be up to 600m (1/3 of a mile) wood frog, spring peeper, chorus frog, and find yourself hiking right along with an through the summer and fall and then and take the frogs to seeps, springs, or flow- gray treefrog are not capable of deep bur- amphibian companion. finding a sheltered site where they can ing streams where the oxygen content rowing, so they frequently shelter only maintain moisture, keep contact with remains higher. It is not known how the inches below the surface under logs or in Victor S. Lamoureux received his Ph.D. oxygen, and avoid freezing temperatures. frogs navigate to such sites and whether thick leaf mould where they are occasional- studying the overwintering behavior of the Most people erroneously believe that frogs they use them year after year. ly subjected to freezing temperatures. To green frog. He currently teaches high school simply go to the mud at the bottom of Many frogs do not need to worry about avoid freeze damage, they evacuate their biology and pursues wildlife photography their local pond to spend the winter, but anoxic conditions. Frogs such as wood intracellular water (which would expand every chance he gets. the actual adaptations frogs have for surviv- frogs, spring peepers, gray treefrogs, during freezing and burst the cells) and

A Gallery of Common Frogs and Toads of the Northeast Volunteers Needed to Survey Reptiles and Amphibians The New Jersey Department of Environ- Anyone who would like to volunteer by mental Protection is looking for dedicated conducting salamander and frog surveys at volunteers to assist the Division of Fish and a vernal pool near them should attend one Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame of the upcoming training seminars sched- Species Program (ENSP) in collecting uled for the first two Saturdays in March. important information on critical habitats Seating is limited, so only serious individu- ABfor reptiles and amphibians throughout the als willing to devote at least 40 hours to state again this spring. surveying should sign up. Throughout the winter and early spring, The seminars are scheduled for March 6, water collects in wetland depressions in at Hackettstown Natural Resource forests and meadows forming temporary Education Center (located within the pools that remain through early summer. Hackettstown Fish Hatchery), Hack- These seasonal wetlands, known as vernal ettstown; 9 am–noon (lecture); 1–3 pm C pools, are critical habitats for several species (field session) and March 13 at Lord of amphibians that rely upon them for Stirling Environmental Education Center, breeding. Due to their temporary nature, Basking Ridge, 9 am–noon (lecture), vernal pools do not contain fish, which 1–3 pm (field session) make them ideal locations for amphibians Participants may register via email at to lay their eggs since the larvae can grow [email protected]. Be sure to and develop with a lower risk of predation. include the training seminar you wish to New Jersey has five species of salamanders attend, name of attendee(s), your mailing D E and two species of frogs that breed only in address, and telephone number. An email

VICTOR LAMOUREUX vernal pools. Twenty-one other amphibian containing registration confirmation and and reptile species will use vernal pools, but driving directions to the appropriate semi- A. Green frog (Rana clamitans) C. Pickerel frog (Rana palustris) can also successfully reproduce in habitats nar will be sent back to you. Those without General Habitat: Shores of small lakes, D. Spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) that contain fish. In addition to serving as email capabilities can call 908-735-8975 to ponds, and marshes, where it breeds and E. Gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor & amphibian breeding habitat, vernal pools register. For more information, visit the spends the warmer months. Prior to over- H. chrysoscelis) are a source of forage, refuge and water for Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website at wintering will make forays into meadows General Habitat: These four species use a a multitude of mammals, birds, insects and http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/ and woods for food. Young green frogs can variety of water sources including small other wildlife. vernalpool.htm be found in many places as they search out vernal pools to larger ponds, as long as The number of healthy, ecologically new homes. Overwintering Habitat: Can there is an abundance of standing vegeta- intact vernal pools has declined significant- make extensive migrations away from tion including clumps of bushes. The ly over the past several decades in New The (No Longer) Missing Maintainers ponds, to woodland springs and streams choruses of peepers in the early spring are Jersey as a result of the development of that remain open and flowing. In the fall, easily noted. After breeding, spring peepers rural areas. The loss of this critical habitat The following individuals should have been one can often find migrating green frogs of and wood frogs retire to nearby woodlands, has consequently put the species that included in the list of Trail Maintainers all sizes in woodland streambeds. where they hide in leaf litter and feed on depend on vernal pools for breeding habi- published in the January/February 2004 issue. invertebrates. Gray treefrogs are thought to tat at risk. To prevent the destruction of Our thanks to them all and regret for the B. American toad (Bufo americanus) stay relatively close to standing bodies of vernal pools, the DEP recently adopted earlier omission: Chris Connolly, Martin Last, General Habitat: Can be found in a vari- water and are active climbers, feeding in regulations that afford them protection Geraldine Byrne, David Hibblan, Ruth Lu, ety of habitats from suburban backyards small bushes and trees and spending the under the State Freshwater Wetlands Pro- Tom Prentzel, Todd Schreibman, Janet Steig, to remote woodlands. Prefers to breed in day well camouflaged against the tree bark. tection Act. In short, all activities within a Gretchen Van de Walle, Karen Abramson, shallow bodies of water from roadside Overwintering Habitat: Wood frogs, vernal pool that meet specific biological Diane Uhle, George Prokopiak, Phil McDonald. ditches to river backwaters. Overwintering peepers, and gray treefrogs hide under logs and physical criteria are now regulated. An Donna Wamsley, Rip Van Winkle Trail Mainte- Habitat: Toads either burrow into soft soils and woodland leaf litter for the winter. effort to identify and certify all of the state’s nance Coordinator, reports that 31 club or follow natural or animal holes into the They include four of the five species of vernal pools is currently underway by the members participated in trail maintenance. ground below the frostline. frogs that are freeze tolerant. ENSP and a dedicated group of volunteers.

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design projects – mostly books, including the collection – cataloguing, shelving, and others on Trail Conference list. tracking loaned books – and, when appro- Transitions At the end of the 2003, Nora decided to priate, selecting books for review in the relax her schedule and turn the newsletter Trail Walker. As with her other TC jobs, Two new faces joined the staff of the Trail over to new hands, though she will contin- Stella has done this one steadfastly and Conference in January; the Trail Walker ue to work with Conference’s publications thoroughly; a backlog of reviews assigned welcomes a new designer with this issue committee on book projects. The new edi- by her will fill the pages of the next few and bids fond farewell to its previous tion of the New Jersey Walk Book is the latest issues of this publication. designer; and a quiet regime change has of her design projects to be published; Bob As of this year, Stella is turning over the occurred in the Hoeferlin Library. Boysen’s new guide to the Kittatinnies is library to a new librarian, Bob Krumm. next on her agenda. “She is a real profes- Thanks go to Stella for her many years of sional, with outstanding skills both in dedicated attention to this job, and to Bob Development Associate layout and design and in editing”, says for stepping up to it. Lisa Cargill has joined the staff as develop- frequent Conference book editor Daniel The Hoeferlin Library is available to all ment specialist and will be working on the Chazin. “And it is also a pleasure to deal TC members and is open during regular organization’s capital campaign. Ms. with her. I hope to continue working with business hours. Books are available for Cargill received her J.D. from Albany Law her for many years to come.” three-week loan, but must be checked out School in 1998 and practiced family and in person. Anyone interested in reviewing matrimonial law for four years in New York Hello, Lou Leonardis books received for the library is invited to City. Wanting a change of career and pace, With this issue, graphic designer and Trail contact [email protected]. she and her husband moved to New Jersey Conference member Lou Leonardis takes in May. She enjoys the outdoors and keeps on the job of designing Trail Walker. Lou is New Books in the TC Library Land Protection Specialist active by teaching aerobics part time at the a graduate of the duCret School of Art and Richard J. Benning has joined the staff in YMCA, biking through the region, and Design in New Jersey and studied at the the new position of Land Protection Spe- hiking in areas such as Pyramid Mountain. School of Visual Arts in New York. A resi- In addition to the books reviewed in cialist. Mr. Benning received his B.A. from dent of Chatham, NJ, he is currently senior this issue (see page 10), books recently Ramapo College and went on to obtain his Trail Walker Bids Goodbye graphic designer for Creative, Ink in Short added to the Trail Conference J.D. from Seton Hall University School of to Nora Porter Hills. Lou has been a serious hiker since Hoeferlin Library, located at TC Law. In 2001, he was admitted to the New In 1999, graphic designer Nora Porter was 1995, a member of the Trail Conference offices, include the following: Jersey State Bar. Mr. Benning joined a called upon by the Trail Conference to since about 1998, and has volunteered his • Nature Walks in New Jersey general practice firm in central New Jersey bring its newsletter the Trail Walker into professional talents for several Trail Confer- AMC Guide to the Best Trails where he gained experience in real estate, modern times. “It was a very nice newslet- ence projects the past two years. He has from the Highlands to Cape May immigration, landlord/tenant, and other ter, for 1920,” she recalls with a laugh. hiked in the Alps, the Andes, and the 2nd edition, Glenn Scherer practice areas. Nora had already worked with the Confer- Rockies, and notes, “tranquility, majesty, Appalachian Mountain Club, Mr. Benning is a lifelong resident of ence on the sixth edition of the New York and friendly people are a sure bet while 2003 Bergen County. Having grown up in this Walk Book (1998) and had come to know hiking in our area.” area, he and his family have made frequent the group’s staff and volunteers to be • Day Hiker’s Handbook: visits to Ramapo Reservation, Shepherd’s “friendly, eager, enthused about their sub- Meanwhile, in the Library Get Started with the Experts Lake, and Harriman State Park. He was ject, and dedicated to putting out a good Stella Green has served in many roles for Michael Lanza, The Moun- greatly inspired by his father, who instilled product.” She stayed with the Trail Walker the Trail Conference over the years. One of taineers, 2003 in him a love and respect for nature, and an as managing editor for the next five years, the most recent was as Head Librarian for • A Guide to Green New Jersey appreciation of the area’s state parks. designing each issue and managing it the Hoeferlin Library, housed in the TC Nature Walks in the Garden State As a part of the NY-NJ Trail Conference through “a killer production schedule.” All headquarters. The library includes thou- Lucy D. Rosenfeld and Marina team, he welcomes this opportunity to pro- the while she has maintained a full-time sands of books related to hiking and Harrison, Rutgers University tect our hiking trails for the benefit of job as a designer with the Hastings Center outdoor recreation and experience, and the Press. 2003 future generations. and handled numerous other freelance job of the volunteer librarian is to oversee

New Life Members Volunteer Classifieds: Get Involved!

The Trail Conference welcomes the Are you looking for new challenges and TC Quartermaster National Trails Day Coordinators following new Life Members: opportunities to get involved with Trail The Trail Conference is looking for a Help promote the Trail Conference by Conference activities? Please review the quartermaster to oversee the distribution coordinating a Trail Conference National Robert J. Berlin TC Volunteer Classifieds for exciting and and maintenance of our tool supply. If Trails Day Event June 5, 2004. Events Dahlia L. Gottlieb interesting ways for members to become you have good organizational skills and will be held throughout New York and Lily Ann Gottlieb involved with the Conference’s efforts. would like to learn more about the New Jersey. Plan a small event, such as a Reggie D. Hahn Volunteers are the heart and soul of our upkeep and maintenance of grip hoists, hike or trash cleanup along your favorite LaVonne Heydel organization. rock bars, snatch blocks, generators, rock trail, or something bigger like a work trip Bob and Florence Jennes Become an active part of our family drills, and other tools used to maintain or bridge dedication ceremony. Ross B. Levinsky and get more involved. Volunteer Science and rehabilitate the 1,600 miles of Jennifer Lewin opportunities are listed on the science trails that the Conference volunteers Other opportunities: John and Karen Magerlein pages of this edition. If you are interested work on, contact Larry Wheelock, • Delegates Meeting Coordinator Malcolm J. Matthews in volunteering with the TC and do not [email protected], for more details. • Minute Takers Jane Restani see an opportunity that suits you, contact • Assistant Web Master the Volunteer Projects Director, Workshop and Training Coordinator • Network/Server administration A Life Membership in the New Joshua Erdsneker, either by email We are looking for a person(s) to help • Desktop computer support (hardware York-New Jersey Trail Conference is [email protected] or call the office coordinate our workshops. Interested and software) a wonderful gift to yourself or a 201-512-9348, and he will find a way person(s) will be responsible for planning • Writers, to help with a new loved one, and to the Trail Confer- to get you involved. an entire year’s training agenda, have Hike-of-the-Week column being ence. An individual life membership good communication skills, and be will- developed with the Poughkeepsie is just $500; a joint life membership Appalachian Trail Leadership Needed ing to work with Trail Conference staff Journal in the Mid-Hudson (two adults at the same address) is The New Jersey Appalachian Trail Management and volunteers to maximize the impact of Valley and/or to write profiles $750. The next time you renew, Committee needs a chairperson. This is a rare our workshops and training sessions. for Trail Walker please consider becoming a Trail opportunity to get involved at a high level in For information, please contact Josh • Graphic Designers Conference “lifer.” the planning and protection of the nation’s Erdsneker, [email protected], at the Trail premier long distance hiking trail. To learn Conference office 201-512-9348. more about this opportunity, please contact Larry Wheelock at [email protected] or 201-512-9348.

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ADVOCACY & CONSERVATION fund various capital projects with EPF continued from page 3 dollars that in the past have been paid from general operating funds. Where there’s a Will, Stewart Buffer Lands The governor’s budget also proposes to Get Highway Reprieve spend about $30 million for land purchas- there’s a Trail New York State cannot ignore 30 years of es, open space programs, and a new recreation use of lands that buffer Stewart $150,000 urban forestry initiative. Another When we build them, you hike them. We’ve been International Airport in Orange County, $8.5 million is available for farmland building and protecting trails for at least four NY. That was the impact of a December preservation projects. Last year the generations of hikers since 1920. That’s 1,600 miles decision by a federal appeals court. The TC/ADK Partnership successfully lobbied court ruled that the state had improperly for an increase in land stewardship monies in New York and New Jersey to date. Help us keep bypassed a requirement that it review the from $5 million to $5,750,000. This year’s building for the next generation by naming the project’s impact on recreation in its plan- budget proposes to spend a million more, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference in your ning for a major new access road to the a total of $6,750,000. This is the key cate- will. A bequest makes a wonderful gift, and it airport through open space that has served gory that funds hiking trail maintenance as recreational land for three decades. The programs, the Summit Stewards, and lasts beyond one lifetime. decision was seen as a victory for open space implementation of the Forest Preserve unit advocates on the issue, especially the Stew- management plans. For confidential information and legal language, art Park and Reserve Coalition (SPARC), A major initiative is a proposal to contact the Trail Conference at 201-512-9348, which led the legal battle with help from a increase snowmobile (now $25) and all or by email; [email protected]. $2,500 Trail Conference contribution. The terrain vehicle ($10) registration fees to an ruling effectively blocks the road project annual fee of $45. The governor proposes until its sponsors either appeal the decision to use $850,000 of the estimated $7.5 or conduct the mandated review. million in ATV registration proceeds to fund an ATV Trail Maintenance and Pataki Pledges More Parks, Enforcement Fund. The balance of the ADK Spring Outing More Land Buys money would go to the General Fund. The Sponsored by Mid-Hudson Chapter In his 2004 State of the State address, New governor’s staff indicated that the money York Governor George Pataki stated that in would only be available for ATV trail main- the next two years, five state parks will be tenance and construction projects on June18-20,2004 opening; he also pledged to open or expand private lands and conservation easements. • Enjoy an exciting weekend 20 more state parks over the next five years. It would not be available for the creation In his budget presentation for 2004- and upkeep of ATV trails on any kind • Hike the Catskills and AT 2005, the governor again proposed to of state land, state park land or the • Canoe/Kayak the Hudson & marshes For information contact spend $125 million from the Environmen- Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. • Spend the day at Mohonk tal Protection Fund. This year, unlike the Ralph Pollard last three years, there is no proposal to tap Bob Moss, Don Weiss, Gary Haugland, Phone: 845-462-3389 • Sat. evening Happy hour/Gourmet dinner the EPF for staff salaries for either the Neil Woodworth, Marisa Iannacito, and e-mail: [email protected] Dept. of Environmental Conservation or Neil Zimmerman contributed to this report. www.midhudsonadk.org Registration fee $25.00 the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, though he does propose to

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LARRY BRAUN Larry is hopeful: “There are flag stops for continued from page 1 hikers at the bottom of Breakneck Ridge HIKERS’MARKETPLACE and on the Appalachian Trail, on the other YOU CAN ALSO ORDER AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.NYNJTC.ORG blowdowns that had been blocking the side of the Hudson, and they have been a trail had been cut into neat logs to open success for both hikers and the railroad.” NY-NJ TC member? YES NO JOINING NOW the path. Larry may be exploring new ground for He points out blue plastic tape, which he himself as a manager, but he has lots of and John Blenninger, the trail supervisor experience in the outdoors. For many years Please order by circling price Retail Member P/H Total for BRF, tied on branches earlier to mark a he took advantage of his flexible work Official Conference Maps new route for some sections of the trail. schedule – “there is not a lot of construc- Sterling Forest Trails (2003) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______“Parts of the trail, which used to be a wood tion going on in the winter” – to go North Jersey Trails (2002) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______road, were eroded and wet all the time, so mountain climbing and hiking in America Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (2003) $8.95 $6.75 +.95 ______in a few places we are moving traffic a few and other places around the world. Because NEW!! East Hudson Trails (2003) $9.95 $7.50 +.95 ______feet to the side, to dry ground.” At three he wanted to “give something back,” he’s West Hudson Trails (2000) $7.95 $5.95 +.95 ______spots, the trail crosses the creek. “We need led almost a thousand group trips, begin- Catskill Trails (2003) & see combo $13.95 $10.45 +$1.10 ______to get a trail crew in here,” he says, “to ning with “day hikes, then moving on to Kittatinny Trails (2000) $12.95 $9.75 +$1.10 ______move some big rocks and create stepping- multi-day backpacking and bus trips to the Shawangunk Trails (2000) & see combo $9.95 $7.50 +.95 ______stone crossings for the wet years.” This will Adirondacks, then two-week snorkeling in South Taconic Trails (1988, rev. 1998) $4.95 $3.75 +.65 ______mean more phone calls with Blenninger, the Virgin Islands, and mountain hiking Hudson Palisades Trails (available summer 2004) $7.95 $5.95 +.80 ______who will work with other Trail Conference trips to Ireland and Scotland.” Now, volunteers to organize and schedule the though he is beginning to feel his age and is Books work. thinking of selling his rock climbing gear. A.T. Guide for NY & NJ (2002) w/6 maps $19.95 $15.95 +$2.00 ______The hour or two we spent in Black Rock But his avocations can never be far from Long Path Guide to NY/NJ (2002) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.00 ______Forest revealed the different levels at which his mind. From the living room of his Day Walker (2002) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______Larry works to maintain and add trails in home in Gardiner, NY, Larry looks upon a Hiking Long Island (2002) $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______his neck of the woods. He meets with those great view of Millbrook Mountain in Min- Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey (2003) $11.95 $9.55 +$2.00 ______who control the land – in the case of BRF, newaska State Park. It’s an inspiring scene, New York Walk Book (2001) & see combo $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______a consortium of universities, schools, muse- though it also reminds him of work. The NEW!! New Jersey Walk Book (available April 2004) $19.95 $15.95 +$2.50 ______ums, and the Trail Conference – to deal park, he notes, “is expanding like crazy, Harriman Trails Guide (1999)& see combo $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______with questions related to trails. He is in fre- which will probably mean more trails for us Iron Mine Trails: NY-NJ Highlands (1996, rev. 1999) $8.95 $7.15 +$2.00 ______quent touch with his trail supervisors, to maintain.” Health Hints for Hikers (1994) $5.95 $4.75 +$2.00 ______planning the clearing and rerouting of the Doodletown: Hiking Through History in a Compartment Trail, for example – but Jonathan Beard is a member of the Trail Vanishing Hamlet on the Hudson (1996) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.00 ______helping lay out new trails as well. And he Conference and is a science writer and photo Catskill Trails: A Ranger’s Guide to the High Peaks gets his own hands dirty, too. We removed researcher in New York City. Book One: The Northern Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______about 30 substantial branches from the trail Book Two: The Central Catskills (2000) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______that day, and he noted fading blazes and an Scenes & Walks in the Northern Shawangunks upside-down sign. “I hike every trail in my (1999) (hardcover) & see combo $10.95 $8.75 +$2.00 ______region at least once a year,” he adds. Shawangunks Trail Companion (2003) $18.95 $15.15 +$2.50 ______Before descending from the ridge and IN MEMORIAM Nature Walks in New Jersey (1998) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.50 ______returning to our cars parked at the trail- 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley (2002) $16.95 $13.55 +$2.50 ______head, we stop to enjoy the beautiful view Dorothy Dombroski 50 Hikes in New Jersey (1997, rev. 1999) $15.95 $12.95 +$2.00 ______west, across the valley, with Storm King Art The College Alumni Hiking Club regret- Best Hikes w/ Children in the Catskills & Center’s outdoor sculptures gleaming in the fully announces the passing of its long time Hudson River Valley (2002) $14.95 $11.95 +$2.00 ______sunlight, and the traffic on the New York and very esteemed member Dorothy Best Hikes w/ Children in New Jersey (1992) $12.95 $10.35 +$2.00 ______State Thruway. The other side of the valley Dombroski in December 2003. She is AMC Catskill Mountain Guide (2002) $19.95 $15.95 +$2.00 ______is bounded by Schunemunk Mountain, survived by her son Andrew and husband ADK Guide to Catskill Trails (1994, repr. 1998) $17.95 $14.40 +$2.00 ______and Larry points out the Moodna Viaduct Daniel. Palisades: 100,000 Acres in 100 Years (2001) $27.50 $22.00 +$3.00 ______at its north end, where the Port Jervis line of Metro-North crosses some low ground Allan Levins Combo-Packs before turning west toward Wallkill. Com- We are sad to announce the passing of long- Catskill (5-map set & ADK book) $27.80 $21.60 +$2.00 ______muter trains run at the base of time hiker Allan Levins. Allan was a Harriman (2-map set & book) $22.40 $17.55 +$2.50 ______Schunemunk, and Larry sees an opportuni- member of the Appalachian Mountain NY & NJ Walk Books $32.35 $25.85 +$3.50 ______ty there for hikers. He is talking to people Club and Sierra Club. He led hikes for both Shawangunk Combo (4-map set & book) $17.90 $13.95 +$2.00 ______at Metro-North and New York State organizations in the 1970s and 1980s. Allan agencies about creating a station at the was a serious and unusually strong and fast The Personal Touch mountain for hikers. hiker. Friends remember him running up Note Cards: TC Collection $12.00 $9.60 +$2.00 _____ On the plus side, a flag stop at Schune- and down mountains with a heavy pack on Hiking Cap $12.90 $10.50 +$1.75 ______munk would make it possible for hikers his back. He was a passionate and inveterate Long-sleeve Denim Shirt Circle: S M L XL $29.90 $22.90 +$4.00 ______from the city to get to the mountain, start- traveler, proudly stating that he had visited Polo Shirt (Forest Green) Circle: S M L XL $19.90 $15.50 +$4.00 ______ing and ending their treks from a platform every state in the U.S, and he had hiked in NY-NJTC T-Shirt Circle: L XL $13.95 $13.95 +$3.50 ______on the mountain side of the tracks, at the most of the U.S. national parks. Harriman Map Bandanna $6.95 $5.95 +$1.50 ______Jessup Trail. On the other hand, funding Allan died suddenly on November 15, Conference Logo Patch $2.50 $2.50 postpaid ______will be needed to build the platform, and 2003, from complications related to Long Path Logo Patch $2.75 $2.75 postpaid ______the state will have to okay the plan. But diabetes. He was 64 years old. He will be Conference Logo Decal $ .85 $ .85 postpaid ______sorely missed by those close to him. A memorial hike and dinner is planned Subtotal ______for the spring. For details, contact Postage/handling from above, or $6.00, whichever is LESS ______Marsha Lipshitz, 212-734-9004 or For non-clothing items, New Jersey residents add 6% tax* ______Color Note Cards [email protected]. TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______The perfect holiday or house gift. Fall Colors Series James A. Robson, Limited Edition. Only 500 made! Nuclear Lake Ranger NAME Method of Payment: Eight photo note cards by Herb Chong James A. Robson, a dedicated VIP Park Check or money order enclosed (Two each of four different photos). Ranger at Nuclear Lake in Dutchess Coun- ADDRESS Visa Mastercard Amex ty with the National Park Service for 24 Card #______Only available at the NYNJTC. years, died Dec. 24, 2003. Jim, a resident CITY STATE ZIP Exp. Date: ___ /___ Order at www.nynjtc.org or use of Poughquag, NY, worked often with Trail Signature: ______Hikers’ Marketplace form to the left. Conference and Appalachian Trail volun- EMAIL TELEPHONE teers in his region. Survivors include his $12 nonmember; $9.60 members wife of 29 years, Patricia Mollica Robson, Make check or money order payable to NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley (plus $2 shipping; New Jersey at home; one daughter, Allison Carr of Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. For a full descriptive catalog, please write or call 201-512-9348. residents add 6 percent tax). Albany, two sisters, Judith Ploof of Brasher *Tax must be paid by NJ residents on books, maps, misc., but not on clothing. Thank you! Falls and Susan Keeley of Massena, NY.

8MARCH/APRIL 2004 TRAILWALKER TW-MarchApril04 2/17 2/17/04 10:57 PM Page 9

CONTRIBUTIONS

GIFTS Richard G. Gramlich, Gary Grasselena, David Miklos Muller & Jan Keithly*, James Mulligan, Jean Claude Fouere, Donald L. Weise, Arnie L. Anita and Richard Adelman, Saul and Betty M. Graybeal, Suzanne F. Greenberg, Timothy A. Anne M. Murray, Donald A. Myers, Nassau Hiking Weitzman, Patrick G. Welsh, Barbara Westergaard, Adelson, Kate S. Ahmadi, Victor A. Alfieri Jr., Robert Gregg, James A. Gregoire, Garry Gross, Elliot and and Outdoor Club, Michael C. Natale, Joseph D. Jerry R. and Carol-Bea White, Cyrus B. Whitney, Ambaras, Sheela B. Amrute, Richard J. Anderson, Sue Grover, Marvin Grumet, Nancy and Ronald O'Connell, Michael O'Connell, Mark A. O'Leary, Diane M. Wilgan, Julia R. Winterbottom, Evans Susan B. Anderson, Steven Arguello, Steven and Gurmann, David J. and Glenda S. Haas, Fred J. Lore and Julie Oppenheimer, Bob and Maria Wohlforth, Peter Wolff, Hanson Wong, Neil F. Christine Arkin, Michael J. Ashworth*, Pamela and Hafele, Charles T Haferman, Denis P. Halliwell & Paine, Donna M. Paino & Caryl Leong, Richard B. Woodworth, David V. and Naola B. Woolf, John P. Stuart Bakal, Kenneth S. and Judith Bannermann, Harriet Daddona, James E. and Barbara Hanson*, Palmer, Ralph G. Papaccioli Jr., William F. and and Jean Wort, George M. Yocher, Henry T. Young, Stephen Barre, Richard Bascue, Christopher K. Jeffrey R. Hartman & Rachel M. Boylan, Nancy G. Mary H. Penny, Karen Phelan, Robert J. Piepiora, James Zeller, Nancy K. Zimmerman Bastedo, Jonathan D. Beard, Marshall Beil, David Hassanein, Yaromir P. Havlik, C. Edward and Ann Frederick J. Pinkney, Joel Pinsker, Luis C Pi-Sunyer, S. Bennett, Charles R. Berg, Ruben J. Berkowitz, Hayes, Jim E. Hayes, Betty Heald, Sidney B. Trudy and Louis Pojman*, Samuel F. Pryor, III, MEMORIAL GIFTS Thomas R. and Nancy M. Berner, Sherri Biscan, Heimbach MD, Ludwig Hendel, Joseph P. Esq. & Sally Pryor*, Lee Purcell, Mary Jean Purdy, In memory of Pete Morrissey Philip Blocklyn, Ian Blundell, The Bobolink Henderson, William J. Hentschel, Stephani and Carol A. Quinn & David W. Mayo, Joel P. Rabin, Paul Bell* Foundation*, Bill Boyle, Jonathan Brandt, Larry Frank Herold, Herbert L. Hochberg*, Raymond T. Lawrence Randall, Jonathan R . Ratchik, Roberta Braun*, Walter E. Britt, Margaret W. Browar, Hoelz, Gilbert Hoffman, Richard T. Holden, Rettner & Joseph Nacmias, Laura M. Rice, Roger In memory of Betty Lesem Howard Brown & Nancy A. Houghten-Brown, Malcolm and Anne Holderness, Leonard M. Richardson, Neil and Kathryn Rindlaub, Louis Nicholas G. and Slyvia Andros, Arnold and Elaine Annette Burgess, Campmor Environmental Hollander, Ellen Holt, Charles H. Homeijer, W. Rissland, William L. Roach Jr., Douglas H. J. Forsch, Robert J. Jonas, Marilyn Kurland, Team*, Russ and Diane Cannizzaro*, Stephen Leonard J. and Dorothea Houston, Paul R. Hundt, Robins, Sal Rodriguez, Roger Roloff & Barbara Richard S. Siegel Carroll & Elizabeth Carroll, Lynne R. Cashman, Stanley S. Jacobs, Henry A. and Ellen A. Jamin, Petersen, Charles L. Rood, Ronald S. Rosen & In memory of George Zoebelein Thomas Check, William Chiappane, Michael Bernard Japy, Bonnie Joachin, Linn E. Johnson, Marilyn Rosen, Jack Rosenbaum, Victoria JoAnn and Paul Dolan Ciullo, John L. and Marion Clark, Ronna Cohen, Robert A. Jordan Jr., Thomas J. Joyce, Joyce C. Rosenwald, John Rowan, Peter M. Rowe, J Rudder Richard Cohn, Alfio and Iliana Comisi, Brooke Judson & Morris R. Judson Jr., Howard Kaplowitz & Tax, Francis X. Rudegeair, Joan L. Russo, Marc P. SPECIAL GIFTS Coneys, Amalia and Peter Connolly, Chris K Robert Gaudreau, Joel and Fredda Katcoff, Janet Ryan, Miklos P. Salgo*, Nancy Sall & David In honor of Michael Bellini Connolly*, Erwin F. Conrad, Francine Coppola, Ann Katz, James F. Kenny & Viola Ortiz*, Albert Brogno*, Jeff C. and Melissa A. Salton, Maria and Christine Green Joseph A. and Marion Costa, Joan C. Crowley, Kent Jr., Howard D. Kessler Jr., Raphael V. Ketani, Anthony J. Sarro, James L. and Elizabeth T. Sawyer, Margaret Cushing, Richard Cutter, Andy J. Charles and Anita Kientzler, Philip L. and Melinda Neil C. Schaefer & Harriet Rzetelny, Rosanne In honor of Hazel Lacks’ new book Damato, Michael D'Angelo, Christopher B. Davis, Kirstein*, Edward D. Kleinbard, Stephen and Ann Schepis, David Schiff, Trudy Schneider, Edward R. “Killer Hike” David H. Day*, Leonard De Graaf, Peter A. Klepner, Judith R. Knie, Richard Kondzielaski, Jack Schreiber, Erik Schryver, Paul C. Schwartz, Steve R. David and Naomi Sutter DeBaun, Michael L. DeLuca, John P. Denkowski, and Judy Kossover, Keith Kral, Stuart J. Kurtz*, Schwinn & Susan J Schwinn, Patricia Merritt In honor of Brian Goodman and Neil Roy and Mary V. Derstine, Jo-Nelle Desmond Long, Victor and Dylan LaGamma, Elizabeth A. Lazo & Scott*, Florie Seery, Florie Seery, Deborah Shields Zimmerman and the contributions they have John Devery, Diana Dikovsky, Robert E. Dinse, Michael Murphy, Steve Legenhausen, Leonard M. & Robert Feldman, Sybil J. and Patrick Sidelman, made to the hiking community Masada Disenhouse, Kelvin Domovs, Paul T. and Joan Leiman, Richard W. Leonard, Joan and Lester D. Simon, James B. Simpson, Kermit C. and Peter and Rita Heckler Donoghue, Dale Dorner, Duncan Douglas, Norman M. Levine, Rosanne Levitt, Sally Lewis & Patricia Smith, Norman J. Smith, Ron Snider, Thomas A. Dunn*, Carol Duston, Joan Dyer, Marshall Katzman, Sigrid E. Lindo, David A. and William A. Sommerville, Mike and Peggy Pochuck Maintenance Douglas K. Eads, Cary Edwards, Joan and David Judith Lloyd, Helmuth H. Loddigs, Eamonn T. Sormani, Ursula Springer, Harold S. Starkman & Paul Bell* Ehrenfeld, Jacqueline Elias & Ethan Strell, Carl Long, H. Max Lopp II, Dorothy A. Lourdou, James Christine M. Donnelly, Larry Steckman & Anette and Eve J. Emont, Michael Engel, Russ Ethington P. Lydon, Donald P. Lynch, Len and Liz Lyon, Schulz, Vicki Steinhardt, Donald P. Strauss, Joe M. For Land Acquisition & Stewardship & Nancy Sweet*, Evslin Family Charitable Trust*, Robert Madden & Cynthia Chazotte, John C. Sullivan, Raymond Sullivan, Mark Swanek, Janet David L. Cullen Christopher Ezzo, Charlotte Fahn, June Fait, Lou Mahle Jr., Lawrence E. Mals, Michael and Sandra Swope, Wayne Sygman, Sallie and Wylie Sypher, To the ORV Action Fund Feeney, Adam J. Filipowski, Tim Finneran, Jim M. Mandel*, Marvin Marcus, Paul N. and Annette S. Thomas P. and Linda A Szarawarski, Tannen Morris Trails Conservancy* and Roseline S. Flynn, Donato D. and Charlotte H. Marcus, Robert F. Marshall, Jimena P. Martinez & Family Foundation, Victor M Tarasco, Miriam R. Fornuto, Suzanne Foster, J. Tersoff and Deborah Michael J. Hirschhorn, Max G. and Jane A. Taub, David L. Thurber, Orrin E. and Sarah L. To Shawangunk Ridge Coalition Franzblau, Isaac D. and Ruth B. Freedman, Martinez, Stephen J. McGee, Gerard McGowan, Tilevitz*, Peter Tilgner & Suzan Gordon, Nancy Anonymous*, James Brown III, Friends of the Christopher and Dorothy Freeman, Don Marshall McKnight, William Meier*, Philip M. and Arthur Tollefson, Larry Trachtenberg, Martin Shawangunks*, Palisades Interstate Park Freudenburg, Hank and Linda Funsch, Peter Meissner, Marc S. and Nancy C. Melamed, Edward A. Treat, Diana Trebbi, Johanna Triegel, Royal and Comm*, Andrew Satter, The Nature Conservancy* Gabriele II, Charles W. Gamble, Elizabeth Mertz, Robert Messerschmidt, Paul Mikolay & Phin Tuthill, Thomas N. and Diane Tuthill, Lynn Garramone, Andrew J. and Anita D. Genna, George Joan Albert, Katherine T. Miller & Sandra R. Uhrig, Jan and Sandra van Heerden, Christie MATCHING GIFTS Gentsch & JoAnn Abbadessa, German - American Caravella, Warren G Millett, Philip Mindlin, Van Kehrberg, Alan J. VanAntwerpen, Dave R. Vars, Avon Foundation, BP Foundation, Chase Hiking Club, Edward N. and Nancy T. Gifford, Joseph D. and Aurelia Minuti, William D. Mishler, Janice M. Vicine, Douglas A. Villepique, Matthew & Manhattan Foundation, IBM Matching Grants James G. and Kathleen Gilbert, Kenneth R. Joe Misner, Richard S. Mitnick, Bernard Monahan, Lisa D. Visco, Richard E. and Elizabeth Voigt, Karl Program, J.P. Morgan Charitable Trust*, Mutual Goddard, Barbara Goldberg, Golden Family Stephanie Mongon, Nikolaos D. and Valerie J. Volk, Ernest Wagner, Lucy R. Waletzky & Jim of America Foundation, The New York Times Foundation*, Toby Golick, Peter J. Gollon, Monoyios, James P. Monticello, Thomas C. and Hamilton*, Brian Walsh, Robert J. Ward, Carolyn Company Rebecca W. and Henry E. Goodhue, Gabriel W. Ruth Morgan, Joseph P. Moriarty, Andrew Moroz, Waters, Peter Weed & Celia Barbour, Hedley M. and Gorenstein, David Gottlieb & Stephanie Mudick*, John Morrison, Rhoda D. and Paul E. Morrisroe, Barbara Weeks*, Larry A. Wehr, Georgette Weir & *Members of the Raymond H. Torrey Society

TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2004 9

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The white-blazed trail continues to descends gently, levels off, and then climbs ascend on a wide footpath. After crossing to another rock outcrop – marked by sever- a stream, it levels off through mountain al cedar trees – with a magnificent view to laurel. A little over half a mile from the the north and east. Surprise Pond is visible FAVORITE HIKE start, the trail descends briefly to cross to the north, and Sterling Forest and the a wider stream and continues through a Wyanokies may be seen to the east, with an rhododendron grove. At the end of the arm of the Monksville Reservoir visible in Try a Puddingstone Walk in Mud Season rhododendrons, a blue-blazed trail that the distance. You’ve now gone three miles By Daniel Chazin leads to Warwick Turnpike goes off to from the start of the hike. the left. Continue ahead on the white- The white-blazed Bearfort Ridge Trail blazed trail. ends here, at a junction with the yellow- The Bearfort Ridge Trail now begins a blazed Ernest Walter Trail. Turn right and steady, rather steep climb. About a mile follow the yellow-blazed trail as it heads from the start, it passes a large, lichen-cov- downhill through a rocky area and soon ered outcrop to the right. It continues to crosses a stream. The trail continues climb until it reaches the crest of the ridge, through a dense rhododendron grove, with marked by pitch pines. Here, a large con- the thick rhododendrons forming a canopy glomerate rock outcrop to the left offers an over the trail in places. About half a mile expansive view to the south. Upper Green- from the end of the Bearfort Ridge Trail, wood Lake is visible to the west and, on a you’ll notice an orange-blazed trail coming clear day, the New York City skyline may in from the right. Continue ahead on the be seen in the distance to the east. yellow trail for about 100 feet to an open After taking in the view and resting from area which overlooks Surprise Pond – a the steep climb, continue ahead, following pristine, spring-fed lake. This is another the Bearfort Ridge Trail north along the good spot to take a break. puddingstone conglomerate ridge, through Now retrace your steps along the yellow pitch pines. You’ll make a brief but steep trail, but when you come to the junction climb, and the vegetation will change to with the orange trail, bear left and follow hemlocks and laurels. The trail continues at the orange blazes. You’re now on the Quail an elevation of about 1,300 feet, having Trail, a woods road that will lead you back climbed about 600 feet from the trailhead. to the start of the hike. Follow the orange After about half a mile of walking along the blazes as they climb gently for a short dis- ridge, the trail crosses an open rock out- tance and then begin a steady descent. In Where: Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, road. Park here. (This turnout is a short dis- crop, with several large glacial erratics, and three-quarters of a mile, you’ll cross a New Jersey tance east of the intersection of Warwick passes more pitch pines. It descends to stream on rocks. This crossing can be a lit- Features: This loop hike traverses the Turnpike with White Road.) cross a wet area and then climbs to reach a tle tricky if the water is high. In 500 feet, Bearfort Ridge, with its unusual pudding- Map: NY-NJ Trail Conference North rock ledge overlooking a swamp to the the trail crosses another stream and then stone conglomerate rock and pitch pines Jersey Trails Map #21 west. Here, a narrow wedge of the bedrock climbs briefly, soon resuming its descent. growing out of bedrock, passes through a has split away from the main ledge, form- A third stream is crossed in another mile. rhododendron tunnel, and comes out on From the parking turnout, walk east on ing a deep crevice. You’ve now gone about A third of a mile beyond, be sure to bear the shore of Surprise Lake. Warwick Turnpike, going back over the two miles from the start, and this is a good right, as another woods road goes off to the Length: 6.0 miles concrete road bridge. Just east of the place to take a break. left. When the orange-blazed trail ends at a Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous bridge, you’ll see three white blazes that When you’re ready to continue, proceed junction with the white-blazed trail, con- Dogs: Permitted on leash mark the start of the Bearfort Ridge Trail. north along the trail, which climbs to a rock tinue ahead along the road and then bear How to get there: Take Interstate Route This will be your route for the first half of outcrop with a huge boulder. It continues right, following the white blazes downhill, 287 to Exit 57 and continue on Skyline the hike. Follow the white blazes uphill along a whaleback rock, through pitch back to the trailhead. Drive to its western end at Greenwood Lake through rhododendrons and hemlocks. In pines, and reaches a limited viewpoint to Turnpike in Ringwood. Turn right and pro- about 500 feet, the trail joins a woods road the east. The trail now descends steeply, Daniel Chazin writes the Hike of the Week ceed for 8.4 miles to a Y intersection with that comes in from the right. Just beyond, through hemlocks and laurels. After cross- column for The Record, where this hike Union Valley Road. Take the right fork and follow the white blazes as the trail turns ing a stream amid jumbled rocks at the base description first appeared, and is editor continue ahead for 0.3 mile on Warwick left, leaving the road. (The orange-blazed of the descent, the trail climbs to an east- of the new edition of the New Jersey Walk Turnpike. Just past a short concrete bridge, Quail Trail, which continues ahead along facing viewpoint from a rock outcrop with Book (see page 1). there is a turnout on the right side of the the road, will be your return route.) pitch pines. From the outcrop, the trail

Weird Hikes (ultimately unsuccessful), and fatherhood A Collection of Bizarre, Funny and (sounds like he did a pretty good job). Absolutely True Hiking Stories More importantly, he is a hiker, which BOOKNOTES Art Bernstein adds piquancy to his tales, at least for Falcon (an imprint of the Globe Pequot other hikers. He does come across as Gunks Trails Space Institute. The hike description Press), 2003 somewhat willful “My keep-going-at-all- A Ranger’s Guide to the claims that Shaft 2A Road goes right up to Reviewed by Edward Ripley-Duggan costs attitude annoys many potential hiking Shawangunk Mountains the boundary of Minnewaska State Park partners…” ; a bit opinionated; but he is Edward G. Henry Preserve. The author assures the reader The strangeness in Bernstein’s book is also self-deprecating and frequently funny. Black Dome Press, 2003 that there is a “parking area” at the end of mostly subjective (though if indeed The book contains brief trail descrip- Reviewed by Malcolm Spector Shaft 2A Road. Really? The author recom- “Absolutely True” as the title vouchsafes, tions to the locales (mostly in the western mends simply hiking up the stream bed, or some of the events are at very least intrigu- United States) where he had his bizarre Even the serious collector of Gunkiana advises the hiker to cross “an old rock lined ing). The author writes entertainingly, but experiences, together with photographs. should probably pass up this book. It clearing stripped of its vegetation and nat- this is really a work of autobiography mas- The episodes are not the kind that would describes 12 hikes in the Gunks, and gives ural dignity.” I guess he is referring to the querading as a travel book and hiking raise goose bumps in an aficionado of the some background – geological, geographi- shale pit formed when the aqueduct was guide. Nothing wrong with that – travel X-Files, but they are entertaining (doubtless cal, and human ecological – to the ridge. constructed, still private property when the as autobiography and self-exploration more so to read about than to experience). But there are inaccuracies and errors. In book was issued, though it was bought by goes back at least as far as Doughty, I was taken with his taxonomy of animals addition, the book is out of date in many the Open Space Institute in January (see Stevenson, and Kinglake. Still, by choos- real, possible, and imagined, especially ways. For example, in the map for the Bon- story on page 3). The driving instructions ing this genre Bernstein is tacitly inviting category 4: “Imaginary animals that have ticou Crag hike, the blue trail seems to fall to get to the trailhead have one turning comparison with some extraordinarily no existence in reality but that can, under off the ridge and does not extend all the right if coming on Route 44-55 from the polished contemporary practitioners of certain circumstances, be very, very real.” I way to the Clearwater Road. How long east, and turning left if coming from the this particular facet of the writer’s art. don’t give away too much when I mention ago was the day-use fee in the Mohonk west. I don’t think so. Despite his experience as an author (13 that he had his (very) Close Encounter of Preserve five dollars? The black and white maps are of extreme- travel and nature guides to his credit), the Fourth Kind after having been bitten The hike to Stony Kill Falls may serve as ly low quality and the trail narratives are full Bernstein’s not a master of prose of the by a rattlesnake while rather seriously an example. The text fails to mention that of florid language and long digressions, highest order, but he writes well enough, dehydrated. This book makes engaging the land below the falls was purchased many of them repetitive in the extreme. and one can’t help but root for him in his reading. more than two years ago by the Open struggles with drink (successful), marriage

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SUNDAY, MARCH 21 NYHC. Sandy Hook, NJ. Leader: Oliver Wayne, 201-840-4145. Adirondack Waterfall Guide ADK-R. Ring Round Rosie, NY. Leader and info: call Meet: 7:40 am at the Port Authority Bus Terminal near The New York State’s Cool Cascades 201-816-9465. Moderate 6.7 miles. Commuters statue. Moderate hike of about 12 miles. We will walk the entire dune trail and visit the lighthouse and the museum. Joint Russell Dunn IHC. Elk Pen Onward, NY. Leader: Patricia Wexler, 201-792-1979. with other clubs. Call leader very early on the morning of the hike if National Black Dome Press, 2003 Meet: 9 am at Elk Pen parking, Harriman State Park, NY. Moderately the weather is doubtful. strenuous hike on the AT over Green Pond Mt. and through the Lemon New England Waterfalls Squeezer. Inclement weather cancels. MJO. Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area, NY. Leader: Lanny Wexler, 516-544-5867, from 7:30 – 10:00 pm or Trails Day PMNHA. Vernal Equinox Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 A Guide to More Than 200 Cascades [email protected]. Meet: call for info; nonmembers $10. for information. Meet: 4:30 pm; must call to pre-register. Day and and Waterfalls A 10-mile moderate hike on hilly trails of the Hubbard-Perkins night are equal length as we hike this time of year. $3 fee. Greg Parsons & Kate B. Watson Conservation Area. Beginning at Canopus Lake, we’ll follow The Countryman Press, 2003 UCHC. Eagle Rock Reservation, W. Orange, NJ. Leader: the Fahnestock and Charcoal Burners Trail to Wiccoppee Pass. Saturday,June 5 Reviewed by Fred Schroeder Bob Hagon, 908-788-8360. Meet: 10 am at Eagle Rock parking. Several scenic viewpoints near the end of the hike. Brisk 4-miles; out by about noon. Rain or falling snow cancels; SUNDAY, APRIL 4 Register your event at snow on ground okay. As I looked over my array of guidebooks IHC. Trail Spring Cleanup, NY. Leader: Jim Canfield, www.americanhiking.org WTW. Farny Highlands, NJ. Leader: Leslie McGlynn, detailing hikes, canoe routes, and places of 973-728-9774. Meet: 9 am at south end of Sterling Ridge Trail, 973-252-8122 or email [email protected]. Contact leader to con- Rt. 511, Hewitt, NJ. Moderately strenuous day. We need your help PMNHA. Eight Mile Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 interest, the last thing I needed, I thought, firm hike. Meet: 10 am at Hibernia diner (Rt. 80 to exit 37; turn left). for another spring cleanup of the Sterling Ridge Trail. Bring lunch, for information. Meet: 9:30 am. Seasoned hikers join us for this was one on a whole new subject. However, Route of about 5 miles to be determined. Inclement weather cancels. water, gloves, clippers (or use the club tools provided). Rain 5-hour outing. the publication in 2003 of not one, but GAHC. Ward’s Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY. cancels; rain date is Saturday, April 17. NYHC. A Short Hike on the Long Path. Leader: David two guidebooks to waterfalls indicate that Leader: Wolfgang Hahn, 212-831-8254, call ahead requested. Meet: PMNHA. Wood Frog Slog, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for Konoson, 212-744-2282, before 10 pm. Meet: 10:15 am at Museum parking lot at 10:00. Moderate and easy hikes. information. Meet: 2:30 pm. Listen for this early spring emergent on there is a facet of the out-of-doors just wait- GW Bridge Bus Terminal to take 10:40 bus. Easy 3-4 miles at a slow this easy hike. ing to be discovered in more depth. As MJO. Pine Meadow Lake, NY. Leader: Hanna Abolitz Benesch, pace from Closter Dock Road to State Line Lookout. Overlooks I reviewed a few familiar site descriptions in 212-502-0820. Call leader to register and confirm; nonmembers UCHC. Ramapo Lake, Oakland, NJ. Leader: Micky Siegel, the Hudson. Heavy rain cancels. $10. Look for signs of spring on the first day of spring as we climb 201-797-7054. Meet: 10 am on Skyline Dr. at first parking lot at Adirondack Waterfall Guide: New York GAHC. Pine Meadow Lake, Sloatsburg, NY. Leader: Brian Diamond Mtn., with views of NYC, and hike on to Pine Meadow bottom of hill. Moderate, very scenic 5-6 miles at beautiful Kassenbrock, 718-748-0624. Meet: 9 am at Reeves Meadow Visitor State’s Cool Cascades by Russell Dunn, Lake, Lake Wanoksink, and Lake Sebago. Approx. 7 miles with some Ramapo Lake. I came to the conclusion that there’s much climbing at a not too fast pace. Bring lunch and liquids. No go in ice, Center (Seven Lakes Drive). Strenuous, moderate, and easy hikes. GAHC. Pyramid Mountain, Montville Township, NJ. Leader: rain, or snow. SATURDAY, APRIL 24 more to waterfalls and cascades than simply Henry Loddigs, 718-899-1052 or Evelyn Hoyer, 718-457-8319. the passing joy of seeing and photograph- MONDAY, MARCH 22 Meet: 9:30 am at visitors’ center on Boonton Ave. (CR 511) at 9:30. UCHC. Garret Mountain, Paterson, NJ. Leader: Peter Wolff, ing them. There’s the adventure involved in RVW. Shaupeneak Ridge, Town of Esopus, NY. Leader and Moderate and easy hikes. 973-239-0766. Meet: 10 am at Lambert Castle, Paterson. After info, call: 845-338-8772. Meet: 9 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking a steep climb, walk along edge of the park at moderate pace, enjoy- finding them, some in remote locations or MJO. Ward Pound Ridge, NY. Leaders: Peter Froyton, lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties. Easy+ hike: 4.5 miles, 3.0 hours. ing several views. Lunch afterwards at the castle veranda. Optional 212-502-0820, [email protected], and Glenn J. Wiener, on the way to another destination; there’s Inclement weather date – following Monday. visit to castle or historic district. Rain cancels. the historical story that is often connected 212-502-0820, [email protected]. Meet: call for info; SATURDAY, MARCH 27 nonmembers $10. Enjoy the coming of spring with this scenic NYHC. Towards Breezy Point, NY. Leader: Halina Jensen, to them; there’s the intimation that one 212-568-6323; call between 8 pm and 10 pm. Meet: on the A-train UOC. Delaware & Raritan Canal, NJ. Leader: Charlie Severn, 5-mile hike. We will go at a steady pace with a few gentle rolling hills. platform at the Broad Channel station; call leader for time. Strenu- may have passed a charming water display 732-246-3387. Meet: call leader. Easy 3-4 mile hike along the D&R SATURDAY, APRIL 10 ous hike of about 9 miles or more, mostly on the beach at Rockaway. many times without knowing it. Canal, from Princeton to Kingston, NJ. IHC. Crater Lake to Buttermilk Falls, NJ. Leader: Guy and We will try to reach Breezy Point at the end. Joint with other clubs. Dunn joins the host of guidebook writers ADK-MH. Cornish Estate, East Hudson, NY. Leader: Sue Jennifer Percival, 973-984-1005. Meet: 9 am at Blairstown Foot- RVW. Vernoy Kill Falls, NY. Leader: call 914-246-9373. Meet: who liven up their descriptions with pithy, Totten, 845-744-3648. Meet: call leader for details. Moderate 5-6 bridge Park off Rt. 94, Blairstown, NJ. Moderately strenuous 8 miles. 9 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties. mile hike to check out the ruins of an old estate and dairy farm. This section of the Kittatinny Ridge has good views and several interesting, and historical information. This Moderate walk: 4 miles, 5 hours. Inclement weather date, Return by way of Undercliff Ttrail, with nice views and an old mine. waterfalls (in spring, Buttermilk Falls is quite impressive). AT and book is indeed a joy to read. Dunn easily following Saturday. UCHC. Tourne Park, Boonton, NJ. Leader: Susan Jacobs, Buttermilk Falls trails, return on Woods Rd. Trail. Rain cancels. draws us into his world with graceful, SUNDAY, APRIL 25 973-402-2555. Meet: 10 am at Tourne Park parking lot. Moderate PMNHA. Spring Stress Relief Hike, NJ. Leader: Call inspired writing, and provides the kind of IHC. Reeves Roundabout, NY. Leader: Marguerite La Corte, insights that may prompt us to keep a copy hike in beautiful park with a stream, lake, and other natural beauties. 973-334-3130 for information. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mountain Some ups and downs; steady rain cancels. Natural Historic Area visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville 973-625-4379. Meet: 9 am at Reeves Meadow Visitor Center., permanently in our cars. The book does not Twp., NJ. Unwind with us on this easy hike. Seven Lakes Dr., Sloatsburg, NY. Moderately strenuous hike uphill to cover all sections of the Adirondacks, but ADK-MH. Thompson Pond, Pine Plains, NY. Leader: Lalita Diamond Mt. and ledges of Raccoon Brook Hills Trail, then down to Malik, 845-724-5786. Meet: 10 am; call leader for details. Easy walk UCHC. Cooper Mill to Kay Environmental Center, Chester, Cascade of Slid and back along the Stony Brook Trail. Rain cancels. there certainly are enough waterfalls here to around this 44-acre glacial lake, a designated National Natural NJ. Leader: Barbara Loke, 908-234-0486. Meet: 10 am at Cooper whet anyone’s appetite. Landmark. Bog supports abundant wildlife; great way to welcome Mill. 4-5 miles along the Black River at a moderate pace suitable for UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, W. Orange, NJ. Leader: spring. beginners; flat trail. Rain cancels. Jay Krafchick, 973-992-4193. Meet: 10 am at Bramhall Terrace park- Dunn’s book is illustrated with under- ing lot on Crest Dr., near S. Orange Ave. entrance. Moderately brisk standable maps and old postcards that WTW. Palisades and Hudson Shore, NJ. Leader: Seymour NYHC. Bronxville to Scarsdale on Bronx River Parkway 5-mile hike past the deer paddock and out to Washington Rock. Some depict familiar waterfalls. Before directing Levine, 201-567-8967, before 8 pm. Meet: 10 am at Fleet Bank, Trails, NY. Leader: Helen Mangione-Yee. Meet: 11 am at info rocky/hilly areas and some flat; suitable for everyone. you to particular falls, the author gives a corner of Hudson Terrace and Palisade Ave. in Englewood Cliffs. booth in Grand Central Terminal for train to Bronxville. Easy hike of Easy 4 miles with good views of cliffs, river, and GW Bridge. Rain or 4-5 miles at a moderate, steady pace; some ups and downs. First NYHC. From State Line to Nyack, NY. Leader: George Glatz, good summary of steps to be taken to make snow cancels. we’ll explore the hilly Lawrence Park community and then walk 212-533-9457, between 7 am and 8 am. Meet:10:15 am at the the trip successful and safe. A Nathan Farb GW Bridge Bus Terminal, upper level near the ticket booths to take NYHC. Long Beach to Rockaway Park, NY. Leader: Ray Krant, along the Bronx River. Joint with other clubs. photo of Mossy Cascade Brook Falls graces the 10:40 bus. Easy hike of 8 miles along the Long Path. Joint with 718-435-4994. Meet: at Penn Station, lower level near LIRR info SUNDAY, APRIL 11 other clubs. the cover. This is the publisher’s first venture window; call leader for time. Moderate hike of about 10 miles on UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, W. Orange, NJ. FRIDAY, APRIL 30 into books written about the Adirondacks. boardwalk and beach areas of Long Beach. Atlantic Beach, and the Leader: Louise White, 973-746-4319; call 9 am-9 pm only. Meet: They are noted for excellent tomes on the Rockaway peninsula. Many drop-off points. 10 am at Turtleback Rock parking area in W. Orange. Moderate 4-5 NYHC. GW Bridge to Englewood, NJ. Leaders: Jim Peborde, 718-352-0381, and Dina Tritsch, 212-718-8153. Meet: 10 am near RVW. Esopus Conservancy, NY. Leader and info: call miles in nicely wooded area with some rough spots; see Turtle Rock. Catskills and Hudson River Valley. the ticket windows on the upper level of the GW Bridge Bus Termi- 845-247-0664. Meet: 10 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, New England Waterfalls, like Adirondack MONDAY, APRIL 12 nal. Moderate hike of 6-8 miles at a steady pace. Walk across the 87 Market Street, Saugerties. Easy hike: 3 miles, 3 hours. Inclement RVW. Graham Mountain (3868’), NY. Leader: call 845-246-4040. GW Bridge to Fort Lee Historic Park and down to and along the Waterfall Guide, is a descriptive, informa- weather date – following Saturday. tion-packed guide. Wonderful photographs Meet: 8 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., Hudson River from Edgewater to Englewood and back. Rain cancels. MJO. Bear Mountain, NY. Leader: Herb Gecht, 212-502-0820. Saugerties. Moderate Bushwhack: 7 miles, 5 hours. Inclement Joint hike with other clubs. accompany many of the descriptions in this Meet: call for info; nonmembers $10. Climb the Perkins Memorial weather date, following Monday. book and one can only marvel at the diver- Tower. Spectacular views guaranteed. Bring lunch and at least WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 sity and number of waterfalls shown; there 2 liters of water. The hike is accessible by public transportation. Rain cancels. PMNHA. Moderate Morning Hike, NJ. Leader: Call are three times as many waterfalls described 973-334-3130 for information. Meet: 10 am. Hike at Silas Condict in this book as in Dunn’s book. The SUNDAY, MARCH 28 Park in Kinnelon, NJ; meet by picnic shelter at top of hill; is proud to announce the research needed to cover this many sites is IHC. Lake Skannatati. Leader: Ann Gilabert, 973-839-0292. call for directions. 3rd Annual Sponsorship of the Meet: 9 am at Lake Skannatati parking, Seven Lakes Dr., Harriman indeed staggering. SATURDAY, APRIL 17 State Park, NY. Easy tour of woods roads in this early spring saunter. I would have enjoyed some historical Inclement weather cancels. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: Banff Mountain Film data, missing most likely because of space Mimi Solomon, 973-379-3910. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove Festival World Tour limitations. I do not understand why some UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: parking lot, corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl., across from Jay Krafchick, 973-992-4193. Meet: 10 am at Locust Grove parking Millburn RR station. Brisk hike; some trails are rocky. publishers of guidebooks don’t insist on lot, corner of Glen Ave. and Lackawanna Pl. across from Millburn RR including an index. I would think that it station. Moderate to somewhat brisk 4-mile hike following the NYHC. Allenhurst to Spring Lake, NJ. Leader: Ray Krant, would be more helpful than some of the Rahway River past Diamond Mill Pond to Painters’ Point and 718-435-4994. Meet: 8:45 am at the New Jersey Transit windows at beyond. Rocky in some places, but suitable hike for everyone. the 8th Ave. end of Penn Station. Easy hike of about 9 miles over flat appendixes that are included. Another terrain at a moderate, steady pace. We will walk mostly on board- caveat has to do with the youthful exuber- MONDAY, MARCH 29 walks; views of ocean, beaches, south Jersey communities, ance of the authors, who revel in the sheer RVW. Southwest Hunter (3740’), NY. Leader and info: call and waterways. Joint with other clubs. 845-679-2580. Meet: 8 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, fun and adventure of the experience and SUNDAY, APRIL 18 87 Market St., Saugerties. Strenuous bushwhack: 5.5 miles, are not as cautionary as they should be for 5.5 hours. Snowshoes and crampons may be necessary. Inclement IHC. High above Greenwood Lake, NY & NJ. Leader: Steve a reading audience of all ages. weather date – following Monday. Rikon, 973-962-4149. Meet: 9 am at A&P/post office, shopping cen- Northern New Jersey/Rockland County, NY But that said, this is truly a wonderful ter on Warwick Tpk., Hewitt, NJ. Strenuous hike from Mt. Peter, NY, APRIL on the AT to New Jersey and Bearfort Mt. Trail; follows the ledge of 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 9, 2004 guide and will be most helpful to anyone, SATURDAY, APRIL 3 pink and white pudding stone and great views abound. Rain cancels. Lafayette Theatre particularly those with families. UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: UCHC. Lewis Morris Park, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Lynn 97 Lafayette Street (Route 59) Eck Khoon Dwyer, 908-790-0939. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature Gale, 973-763-7230. Meet: 10 am at park upper parking lot; call for Suffern, New York Fred Schroeder is a Long Path North and Science Center parking lot on Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. directions. Moderate hike; some sections are rough with ups Tickets available at Campmor trail maintainer and veteran hike leader for Brisk 4-5 miles with some rocky trails. Rain cancels. and downs. info at www.chestnutmtnproductions.com the Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club TRAILWALKER MARCH/APRIL 2004 11 TW-MarchApril04 2/17 2/17/04 10:57 PM Page 12

HIKERS’ALMANAC A Sampling of Upcoming Hikes Sponsored by Member Clubs

WTW. Lewis Morris County Park, NJ. Leader: Ernest Wagner, UCHC. Jockey Hollow, Morristown, NJ. Leader: Mary Dell The activities listed are sponsored by member clubs of the NY-NJ Trail Conference. All hikers are welcome subject to club regulations 973-694-3194. Meet: 10 am at LMCP at the parking area overlook- Morrison, 908-684-5175. Meet: 10 am at Jockey Hollow visitors and rules of the trail. You are responsible for your own safety. Wear hiking boots or strong, low-healed shoes. Bring food, water, rain ing Sunrise Lake. Bus riders call leader. 4.2 miles on the Yellow center; call for directions. $4 per person admission. Enjoy a scenic gear, first aid kit, and a flashlight in a backpack. Leaders have the right and responsibility to refuse anyone whom they believe cannot Trail, followed by an option to hike the Green Trail (1.6 miles). Poor 4-5 mile hike in this historic national park. complete the hike or is not adequately equipped. Easy, moderate, or strenuous hikes are relative terms; call leader if in doubt. weather postpones. NYHC. Greenbelt Hike, NY. Leaders: Bettye and Steve Soffer, More than 85 clubs belong to the Trail Conference, and many of our affiliate groups sponsor hikes not listed in the Hikers’ Almanac. GAHC. Appalachian Trail NY/NJ state line, Greenwood 718-720-1593, between 7 and 9 pm. Meet: take 10:30 ferry to For a descriptive list of Conference clubs, consult our website or send a SASE with your request to NY-NJ Trail Conference. Lake, NJ. Leader: Mathias Wuethrich, 908-253-9042. Meet: 9:45 Staten Island and meet leaders at the train station in the rear of the am at the shopping center 600 feet west of junction of Rts. 511 & St. George terminal. Moderate loop hike of 4-5 miles with some ups Club Codes 513. Moderate and easy hikes. and downs. Views of the Richmond Town Restoration. Only those clubs with hikes offered in this issue are listed below. Please call numbers listed to confirm. MONDAY, MARCH 8 MJO. Westmoreland Bird Sanctuary, NY. Leader: Glenn J. RVW. Mt. Everett (2602’) and Guilder Pond, Taconics, Wiener, 212-502-0820, [email protected]. Register by Friday, ADK-MH ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter PMNHA Pyramid Mountain MA. Leader and info: call 845-246-5670. Meet: 8 am, Sawyer March 12; non-members $10. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the Natural Historic Area Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., Saugerties. Moderate: woods through this scenic trail. We will go at a moderate pace on a ADK-R ADK Ramapo Chapter 4.5 miles, 3.5 hours. Snowshoes and crampons may be necessary. level trail with a few small hills. Four to five miles expected distance. GAHC German-American Hiking Club RVW Rip Van Winkle Inclement weather date – following Monday. MONDAY, MARCH 15 IHC Interstate Hiking Club UCHC Union County Hiking Club TUESDAY, MARCH 9 RVW. Slide (4180’), NY. Leader and info, call: 845-246-7158. UOC University Outing Club Banff Mountain Film Festival. 7 pm at Lafayette Theater in Suf- Meet: 8 am, Sawyer Savings Bank parking lot, 87 Market St., MJO Mosaic Jewish Outdoor fern, NY. Tickets available at Campmor. For more information, visit: Saugerties. Moderate plus hike: 6.5 miles, 5 hours. Snowshoes and Mountain Club WTW Woodland Trail Walkers www.chestnutmtnproductions.com. crampons required. Inclement weather date – following Monday. NYHC New York Hiking Club SATURDAY, MARCH 13 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 UOC. Cooper Mill, Morristown, NJ. Leader: George Strauss, PMNHA. Moderate Morning Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334- 732-469-2935. Meet: Call leader. Visit this environmentally friendly 3130 for information. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Clubs wishing to have hikes listed in Hikers’ Almanac should send their schedules to [email protected] or to the Trail Conference Office. mill, still in operation, and the surrounding area. Drop off the kids at school and join us for this adults only hike The deadline for the May/June issue is March 15, 2004. ADK-MH. Housatonic River Walk, CT. Leader: Linda Sullivan, at Pyramid Mt. 845-462-1850. Meet: call leader for details. Easy 4.5-mile walk on SATURDAY, MARCH 20 MARCH SUNDAY, MARCH 7 the only flat section of the AT between Maine and Georgia. Shuttle hike; possible side trip to Kent Falls. ADK-MH. Lake Skannatati, Harriman State Park, NY. UCHC. Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuary, Bernardsville, NJ. SATURDAY, MARCH 6 Leader: Alvin DeMaria, 845-255-1704. Meet: call leader for details. Leader: Phyllis Brown, 908-753-8812; call before 9 pm. Meet: 10 UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: Moderate hike with minor ups and downs. Some old mines, views, ADK-MH. AT on Connecticut/New York Border. Leader: am at the sanctuary; call for directions. Hike the moderate Dogwood Joan Lepselter, 908-273-4188. Meet: 10 am at Trailside Nature and lunch at a lean-to. Lalita Malik, 845-724-5786. Meet: 11 am; call leader for details. Trail and Patriots’ Path; full day ending at about 3 pm. Rain cancels. Science Center parking lot on Coles Ave. at New Providence Rd. Easy 3-mile hike or snowshoe on the AT, starting at Bulls Bridge and Brisk hike of 4-5 miles with some rocky trails, often muddy. Suitable UCHC. Wyanokie Circular, Wanaque, NJ. Leader: Al Leigh, IHC. Sebago-Panther Mts., NY. Leader: Ilse Dunham, walking along the Housatonic River. Beautiful views of gorges and for a strong beginner. Steady rain cancels. 973-471-7528; call 7-10 pm on Friday. Meet: 10 am at Weis 973-838-8031. Meet: 9 am at Lake Sebago, Seven Lakes Dr., rapids; learn about edible plants along the trail. Visit village of Kent Ecology Center. It’s spring! Let’s kick up our heels for 7-8 miles Harriman State Park, NY. Moderately strenuous hike to Pine Meadow NYHC. Tottenville to Huguenot Beach, NY. Leader: Ray Krant, after hike. in a pleasant area. Hilly but nothing serious. Lake, visit the Egg, climb Panther Mt. and along the Tuxedo 718-435-4994. Meet: 10:15 am in the waiting room for the Staten PMNHA. Highlands Hike, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for Mt. Ivy Trail. Rain, heavy snow or poor driving conditions cancel. Island Ferry at the Battery. About 7 miles of moderate beach walking PMNHA. First Day of Spring, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area with a little road walking in the middle. Hike along Raritan Bay and for information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic UCHC. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ. Leader: visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Moderate the Atlantic Ocean on Staten Island beaches. Views of the nearby Area visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Carol McNichol, 201-795-2094; call before 8:30 pm. Meet: 10 am hike on our Highlands trails. Jersey coast and the distant Sandy Hook highlands. Joint with Celebrate the return of spring on this moderate hike. at Trailside Nature and Science Center parking lot on Coles Ave. at other clubs. UCHC. South Mountain Reservation, Millburn, NJ. Leader: New Providence Rd. Brisk hike of 4-5 miles with many rough trails. UCHC. Pyramid Mountain, Montville, NJ. Leader: Micky Lee Fanger, 973-376-3160. Meet: 10 am at Tulip Springs Parking Steady rain cancels. SUNDAY, MARCH 14 Siegel, 201-797-7054. Meet: 10 am at Pyramid Mountain visitors lot, Brookside Ave., Millburn, just north of S. Orange Ave. Brisk hike ADK-R. Doodletown, NY. Leader and info: call 201-871-3531. center parking lot. Moderate 5-mile hike along the reservoir and then of a little over two hours. Rain cancels. Moderately strenuous 8.5 miles around remains of village in Bear up to Tripod Rock. Mountain-Harriman State Park. NYHC. Signs of Spring in Nassau County, NY. Leader: IHC. Tiorati Tramp, NY. Leader: Jim Hayes, 201-825-9506. Joanne Tow, [email protected]. Meet: contact Seatuck Environ- Meet: 9 am at Tiorati Circle parking, Harriman State Park, NY. mental Association, 631-581-6908 for details and to register. Join the volunteers Moderately strenuous hike with many possible options. Inclement An easy hike of about 2 hours. who bring you the great outdoors! weather cancels. MJO. Walking Dunes, NY. Leader: Lanny Wexler, ADK-MH. Strenuous Cross-Country Ski or Hike. Leader: 516-644-5867, [email protected]. Register by Thursday, Russ Faller, 845-297-5126, call before 9:30 pm. Meet: call leader for March 18; nonmembers, $10. Meet at Ronkonkoma LIRR station. 1,600 miles of trails and counting; your membership helps us expand details. We’ll ski wherever the snow is best. If no snow, we’ll hike. We’ll be hiking 11 miles on the Stephen Talkhouse and Paumonak Paths among the Walking Dunes. The trail snakes its way through PMNHA. Hike with Neil, NJ. Leader: Call 973-334-3130 for our horizons. pine-oak forest and shifting sand dunes. Dramatic views of Gardiners information. Meet: 1 pm at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Bring lunch and 2 liters of water. Included with membership, Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases visitor center, 472A Boonton Ave., Montville Twp., NJ. Moderately at most outdoor stores, and 20-25% discount on all Trail Conference strenuous 5-mile hike with one of our volunteers. Continued on page 11 maps and books. Support the work of the NY/NJ Trail Conference with your membership. Membership Level Individual Joint/Family Individual $25 $31 RAIL ALKER Sponsor $50 $60 T W Benefactor $100 $120 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Senior/Student $18 $24 Life $500 $750 VOLUME XXXI, NUMBER 2 ISSN 0749-1352 MARCH/APRIL 2004 PERMIT #970-100 Name ______Address ______City______State______Zip ______Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______E-MAIL ______Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard Amex Card # ______Exp. Date: ___/ ____ Make check or money order payable to the NY-NJ Trail Conference, and mail to: 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Tax-deductible.

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