Why We Build Trails

MAINTAINING 2,144 MILES OF TRAILS IN NY AND NJ

NYNJTC.ORG FALL 2016 TRAIL WALKER

NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE • CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE SINCE 1920 WHY WE BUILD TRAILS MARTY COSTELLO Long Path Relocation AMBER RAY communications manager The new 9.5-mile stretch of the Long Path in the Slide Moun- tain Wilderness Area opened Overcrowded trails and a lack in June 2014. This trail section of trail etiquette have become replaces 8 miles of road walk hot-button issues for the out- with a beautiful, rugged route door community. Witnessing over Cross Mountain, Mount lines of hikers waiting to as- Pleasant, and Romer Moun- cend Breakneck Ridge—some tain. Long Path Trail Co-chairs wearing flip-flops, complete- Jakob Franke and Andy Gar- ly unprepared for the chal- rison not only organized this lenge—or the increase of graf- ambitious project, but spent fiti and piles of garbage strewn weeks in the mountains build- along Pine Meadow Lake in ing trail and leading teams of Harriman State Park, begs the volunteers. question: How does an organi- zation like the New York-New EAST HUDSON Jersey Trail Conference bal- ance our goal of encouraging Hubbard Loop Trail people to explore open spaces Built by volunteers of the with the need to protect these Fahnestock Park Trail Crew, wild places? headed by John Magerlein, the Journalist Robert Moor— Hubbard Loop Trail in Fahne- author of the excellent new stock State Park opened this book On Trails: An Explo- The 9.5-mile stretch of Long Path in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area opened in June June. This 0.8-mile, multi-use ration, which examines the 2014. For more info on all of these trails, including hike descriptions, visit nynjtc.org. trail welcomes walkers, moun- science, history, and philos- tain bikers, and equestrians. ophy of trails—argues that volunteers have been blazing the fight to preserve Sterling Read More It bypasses two bridges that well-built trails are one of the trails throughout the greater Forest from development. The were heavily damaged by Hur- best methods for protecting New York metropolitan re- Trail Conference acts as stew- Read our executive ricane Irene, mostly following nature. “Trails efficiently allow gion. But our work as path- ards of these precious resourc- director's column on old woods roads as it passes us to visit the wilderness with- finders connecting people with es, guarding trail lands from page 3 for more on the site of the former Hubbard out trampling it all to dust,” he nature has been about so much invasive species and educating the Trail Conference’s Mansion. writes. Building trails deliber- more than cutting tread. users on backcountry—and stewardship efforts. ately, with the aim of making Trail Conference volunteers front-country—ethics. When South Taconic Trail them as sustainable as possi- have been responsible for the it comes to protecting parks SONA MASON Extension ble, is one of the most efficient protection of some of our and trails, advocacy, steward- Volunteers of the South ways to prevent our most pop- most spectacular open spac- ship, and education are tools Taconic Crew, led by Andrew ular park destinations from es—from saving Storm King that can be even more power- Seirup, built 5 miles of new being “loved to death.” from becoming the site of a ful than rock bars and loppers. trail that connects the south Since 1920, Trail Conference hydroelectric plant, to leading Put it all together, and we end of the South Taconic Trail build trails so everyone has the to the existing Rudd Pond WHAT’S INSIDE: chance to experience the nat- trail system. This extends the ural beauty that surrounds us. South Taconic Trail a total People for Trails: Sharing The issue of overuse and mis- of 6.3 miles. The trail was com- a Love of Trails, Stewards use presents the opportunity to pleted in August 2015. in Action, and More be better trail builders—from pages 4-5 the way we plan and execute a Appalachian Way Trail project, to the way we interact Built by volunteers and Con- with the public and encourage servation Corps members Celebrate 100 Years of the respectful enjoyment of of the Taconic Crew in 2014 the National Park Service New Trails Offer the Best trails. and 2015 in Fahnestock State on Local Trails of Ramapo Reservation We’re working hard to Park, this 2-mile trail creates pages 6-7 pages 7, 12 create incredible trail experi- a loop linking the Appala- ences today that future gener- chian Trail to the amenities of ations will continue to seek out Canopus Beach and Fahne- VOLUME XLIII, NUMBER 4 ISSN 0749-1352 and appreciate. Take a look at Doris Duke Trail in Sterling stock Winter Park. some of the most recent addi- Forest State Park tions to the 2,144 miles of trails NEW JERSEY our volunteers care for—then and staff completed the 0.5- get out there and (responsi- mile nature trail at the Maurice Ramapo Reservation Loops bly!) explore them. D. Hinchey Catskill Interpre- Five new loops in Ramapo tive Center in Mount Tremper, Valley County Reservation, CATSKILLS N.Y., this June. The trail gives completed this August, have visitors a taste of the larger given fresh options to this Catskill Interpretive Center trail network throughout the heavily used network of trails. Nature Trail Catskills. Phase 2 of this proj- Trail Conference volunteers, ect will take the trail up to the see TRAILS, page 7 Conservation Corps members, summit of Mount Tobias. 2 | Fall 2016 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

STEVE AARON 2017 Board, Voting Member Nominations

The Nominating Committee PATSY of the Trail Conference WOOTERS presents the following candidates for the Board Patsy, of Suffern, N.Y., is a of Directors for three-year Trail Conference Life Mem- terms and at-large voting ber and currently serves as members for one-year terms. the vice chair of the Board. These nominations will Patsy is chair of the Advoca- be voted on at the Annual cy Committee, and serves as Meeting to be held on a member on the Strategic Discovering the Long Path Now on View Saturday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m. Planning Committee, the at Ramapo College of New Membership & Development The Trail Conference is presenting the interpretive photo exhibit Discovering the Long Jersey (505 Ramapo Valley Committee, and the Manage- Path, New York’s Greatest Trail, this fall. The exhibition features images of some of the Rd., Mahwah, N.J.). ment Committee. most scenic points along the 355-mile Long Path taken by award-winning photographer Steve Aaron, as well as maps and notes about the trail. The exhibit will run through Jan. DANIEL NEW NOMINEE: 13, 2017, at Trail Conference Headquarters. To fund the hard costs of the project and MARY support the Trail Conference’s work on the trail, Aaron and his exhibit co-creator Ken HOBERMAN Posner—a Trail Conference Board member and co-founder of the Long Path Race Series— DOOMAN launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $4,026. Find more details at bit.ly/tc-dlp. Dan, of Montclair, N.J., currently serves as counsel Mary, of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., to the Trail Conference is a Trail Conference Life Board. Dan also serves Member and has extensive on the Management experience in team building Join Us for Hikes, Committee. and project management from her time working at RICHARD Verizon, Intel, and volun- teering in her community. Workshops, and More KATZIVE Through her community work with the Ridgewood Dick, of Irvington, N.Y., YMCA swim team and chair- is a Trail Conference Life ing the board of the Bergen at Our Open House Member and currently serves Barracudas swim team, Mary as a member of the Board. developed a comprehensive A celebration of the outdoors event is $5. Space is limited, (formerly United Water) and Dick is an active member of understanding of non-profit will take place at Trail Confer- and preregistration is recom- sponsorships from Cereus the Conservation Committee management. Mary holds a ence Headquarters on Satur- mended. See times and details Financial Advisors, Inser- and serves as chair of the B.E. in Electrical Engineer- day, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 at nynjtc.org/event/openhouse. ra Supermarkets, L.L. Bean, Governance Committee. ing from Stevens Institute p.m. This Open House show- The Open House is being Fairfield Inn & Suites, R&S of Technology. Mary chairs cases our mission and cele- made possible by the gen- Landscaping, and Frost Valley EDWARD B. the Trail Conference Tech- brates the Darlington School- erosity of lead sponsor Suez YMCA. Alice Luddington nology Committee which house’s 125th anniversary. WHITNEY is undertaking the upgrade As part of the festivities, Open House Activities and redesign of our website/ Discovering the Long Path, Ned, of New York, N.Y., databases. She also chairs New York’s Greatest Trail, an GUIDED HIKES TABLE EXHIBITORS Garrison, N.Y., and Barton, the Building & Grounds exhibition by photographer • Yoga and fitness hike • L.L. Bean Vt., is a Trail Conference Committee, and serves as a Steve Aaron that showcases • Family-friendly hike • Lorrimer Sanctuary member and current member of the Organization- scenes along the 355-mile trail, • History hike • MEVO member of the Board. Ned al Structure Committee and will be on display (see above). • Vista Loop Trail • Mahwah Museum is an active member of Policy Council. Local author Jim Wright • Mahwah Historic the Finance Committee, will present Phantoms of the WORKSHOPS Preservation Commission Membership & Development For full board bios, Ramapos, a ghost story set in • Hiking Photography • Gravity Vault Committee, and Governance visit www.nynjtc.org/ 1938 about Darlington School- • Trail Maps and Apps • Ramsey Body and Brain Committee. board-directors. house and other local places. • Intro to ISF • Frost YMCA Guided tours of our historic • Beekeeping • Inserra Supermarket At-Large Voting Members headquarters are scheduled at • Environmentally Friendly • CAPP 11 a.m. and noon. Lawn Care • Photour Adventures Therese Allen James Piombino Suggested donation for each Susan Barbuto Anne Powley Suse Bell Kristin Reeves Cliff Berchtold Peter Reiner TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit Board of Directors Norman Blumenstein Karen Rose #970-100) (ISSN 0749-1352) is Edward Saiff Chair published quarterly by the New York- Patricia Wooters Vice Chair Sara Cavanaugh Ruth Rosenthal New Jersey Trail Conference as a Daniel Chazin Secretary Matt Decker Robert Ross benefit of membership. Subscriptions Rick Levine Treasurer are available to libraries only at Daniel Hoberman Counsel Jack Driller Susan Scher $15 a year. Periodical postage paid Harvey Fishman Karl Soehnlein at Mahwah, N.J., and additional Directors William Gannett Doug Sohn offices. Postmaster: Send address TRAIL WALKER Chris Connolly Gaylord Holmes Walt Daniels Dave Stuhr Robert Lehmann Judith Joan Sullivan changes to the address below. Volume XLIII, No. 4 Fall 2016 Opinions expressed by authors do John Magerlein Ned Whitney Paul Makus Robert Ward not necessarily represent the policy TRAILAmber Ray WALKEREditor Suzan Gordon Beth Ravit or position of the Trail Conference. Stephanie Hinderer Designer Richard Katzive Ken Posner Contributions of typed manuscripts, Andy Garrison Jeff Senterman photos, and drawings are welcome. MISSION STATEMENT Staff Manuscripts may be edited for style The New York-New Jersey Trail Edward Goodell and length. Submission deadlines for Conference is a federation of member Executive Director TRAIL WALKER are Feb. 15 (Spring clubs and individuals dedicated to Joshua Howard issue), May 15 (Summer issue), Aug. providing recreational hiking Deputy Executive Director 15 (Fall issue), Nov. 15 (Winter issue). opportunities in the region and Don Weise Unsolicited contributions cannot be representing the interests and concerns Development Director acknowledged unless accompanied by of the hiking community. The Conference Mary Perro SASE. For information on advertising is a volunteer-directed public service Operations & Finance Manager rates, please write or call. organization committed to: Linda Rohleder Copyright 2016 by: • Developing, building, and maintaining Land Stewardship Director New York-New Jersey hiking trails. Trail Conference, Inc. • Protecting hiking trail lands through For a full list of staff visit 600 Ramapo Valley Road (Rt. 202) support and advocacy. nynjtc.org/content/staff Mahwah, NJ 07430 • Educating the public in the responsible 201.512.9348 use of trails and the natural environment. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is a volunteer, non- email: [email protected] profit 501 (c)(3) organization. It is a editorial email: [email protected] Printed on recycled content paper federation of more than 100 outdoor website: www.nynjtc.org PLEASE RECYCLE TRAIL WALKER groups and 10,000 individuals. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2016 | 3

Using Stewardship and inspiring photos that are easily so we need to strategically FROM THE accessible to all. We need to do offer information on wilder- EXECUTIVE Education to Improve What can the Trail Confer- more to protect ness ethics and work with DIRECTOR and Protect Trails ence do to spread visitation our favorite places parks to place signage where it and improve backcountry eti- and educate a can have an impact. quette so that all visitors have a I’d like to choose a couple of Today, more people are visit- city. better experience? The answer whole new cadre problem areas to experiment ing parks and enjoying trails It’s a pos- is a lot—and we’ve already be- of trail lovers. with all of these tools in 2017. than ever before. For an or- itive trend gun working on the issue. Goodell An effective approach like this ganization that aims to con- that more For example, we are using will be proactive, long term, nect people with nature, that’s people are our website to warn people and not inexpensive. So far, a a good thing! But what has enjoying the of crowded destinations and campaign of private donations really caught my attention outdoors, encourage the exploration of cially true where newcomers has allowed us to post Trail over the last couple of years but the extra nearby alternatives that are familiar with front-country Stewards at Breakneck Ridge is the high concentrations of traffic often requires addition- equally rewarding to visit. An- areas (swimming areas, camp- for three years, and in the visitors at popular destinations al park maintenance, steward- other major weapon is trail grounds, etc.) that typically Catskills for two. A $30,000 like Breakneck Ridge. ship, and education—especial- users, especially our members have trash cans and dumpsters donation from REI this year In 2000, the Breakneck ly at locations that entice trail and volunteers, who serve as may not be aware of the im- allowed us to add more Stew- Ridge Trail was a scenic and users who are unaware of, or the “eyes and ears” of the parks portance of “pack it in, pack it ards in those locations, and deservedly popular hike over- ignore, basic park rules and and have reported emerging out .” with additional support from looking the Hudson River in trail etiquette. problems. Park managers may Probably the most import- TD Bank, expand the Steward Putnam County. However, We have seen similar explo- not have the staff to follow up ant—and most difficult—thing Program to Bear Mountain. once Trails.com began ranking sive growth at other trailheads immediately, but they keep we can do is educate trail users But we need to do much more the “top 100 trails” based on and destinations through- records of these concerns and who aren’t familiar with park to protect our favorite places page views and ratings on its out our region, including address problem areas as soon stewardship, trail etiquette, and educate a whole new cad- website and Breakneck Ridge locations in the Catskills, the as possible. and Leave No Trace ethics. re of trail lovers. We will need rose to the top, the trail’s pop- Lower Hudson River Valley, Organizing volunteer litter Our Trail and Summit Stew- your help to succeed. ularity and visitation began to and New Jersey parks. A large pick-ups and graffiti remov- ard Program, started at Break- grow rapidly. This growth was percentage of the hotspots in- al are important parts of the neck Ridge in 2013, has been aided by Metro-North’s week- clude swimming holes, but solution. The “broken win- very successful in reducing end train stop at the trailhead, the common enabling factor is dow theory” applies to parks, trail rescues and preventing which became popular among the internet and social media, where the existence of litter litter or graffiti outbreaks. But Edward Goodell New Yorkers eager to find which provide information, and graffiti can enable more we can’t place Trail Stewards Executive Director spectacular escapes from the directions, and wanderlust- litter and graffiti. This is espe- at every popular trailhead, [email protected] Volunteer Awards and Inaugural Trail Symposium Slated for Nov. 5 ERIK MICKELSON Nobody loves trails quite like as overuse and illegal activity. our volunteers. That’s why the Or sign up for a workshop with Trail Conference is hosting our Trail Conference Cartographer first Trail Symposium, an all- Jeremy Apgar to find out how day celebration of the outdoors to get the most of the Avenza and those who give their time Maps app. This powerful tool to help connect people with offers so much more than sim- nature, on Saturday, Nov. 5. ply finding your way; learn all The day kicks off at 10:30 the tricks and “hidden” fea- a.m. at Ramapo College of tures that can be used when New Jersey, adjacent to our hiking or working on a trail. headquarters in Mahwah, Also on the agenda is a field N.J., with a salute to our in- visit to the Long Pond Iron credible volunteers. Join us Works Bridge in nearby West in honoring the people who Milford, N.J. New Jersey Pro- have gone above and beyond gram Coordinator Peter Dolan in their work for trails during will lead a tour of the worksite, the Trail Conference’s Annu- where Trail Conference staff al Awards. The presentation and volunteers are replacing will include keynote speaker the bridge and access to the The Trail Symposium is Melissa Abramson, REI Out- Sterling Ridge Trail. Peter will for everyone who loves to door Programs and Outreach explain the opportunities and work and play on trails. Manager–Tri State, and lunch, challenges this complex proj- allowing everyone the chance ect has presented. RSVPs are required for all of to mingle. In addition, a dry stone wall- the day’s events. Check bit. Following the ceremony, ing workshop will be taking ly/tc-vats16 for registration we’ll be hosting a panel dis- place at our headquarters Nov. details; you can also sign cussion with some of our vol- 4-6 (see below for details). up by emailing volunteers@ unteer leaders and other re- More workshops and Trail nynjtc.org or calling spected members of the trail Help honor the Trail Conference’s exceptional Symposium surprises will be 201.512.9348 x822. community to talk about chal- volunteers at our Annual Awards. announced as we get closer to We look forward to seeing lenges that face our trails, such the date. Space is limited, and you there! Learn Dry Stone Walling

LINDSAY POST LINDSAY at Trail Conference HQ

Learn the art and craft of dry stone walling from some of the top instructors in North America this fall. The Trail Conference is holding a special dry stone walling workshop in partnership with The Stone Trust that will take place at our historic headquarters Nov. 4-6. This workshop aims to complete a permanent, freestanding wall in front of our offices at the restored Darlington Schoolhouse. The wall will be built using standard structural practices; the style of work will match the historic dry stone walls and fences of the area. Visit bit.ly/ tc-dsww2 for more info. 4 | Fall 2016

PEOPLE FOR TRAILS A quarterly look at some of what we have been doing to improve public access to nature. TRAILS FOR PEOPLE

Trail and Summit Stewards: By One Hot Summer for the Numbers Our expanded Trail and Summit Steward Trail Improvements Program is providing

education and support ERIK MICKELSON at some of the most popular hiking spots in the region to help ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience on SEIRUP ANDREW the trails. Our Stew- ards will be stationed at Breakneck Ridge, at Giant Ledge, Slide Mountain, and Platte Clove in the Catskills, and at the base of Bear Mountain on weekends and holidays into No- 1 vember (dates subject to change). Here’s a look at some of the ways they’ve 4 INSET: MATT SIMONELLI been making a differ- ence so far this season. SONA MASON SONA

2

22 ERIK MICKELSON Days more than 1,000 hikers were counted on Breakneck Ridge 3 1,522 5 Most hikers counted in

one day on Breakneck DOUG SENTERMAN Ridge

27 6 Illegal fire rings broken up on Giant Ledge and 7 Slide Mountain 4,120 People counted on Giant Ledge and Slide Mountain through the end of July The East Hudson Trail The Bergen County runners who reach 100 for delivery to their final 1Crew replaced the step- 3Master Gardeners miles in cumulative racing sites, hopefully this fall. ping stones across Broccy volunteered at Trail in Long Path Race Series Creek on the Camp Smith Conference Headquarters events, and to people Members of the 42 Trail in June. The crew also in June, planting about whose contributions make 6Ramapo Earth Crew Lost (and found) hikers placed smaller stepping 1,000 native wildflowers, those races possible. Long partnered with some of counted on Breakneck stones through the muddy ferns, and grasses under Path Race Series co-found- our longtime volunteers Ridge through Sept. 15, area about 20 feet beyond the direction of Rich Pillar, er and Trail Conference to install stepping stones down from 102 in 2015 the creek. our landscape architect. Board member Ken Posner across a stream in Rock- Also on hand to assist was presented the coin to Dave leigh Woods Sanctuary in The Ramapo Earth the Invasives Strike Force on behalf of Shawangunk August. 2Crew’s final project of Conservation Crew. Adventures LLC. the season was rerouting The Trail Conference 5,346 the Rocky Ridge Trail in Minnewaska Trails The Trail Conference, 7and partners spear- Hikers counted ascend- Campgaw Reservation, 4Supervisor Dave 5in cooperation with the heading the creation of ing the Appalachian which volunteer John Webber was awarded the New York State Depart- the Hudson Highlands Trail at the base of Moran flagged out. This Long Path Race Series ment of Environmental Fjord Trail in Putnam Bear Mountain through included closing off the 100-mile Commemorative Conservation, built two County, N.Y., unveiled the the end of September* old trail, blazing, lopping, Coin in recognition of his lean-tos in the Catskills first sign in the wayfinding sidehilling, and altogether volunteer work on trails this summer. The struc- system for this off-road *Counts were done only for people creating 581 feet of new over the past 10 years. tures will be disassembled route between Beacon and ascending the A.T. in this trial and improved trail. The coin is presented to and packaged into bundles Cold Spring on July 26. season at Bear Mountain nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2016 | 5

News in Brief A.T. Improvements

MARTY COSTELLO West Jersey water supply, and preserv- ing green trailways. To learn Crew Fall more, contact Lesley Walter Schedule Set at [email protected].

The West Jersey Trail Crew will be working on several Share Your trail improvement projects this fall, including trail Opinion on rehabilitation and relocation Breakneck in Stokes State Forest on the Blue Mountain Loop and Ridge, Hudson Stony Brook trails, the Highlands Appalachian Trail’s Stairway to Heaven, and an extensive Have you gone hiking on relocation of the Rock Cores Breakneck Ridge or in Trail in Worthington State Hudson Highlands State Forest. The crew will be in Park? If so, New York State the field Oct. 8, 15, and 29, Parks and Historic Sites Over three weekends (nine days total) this summer, the Long Distance Trails Crew and Nov. 5. Bring lunch, wants to hear from you. refurbished old and installed new bog bridging along a section of the Appalachian Trail water, gloves, and sturdy Complete their survey and in Kloiber Field in Monroe, N.Y. The crew installed 82 sections of bog bridging, 10 feet shoes, and be prepared to share your experience; your of crib-walled tread, and a 6-foot bridge over a drainage ditch. Preparing the support get dirty. All tools, materi- answers will help guide holes amounted to removing over 461 cubic feet of soil and moving over 4 tons of grav- als, and training will be pro- future planning of the trails el. That’s in addition to moving all of the black locust logs and planks! For full details on vided. Beginners are wel- and resources in the park. this project and more great photos, visit the crew’s website: longdistancetrailscrew.org. come on all work trips. Call Visit http://surveys.parks. Crew Leaders Monica and ny.gov/s/breakneck/ to take David Day at 732.937.9098 the survey. (home) or 908.307.5049 (cell) for more details. Creating an Informative Welcome John Jay to the Trails Around Tuxedo, NY Seniors Hit the Trails DON WEISE a key to local businesses and membership and amenities; and 3. A history Promoting The Trail Conference, development director and attractions panel. Lewisboro Trail Volunteers, “The kiosk at Tuxedo Trails and and Lewisboro Land The Trail Conference has Train Station will guide our Our Mission Trust have partnered with been working with A Bet- visitors to local businesses, Katonah Lewisboro School ter Tuxedo and the Tuxedo historical sites, and great The Trail Conference Volunteer at District in Westchester, Chamber of Commerce on trails in Harriman and Ster- side of the kiosk will Old Croton N.Y., in a program aimed the creation of a kiosk wel- ling Forest state parks. We include a map of west- at providing high school coming visitors at the town’s are happy to promote our ern Harriman State Aqueduct seniors an opportunity to train station for nearly a town and parks through this Park and parts of Ster- Visitor Center explore, improve, and learn year. West Hudson Program partnership with the Trail ling Forest State Park; about the trail systems in Coordinator Sona Mason Conference, the Chamber information about The Friends of the Old Cro- their community. In its and Membership and De- of Commerce, and A Better the Trail Conference, ton Aqueduct (aqueduct. second year, four seniors velopment Director Don Tuxedo,” said Town of Tux- including our work org) are seeking volunteers from John Jay High School Weise have been involved in edo Councilwoman Michele and how to volunteer to help greet visitors at the spent six weeks learning planning, securing approval, Lindsay. and support trails; sug- recently opened Keeper’s and working in parks and writing content, and assist- The Trail Conference has gested loop hikes from House Visitor Center at 15 preserves including Ward ing with fundraising efforts. been active in the Tuxedo our guidebook, Circuit Walnut St., Dobbs Ferry, Pound Ridge, Teatown Lake The kiosk will include trail town movement, giving Hikes in Harriman; N.Y. The restored 1857 Reservation, Cranberry three components: 1. A Trail presentations on hiking and tips on planning a Italianate brick house, Lake Preserve, Leon Levy, Conference display, which bear safety, working with safe, enjoyable hike; built for one of the Croton Brownell, and Hunt Parker will help visitors learn about town government, and as- black bear and wildlife Aqueduct caretakers, abuts Preserves. Projects included nearby trails; 2. A Chamber sisting with educational pro- safety info; and donor the popular Aqueduct Trail. blazing trails, building of Commerce panel contain- grams. The kiosk is expected acknowledgements. The Visitor Center is open bridges, boardwalks, and ing a map of the hamlet and to be installed this year. on weekends from 10 a.m. water bars, and clearing to 4 p.m.; volunteer shifts new trails. Along the way, are three hours, one morn- they also learned about ing or afternoon a month. identification and removal Volunteers and visitors are of invasive (non-native) a diverse community with plants and about native many interests including plants (including poison Share Your Love of the Outdoors hiking and biking, the histo- ivy). Read more on the at Festivals Around the Region ry of New York’s renowned program at bit.ly/tc-wchs. At the Ellenville Blueberry ANDREA MINOFF way to donate your time for Festival in Ulster County, the benefit of the organiza- VISIT US IN THE CATSKILLS! N.Y., on Aug. 13, volunteers tion. The Trail Conference Andy Garrison, Bob Ronsi- has booths at festivals, ni, and Tom Farrell spread street fairs, and health fairs Hammo’s the word about all the ways across the region to increase BREW PUBSTAURANT/LODGE the Trail Conference helps awareness of what we do for Craft beers: made by Ryan Fields people get outside. Vol- the public. Great food: made by Chef Steve unteers Chris Reyling and Want to share your Andrea Minoff stopped by passion for and knowledge Everyone welcome: Hikers, and assisted with the effort. about trails and encourage Mountains bikers, sportsmen, dogs, skiers, kids, and LGBTQ The quintet was kept busy others to get outside? Share sharing information about your love of the outdoors Transportation: Shuttle van available. Trailways where to hike and selling at a Trail Conference event bus nearby maps to locals and visitors Volunteer Chris Reyling, near you. Training is pro- to the popular vacation area left, maps out a route. vided, and newcomers are Hostel Rooms: $60 in the Southern Catskills. paired with an experienced Guest rooms with 2 full beds: midweek $75; weekend $125. They explained why stew- (i.e. someone who likes to outreach volunteer. If you “The best sleep I have ever had was on Hammo’s ardship of trails is import- go out on the trails and get have a suggestion for a pos- memory foam mattresses” ant and promoted the Trail dirty), chatting about the sible outreach appearance Conference mission. Trail Conference at events or would like to volunteer, 39 County Route 65, Windham Hammosbrewpubandlodge.com If you’re not a “boots on like the Ellenville Blueberry email volunteers@nynjtc. (Hensonville), New York 518-734-6500 the ground” kind of person Festival is a fun and casual org. Andrea Minoff One Free Sample of Four Craft Beers Per Table 6 | Fall 2016

PETER DOLAN new jersey PRESERVING NATURE AND HISTORY program coordinator MORRISTOWN NATIONAL The National Park Service HISTORICAL (NPS) came into existence as an agency of the federal PARK government on Aug. 15, 1916, CELEBRATING making this year its 100th birthday. In celebration of the centennial, the NPS—which

manages all 59 national parks JONAS CHAZIN, BOB DANIEL CLOCKWISE: and many national monu- ments, as well as other conser- 100 YEARS OF vation and historical prop- erties throughout the United States—and its partners have made a special effort to get people out and using these THE NATIONAL incredible places. The Trail Conference is lucky enough to work alongside NPS staff in helping to maintain three of these places in New York and New Jersey. PARK SERVICE “National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” – Wallace Stegner, writer and historian, 1983

Get Connected

DELAWARE WATER GAP If you want to get involved and show your appreciation for these fantastic areas, get in touch! We’ll let you know about upcoming events, workshops, and other opportunities to show how much you love your parks. Email CLOCKWISE: CAIT BECK, DANIEL CHAZIN (3) DANIEL BECK, CAIT CLOCKWISE: [email protected] to get connected with the event or opportu- nity that’s right for you.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLOCKWISE: AMBER RAY, ANDREA MINOFF, DANIEL CHAZIN, PETER DOLAN DANIEL ANDREA MINOFF, AMBER RAY, CLOCKWISE:

The Delaware Water Gap property was confiscated by cellent opportunities for all National Recreation Area eminent domain, and later outdoor enthusiasts. The is 70,000 acres of protected by political figures. After the Appalachian Trail here pro- land located along both the costly Vietnam War, govern- vides access to Mount Tam- New Jersey and Pennsylva- ment appropriations for the many, Sunfish Pond, and a nia sides of the Delaware project dwindled in the face connector to the spectac- River. This beautiful area of opposition. ular Buttermilk Falls (also has a fascinating history; at In 1978, the land along easily accessed by car). one point, plans to build a the Delaware River owned Other waterfalls, kayak and hydroelectric dam and res- by the U.S. Army Corps of canoe launches, and the ervoir along the Delaware Engineers was turned over bike-friendly Joseph M. Mc- would have flooded the to the NPS for inclusion in Dade Recreational Trail on valley and created a lake 37 the Recreation Area. Rem- the Pennsylvania side are all miles long. These plans were nants of the villages once popular attractions. met with substantial resis- inhabited amongst the pro- Of the Water Gap’s 186 tance from environmental tected natural beauty still miles of trail, many on the activists, embittered resi- remain. N.J. side are maintained by dents displaced after their The Water Gap offers ex- Trail Conference volunteers. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2016 | 7

People for Trails Morristown National His- torical Park, located in New Jersey’s Morris County, is Smarter Design Makes comprised of four American Revolutionary War sites— Jockey Hollow, New Jersey Trails More User-Friendly Brigade and Cross Estate, the Ford Mansion, and Fort Non- Volunteer Chris Connolly proposal involved reblazing sense. Together they make has been a Trail Chair for 6 miles of existing trails up the area where the Con- just a year, but he’s already and building 1 ¼-mile of tinental Army had its winter made a big impact on the new tread. Our excellent encampments in 1776-77 and trail experience at Ramapo Bergen County Parks 1779-80, surviving bitterly Valley County Reservation. partner, Todd Cochran, cold winters during the fight In his own words, the for- approved the proposal in for American independence. mer Trail Conference Board June, noting that it would In January 1933, a bill was chair explains how he’s provide “more interesting drafted by representatives of helped make this immensely hikes with less confusion.” the NPS, the Secretary of the popular park friendlier for Along with Peter and five Interior, and local civic and everyone looking to explore volunteers, I completed all business leaders to support the outdoors. trail reconfiguration work the concept of a historical a week before Labor Day, park encompassing the area. After becoming Trail Chair and Jeremy produced an Connolly Secretary Ray Lyman Wilbur last year for the Bergen easy-to-navigate kiosk map. supported the bill, calling it County, N.J., area, I started The Reservation’s new “the most important park making regular trips to on the trails, resulting in loop system has been met project before this depart- Ramapo Reservation, countless phone calls to the with rave reviews from ment at the present time.” the county’s largest park, park and Trail Conference park “customers”, and the When it passed, Morristown conveniently located next office for directions. Vista Loop is already one was established as the coun- to Trail Conference Head- Working with the Trail of the most-used trails we try’s first national historical quarters. What I saw were Conference’s New Jersey maintain. Nothing I have park. over 2,000 weekend visitors Program Coordinator Peter done in my 14 years with In the past year, the Trail of every background seek- Dolan and Cartographer the Trail Conference has Conference has become more ing a short, social, recre- Jeremy Apgar, in May we given me more job satis- involved at Morristown. Vol- ational outdoors experience designed and presented to faction, in particular the unteers Estelle Anderson around viewpoints and Bergen County a proposal rewards of working as a and Bob Jonas have spear- water vistas within a 2-mile to address the Ramapo team with superb staff and headed efforts to maintain radius of the parking lot. Reservation trail users’ supportive park leadership and refurbish the park’s 27 Talking with many of needs. The plan connected and finishing such a large- miles of trails. Some trails these users, it dawned on the park’s most popular scale project so swiftly. I’m are old roads dating back to me that the trail system in viewpoints in a 3.8-mile also left wondering wheth- the 1700s; some are narrow this “core area” of the park loop—the aptly named er other “hotspot” recre- paths through the center of had not been laid out with Vista Loop—and created or ational areas we maintain the park. Trails here traverse intensive front-country extended four other loops could use a similar make- rolling hills with some steep use in mind. Many visitors within the core area that over in order to serve better sections. were confused by frequent would begin and end at the current generation of Estelle and Bob’s next big blaze changes and got “lost” well-known waypoints. The trail users. project within the park is to rehab the N.J. Brigade Trail and provide distinct trail markers to honor its histori-

cal importance. JEREMY APGAR TRAILS, from page 1

The Appalachian National NEW JERSEY Scenic Trail, generally known The Reservoir Loop formal- as the Appalachian Trail or izes and focuses the mean- simply the A.T., needs no in- dering social traffic around troduction to most hikers—it MacMillan Reservoir, and is arguably the most famous the yellow Vista Loop con- hiking trail in the world. (It nects the Reservation’s major is also the longest hiking- attractions while introducing only trail.) What many peo- new views. See story above ple don’t know, however, is York. In 1925, a two-day and page 12 for more details. Volunteers, Corps members, and staff built a trail that the Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail confer- at the Catskill Interpretive Center this year. also constitutes the longest, ence inspired what has since Blue Mountain Loop skinniest unit in the entire become the Appalachian The Blue Mountain Loop National Park system. Trail Conservancy. Trail, completed in 2015, in- River. Built by museum vol- is being scouted to connect The nature of the Appa- The Appalachian Trail corporates both preexisting unteers with guidance from to the Highlands Trail on lachian Trail has changed was officially completed in and newly built trails for a the Trail Conference, the Lazy Hill Road in Goose substantially since its initial 1937 and currently spans 17-mile loop through the trails opened in April. Pond Mountain State Park. conception. In 1921, a forest- almost 2,200 miles between northern section of Stokes er named Benton MacKaye Springer Mountain in Geor- State Forest. It also provides Doris Duke Loop Shawangunk Ridge Trail wrote the article, An Appa- gia and Mount Katahdin at least five new loop hike The 3.9-mile Doris Duke and Long Path Side Trails lachian Trail, A Project in in Maine. The exact length options that range from 6 to Trail in Sterling Forest State Volunteers and Conserva- Regional Planning. The Trail, changes constantly as parts 12 miles. Key volunteers who Park was built by Conserva- tion Corps members built he said, would be “a sort of are modified or relocated, helped coordinate the effort tion Corps members and vol- several new side trails to backbone, linking wilder- such as the Long Distance include Howie Liebmann, unteers of the Palisades Trail connect the Shawangunk ness areas to dwellers in Trail Crew’s recent reroute in David and Monica Day, and Crew. One portion of the Ridge Trail and the Long urban areas along the Atlan- Harriman State Park on West the West Jersey Trail Crew. loop co-aligns with the Allis Path with new parking areas. tic Seaboard.” Mountain, or the ongoing Trail and affords spectacular Totaling around 4 miles in From this document, the Bear Mountain Trails Proj- WEST HUDSON views. The trail opened in the Shawangunk Ridge State idea moved with incredi- ect. Managing a hiking trail September 2015. Forest, and another 2.5 miles ble speed. In 1922, the pro- that passes through 14 states Peter H. Stern Trail and in the Huckleberry Ridge posal was published in the and an even greater number McKeon Family Loop Highlands Trail Relocation State Forest farther south, New York Evening Post and of communities and parks A collaborative project A roughly 1-mile section of these trails have increased the idea was adopted by the is a complex responsibility among the Trail Conference, the Highlands Trail in Ches- side trail mileage enough to New York-New Jersey Trail shared by numerous nation- Hudson Highlands Nature ter, N.Y., was built by Trail necessitate the establish- Conference (then known as al, regional, and local agen- Museum, and Black Rock Conference volunteers in ment of a new Trail Confer- the Palisades Interstate Park cies. The Trail Conference is Forest produced the Peter H. 2015, moving this section of ence Trail Committee—the Trail Conference). In 1923, one of 31 clubs responsible Stern Trail (0.8 miles) and the the path off of public roads. Southern Shawangunks the first section of the Trail for maintaining the Trail; we McKeon Family Loop (1.05 The trail now travels through Region—along with a new was built and opened by care for the length of the A.T. miles). The trails connect the Goosepond South, newly chair: Todd Jennings. The Trail Conference volunteers through New York and New two properties in Cornwall, preserved property recently side trails also provide new on Bear Mountain in New Jersey—191 miles in all. N.Y., and offer new views of transferred to New York State loop hike options to explore the Catskills and the Hudson Parks. The next leg of reroute recently preserved land. 8 | Fall 2016 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

ASK A TRAIL BUILDER Member Perk: Guided Hikes

Why does it look like you’ve set up Showcase Trail Improvements a zipline over the trail? JENNIFER EASTERBROOK

of an anchor tree with a sling and shackle. It is then placed up high in what is called a spar tree, through another spar tree, and then passed through a griphoist (a type of winch) which is AMA KOENIGSHOF connected to the base of a Trail Builder and Educator second anchor tree. When the griphoist is “slacked” the wire rope can touch the That’s actually called a high- ground where the desired line, and it’s an invaluable object is located. The object tool. Rather than rolling or is put in a sling and con- dragging heavy materials nected to the wire rope with by hand, highlines utilize a block or pulley. Then the mechanical advantage to griphoist is “tensioned,” allow trail builders to pick which brings the wire rope up an object and move it and heavy object up into the along a wire rope suspended air. The object can then roll in the air, minimizing the along the section of highline impact to the environment between the spar trees. and our bodies. Highlines The wire rope that is give trail builders the ability pulled through the machine to take friction virtually out can be set up in infinite Member Appreciation Hikes take place monthly on recently built or improved trails. of the equation, move a lot ways to achieve the me- of materials from point A to chanical advantage needed Chances are, you know that Trail Conference members are to answer questions and ex- point B, and move materials to get the job done. The Trail Conference members get invited to attend 12 monthly plain how the work was done. safely over tricky terrain. higher the highline is set in a 25 percent discount on our Member Appreciation Hikes? Become a Benefactor today at You could equate it to a the trees, the more lifting books and maps when pur- Hikes take place in scenic nynjtc.org/membership. We’ll zipline, but for heavy, inani- capacity it has. The closer chased from our store. The destinations throughout the see you on the trail! mate objects only. Sorry, no all angles of the wire rope extra 10 percent off members metro area where the Trail * The Benefactor Level is human riders allowed. are to 20 degrees, the more get on trailside hotels, restau- Conference has recently built $150 for a single membership To set up a highline, trail lifting capacity it has. To rants, organic food, outdoor or improved trails. It’s a great or $200 for a joint member- builders search for a set of lift a 400-pound rock, the gear, and more from our 36 way explore new places and ship. In addition to 12 monthly trees onto which the wire system needs to be set retail partners is a pretty sweet see the results of your support. hikes, you’ll receive a free Trail rope will be anchored. A up perfectly with one ton bonus, too. But did you know Often, the people who com- Conference book or T-shirt. See basic highline requires (2,000 pounds) of tension that at the Benefactor Level*, pleted the projects are on hand website for details. Don Weise four trees in line with each on the wire rope. other and in line with the Want to seriously nerd areas where materials need out about rigging and to be moved to and from. highlines? Check out our

The end of the wire rope Rigging Handbook for Trail AMBER RAY Volunteers Share is connected to the base Work at bit.ly/tc-rg.

JOSEPH KNIGHT Their Trail Love at Breakneck, Sterling Forest

Spar Tree This summer, the Trail Spar Tree Belay Tree Conference’s Conservation Winch Tree Corps crews hosted several Anchor Tree High Line Wire Griphoist Belay Rope Trail Love Days at Breakneck Ridge and Sterling Forest,

Direction of Movement inviting adventure-seekers who want to give back the opportunity to be a trail builder for the day. At Breakneck, these trail improvement days focused on restoration of the Wilkinson and Undercliff trails, where more than 30 volunteers 10% discount to learned how to build stone Trail Conference members stairs, install gargoyles, quarry and highline stones, and install the final stepping stone that leads to the stairs. In Sterling Forest, volunteers learned about sidehilling and proper drainage techniques while aiding in the construction of the Red Back/ Eagle multi-use trail. Farm Fresh Produce, We’ll be hosting a new round of Trail Love Days next Just Off the Trail year; sign up for our e- newsletter at nynjtc.org/ Just steps from the Long Path/Heritage Trail in downtown subscribe and follow us on Chester, N.Y., the new Green Onion Farmers Market was a Facebook, Twitter, and Insta- welcome addition to the area this summer. Walkers, runners, gram @nynjtc for updates. and bicyclists who take the trail through the beautiful Black Dirt Region of Orange County now have the convenience of picking up the extraordinary food grown on those farms right there, before heading home. For more info, visit hudsonvalleygreenonion.com. We’re working on compiling a list of farmers markets close to trails as a resource for hun- gry hikers looking for a snack pre- or post-hike. Tell us your favorite spots; email us at [email protected]. nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2016 | 9 Invasives Strike Force 2016 Season: Keeping Our Parks the Right Kind of Wild SIENA HASBROUCK HEATHER DARLEY Invasive Species assistant invasives program coordinator Removed

Giant hogweed The 2016 season has been a (Heracleum huge success for the Invasives mantegazzianum) Strike Force! We’ve stamped Sticky sage out nasty, emerging invasions, (Salvia glutinosa) monitored for southern pine Small carpetgrass beetles, and worked hard to (Arthraxon hispidus) protect our parks and trails Scotch broom from invaders. Take a look: (Cytisus scoparius) ISF CONSERVATION Silver vine CORPS CREW (Actinidia polygama) The 2016 crew members start- Incised fumewort ed their removal season in (Corydalis incisa) May and made themselves Japanese angelica tree sworn enemies of invasive (Aralia elata) plants in Northern New Jer- Dwarf bamboo sey and the Hudson Valley (Pleioblastus sp.) through mid-September. Crew Chinese silver grass Leader Cody Mendoza and (Miscanthus sp.) members Siena Hasbrouck, Bishop’s weed Matt Simonelli, and Mike (Aegopodium podagraria) Young removed emerging in- The Invasives Strike Force Crew and volunteers worked on invasives removal Fuzzy pride-of-Roches- vasive species, which are those at Stokes State Forest in August. ter (Deutzia scabra) that are just starting to invade Japanese hops areas of our region (see side- (Humulus japonicus) bar for list). They also cleared Strike Force surveyors have the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail monitors in Orange and Ul- Black jetbead invasives along hiking trails to been hard at work surveying in Westchester and the Bronx. ster counties in New York. (Rhodotypos scandens) protect native habitats. local trails for invasive plant Kudzu is infamous for being Their efforts helped to alert the The ISF Crew worked at 30 species. So far this season, “the vine that ate the South,” NYSDEC of the presence of parks and preserves across the ISF volunteers have surveyed and this find will help with these invasive beetles at Bear region on more than 40 proj- 80 miles of trails for a total early eradication efforts. Mountain State Park, Min- surveys for potentially infested ects. They led 14 volunteer of 643 volunteer hours. Since newaska State Park, Schune- pines are still being done along workdays where 93 wonderful 2011, we have surveyed 1,122 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE munk Mountain State Park, the Shawangunk Ridge for volunteers came out to help re- miles; we’re 78 miles away MONITORS and Roosa Gap State Forest. Minnewaska State Park and move more than 64,800 inva- from reaching our 1,200-mile Earlier this season, 15 volun- While southern pine beetles Roosa Gap State Forest. sive plants over the course of goal! And our volunteer sur- teers worked with the Lower have been found in our traps, Huge shout-out to our the season. veyors have made some inter- Hudson PRISM for the New after extensive ground sur- invasives warriors who help us esting discoveries along the York State Department of En- veys, no infested trees have keep our parks the right kind ISF SURVEYORS way—they’ve found multiple vironmental Conservation been found at Bear Mountain of wild! We “treely” appreciate Meanwhile, our Invasives populations of Kudzu along as southern pine beetle trap or Schunnemunk. Ground all you do.

TRAIL CONFERENCE SUPPORTERS

DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND MAY 16, 2016 – AUGUST 11, 2016

TRIBUTES Anne Brennan, Richard & Shari Buchwald, Robyne Camp, ertscher, Mr. & Mrs. Charles M. Royce, Marc P. Ryan, Pe- In memory of Rosanne T. Dobbin Rebecca Prentice Carel, Chip Carver & Anne Delaney, ter Sachs, Gerard L. Santora, Gunvor Satra, Susan B. Scher, Judith King Alicia Casciano, Jonathan L. & Jeanmarie Chenette, Kathy Ruth Schorsch, Jeffrey P. Senterman, Robert Simon, Chuck Connolly, Arnold & Marisol Costales, Peter Coy, Thomas Smith, Gregory J. Smith, Norman J. & Kip Smith, Valerie In memory of Robert A. Duffy W. Davis, Marc Diminno, Mary Dooman, Duncan Doug- Smith, Malcolm Spector, Mary Speers, Kent Splettstoeszer, Steve Euler las, Paul Doxey, Jeff & Lisa Dugal, Sheila C. Ewall, Edward Joseph Tenenbaum & Marilou Faith-Tenenbaum, Carl E. & Florence, Ronald R. Fontana, Jakob Franke, James & Laura Victoria A.D. Thune, Michael Tillison, Jeanne Travis, Eu- Stephen MacKenzie Frasier, Nelly J. Galan, Richard Garland, Maria A. Geisel- doro Vallejo, Daniel R. Van Engel, Anthony Vespa, David hart & Tom J DiBella, Sam Gellens, Robert J. Glynn, Dr. & Fran S. Voremberg, Ann Marie Walker, Larry A. Wehr, The Rakowski Family G. Nigel Godson, Howard B Goldman, Edward K. Good- Carrie Weinrib, Les Weiss, Barbara Westergaard, Marga- ell, Jack Gorman, Glenn S. Gray, Judith Green, Timothy A. ret C. White, Stephanie Wieczorek, Ian & Liana Witthoeft, Melissa Seifried Gregg, James A. Gregoire, Glenn Gross, Addie Haas, Eileen Karen F. Wojtyla, Hanson Wong, Helen Yeisley, George M. P. Hanna, Kathleen Hartford, Elizabeth Heald, Phillip & El- Yocher, Lydia & Jack Zakim, & Martin F. Zumsteg Maureen D and Kevin J Winters len Heidelberger, Daniel Hoberman, James Hoegler, Robert Horton, Samuel Huber, Karen J. Jenkins, William R. Jones, CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & OTHER DONORS In memory of Clifford Miles Jodie H. Katz, Patricia Keenan, Alan Keith & Lisa Moghab, AbbVie Employee Engagement Fund, AMC Delaware Valley Richard Dennis Christopher T. Kelly, Hans Khimm, Felice Kirby, Daniel A. Chapter, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Bank of America Kriesberg, Robert J. LaMagna, Salvatore R Lascari, Caro- Charitable Gift Fund, BD, Earthshare Chapters, EarthShare In memory of Elizabeth “Bethie” Whitesell line Lavanhar, Russell M. Layne & Maripat Barlow-Layne, New Jersey, Entergy, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Ford William Whitesell Richard W. Leonard, Stefan Levie, Rosanne Levitt, Michele Foundation Matching Gift Program, German-American K Lindsay, Marsha Lipshitz, Leonard & Sue Lyon, Walter & Hiking Club, IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program, In memory of Andrew Latincsics Frances Madsen, Melinda Meddaugh, Diana Medici, Eric S. Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts Program, Katonah Mu- Stuart D. Liebman Menocal, Adele Metrakos & Brian Cahill, William C. Mill- seum of Art, Land Trust Alliance, Mahwah Regional Cham- er, Keith Mogerley, Rusty Mae Moore, Martin J. Moskowitz, ber of Commerce, Mary W. Harriman Foundation, Matching Thanks to the Stewards at Breakneck Ridge! John A. & Kathleen F. Mueller, Hugh H. D. Murray, Holly Gift Center, Merck Partnership For Giving, Native Land- Howard Rim Nelson & Brad Vogel, Michael W. Nussbaum, Mary Jo L scapes, Network For Good, New York Hiking Club, Pepsico Nutt, Peter Panagakos, John Pao, George P. Perkinson, Mark Foundation, Peter & Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Pfizer DONORS TO THE ANNUAL FUND & Karen Perreault, Elizabeth Rainoff, Susan N. & Howard Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Public Service Electric A Ramsey Abadir, John & Josephine Adams, Rohit Agar- Reed, Stacy Repetto, Ronald Ritter, Ronald H. & Cathy A. & Gas (PSEG) Foundation, Putnam Tourism Corp, Ramsey wal, Greg Bagalio, Raymond Begin, Kenneth Bitz, John Roberts, Albino Rocchi, Roger Roloff & Barbara Petersen, Outdoor Store Incorporated, REI, The New York Commu- B. Blenninger, Eric Blomstrom, Hong & James Bong Pyo, Jean Romsted, Joseph Rondeau, Robert C. Ross, Weiland nity Trust, Truist/FrontStream Workplace Philanthropy, & Rita Boyd, Robert L. Boysen, Jim E. & Beth B. Branigan, A. Ross, Helen Rothberg, Matthew Rotjan & Deanna Lo- Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program 10 | Fall 2016 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org

What if you could make an holders and/or businesses TD Bank Where You Bank Can extra donation to support the that have designated Trail Conference, without themselves as Community TD Bank will donate an amount spending any additional Alliance Program supporters equivalent to a percentage of Lead to a Donation to money? If you belong to of the Trail Conference, our the annual balance in every Boiling Springs Savings Bank organization will receive a one of our supporters’ accounts the Trail Conference or TD Bank, you can. Boiling quarterly donation based linked to the Trail Conference’s Springs’ Community Alliance on each person’s balances Affinity Program. Checking, Program and TD’s Affinity on several eligible types savings, money market, CDs, Membership Program provide of accounts and loans. No and retirement accounts are all donations based on the monies are withdrawn included; no Affinity Program number of Trail Conference from supporters’ accounts; donations are ever withdrawn TOM DEMARCO TOM supporters who bank with all donation dollars come from these accounts. Plus, them. Best of all, there is no directly from Boiling Springs. there is no limit on the amount cost to you or the organization. Contact your local branch of the potential donation to Here’s how it works: representative to designate the Trail Conference. See your your account as a Trail local TD Bank representative Boiling Springs Conference supporter, or call for details, or call 888.751.9000 Savings Bank 201.512.9300 or visit bssbank. or visit tdbank.com to make com for more information TD your bank. Note: The Once we reach a minimum on joining Boiling Springs code for the Trail Conference of 20 individual account Savings Bank. is “NS.”

Hikers’ Can’t find your club? This list represents all Trail Conference member clubs whose dues are up-to-date. If you have questions about your club’s status, please ask Directory your officers to contact the Membership and Development team at 201.512.9348.

NYC Outward Bound Center Nelsonville Greenway Committee Hudson Highlands Gateway Task Women About www.nycoutwardbound.org VillageofNelsonville.org Force www.womenabout.org www.TownofCortlandt.com ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter Long Path North Hiking Club New York City Audubon Society, Inc. www.midhudsonadk.org www.schoharie-conservation.org Protect Our Wetlands, Water & Woods www.nycaudubon.org (POWWW) Hunterdon Hiking Club Sierra Club Mid-Hudson Group box292.bluehost.com/~powwworg SAJ - Society for the Advancement www.hunterdonhikingclub.org newyork.sierraclub.org/midhudson/ of Judaism Boy Scout Troop 50 Mahwah http://www.thesaj.org/ Long Island Greenbelt Trail Confer- AMC Delaware Valley Chapter MAHWAHtroop50.scoutlander.com ence www.amcdv.org Closter Nature Center Association www.ligreenbelt.org The Highlands Natural Pool www.closternaturecenter.org The Outdoor Club, Inc. www.highlandsnaturalpool.org Thendara Mountain Club www.outdoorsclub.info Little Stony Point Citizens Associa- www.thendaramountainclub.org Bellvale School tion Shorewalkers Inc. www.bruderhof.com/en/international- www.littlestonypoint.org Flat Rock Brook Nature Association www.shorewalkers.org directory/united-states/bellvale www.flatrockbrook.org Salt Shakers Trail Running Club TriState Ramblers Catskill Mountain Club www.saltshakersrun.com ADK Long Island http://TSR.nynjtc.org/Schedules.html www.catskillmountainclub.org www.adkli.org Friends of the Hackensack River Gre- Chinese Mountain Club of New York Tenafly Nature Center Association enway in Teaneck AMC New York North Jersey Chapter www.cmcny.org www.tenaflynaturecenter.org http://www.teaneckgreenway.org/ www.amc-ny.org Adventures for Women SUNY Oneonta Outdoor Adventure Town of Lewisboro Interstate Hiking Club www.AdventuresforWomen.org Club www.lewisborogov.com/parksrec www.interstatehikingclub.org www.oneonta.edu/outdoors AMC Mohawk Hudson Chapter The Nature Place Day Camp New Jersey Search and Rescue Inc. http://www.amcmohawkhudson.org/ Hudson River Valley Greenway http://thenatureplace.com/ www.njsar.org www.hudsonrivervalley.com Morris County Park Commission Friends of Van Cortlandt Park University Outing Club www.morrisparks.net Friends of Pelham Bay Park http://vancortlandt.org/ www.universityoutingclub.org http://www.pelhambaypark.org/ Catskill 3500 Club Alley Pond Environmental Center ADK Mohican Chapter www.catskill-3500-club.org Boy Scout Troop 121-Hudson Valley http://www.alleypond.com/ www.adkmohican.org Council Boy Scout Troop 8, Brooklyn Jolly Rovers German-American Hiking Club Hilltop Conservancy, Inc. http://jollyrovers.org/ http://gah.nynjtc.org/ Boy Scouts of America-Northern NJ www.hilltopconservancy.org Council Boy Scouts of America, Troop 21 New York Alpine Club www.nnjbsa.org Storm King Adventure Tours www.nyalpine.com www.stormkingadventures.com The Storm King School New York Ramblers http://www.sks.org Mohonk Preserve www.nyramblers.org Friends Of Garret Mountain www.mohonkpreserve.org friendsofgarretmountain.blogspot.com Palisades MTB Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society facebook.com/groups/palisadesmtb Valley Stream Hiking Club www.meetup.com/Sundance- Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, www.meetup.com/vshclub Outdoor-Adventure-Society/ Inc. Frost Valley YMCA http://aqueduct.org/ www.frostvalley.org Friends Of The Shawangunks Westchester Trails Association http://shawangunks.org/ http://www.westhike.org East Coast Greenway Alliance HDR Mahwah Green Team www.greenwaynj.org http://www.hdrinc.com/ WWW Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club of http://www.weishike.com/ Greater New York, Inc. RPH Cabin Volunteers Queens Parks Trails Club http://www.mosaic-gny.org/joomla/ rphcabin.org The Catskill Center for Conservation The Highlands Nature Friends, Inc. & Development Urban Trail Conference, Inc. Wappingers Greenway Trail Committee www.highlandsnaturefriends.org http://www.catskillcenter.org www.urbantrail.org South Mountain Conservancy Inc. Lake Hopatcong Foundation Southampton Trails Preservation Musconetcong Mountain Conservancy www.somocon.org Society http://mmc.nynjtc.org Canal Society of New Jersey http://southamptontrails.org/ ADK North Jersey Ramapo Chapter Black Rock Forest Consortium Inc. www.hudsonhikers.org Harmony Hall - Jacob Sloat House ADK New York Chapter http://www.blackrockforest.org/ www.friendsofharmonyhall.org www.adkny.org Byram Township Environmental Com- New Haven Hiking Club mission Town of Woodstock Rip Van Winkle Hikers www.NHHC.info www.byramtwp.org http://newyorkheritage.com/rvw Ramapough Conservancy, Inc East Hampton Trails Preservation Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Rock Lodge Club Society Organization New Jersey Highlands Coalition www.rocklodge.com www.ehtps.org www.mahwahevo.org www.njhighlandscoalition.org

nynjtc.org TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE Fall 2016 | 11 New Sterling Forest Map Features Trail Mileage

tions and adjustments make JEREMY APGAR cartographer this edition of Sterling Forest Trails even more accurate than Revised before. At only $7.95 ($5.96 for Harriman-Bear The revised seventh edition of Trail Conference members), the Trail Conference’s Sterling this map is a must-have for ex- Mountain Trails Forest Trails map, available in ploring outdoor opportunities Now Available October, features more than available in Sterling Forest. 170 miles of marked trails in The map will be available in The 17th edition of Sterling Forest State Park and print format in vibrant color our Harriman-Bear adjoining parklands, including on waterproof, tear-resistant Mountain Trails map more than 18 miles each of the Tyvek (shop nynjtc.org or set, featuring more Appalachian Trail and High- visit our store at Trail Confer- detailed contours and lands Trail. ence Headquarters), as well as several trail relocations, This update includes trail digital format on Apple and was released in July in mileage numbers on the face Android devices through the both print and digital of the map, providing distanc- Avenza Maps app (learn more format. In addition, the es between trail junc- about our GPS-enhanced entire trail system is tions and significant maps at nynjtc. now available on a single trail features to make org/pdfmaps). map, down­loadable planning trips and Special thanks exclusively on the navigating the trails to volunteer proj- Avenza Maps app. Visit easier. The revised ect manager John nynjtc.org/pdfmaps to edition also contains Mack and all vol- learn more. the new Doris Duke unteers and park Trail and several partners who help- other trail chang- ed produce this edi- es, adjustments to tion. The map was Rebranded Avenza Maps App viewpoints, and produced with sup- more accurate de- port from Campmor, pictions of many an outdoor store and Hits 100K Downloads Milestone stream crossings. retail partner of the Additional correc- Trail Conference. In early August, the Trail using PayPal or a debit/credit the Catskills and the Harri- Conference’s 100,000th digi- card. man-Bear Mountain areas. tal map download took place The app itself has been re- We continue to stress that Updated Kittatinny October, both in print and via the Avenza Maps app (for- vamped for Apple and An- digital maps are not meant to Trails Map Set digital app map format. merly called the PDF Maps droid devices; this update is be a replacement for printed Coming in October This edition features trail app). Thanks to a surge in expected to be made available maps, but are meant to supple- mileage numbers and a popularity of GPS-enhanced to the public in October. In- ment and enhance one’s out- The seventh edition of the major trail system change maps, we were able to reach cluded in this update will be door experience. The funds re- Kittatinny Trails map set, with ­in Stokes State Forest, this significant milestone in an option to subscribe to a ceived from our app map sales, covering marked trails among many additional just a few years. “pro” version with addition- just like our print map sales, throughout northwestern corrections and changes. The Avenza Maps app re- al features for power users of go right into the trail work we New Jersey and surround- Visit nynjtc.org to check branded over the summer the app maps. There are now do throughout the region, so ing areas, has been delayed the availability of this great and included more than just a more than 70 Trail Conference we hope users will continue and will be available in map set. name change. The app devel- maps available through the to spread the word about our opers also launched a compan- app, including newly released, great app maps. The populari- ion website, avenzamaps.com, large single maps of both ty of these app maps, both with which makes it easier to find the general public and information about the Trail Conference vol- app and search for maps. unteers, excites us to One significant im- further develop these provement is mak- digital opportunities, ing all Trail Confer- and we look forward ence maps visible on to reaching our next a single landing page major map download (avenzamaps.com/ milestone! a/wwgfydd). From For more informa- this page, users can tion about the Aven- easily search for our za Maps app, visit digital maps and nynjtc.org/pdfmaps. make a purchase Jeremy Apgar

YOUR PLANNED GIFT TO Help Create Our 100th Anniversary THE TRAIL CONFERENCE WILL: Help us protect trails and trail lands for future generations. Vistas & Vision History Book Preserve people’s connection to the natural world. Create a personal sense of responsibility for our wild places. In just four years, the Trail influential volunteers and Conference will be celebrat- staff working on substantial Please consider including the Trail Conference in your will or as a ing its 100th anniversary! projects throughout the beneficiary in an investment account or insurance policy today. To help commemorate this region—so we have our work You can make a bequest by sharing the following milestone, the Publications cut out for us! sample language with your attorney: Committee has begun efforts We invite anyone inter- I bequeath to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Inc., a to update our historical ret- ested in Trail Conference not-for-profit organization, with principal offices located at 600 Ramapo rospective, Vistas & Vision. history to join us in creating Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430, the sum of $______(or ______%) Produced in 1995, the origi- this new book. A project for its general unrestricted environmental conservation purposes. nal edition of this book was manager is needed, while written by Glenn Scherer on other roles include editing, TO LEARN MORE AND GET MATERIALS, CONTACT: the occasion of the organiza- photo organization, and ar- tion’s 75th anniversary. The chival organization. Contact Don Weise, Development Director Trail Conference has cer- Trail Conference Cartogra- [email protected] | 201.512.9348 x813 tainly been busy over the last pher Jeremy Apgar at apgar@ 20-plus years, with so many nynjtc.org for more details. 12 | Fall 2016 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org New Trails Invite DANIEL CHAZIN You to Rediscover Ramapo Reservation

Effective Aug. 28, trails with- parking lot is 1.1 miles; rated in the Ramapo Valley County “easy” Reservation’s core recreational To read more about these The new Vista Loop Trail includes three spectacular area have been reconfigured FEATURED loops and other changes viewpoints over Bergen County. into a five-loop network by made to the trails, as well as volunteers and staff of the New links to hike descriptions fol- York-New Jersey Trail Confer- lowing these trails, visit our ence and the Bergen County HIKE Ramapo Reservation page at HIKERS’ MARKETPLACE Parks Department. The work bit.ly/tc-rvcr. involved 7.2 miles of trail, in- We wish to recognize the GO PLACES WITH TRAIL MAPS AND cluding 1.2 miles of new con- outstanding efforts of several BOOKS FROM THE TRAIL CONFERENCE struction and 6 miles of re- Details individuals who contribut- blazing, within a 2-mile radius ed to the success of this ma- of the Route 202 parking lot. Trail: Five new loops jor project. Volunteer Chris The five new loops are: Park: Ramapo Valley Connolly spearheaded the County Reservation, reconfiguration, and with the Vista Loop Trail: yellow; Bergen County, N.J. approval and assistance of loops 3.8 miles; trailhead at Difficulty: Easy to Bergen County Parks, scout- parking lot; rated “moderate strenuous ed and flagged new trail seg- to strenuous” ments, removed old blazes Length: 7.2 miles total • This signature hike and put up new blazes, and allows visitors to follow a Route Type: Circuit installed updated maps, all on single blaze to view three Dogs: Allowed on leash a quick timeframe during the Get the complete set of trail panoramas, as well as Features: Views, hottest part of the summer. MacMillan Reservoir and waterfall (Read “Smarter Design Makes maps at one great, low price! MacMillan Brook. Trails More User-Friendly” Our map combo offers on page 7 for more.) Other all of our high-quality Ridge Loop Trail: blue; volunteers, including James Trail Conference maps Dalgleish, Alec Malyon, Peter loops 3 miles; total to/from at a 5% discount parking lot is 4.25 miles; rated Meyer, John Moran, and Karl “moderate” Soehnlein, assisted with new (members get an trail construction and blaz- additional 25% Marsh Loop Trail: red; ing efforts, and Daniel Chazin discount). Save big on loops 1.1 miles; total to/from and Phil McLewin helped to shipping charges! parking lot is 3.5 miles; rated update hike and park descrip- “moderate” tions. Trail Conference staff Find it on our online member Peter Dolan worked store under Combos. Reservoir Loop Trail: pink; closely with Chris, especially loops 0.65 mile; total to/from in relationship to trail scouting parking lot is 3 miles; rated and trail system refinement, VISIT nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping “moderate” and staff cartographer Jere- OR CALL 201-512-9348 my Apgar produced easy-to- Pond Loop Trail: silver; follow maps to help visitors Find all our publications and select trail guides from others on loops 0.9 mile, total to/from navigate the new trail system. our website, and get your 25% member discount!

Support Trails, Parks, and Open Join/Renew Trail Conference Membership We maintain more than 2,100 miles of trails. Your membership helps us expand Space in the New York-New Jersey our horizons. region by joining the New York- Included with membership: Trail Walker, 10% discount on purchases at many outdoor stores, and 25% discount on all Trail Conference maps and books purchased directly from the Trail Conference. Save time and a tree by joining New Jersey Trail Conference. or renewing online at nynjtc.org. Just click on the Join/Renew Now button. MEMBERSHIP TYPE The Trail Conference maintains more than 2,100 miles of Select one: Join Renew Membership # if available ______trails, advocates for parks, protects open space, and provides volunteer service opportunities in the great outdoors. Individual Joint/Family Regular $40 $50 Your membership supports the trails you love and gives you Sponsor $75 $90 these additional benefits: Benefactor $150 $200 25% Discount on Trail Conference maps, books, and other Senior (65+) $35 $40 products. Visit nynjtc.org/panel/goshopping. A joint membership is for two adults residing at the same address. Great Discounts at supporting outdoor retailers and For my membership of $60 or more, send me a: other businesses. See our partners at nynjtc.org/ Trail Conference Cap OR Harriman-Bear Mountain Map Set content/retail-partners. To purchase a gift membership, call 201.512.9348 x828. Tuition-Free Enrollment in our Trail University introductory courses Name ______Address ______Workshops and Seminars on trail maintenance and City ______State ______Zip ______construction, leadership training, wilderness first aid, Day Phone ______Evening Phone ______chainsaw operation, environmental monitoring and GPS Email ______operation. Learn more about Trail U at nynjtc.org/trailu. Check or money order enclosed Visa Mastercard American Express Access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities on-trail Card # ______Expiration Date: ______/ ______and off-trail. Visit nynjtc.org/volunteer. Make check or money order payable to the Trail Conference, and mail to: 600 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ, 07430. Find links to all these and more at nynjtc.org. NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail NY-NJ

BENEFITS Tax deductible. Dues are not refundable.