The Hiker Guy

A holiday weekend is a great opportunity to escape to Harriman State Park, less than a 2 hour drive from Manhattan. It provides wilderness and space for day hiking and backpacking. Lake Sebago Parking: Reeves Meadow Visitor Center , Seven Lakes Dr., Sloatsburg, NY Friday Mileage: 6.75 Hike Time: 4.5 hours

I took the long route on this round-trip hike covering 2 peaks, 12 miles and over 3,500' of elevation gain. Parking:   42.284039, -74.461473  Heisinger Rd, Prattsville, NY 12468, USA Miles: 11.5-12 Hours: 5-8

No trail?  No problem.  Using only a compass and GPS, navigate to the summit of Rusk Mountain at 3,680' in the Catskills region. West Kill Mountain and the Devil's Path, as seen from the slopes of Rusk Mountain Parking:   42.184158,-74.272180  Spruceton Rd, West Kill, NY Miles:  3.5-4 Hours: 2.5

Known to a few, this free primitive campsite is just off Route 28 and offers a convenient camping rest stop for a weekend excursion in the Catskills. Location:   42.106872,-74.351713  Route 28, Allaben, NY (just west of Phoenicia, NY) Map: NYNJTC #142 and the western edge of map #141

Conquer fifteen miles and 3 peaks over 3500' while getting a taste of the Devil's Path. Parking:   42.184158,-74.272180  Spruceton Rd, West Kill, NY  Miles:  15 Hours:  8-10