Weekend Backpacking in Harriman St. Park: Friday

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

Bearpen and Vly Mountains

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

Bushwhack to Rusk Mountain

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

Primitive Campsites: Allaben, NY

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

Catskills 3500: 3-Peak Loop

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