Schunemunk Mountain State Park

Some nice views and steep slopes make for a surprisingly nice hike.

Parking: 41.407578,-74.081696 Taylor Rd, New Windsor, NY
Miles: 9-10
Hours: 5-7

Weekend Backpacking in Harriman St. Park: Sunday

A cold cloudy morning would yield to sunny skies on my trek back to the car.

Starting Point: Big Hill Shelter, The Long Path/Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail junction 

Saturday Mileage: 7.25

Hike Time: 3 hours

Weekend Backpacking in Harriman St. Park: Saturday

An overcast and rainy day turned out not so bad.

Big Hill shelter along the Long Path  

Starting Point: Shelter/camp area off the White Bar trail, .25 mi south of Orange County Route 106

Saturday Mileage: 7.75

Hike Time: 4 hours

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