Josh
me and a friend want to start camping, and hiking. We are from Western New York, and would first like to start out in our area (or near us - alleghany, adirondacks, ect.). We have never really done this before and not sure where to start. Does anyone have any good websites or good hiking trails that they know of? We are looking for something which we can complete in a weekend, and have to spend a night or two in the wilderness. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks =)
Answer
Camping doesn't have to be a big deal, but you should plan it and be smart about it. Keep your wits about you.
the first thing to do is get/rent some basic camping gear and camp in a nearby campground to get an idea of what it's all about. Be sure not to skimp on the tent, sleeping bags, foam pads, and outerwear. If you do, you'll not be happy and be unlikely to do it again. The priority is to ensure your warmth and weather protection, as well as being well-fed and hydrated. The major drawback to campground camping is the noise. People come in with RVs, diesel trucks at all hours of the night, rowdy kids and inconsiderate people talking and laughing too loud for anyone to sleep. Get this book: "The best in tent camping, New England". This book helps you to avoid the noise and yahoos of the RV/Trailer/Family camping world.
Join MeetUp.com and find a local group that likes to camp. They'll be the experts for your area. I don't know much about the Alleghenies, but the Adirondaks offer stellar camping/hiking locations. The Adirondaks is also one of the largest wilderness areas of the US, so you need to be prepared for weather and all else. Visit your local EMS or REI store for these locations. They'll steer you right for locations and the proper gear. They have guidebooks for these areas that help you to get there, find parking, find the trailhead and where and where not to camp.
Camping doesn't have to be a big deal, but you should plan it and be smart about it. Keep your wits about you.
the first thing to do is get/rent some basic camping gear and camp in a nearby campground to get an idea of what it's all about. Be sure not to skimp on the tent, sleeping bags, foam pads, and outerwear. If you do, you'll not be happy and be unlikely to do it again. The priority is to ensure your warmth and weather protection, as well as being well-fed and hydrated. The major drawback to campground camping is the noise. People come in with RVs, diesel trucks at all hours of the night, rowdy kids and inconsiderate people talking and laughing too loud for anyone to sleep. Get this book: "The best in tent camping, New England". This book helps you to avoid the noise and yahoos of the RV/Trailer/Family camping world.
Join MeetUp.com and find a local group that likes to camp. They'll be the experts for your area. I don't know much about the Alleghenies, but the Adirondaks offer stellar camping/hiking locations. The Adirondaks is also one of the largest wilderness areas of the US, so you need to be prepared for weather and all else. Visit your local EMS or REI store for these locations. They'll steer you right for locations and the proper gear. They have guidebooks for these areas that help you to get there, find parking, find the trailhead and where and where not to camp.
Appalachian Trail: camping sites in New York area. Can I set up a tent anywhere on the Trail?
I want to take a train to Appalachian Trail from NYC and pitch a tent for a night. Should I do it in designated areas only, or I can set up a tent anywhere along the trail? If it must be in special areas only, where can I get the map of the areas? I would prefer a somewhat secluded area with not much people around, but within a walking distance from Pawling train station (Metro-North). Iâm familiar with Leave No Trace principles.
I know how to get to the trail from NYC. The only thing I'm not sure about is where I can pitch a tent.
Thanks!
Thanks for responses. I have additional questions. The official Appalachian Trail webpage says the following: "You can usually pitch a tent near a shelter, but your guidebooks will also indicate the locations of designated campsites at intervals along the Trail." Question: does anyone know any designated campsites locations in that area? I don't have the book⦠I was thinking maybe some of you guys know.
Also it says: "In some areas, particularly the national forests of the Virginias and the southern Appalachians, "dispersed camping" is allowed. Dispersed camping means you can choose your own place to camp, but it carries with it a special responsibility of leaving no trace⦠" Question: does anyone know any "dispersed camping" locations in that area?
Thanks!
Answer
Try and get a map for Harriman State Pk, the AT runs right through the park, actually the entire trails lowest point is in Harriman. There are a few leanto sites, your supposed to pitch a tent withing 500ft from the shelter.
EDIT:
Dispersed camping is camping anywhere that has a durable ground (i.e not on moss or fragile plants) and you must be at least 200 feet from the trail and any water source. here are the Leave No Trace Principles to help you out with the dispersed camping. Follow these prniciples and you wont run into a problem with dispersed camping:
http://lnt.org/programs/principles.php
Try and get a map for Harriman State Pk, the AT runs right through the park, actually the entire trails lowest point is in Harriman. There are a few leanto sites, your supposed to pitch a tent withing 500ft from the shelter.
EDIT:
Dispersed camping is camping anywhere that has a durable ground (i.e not on moss or fragile plants) and you must be at least 200 feet from the trail and any water source. here are the Leave No Trace Principles to help you out with the dispersed camping. Follow these prniciples and you wont run into a problem with dispersed camping:
http://lnt.org/programs/principles.php
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