Trip Schedule - April 2018
Date: 4/1 (SUN)
Location: GIANT STAIRS / PALISADES - Palisades Interstate Park (New Jersey/New York).
Level: MODERATE HIKE (8-9 miles)
[Rescheduled from March] This hike takes us along an especially scenic portion of the Palisades on the NY-NJ border, with great views of the Hudson River from the famous and spectacular cliffs, plus a lovely waterfall. Included are two challenging miles of extremely rugged hiking trail over and around giant boulders ("Giant Stairs"), plus a 500-foot descent and ascent via trail from the river. The rest is much easier.
Date: 4/7 (SAT)
Location: SHEPAUG RIVER - Steep Rock Reservation (Connecticut).
​Level: EASY HIKE (5 miles)​
Steep Rock Reservation is a lovely "unknown" preserve in western Connecticut, and through it runs the wild and scenic Shepaug River. We'll be following an easy (but occasionally rough and rocky) hiking trail alongside the river, with one short, steep climb to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the area.
Location: HOOK MOUNTAIN – Hook Mountain State Park & Nyack Beach State Park (New York).
​Level: MODERATE HIKE (12 miles)
For years we've offered a scenic loop-hike over rugged Hook Mountain, on the west side of the Hudson River about 25 miles north of NYC, which is what we'll be doing today. Included are some splendid views overlooking the river. The highest elevation is only 728 feet, but the mountain features vertical cliffs and rock walls, and the trail, while not precipitous, has many ups and downs. Our final few miles will be on an easy path by the river.​
Trip fees & info
Date: 4/14 (SAT)
​[This hike was rescheduled twice due to snow and other issues]. We'll be hiking along an especially scenic portion of the Palisades on the NY-NJ border, with great views of the Hudson River from the famous and spectacular cliffs, plus a lovely waterfall. Included are two challenging miles of extremely rugged hiking trail over and around giant boulders ("Giant Stairs"), plus a 500-foot descent and ascent via trail from the river. The rest is much easier.
Date: 4/15 (SUN)
Location: MANITOGA / HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK (New York).
Level: EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles)
[Note schedule change due to trail closures in PA]. Today we'll be following a relatively new itinerary in scenic 7,400-acre Hudson Highlands State Park, which consists of two major tracts stretching along the east side of the Hudson River some 45-55 miles north of NYC. Included will be a couple miles of the famous Appalachian Trail, plus trails in the private preserve known as Manitoga, featuring a fine vista overlooking the Hudson River where we'll have lunch. There are multiple ups and downs, including some short, steep, rocky ascents and descents, along with easy stretches.
Location: SHELDON FALLS / PETERS KILL CREEK - Minnewaska State Park (New York).
Level: EASY HIKE (5+ miles)
Peters Kill is a spectacular mountain creek with small waterfalls and cascades -- and several larger ones -- running through a rugged Shawangunk mountain gorge. Elevation changes are minor, aside from a couple of steep inclines, but some of the trail is quite rough and rocky, and today's hiking itinerary includes some bushwhacking (off-trail travel).
Location: TEN MILE RIVER / HOUSATONIC RIVER (Connecticut).
Level: MODERATE HIKE (8 miles)
This hike features a splendid stretch of the Appalachian Trail alongside the Housatonic and Ten Mile rivers, where the two scenic rivers meet near the New York border. We'll have lunch by the Housatonic, which includes some rough rapids, and get there by traversing steep Ten Mile Hill, where we'll enjoy a couple of nice vistas. Total elevation gain and loss today is around 2000 feet.
Location: RAYMONDSKILL FALLS / HACKERS FALLS - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania).
This is a shorter, easier version of our moderate hike to Raymondskill Falls, which we've been offering for years (and it's on our schedule again next month, on 5/13). We'll be visiting PA's highest waterfall, spectacular 165-foot Raymondskill Falls, plus stopping at beautiful Hackers Falls and enjoying some fine cliff vistas. Along with easy stretches of hilly trail there are a couple of steep ascents and descents.
Location: BASHBISH FALLS / ALANDER MOUNTAIN (New York / Massachusetts).
Level: MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (7-8 miles)
The most spectacular of all the high falls in the Taconic Mountains is Bashbish, which sounds with a thundering roar in springtime. After visiting the falls we'll be hiking up nearby Alander Mountain (2,250 ft.) for some splendid views, which involves a sometimes-steep 1500-foot trail-climb. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace.