AboutWounded Knee Expertise I can advise on anything having to do with hiking and backpacking skills and equipment, including map and compass and orienteering skills. I cannot advise on the use of GPS devices. I cannot advise on car camping or group camping (10 or more people). My primary geographic expertise is in the US Northeast, but I know how to find information on hiking and backpacking just about anywhere.
Experience I've been hiking and backpacking for about 40 years, including ongoing section hiking of the Appalachian Trail (almost 1300 miles so far). I have hiked extensively in the New York Metropolitan Area, as well as various other areas from Virginia north, including upstate New York, New England, and Eastern Canada.
Publications New York Walk Book, 7th Ed. New Jersey Walk Book, 2nd Ed.
Education/Credentials Not applicable to this area of expertise.
Question Hi, in the past I've gone to a few hikes at Harriman, but always with friends. I'd like to be able to do it on my own and not sure where to learn that, or whether you could give me any guide or book to learn about it. Also, are you planning any guided hikes between March 16 and 27th? Thanks so much : )
Answer The principle thing is to make sure that you're prepared for anything that might go wrong. So:
1. Let someone know where you're going (the exact route) and when you'll be likely to return. If you live alone, you'll have to make arrangements to give this information to a friend and call him or her afterward.
2. Dress appropriately for the weather.
3. Bring sufficient water or means of purifying water.
4. Bring sufficient food.
5. Bring a compass and a topographic map of the area, and make sure you know how to use them.
6. Study the guidebook or map of the area before you go out.
7. Don't rely on your cell phone to get help if you run into trouble -- much of Harriman has no service, as is the case for most wilderness areas.
I've been solo hiking for years without much difficulty. The key is to start by hiking somewhere that's familiar to you -- that's why I didn't recommend any routes. If you've done some hiking in Harriman with friends, then try hiking those same routes by yourself. As for books, a quick search of Amazon located the following title:
Basic Essentials: Solo Hiking (Basic Essentials Series), by Adrienne Hall.
I have not read this book, but the publisher (Falcon Press) is reliable. It appears to be out of print, but you might be able to locate a used copy. I'm afraid that I do not lead hikes, so I can't help you there, but you should contact one of the local hiking clubs. The NY-NJ Trail conference web site lists a bunch of member clubs, including contact information (http://www.nynjtc.org/member-clubs); check them out.
