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, I am trying to find a place to go backpacking in Upstate New York, perhaps somewhere around Ithaca. I have a good deal of experience with hiking and rougher terrain, though not a great deal of backpacking experience. Usually I have camped at a site, and then done day trips. My brother and I are looking to take a trip in August and it was suggested that we find a place where we can have a campsite for the first night that we get there, and then head out the following morning, make camp, and then head back the following day. Neither of us is looking for an easy experience here as we are both runners and cyclists as well as hikers, but I want to be reasonable for my first real backpacking experience. Any suggestions for trails/locations? Thanks so much.
Answer I have not backpacked or hiked in the Finger Lakes region, but I did a little bit of research and found that there's a network of trails through the area. I also found a book titled Fifty Hikes in Central New York: Hikes and Backpacking Trips from the Western Adirondacks to the Finger Lakes, by William Ehling, for about $16. It's a bit old (1995), but such things don't change quickly. I'd suggest that you find a copy of this book, possibly at your local outfitter, and browse through it for ideas. If it looks good, then buy it. You'll also want to look at some good topographic maps of the area. The maps will help assess the difficulty. If I recall correctly, the Finger Lakes region is not particularly rugged, but you can make things more challenging by adding distance.
You state that you've set up camp and done day hikes from there. The difference between what you've done and what you're proposing is that you'll be carrying everything with you. You should try to find a relatively lightweight 2-person tent (no more than 6 lbs), a compact backpacker's stove and pot (about a pound), and a lightweight sleeping bag and pad. Your goal is to be carrying no more than 20% of you body weight. Since you'll only be out for 2 nights, this shouldn't be a problem.
I've supplied equipment lists in a number of my previous answers, so I'd suggest that you browse through them to get a sense of what equipment you have and what you might need. Send me a follow-up if you have any additional questions.
