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,
My husband, son and I would like to take our first camping/hiking trip. We are looking for a good hiking/backpacking spot near NJ/NY/PA. There are so many sites, I'm not sure what would be best. My husband is experienced, but cannot recall where to go for us. I have found alot of sites that seem to cater to families with swimming pools and such things, but we are looking for something more rustic. Please help :)
Thanks,
Michelle
Answer Three questions:
1. How old is your son?
2. How much do you want to do? I mean, how many miles to you all feel that you can handle per day?
3. How many days do you want to go out?
If the geographic area that you're interested in is anywhere within, let's say, a 2 hour drive of NYC, your principle options are Harriman and Fahnestock state parks in NY, or the Delaware Water Gap/Kittatinny Ridge in NJ/PA. You also need to consider what equipment you own or are willing to acquire.
A couple things to be aware of:
1. If you plan on using a shelter: shelters space is available on a first come, first served basis -- you can't make reservations.
2. All water sources in the wilderness are potentially contaminated, so you need to chemically treat or filter.
3. Cell phone service is spotty at best in the wilderness.
Give me more of a sense of what you want to do, and I'll be able to direct you to the most appropriate sites.
