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 Hello,
I am looking to go backingpacking at Harriman State Park with a few friends. I have never been and am looking for a trail thats 4-5 miles and has plenty of water and camping spots along the way. I have read there are a number of lakes in this park and it would be great to end at a lake i possible. Can you recommend a trail?
Thanks
Answer My first recommendation is that you take a look at my past answers about backpacking in Harriman State Park. Also, get the Harriman map set published by NY-NJ Trail Conference, available at pretty much every outfitter in the NYC metropolitan area.
What kind of hike do you want to do? How difficult? How much hiking have you and your friends done? Many of the hilltops in Harriman have great views, but it can be a challenging hike if you're not used to it.
A couple comments on your specifications:
1. The primary water sources in Harriman are the lakes. There are lots of streams and springs, but they tend to be unreliable. On the other hand, we've had a lot of wet weather, so you may find that the non-lake water sources are doing well. All water sources in the back country are suspect, so you'll have to treat, filter, or boil to make the water drinkable. For a 4-5 mile hike with full packs, you should carry two liters of water per person.
2. Other than a number of car camping sites, no "official" campsite is by a lake. Folks "stealth camp" on lake shores pretty frequently, though, so you can generally find a previously used site somewhere if you're hiking a trail that follows a lake shore.
Consider these things and send me a follow-up question with more details, and then I'll be able to give you some specific recommendations.
