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About Wounded Knee
(Top Expert on this page)

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.

You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Camping > Hiking/Backpacking/Camping

Questions Answered By Expert Wounded Knee
In Category Hiking/Backpacking/Camping

Subject	Date Asked

backpacking	11/10/2009
Q: I want to take my 16 year old daughter backpacking, we have both done extensive hiking, camping and ... A: I have never been to Isle Royale, although I've given some serious thought to going there. The key ...
Secluded Camping	10/19/2009
Q: I am looking for a secluded, wilderness-y place to tent camp within a few hours from either ... A: Here is what you need to understand about any backpacking experience that's within a coupe of hours ...
Secluded Camping	10/18/2009
Q: I am looking for a secluded, wilderness-y place to tent camp within a few hours from either ... A: I need some clarification on your question. When you say "tent camp", do you mean someplace that ...
Harriman - eerie noises	10/13/2009
Q: This past weekend our boy scout troop was camping out in Harriman near the Dutch Doctor shelter and ... A: This is a bit beyond my area of expertise -- I'm a backpacking expert, not a nature expert -- but ...
camping info	10/9/2009
Q: I was just wanting to get your insight on a couple things. First off, are there any places that you ... A: The problem with Harriman/Bear Mountain is that there really isn't much that doesn't have fairly ...
backpacking at Harriman	9/22/2009
Q: Could you please recommend a a fairly simple (flat , not too long) backpacking trip for a couple of ... A: Permits are not required. Park regulations state that backpackers may camp only at or near ...
Harriman State Park Backpacking	9/22/2009
Q: I am looking to go backingpacking at Harriman State Park with a few friends. I have never been and ... A: My first recommendation is that you take a look at my past answers about backpacking in Harriman ...
Backpacking near NJ	9/14/2009
Q: My husband, son and I would like to take our first camping/hiking trip. We are looking for a good ... A: The Delaware Water Gap area, whether you hike the NJ or the PA side, is very pleasant -- good views, ...
Backpacking near NJ	9/13/2009
Q: My husband, son and I would like to take our first camping/hiking trip. We are looking for a good ... A: Three questions: 1. How old is your son? 2. How much do you want to do? I mean, how many miles to ...
backpacking/primitive camping	9/9/2009
Q: I am looking for backpacking/primitive camping sites( w/interesting hiking) in southern Vt. or ... A: Southern Vermont is dominated by the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, which run concurrently until ...
camping upstate new york	9/2/2009
Q: i'm looking for perhaps a few recommendations for trails in the upstate new york, whether harriman, ... A: Nearly all of the decent campsites in Harriman, whether or not they are "official", are within one ...
camping upstate new york	9/1/2009
Q: i'm looking for perhaps a few recommendations for trails in the upstate new york, whether harriman, ... A: Since I don't know your girlfriend, I can't speak to what would impress her. I'll deal with your ...
Penalty for stealth camping in Harriman?	8/24/2009
Q: I've seen some of your (very helpful) posts about Harriman, and had some questions I was hoping you ... A: I have stealth camped at Pine Meadow Lake -- lot's of folks do it and there are a lot of places that ...
wilderness camping	8/20/2009
Q: My 22 yr old son and I want to camp 1 or 2 nights in early September within 3 hrs of our home in ... A: The Catskills a bit far given your 3 hour radius, and I'm less familiar with them than with other ...
backpacking in northeast	8/15/2009
Q: I am looking for a nice place to do a 7-night backpacking trip in the northeast. I am traveling from ... A: If it's isolation you want, you should avoid the Whites as well -- they're very heavily traveled. ...
backpacking in northeast	8/14/2009
Q: I am looking for a nice place to do a 7-night backpacking trip in the northeast. I am traveling from ... A: You could have a great time in any of the three areas that you mention. The Green Mountains are ...
Overnight camping trip from NYC public transportation	7/17/2009
Q: You seem to have been extremely helpful and I was hoping you could help with my question. My ... A: That's a good hike, although I find the Stony Brook trail to be kind of boring. You might consider ...
Overnight camping trip from NYC public transportation	7/14/2009
Q: You seem to have been extremely helpful and I was hoping you could help with my question. My ... A: I've had a number of questions about Malouf's Mountain -- your impressions of the place are pretty ...
short 2 -3 day backpacking trip	7/13/2009
Q: I am trying to find a place to go backpacking in Upstate New York, perhaps somewhere around Ithaca. ... A: I have not backpacked or hiked in the Finger Lakes region, but I did a little bit of research and ...
hiking with kids	6/3/2009
Q: We have 9 year old and 2 5.5 year olds and are looking for places to hike. Can you recommend some ... A: I think that I need to repeat my recommendation from my earlier answer: Try a couple of day hikes ...
Harriman Park car camping/backpacking	5/28/2009
Q: So I read through all the questions and answers about camping and hiking in Harriman that you've ... A: You're right -- it isn't very far, and it isn't particularly interesting. When you cross Gate Hill ...
Musty smelling Gore-tex	5/20/2009
Q: I just opened a bag of gear that was put away damp.I have added vinegar to the wash cycle for this ... A: Any time you're washing coated or laminated fabrics, you should follow the manufacturer's ...
hiking with kids	5/7/2009
Q: We have 9 year old and 2 5.5 year olds and are looking for places to hike. Can you recommend some ... A: I'm going to recommend Option 1 as more fitting to your level of experience. Once you've done a few ...
hike for kids in Southern New England	5/6/2009
Q: We have 4 children, ages 11, 7, 5, and 15 months, and we live near Boston, MA. I would love to do a ... A: Your talking about Mt. Monadnock in southern NH, correct? I have never hiked there, but I found ...
hiking with kids	5/4/2009
Q: We have 9 year old and 2 5.5 year olds and are looking for places to hike. Can you recommend some ... A: OK, I still need a few more details: 1. Will it be just you and the kids, or will there be two ...
camping/backpacking	4/21/2009
Q: me and 3 of my friends are trying to going backpacking for a weekend in jersey but nothing like camp ... A: The Delaware Water Gap area is good -- just make sure that you follow the rules. There's a ...
ny hikes with children	4/12/2009
Q: my husband and I would like to take our kids (6 of them ages 4-14)on a hike for a couple of hours ... A: In that case, go ahead and try the hike up Bear Mountain from the Inn -- that's about the equivalent ...
Harriman Overnight Camping	4/7/2009
Q: I'm wondering if you have a any suggestiongs for a overnighter in Harriman. I was looking for a ... A: Strictly speaking, camping and fires are permitted only at shelters, none of which are near ...
New hiker/camper	4/7/2009
Q: I'm new to hiking/camping and me and my friends want to go on a week camping trip on and island ... A: Your food requirements will depend on how active you plan on being during the trip. An average, ...
ny hikes with children	4/2/2009
Q: my husband and I would like to take our kids (6 of them ages 4-14)on a hike for a couple of hours ... A: On both hikes, the mileages are round trip, returning along pretty much the route that you took ...
Multi-day backpacking trip through Harriman	4/2/2009
Q: First, thanks for all your great advice. I'm organizing a two-night backpacking trip for a small ... A: Just some spelling corrections... Here are a couple of routes to consider: 1. Start at Montebello ...
Multi-day backpacking trip through Harriman	4/1/2009
Q: First, thanks for all your great advice. I'm organizing a two-night backpacking trip for a small ... A: How many miles do you want to hike on each day? And how rugged do want to make it? I need to know ...
ny hikes with children	4/1/2009
Q: my husband and I would like to take our kids (6 of them ages 4-14)on a hike for a couple of hours ... A: I'm basing my answer on the size and age range of the group. There are some relatively gentle ...
solo new hiker	3/16/2009
Q: in the past I've gone to a few hikes at Harriman, but always with friends. I'd like to be able to do ... A: The principle thing is to make sure that you're prepared for anything that might go wrong. So: 1. ...
Best shelter with a view in Harriman	3/15/2009
Q: I was wondering what you would consider the best shelters with great views on or very near by? I ... A: Very few shelters have views. I'd say the best view is from the West Mountain shelter on the ...
Harriman State Park	3/13/2009
Q: first thank you for your great advice, it has been a big help. I am planning a overnight trip ... A: There are very few waterfalls of any sort in Harriman. The best ones that I know of are along Stony ...
no hassle backpacking	2/25/2009
Q: I live in the New york, rockland county area, and I was wondering if the was any backpacking trails ... A: If you're careful and quiet about it, you can probably get away with it at various locations in ...
Cleanup in Bear Country	2/18/2009
Q: We've backpacked several times in areas with bears (like Glacier National). We've often wondered ... A: It's pretty simple -- you pack it out! You can't bury it, since bears and other animals will just ...
Hiking in Southern New England	2/17/2009
Q: I was hoping you would be able to help me. I am looking for a couple of hikes in the southern NH or ... A: If the "one hour drive" is an essential, that eliminates the Berkshires and most of southern VT, ...
Hiking in Southern New England	2/17/2009
Q: I was hoping you would be able to help me. I am looking for a couple of hikes in the southern NH or ... A: Before I try to answer your question, I want to make sure about a couple of things. First, I ...
places to stay west side of Harriman?	1/23/2009
Q: Last year I took Metro North to Tuxedo and had a fabulous all-day hike on the red and white ... A: Try the Tuxedo Motel, (845) 351-4747. I can't tell the exact location -- the web lists two ...
hiking	1/20/2009
Q: I'm planningo n taking a trip with a friend of mine who's an experience hiker, but doesn't know the ... A: The only hiking areas near Montreal that I'm familiar with are in the Adirondacks and northern New ...
Hiking boots	1/14/2009
Q: I use to hike years ago but have not purchased boots in a long time. I am also recovering from a ... A: Your best bet is to find a good outfitter and talk to the folks in the shoe department. Explain ...
Winter camping out of NYC	1/11/2009
Q: I sent my inquiry to David Sweet by accident. I believe you may be better able to help me. I'd ... A: First, if you don't already have them, get the Harriman/Bear Mountain map set published by the NY-NJ ...
Winter camping out of NYC	1/7/2009
Q: I sent my inquiry to David Sweet by accident. I believe you may be better able to help me. I'd ... A: Tent platforms are not used in this part of the country -- what you'll find are three-sided shelters ...
waterproofing boots	1/1/2009
Q: I have recently purchased a pair of Danner Pronghorn boots. I do a lot of winter hiking through ... A: Strictly speaking, the Pronghorn boot shouldn't need much in the way of water proofing, since it's ...
Spring Break Backpacking Trip	12/31/2008
Q: I am going backpacking with 3 or 4 guys this spring break and was wondering if i could get any help ... A: I think the best approach would be for me to list some of the major outdoor recreation areas in each ...
Spring Break Backpacking Trip	12/31/2008
Q: I am going backpacking with 3 or 4 guys this spring break and was wondering if i could get any help ... A: A little help here -- can you narrow down the locations a bit? Maybe to a region of the country? ...
first time camper in NYC	12/4/2008
Q: My boyfriend and I are going to invest in the equipment to go camping for the very first time. We ... A: What you are asking is not really doable in this area. I know of no designated backcountry ...
Backpacking	12/3/2008
Q: I'm looking to go backpacking this weekend and was hoping to take the Hudson Line up to the AT stop ... A: You can't really do a loop from where you want to start because none of the side trails loop back. ...
A days Hike	11/26/2008
Q: My boyfriend and I are novice hikers however are in excellent shape and are looking for a ... A: A lot depends on how fast you can hike a given distance, particularly if there are significant ups ...
Bald Rock Shelter	11/17/2008
Q: Approximately how far away is the spring from the shelter? A: 100 yards or so down the gully to the left in front of the shelter. Keep in mind that it is not an ...
1777/1779 Historic Trails Hudson Valley NY	11/11/2008
Q: I noticed you've answered some questions on this trail so I thought I'd ask as well. My girlfriend ... A: You will find very little on these trail online. Get your hands on the NY-NJ Trail Conference ...
Late November Camping?	11/9/2008
Q: my girlfriend and I are looking to do some camping in late November/early December. We'd like to do ... A: A tent is warmer than a shelter, and you should carry a tent even if you intend to camp in a ...
Long trek through woods.	11/8/2008
Q: A friend of mine and I have been wanting to make a trek/hike through a local stretch of Croatan ... A: As a rule, snakes are rarely a problem -- if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. ...
Late November Camping?	11/7/2008
Q: my girlfriend and I are looking to do some camping in late November/early December. We'd like to do ... A: What's going to make things a bit difficult is your desire to have both toilet facilities and the ...
Late November Camping?	11/7/2008
Q: my girlfriend and I are looking to do some camping in late November/early December. We'd like to do ... A: It depends on what you mean by "deep in the wilderness". For example, do you want to have toilet ...
Thru Hiker Jim Murray	10/8/2008
Q: What street is thru hiker Jim Murrays shelter? AKA S.S. I know between H.P.S and P.M.S..... or if ... A: It's not really on a street -- it's a dirt road. And even though the Thru Hikers' Companion says ...
Bear Mountain Hikes	10/7/2008
Q: My wife and I are novice hikers and are looking to do a 4-mile hike (not very strenuous) at Bear ... A: First, get the NY-NJ Trail Conference map set for the area. If the contour lines are close ...
Solo overnight hikes, public transportation	10/6/2008
Q: I am planning a solo overnight hiking/camping trip on Columbus day weekend from NYC and was ... A: It's actually easier to list all the shelters with reliable water sources -- some are closer than ...
Solo overnight hikes, public transportation	10/2/2008
Q: I am planning a solo overnight hiking/camping trip on Columbus day weekend from NYC and was ... A: Public transportation: You can take Short Line buses to the Bear Mountain Inn and start your hike ...
parking at silvermine lake	9/30/2008
Q: I am planning a weekend back packer trip to Harriman this up coming weekend (Oct. 3-5) with a few ... A: Last time I checked the signs, overnight parking at Silvermine Lake was not permitted; however, I ...
hiking in bear mountain with children	9/28/2008
Q: I'm looking for an ~3 hour hike in the Bear Mountain area with 2 outdoorsy kids, ages 11 and 8. ... A: Mileage is a better qualifier that time for your question, because everybody hikes at different ...
hiking	9/26/2008
Q: I am going to Bear Mountain this weekend and would like to do a difficult 6-7 mile hike, more if ... A: I'm running out of the house, so this answer will be briefer than I would prefer. The general ...
simple tent or cost of a portable yurt	9/25/2008
Q: We were the first visitors to stay in there new yurt type round tents. I found the yurt to be ... A: This is not a backpacking question, so my experience here is almost nonexistent, but I have a few ...
WALK IN CAMPING IN POCONOS	9/25/2008
Q: i HAVE A GROUP OF 6 TWENTY-SOMETHINGS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES STAYING WITH ME - THEY WANT TO GO ... A: I have hiked on no trails in PA other than the AT, but with a little bit of effort, I found links in ...
Bear Mountain	9/24/2008
Q: We're planning a weekend trip up to Bear MT, and I can't find any information that states whether ... A: The official Bear Mountain/Harriman Park website is almost impossible to figure out and is not very ...
NJ/PA overnights	9/22/2008
Q: My wife and I (and our dog) are looking for an overnight loop (15 miles?) in western NJ or eastern ... A: I know of some great hikes in that area, but none none where you could pitch your tent near a pond ...
Harriman hiking with kids this weekend	9/11/2008
Q: Whitestag. I'm looking for recommendations on short hikes with my sons (2.5 and 7 year olds, ... A: Harriman is not known for its flat trails, so almost anywhere I send you is going to involve some ...
overnight backpacking/hiking - harrimam or ringwood	9/4/2008
Q: I was planning a short overnight hiking/backpacking trip this weekend in either Harriman or ... A: There's no camping that I know of in any of the state parks in Ringwood. If you head over to ...
Day Trip hike	8/22/2008
Q: I've been reading your excellent advice and would like to know if I can plan a one day hike with my ... A: Hopefully you'll get a chance to see this before you leave. First, I hope you already have a map -- ...
scramling, NY	8/22/2008
Q: I a looking for a advanced/intermed. rock scramble, like Mohonk Mountain House or Breakneck, in the ... A: Your question is a bit beyond my expertise, since it has more to do with climbing than hiking or ...
Camping/Hiking in Upstate NY	8/19/2008
Q: Good Afternoon, My group of 4 adults (2 couples) is looking to go hiking and camping in upstate NY, ... A: I have not hiked in the Catskills, but but I can refer you to some excellent resources that will ...
Backpacking in the Adirondacks	8/17/2008
Q: My son and I are planning to visit the Adirondacks later this week. I would like to set-up a 3 - 4 ... A: I'll state at the outset that I have only day hiked in the Adirondacks, and then only in High Peaks ...
camping at Harriman State Park	8/11/2008
Q: I'm planning on spending a couple of days in Harriman State Park hiking the Skenonto Lake Loop. I ... A: You can get them at almost any outfitter in the NYC area. In Manhattan, The Paragon has them, and ...
camping at Harriman State Park	8/11/2008
Q: I'm planning on spending a couple of days in Harriman State Park hiking the Skenonto Lake Loop. I ... A: The Dutch Doctor shelter still exists. It's about 3 miles from the Tuxedo rail station. Fires are ...
Trailside Camping in NY State Parks	8/10/2008
Q: My family and I have been avid day hikers for the last couple of years, mostly over the lower ... A: Harriman State Park regulations state that you're only allowed to spend the night in or near (within ...
harriman state park	6/30/2008
Q: i read one of your thorough responses to a question about harriman state park on allexperts.com, and ... A: If you have read my previous responses on Harriman, then there is not much to add without repeating ...
harriman	6/22/2008
Q: i am looking for an overnight hiking/camping trip. we live on long island and thought harriman park ... A: I know of almost nothing in Harriman/Bear Mountain that is a flat hike to a designated camping area, ...
little kids in CT	6/22/2008
Q: I'm very appreciative of you doing this - especially with your experience with kids. I'm an ... A: I'm more familiar with NW CT, so I don't know whether there are any coastal hiking and camping areas ...
Camping in Connecticut	6/11/2008
Q: I'd like to go camping for a night in central or northwestern Connecticut. All the web sites I've ... A: The Appalachian Trail and numerous other side trails pass throught Northwest CT. The AT Conservancy ...
New Hiker equipment	6/7/2008
Q: Im hoping if you would be willing to validate or suggest equipment. My wife and I are new hikers ... A: Your plan is a good one. A lot depends not just on the daily distance, but also the total number of ...
guided excursions	5/21/2008
Q: I am 23 with a fair amount of experience with camping and hiking. Almost all of my trips have only ... A: If it has to be guided, I kind of doubt that you'll find anything at that price. As you say, the ...
Further off the beaten path	5/19/2008
Q: I have looked at most of your Harriman/Bear Mountain answers, and there was alot of good ... A: By definition, anything accessible from NYC by public transportation is going to have a fair number ...
overnight hike up mt marcy, ny	5/16/2008
Q: i was wondering if you can recommend somewhere to camp halfway up mt marcy so we can split our hike ... A: Another reason to avoid the Adirondacks in May/June is that it's mud season, and they close a lot of ...
overnight hike up mt marcy, ny	5/16/2008
Q: i was wondering if you can recommend somewhere to camp halfway up mt marcy so we can split our hike ... A: Bear Cannister: Yes, but you don't have to buy one -- they're available for rental. You really need ...
overnight hike up mt marcy, ny	5/15/2008
Q: i was wondering if you can recommend somewhere to camp halfway up mt marcy so we can split our hike ... A: OK, I've looked at some maps and I can give you some ideas. First, if at all possible, take an ...
Harriman/Bear Mountain backpacking trip	5/15/2008
Q: Myself and three friends are hoping to go backpacking for 4 days/3 nights in Harriman. I was ... A: I'm going to recommend that you look at my past answers -- I've addressed this question a number of ...
Camping in NY State	5/6/2008
Q: I was wondering if you knew of a good campground about 1 to 2 hrs from New York City. My friends ... A: If bathrooms are a must, then you'll almost certainly need to find a public or private campground ...
Camping in NY State	5/5/2008
Q: I was wondering if you knew of a good campground about 1 to 2 hrs from New York City. My friends ... A: Tell me what you mean by "small hike" -- give me some distances. That said, there are several sites ...
backpacking in harriman/bear mountain	4/22/2008
Q: i was reading your posts and it seems like you have lots of great advice. we are looking to go for a ... A: A couple possibilities: 1. Park at the Elk Pen on Arden Valley Road and make up a loop that ...
Mt. Marcy with children	4/14/2008
Q: I'd like to try hiking Mt. Marcy with 2 children (8 and 12 years) and would also like to see Lake ... A: The shortest route to the Marcy summit -- Adirondak Loj to Marcy Dam to Marcy summit via the Van ...
Weekend Camping Trip at Harriman Park	4/2/2008
Q: I would like to do a two day Saturday to Sunday hike and camp trip in Harriman Park and would like ... A: Every place in Harriman is scenic, but it's a very popular destination and all the trails are very ...
Hiking with kid s in the DC Area	3/30/2008
Q: Greetings, I see that you have a lot of good advise to offer. So, I was wondering what you might ... A: All of my backpacking experience in the DC area is on the Appalachian Trail, which passes through ...
Backpacking & Camping the Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Mtn Loop	3/27/2008
Q: I'm originally from Colorado, and am used to backcountry camping where you reserve a 2-4 person ... A: I'll state at the outset that I've never hiked the Catskills, but I'll give you a few tips on NY ...
few small questions	3/17/2008
Q: first of all i am going to harridan state part this Friday and Saturday with 4 of my buddies. we ... A: If I recall correctly, you can park overnight in three places along Seven Lakes Drive: 1. The ...
Camping from Manhattan	1/5/2008
Q: I would like to plan a trip for late January that uses Public Transportation from Manhattan. I am ... A: My first suggestion is that you should scan some of my previous answers -- your question is very ...
Harriman in Winter	1/2/2008
Q: I'm planning a trip with a few buddies of mine for a late January overnight in Harriman. I used to ... A: Times Square is not so good -- too much traffic. Also, park regulations are pretty specific that ...
1777 and 1779 trails	11/17/2007
Q: What are the conditions of the 1777 and 1779 trails at Harriman ? I am taking a group of Boy Scouts ... A: All the trails in Harriman are all-weather trails, including the Revolutionary War trails. I've ...
Camping/Hiking	11/16/2007
Q: I have a group of about 8 guys looking to do a little wilderness camping/hiking in the ... A: Both Harriman and Fahnestock have facilities for setting up a base camp, although they're probably ...
Camping/Hiking	11/16/2007
Q: I have a group of about 8 guys looking to do a little wilderness camping/hiking in the ... A: I don't know how far you're planning on hiking each day, or whether you want to set up a base camp ...
Harriman Park - overnight backpack trip	11/9/2007
Q: Can you recommend a hike course for an overnight backpack trip in the fall in Harriman Park. ... A: I can suggest a number of possibilities that would give you a fairly pleasant loop, but the first ...
how to get to and camp at harriman state park	11/1/2007
Q: two of us would like to go camping in Harriman state park. How can you get to the actual park using ... A: Harriman is open year-round, and you have numerous possible public transportation alternatives. You ...
Harriman Backpack Trip	11/1/2007
Q: I would like to set up a Saturday to Sunday backpack trip in Harriman State Park next spring that ... A: The most challenging part of answering your question is meeting your mileage requirements! Here are ...
sleeping bags	10/24/2007
Q: Ive been in the market for a winter sleeping bag for a few months and have finally decided on the ... A: I'd say that if you're on the border between one size and the next, get the larger of the two sizes. ...
Camping in Tennessee	10/11/2007
Q: Whitestag, I am trying to find a camping spot in Tennesse 2 hours max from Nashville where about 4 ... A: The number of parks that permit fires, pets, and alcohol or any combination of the three is ...
Adirondack Hiking with Dog	10/3/2007
Q: I would like to take my (extremely energetic) German Shepherd for a hike in the Central/Western ... A: I'm afraid I'm not all that familiar with the Central Adirondacks, so I can't state definitively ...
Which shoes?	10/1/2007
Q: With all of the different types of shoes, materials, uses, pricing etc I'm getting a little confused ... A: If all you're doing is day hiking and heavy ankle support isn't an issue, you can go with pretty ...
backpacking NY public transport	9/21/2007
Q: We are looking for our first backpack in NY area. Ideally I would like to hike part of AT, a 2 day ... A: If you've hiked the Bear Mountain side of the park, you could try the Harriman side, accessible by ...
NOV camping near NYC	9/14/2007
Q: im traveling to new york by myself in november for 2 weeks. my main destination is new york city and ... A: If you could give me a better idea of what you'd like to do, I'd be better able to help you. Do you ...
Weekend Overnight Hike in New York / New Jersey / Pennsylvania	9/12/2007
Q: I am trying to organize a weekend trip with a few of my friends for sometime in the next few weeks. ... A: You have hundreds of possible hikes within a 2-4 hour radius of NYC. You can head up the Hudson ...
protecting food in Harriman Park	9/10/2007
Q: Do you recommend hanging food or protecting it in some other way from bears and other animals while ... A: Bears aren't yet a problem in Harriman, but you should still hang your food -- mice, chipmunks, ...
Backpacking in NorthEast	9/5/2007
Q: I'm going to be taking groups of 8 people on week long hiking trips around the eastern US. What ... A: OK, that's very helpful. You're very close to Shenandoah National Park, which has hundreds of miles ...
Canping near NYC Sept 8 and 9, 2007	9/3/2007
Q: I'm in Ottawa Canada and am trying to organize a camping session with friends (10-30?)near NYC. We ... A: With that many people, you're going to be limited to group sites if you go with the NY State park ...
Camping @ Harriman SP - campsite specs?	9/3/2007
Q: My boyfriend and I are planning on spending a couple nights tent camping at Harriman this week, and ... A: First, get the Harriman - Bear Mountain map set publshed by the NY-NJ Trail Conference. Camping is ...
going to lake sebago cabins in harriman state park	8/31/2007
Q: We are going to harriman state park, and will be staying in the lake sebago cabins (we;re a large ... A: Assuming that you have the NY-NJ Trail Conference Harriman/Bear Mountain map set, you should be able ...
Hiking with kids and a dog	8/29/2007
Q: I have done some hiking with my son and my dog. I need to know what mountains or trails you suggest ... A: The prime points of access to the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks are the Adirondak Loj and ...
Where to camp	8/29/2007
Q: I am trying to plan a camping trip with my father and brothers but we want to really camp. Where in ... A: You've made three basic specifications: 1. Hike to campsite 2. Build a fire 3. Fish You should ...
Camping in Harriman State Park	8/28/2007
Q: I've read a few of your responses on this subject, but wanted some reassurance: I'm planning a trip ... A: There are various group camps scattered around the park -- those must be what she was talking about, ...
compass declination	8/25/2007
Q: will be in Lake Placid NY area end of October. 1. What is comapss decliantion for area? 2. Any ... A: Most hiking maps include declination, so if you get the ADK maps of the area, they have the info ...
Backpacking in NYC using Public transportation	8/23/2007
Q: I read a couple of your answers and thought they were very helpful. Based on your previous answers ... A: Given how wet it's been in the NYC area over the past few weeks, I don't think that water is going ...
NH Backpacking with kids	8/13/2007
Q: I took my 9 & 11 year olds on their first backpack last summer at Sawyer Pond off the Kancamangus ... A: If you and your kids have been enjoying the White Mountains in NH, I'd suggest finding a location ...
camping in Harriman/Bear Mt. region	7/28/2007
Q: It's been more than 20 yrs. since I've been hiking in this area. I'm looking for either a very ... A: It's very easy to get to Bear Mountain/Harriman State Parks from NYC in less than two hours -- you ...
food and bears	6/18/2007
Q: When I go on an overnight in the white mountains of new hampshire I take coffee, trail mix, jerky, ... A: Yes. Even where bears aren't a problem, you'll be protecting your stuff from being raided by all ...
borken compass	5/23/2007
Q: Whitestag, When a compass is spinning aimlessly does it means it is thrown off or broken? A: If it's behaving this way outside and far away from anything that affect its accuracy (large iron ...
Camping in the adirondacks	5/22/2007
Q: i want to take my girlfriend on a 2-4 day camping/backpacking trip in the Adirondacks. she has ... A: I'm mostly familiar with the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks (near Lake Placid or Keene ...
A Montana girl in need of help...	3/19/2007
Q: Hey there, my name is Erin and I need your help! I am searching for an answer to a question, and ... A: So far as I can tell, it would be east of True North, but the amount depends on where you are in the ...
Tablets vs purifier	2/22/2007
Q: Just curious what is more popular. Aqua Pure tablets or carrying a h20 purifier. I will be hiking ... A: It's not really about popularity, it's whatever works best for you. I've used both systems, and ...
hiking for kids	1/7/2007
Q: I am a 10th grade Earth science teacher in the south Bronx. I want to plan a day hiking trip for my ... A: It depends on how far afield you want to go. If I recall correctly, you can find some excellent ...
Backpacking	12/12/2006
Q: I am a day hiker who is planning to try backpacking in the White Mountains of NH in the spring. How ... A: I doubt that you'll have problems finding a place in any of the "official" sites, but in case you ...
Hiking and Camping in November	11/2/2006
Q: Whitestag, A friend and myself are planning a one night hiking/camping trip somewhere in Up state ... A: If by Algonquin you mean Algonquin Peak in Adirondacks, I think that it would be a bit too much for ...
camping near NYC	10/6/2006
Q: you've been very helpful. IM so trilled that I may actually be able to get out of the city for a ... A: I'm afraid that I'm not very familiar with the trails on the east side of the Hudson -- I've only ...
camping near NYC	10/6/2006
Q: I've noticed youve answered a lot of questions about the bear mountain area. Im having some trouble ... A: Yes -- Bear Mountain/Harriman State Park is my local hiking and camping area. You have several ...
Water purity (chemical pollutants)	9/9/2006
Q: I'm a pretty experienced backpacker, but a question has risen in my mind that I haven't considered ... A: They are not at all effective, as far as I know. The Appalachian Trail passes several water sources ...
hiking and finding ticks	6/21/2006
Q: I'm going camping in Lake Placid, NY. Should I worry much about ticks? Are they present there? A: You don't have anything to worry about -- the Adirondacks are too far north for ticks to be a ...
Bear Mountain Camping	4/4/2006
Q: I am planning to go on a weekend hike in Bear Mountain with my girlfriend. Which compass direction ... A: The regulations governing the Bear Mountain/Harriman parks require that you camp at or near a ...
Backpacks	3/26/2006
Q: I am in the process of buying my first internal frame backpack, and am wondering if the listed ... A: Yes, it usually does. 3800 ci seems adequate to hold your sleeping bag, together with your other ...
Camping and hiking in New England	3/16/2006
Q: Deat Whitestag, Some friends and I are planning a camping trip for this upcoming summer our first ... A: I'll state at the outset that I am not a fisherman, so I can't advise you much on that aspect of ...
drinking water safety	3/15/2006
Q: I don't want to buy an expensive filtering system or anything. What kind of chemical treatments are ... A: Disclaimer: What I use in North America isn't necessarily what will be effective in a developing ...
Use of heavy duty hunting boots for multi day backpacking trips	12/20/2005
Q: I wondered what dis/advantages there are to using a heavy duty hunting boot (like Wolverine Long ... A: Sorry for the delay -- for some reason, I never received your questions initially. Anyway, I would ...
is it ok to pack your tent...	9/29/2005
Q: is it ok to pack your tent in a compression sack? A: I don't think that it would be a problem, but why would you want to? Compression sacks are usually ...
down sleeping bags	8/26/2005
Q: hey man, in the past two years i have used 4 different down sleeping bags. including the northface ... A: I'm not sure what I can suggest -- you're purchasing what I have always considered to be good ...
Water Issues	7/26/2005
Q: I just recently went backpacking and had a couple questions concerning clean water. First is related ... A: It's false. Most city water supplies are purified by a combination of filtration and chemical ...
hiking with a 12 year old	7/18/2005
Q: Do you think that a healthy, active 12 year old boy would be able hike up Mount Washington and back ... A: I doubt that he'd have a problem. You have several choices for getting up the mountain, but I'd ...
backpacking	6/22/2005
Q: that was some of the best advise I ever recived I really appreciate the time , patience and ... A: Let me state at the outset that I have no experience with hiking at those altitudes; nevertheless, I ...
Location Finding	6/21/2005
Q: Now this might sound weird , I am into trekking and hiking however fortunately or unfortunately ; on ... A: 1. For diiners: I don't know what's available in your part of the world, but I usually use noodle ...
Location Finding	6/21/2005
Q: How are you? I was going through some of the previous answers on the site, when I stubbled upon the ... A: My first piece of advice is this: If you don't have a map and you've never hiked in this area ...
Climbing with children	6/20/2005
Q: I am something of a novice when it comes to hiking. I have two boys aged 10 and 8. My friend also ... A: You're right to be concerned, I think. I would be most concerned about the younger kids -- ...
tie down straps	6/19/2005
Q: Well, actually both. After releasing the mechanism, the strap loosens a bit but the free end is in ... A: I rarely use the type of strap that you're describing, but I would say that the mechanism is ...
Overnight Hiking in NJ	3/26/2005
Q: Hey, thank you so much for the prompt response! My friends and I have been looking on the internet ... A: I can suggest several possible two day/one night trips, but you're not going to find a 3000 foot ...
Overnight Hiking in NJ	3/23/2005
Q: My friends and I are planning a hiking trip for our upcoming spring break week, and we wanted to go ... A: If you're limiting yourself to New Jersey, I'd recommend the Delaware Water Gap/Kittatinny Ridge ...
backpacks	3/1/2005
Q: I'm going to be doing a lot of traveling and hiking, so I need a backpack for big trips. Are there ... A: Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs used for hiking -- they tend to be larger, ...
Excessive gear	1/20/2005
Q: I like to go camping a couple of times a year. I usually go into the bush with 2 other friends (we ... A: If the water available is so badly contaminated that you cannot purify it using either filtration, ...
sleeping bags	1/2/2005
Q: I am looking at probably a 3 season and want it to be as light weight and small as possible. I have ... A: A lot depends on the temperatures in which you plan to use it. As for filling: Pound for pound, ...
Backpacks	12/21/2004
Q: I know there is no such thing as a do everything pack. However, I'm looking for a long weekend pack ... A: As you say, you're not going to find a truly all-purpose pack. Either it will be great for day ...
Backpacking	11/19/2004
Q: I was wondering if you could advise me.... I am a 24 year old who lives in Southeastern MA, and have ... A: I'll state at the outset that I cannot advise you on backpacking on mountain bikes -- it's not ...
day hiking	11/1/2004
Q: I plan on a 3.4 mile strenuos hike in table rock state park sc. My neighbor walked this trail and is ... A: OK, that't the information that I needed. I also took a look at a hiker's web site that describes ...
where do I start	10/22/2004
Q: Can you guide me on how to start. My goal is to go out next May or August for a 3 to 5 day hike to ... A: A lot depends on how far you want to walk each day. A lot of that depends on where you plan to hike ...
trail crew volunteer	10/21/2004
Q: Yes, Being from 'way up' Northern New York, I always smile when people think Poughkeepsie is what I ... A: Contact the Adirondack Mountain Club -- http://www.adk.org -- and click on the "volunteer" link. It ...
trail crew volunteer	10/21/2004
Q: I would like to know how to volunteer to be on a trail crew in Northern New York. Are there clubs ... A: Would you clarify what you mean by "Northern New York"? I need you to give me a well-defined ...
Where to go backpacking with my nephew?	9/27/2004
Q: I am going to be taking my nephew backpacking in the middle of October for 3 days - we live the Los ... A: I'll start by telling you that I have never hiked in that part of the country -- as stated in my ...
How to locate where you are when lost?	9/14/2004
Q: I just got started in hiking and backpacking. I'm very new and became very interested in this ... A: First, if you're new to hiking, don't go solo until you have more experience -- hike in a group with ...
Glacier National Park	8/27/2004
Q: I am considering a trip to Glacier National Park for my wife and I. Where is the best camping ... A: I have never hiked in Glacier NP, but I have hiked in black bear country (Shenandoah NP). Glacier ...
Hi, How's about California...	7/26/2004
Q: How's about California and Oregon?Hi, I'd like to know how to find the informations about ... A: Sorry, I should have been clearer on what I meant by "narrow it down." Pick one state. If you pick ...
scrambles and how to negotiate them safely	7/20/2004
Q: I see now that I bit off a bit more than I could chew up there on the Wittenberg-Cornell-Slide ... A: OK, looking at the picture of the ledge, it doesn't look too horrific -- just a bit challanging. ...
scrambles and how to negotiate them safely	7/19/2004
Q: .. I'm just getting started hiking, at 45 yrs old. Did do some hiking/camping as a youngster, but ... A: Rock climbing skills, as in knowing how to place your feet and hands on steep rock, can be very ...
Hiking in Northern New York	7/18/2004
Q: Im looking at finding a 2 or 3 day backpacking trip in Upstate New York (was thinking of the ... A: Well, I can recommend some nice hikes, but you better ditch the hot springs idea -- you're in the ...
national forest maps	5/24/2004
Q: I am going to revisit an area that I have not been to since 1986. The Tonto National Forest located ... A: I tried to answer your question yesterday, but the Allexperts server crashed in the middle of my ...
Footprint For Kelty Vortex 2	5/22/2004
Q: I have a Kelty Vortex 2 tent and have searched the internet and called Kelty looking for a ... A: I did some web surfing to find some info about the Vortex 2 tent, then compared what I found with ...
Backpacking Bear Mountain area NY	5/18/2004
Q: My husband and I (59 and 50) are preparing for a backpacking trip in Colorado this summer. Our ... A: The extended forecast for that area indicates scattered thunderstorms, so bring rain gear and have ...
Backpacking and Thunderstorms	5/7/2004
Q: My husband and I have been backpacking (civilian-style) only a short while. We plan to go next ... A: Your weather forecasts are accurate that far in advance? I'm impressed! In any case, a lot depends ...
beginning camper in NJ	4/28/2004
Q: I am graduating this spring, and I am moving back home to northern NJ. I've been on a pair of ... A: Northern NJ is easy, since that's where I live. First, organizations: Join the New York-New Jersey ...
new to camping/backpacking	3/6/2004
Q: I've never camped or backpacked in my life, and I want to start now. Can you recomend a local clu or ... A: Probably the best local club for introducing you to hiking and backpacking skills is the Appalachian ...

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