ADKNY Hikes and Outings
Hikes Chairperson: Glen Nison (p) 718-625-2182 (e) gnisonbike@juno.com
Hiking Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We continue to follow Harriman State Park and New York State guidelines regarding COVID-19 restrictions: Masks are mandatory; avoid large gatherings; limited group size. For purposes of the hikes listed, the group size is limited to six hikers (not counting the leader and possible co-leader). Sign-up will be on a first-come basis, with a waiting list kept allowing for last minute cancellations.
Again, until we have approval: Masks are mandatory.
Saturday May 15, 2021 – Doodletown Circular
The former hamlet of Doodletown (the name is said to derive from the Dutch Dood Tal, for “dead valley,” with the “town” suffix added later by English-speaking settlers) is part of Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park.
Doodletown survived as a small, isolated community for about 200 years. The area was settled in the 1760s by loggers and miners, and at one time included a church, a school, several small businesses and two cemeteries in addition to 70 houses and 300 residents [at its peak in 1945]. The seven square mile hamlet was ultimately abandoned in the mid- 1960s after a long period of land acquisition by the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission. Our hike will start at the second Bear Mountain parking area (behind the administrative building and near the carousel). We will take the 1777 trail in, go around the reservoir and see the June Cemetery (still active), and explore some of the old foundations. We will return by way of the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail that drops us off at the skating rink, with a short walk back to the cars. Note: There is a $10 parking fee at Bear Mountain. Limited to six hikers plus the leader/co-leader. Masks required. Meet at the Parking area at 9:45AM. Qualifying (5-6 miles). Please register by 9PM Thursday May 13th. Leader: Ray Kozma. Contact at: raymondkozma@gmail.com or 917-406-3782.
Saturday, May 22, 2021 – Bald Rocks Shelter from Lake Kanawauke
Starting from the parking area off the former Route 106 at Lake Kanawauke, we take a short road walk and then enter the forest, following a woods road as it gently climbs up to meet the Dunning Trail. The ascent up Black Rock Mountain is steady, but not strenuous. After crossing a stream, we come to the bare, rocky area of Bald Rocks. At 1,382 feet in elevation, Bald Rocks is the highest point in the park. (The boulders that dot the bare rock gave rise to the name “Bowling Rocks.”) We traverse across the open rock surface (known as the Whaleback) and make our way to Bald Rock Shelter for a lunch break. The area around the shelter is interesting for the crossing of other trails nearby and for the many, well-used camp sites scattered around the area. We retrace our steps back down to the parking area. It will probably be possible to arrange a ride from Sloatsburg for those without a car. Please call leader to check. Bring lunch, rain gear, water, extra layers, and appropriate hiking shoes. Limited to six hikers plus the leader/co-leader. Masks required. Meet at the Parking area at 9:45AM. Qualifying (5-6 miles). Please register by 9PM Thursday May 13th.
Leader: Ray Kozma. Contact at: raymondkozma@gmail.com or 917-406-3782.
Coming in June. . .
Saturday, June 5, 2021 – Big Hill Shelter Circular
This will be a moderately paced, 8-10 mile hike (depending on our starting point), to Big Hill shelter, passing by Breakneck Pond. There are nice views from the shelter and the hike is long but not strenuous. It will probably be possible to arrange a ride from Sloatsburg for those without a car. Please call leader to check. Bring lunch, rain gear, water, extra layers, and appropriate hiking shoes. Limited to six hikers plus the leader/co-leader. Masks required. Starting point and time TBD. Qualifying. Please register with the leader by 9PM Thursday June 3rd.
Leader: Ray Kozma. Contact at: raymondkozma@gmail.com or 917-406-3782.
Saturday, June 19, 2021 – Mountain Laurel Hike
If the timing is right, this hike will take us thru tunnels of blooming Mountain Laurel. This is a moderately paced, 5 to 7 mile hike (depending on our starting point). Following a woods road (also used as a ski trail), we will turn off to follow a cairn-marked trail up the hill and then intersect with the Buck Trail. We will follow the Buck Trail until we come out at a fire road, then turn onto an unmarked trail and finally approach Breakneck Pond where we will have lunch. We can take a look at the AMC Harriman Camp and return by a different trail or two. It will probably be possible to arrange a ride from Sloatsburg for those without a car. Please call leader to check. Bring lunch, rain gear, water, extra clothing and appropriate hiking shoes. Limited to six hikers plus the leader/co-leader. Masks required. Starting point and time TBD. Qualifying. Please register with the leader by 9PM Thursday June 17th.
Leader: Ray Kozma. Contact at: raymondkozma@gmail.com or 917-406-3782.
High Point State Park lookout
