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Member Club of New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
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Sunday 9/1/2024 - Thacher State Park 4-11 Miles Hike/ Levels B & C Thacher State Park, NY (Near Albany) The trail over Thacher State Park offers a series of fine lookouts, a varied terrain and waterfall. Meeting Time/Place: 9:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Kwok-Chi Ng/Diana Lu/Chung Leung/Nancy Liang Saturday 9/7/2024 - Silvermine Lake to West Mountain Loop Hike, 8+miles/ Levels B & C Harriman/ Bear Mountain State Park, NY Take the service road along Sivermine Lake to go up Black Mountain. Views on Black Mtn. can see as far as Manhattan. Follow the newly re-routed AT trail to West Mountain without walking across the busy Palisades Pkwy. Hike along the West Mountain ridge and stop over on all the lookout points. Descend West Mountain at Cats Elbow along the R-D Trail. Walk on the Ski/bicycle trail to Anthony Wayne Rec. Area (AWR). Walk on the unmarked trails back to Silvermine Lake. Avid hikers extend the hike at AWR to visit Queensboro Lake and Turkey Hill Lake. *No carpools available** Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Silvermine Lake trailhead Leaders: Lucy Yu/Iris Liu Saturday 9/7/2024 - East Hudson 15 miles Day Hike/ Level D Clarence Fahnestock State Park, NY This is in the northwest section of Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Starting from the trailhead of the SM (White) by Hubbard Lodge, right turn to Fahnestock FS (blue), right turn to Perkins PT (yellow), left turn to Cabot CA (white), left turn to Charcoal Burners CB (red), continue to Wiccopee WI (blue), left turn to School Mountain SM (white), right turn to East Mountain EM (red), and right turn to SM (white) to back to the trailhead. For experienced hikers only. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Hubbard Lodge Trailhead Leaders: Steve Lin/Frank Song Saturday 9/7/2024 - Bearfort Mt, Surprise Lake to Prospect Rock Hike / Level B & C Hewitt, NJ The Bearfort Mountain Ridge is famous for its reddish bedrocks, pitch pines and rocky outcrop lookouts. From the Highlands Preserve Parking, take the unmarked trail up to the Bearfort Ridge (green) trail. Follow the trail to Surprise Lake then follow the blue and AT trails to Prospect Rock and the Grand View lookout points. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Greenwood Lake. Return by the yellow trail for the view of the West pond. Continue on the West Ridge (pink) trail or the green trail back to the parking lot Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Jimmy Xing/XiaoJing Wei Sunday 9/8/2024 - Castle Rock/ Manitoga Preserve/ AT Trail Hike, 7 & 10 miles / Levels B & C Hudson Highlands State Park, NY Manitoga was the woodland garden of designer Russel Wright. Start from the parking lot at Castle Rock. Go south to visit the Sugarloaf Hill lookout. Continue south on the blue trail to the beautiful landscapes of the Manitoga Preserve. Walk towards Curry Pond. Catch the AT trail and head north to White Rock. Enjoy the view of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Avid hikers can extend the hike to the riverfront park of Glenclyffe. Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM at trail head Leaders: Jennifer Chen/Chung Leung Saturday 9/14/2024 - Mid-Autumn Festival Cookout, Moon Viewing, and Night Hike Harriman State Park From the meeting location at Lake Askoti or close-by, hike up Black Rock Mountain to locate an excluded open space with a good view of the sky. Settle down and Cook out in the wild for dinner or enjoy your pre-prepared dinner from home. Relax and share thoughts on the moments of harmonious union while waiting for the moon to rise. Finish around 9pm, walk under the moon back to the parking lot using headlamps and/or flashlights. If you are also joining the day hike from Lake Askoti, let the day hike leader know and he will show you the moon viewing spot to meet the other moon viewing hikers. Meeting Time/Place: 3:00 PM, location to be determined Leaders: Diana Lu/Kwok-Chi Ng Saturday 9/14/2024 - Mid-Autumn Festival: Lake Askoti- Island Pond Hike, 7-9 mile, Levels B & C Harriman State Park, NY Take the A-SB (red triangle) trail to Time Square. Go up the Hogencamp Mountain and visit the lookout points on R-D and Lichen trails. Continue to visit the famous rock formation of Lemon Squeezer. Go west on the AT trail to the north shore of Island Pond. Change to a service road to a secluded spot, south of Island pond. Retrace back on the service road and follow the scenic Dunning (yellow) trail back to the parking lot. If you are planning to do the moon viewing, please also register for the moon viewing hikes and let the trip leaders know. The trip leaders will show you the moon viewing spot without returning to the trailhead. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trail head Leaders: Steve Huang/Lily Huang Saturday 9/14/2024 - Mid-Autumn Festival Backpacking and moon viewing, Levels B & C Harriman State Park, NY Learn to prepare a light pack for an overnight camp out in the wilderness. From the trailhead meeting location, hike to Black Rock Mountain to look for a good location to camp and view the moon. The same location will be used by the other hikers who will do the moon viewing there but not stay overnight. Setup camp, do short hikes around the area and wait for the other hikers to join in for the moon viewing. Enjoy the night in the cozy tent under the bright moonlight. The next day, hike with the light backpack to return to the parking lot. Option to join the Sunday hikers for a longer backpacking hike. If you are also doing the Saturday day hike, let the day hike leader know that you are doing the moon viewing. The Day hike leader will show you the moon viewing spot to meet the other moon viewing hikers. Meeting Time/Place: starts in the afternoon, Contact the leaders for the Meeting time and location Leaders: John Li/Carina Li Saturday 9/21/2024 - Ringwood SP - Mt.Defiance - Hawk Rock Loop hike (9+miles / levels B-C) Ramapo Valley County Reservation, NJ Ringwood State Park - Mt. Defiance and Hawk Rock loop Take Schuber trail (orange) and pass MacMillan Reservoir, turn right to Red-Silver trail to Bear Swamp lake, turn left on Shore Trail (blue), then Cannonball trail (red) and Crossover trail (white), pass Ilgenstein Rock and Butler Mine, turn right on Ringwood-Ramapo trail (red), pass Mt. Defiance (1040 ft.) and Cupsaw Mountain shelter, change to Crossover trail (white), cross Morris Road and NJ Botanical Garden, switch to Halifax trail (green), pass Halifax Ruins and Hawk Rock, switch to Silver trail and parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Cherry Lau/Jessica Liu Saturday 9/21/2024 - Horse Pond Mountain and Monksville Reservoir Hike, 8 & 10 miles / Level B & C Long Pond Ironworks State Park, NJ The Monksville Reservoir was built in 1987 by damming on the Wanaque River in West Milford, NJ. The hike starts at the South Boat Launch parking area. Follow the Monks Trail to Monks Mountain for a southern view of the reservoir. Go around the northern bay of the reservoir to visit the remains of the Long Pond Furnaces. Change to the Highland Trail to go up Horse Pond Mountain. At the summit, the full view of the horse shoe shaped reservoir can be seen. Descend from the summit and walk on the Monksville Dam to return to the parking. *no carpool arrangement. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: YuShan Li/Sharon Yen Sunday 9/22/2024 - Elk Pen - Through AT RD and Nurian to Valley of Boulder-9 mile Level C Harriman State Park, NY From Elk Pen Parking lot, take AT (White) to Lemon Squeeze, stay on AT and change to Long Path south, A-SB and Lichen. Continue from Lichen to Ramapo-Dunderberg RD (Red)hike to the Nurian White. Then follow Nurian (White) passing Valley of Boulder to Stahahe Brook red stripe trail (red).Continue to Arden Surebridge red triangle (red) to AT and back to Elk Pen Parking. No carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Trailhead Leaders: Jennifer Chen Saturday 9/28/2024 - Manitoga/ Canada Hill/ AT Trail Hike, 7 - 10 mile, Levels B & C Hudson Highlands State Park, NY Start from the Historic site of Glenclyffe parking lot. Hike to the Castle Rock Unique Area then Sugarloaf Hill for the views of Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Walk to Manitoga, which was the woodland garden of designer Russel Wright and is a National Historic Landmark for preservation. Tour the beautiful landscape of the garden and walk towards Curry Pond. Catch the AT trail and return to Glenclyffe. Avid hikers can extend the hike to White Rock and tour the riverfront park of Glenclyffe. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trail head Leaders: John Li/Carina Li Saturday 9/28/2024 - Ramapo Lake - Wanaque Ridge Hike, 7 - 10 Mile/ Level B&C Lower parking lot at Ramapo Mountain State Forest, NJ From the Trailhead, follow trails (BBK-B)Trail to Ramapo Lake. Climb Le Grande Hill for the view. Change to the (orange) for the views on top of Wanaque Ridge. Then follow the white trail up the hill to visit ruins and the Stone Tower. Continue on the Cannon Ball Trail to Matapan Rock. Visit the Millstone Hill. Follow the (Orange) trail, then (purple) trail back to the parking lot. *No carpool arrangement* Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM at lower trailhead Parking Lot Leaders: Homer Hsieh/Sharon Yen Saturday 9/28/2024 - Fall season Trail Maintenance, Shore Path along Hudson River Palisades Interstate Park, NY/ NJ Trail maintenance of the Shore Path trail along the Hudson River in New Jersey and New York; pick up trash, trim protruding branches, etc. Trip leaders will provide tools. Light refreshments will be offered at the end of the activity. This is a very important event for the club as it is our duty to serve our community and conserve the nature for the future. Please register early for getting a free parking permit from the park authority. Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM at trail head Leaders: Shui-Kei Ng/Tony Shu/Chung Leung/Kwok-Chi Ng Sunday 9/29/2024 - Popolopen Torne 8-10 miles/ Leveils B & C Bear Mountain, NY Starting from Brooks Pond, follow the Blue trail to Popolopen Torne. Some rock scrambling is required but the panoramic view at the Torne is rewarding. Descend from the Torne to hike on the Gorge Trail to Queensboro Lake. Hike along the trails going east to Hessian Lake. Visit Fort Clinton and Fort Montgomery. Cross the highway and return to Brooks Pond Parking. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Brooks Lake parking lot Leaders: Jennifer Chen/MeiSheng Liu Saturday 10/5/2024 - Bearfort Mt, Surprise Lake to Prospect Rock Hike / Level B & C Hewitt, NJ The Bearfort Mountain Ridge is famous for its reddish bedrocks, pitch pines and rocky outcrop lookouts. From the Highlands Preserve Parking, take the unmarked trail up to the Bearfort Ridge (green) trail. Follow the trail to Surprise Lake then follow the blue and AT trails to Prospect Rock and the Grand View lookout points. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Greenwood Lake. Return by the yellow trail for the view of the West pond. Continue on the West Ridge (pink) trail or the green trail back to the parking lot Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Homer Hsieh/Jessica Liu Saturday 10/5/2024 - Wildcat Mountain - Indian Hill Loop, 9 & 13 miles / levels B & C Sterling Forest + Harriman State Park, NY The Wildcat Mountain and the Indian Hill offer many south-facing scenic views of the Ramapo Valley, Sterling Forest and Harriman State Park. The hilltop are dotted with scattered large rocks left behind from the glacial period. The loop trail starts from the parking lot at Route 17A. Follow the Wildcat Mountain (WC) and Indian Hill (IH) trails to the Appalachian Trail (AT white). Turn right on AT and enter Harriman State Park. Take the service road near Elk Pen to Valley of Boulder to White Bar. Crossing route 106 to Parker Cabin Hollow (O) and through Route 106 again to the parking lot. A shorter version is to follow the WC trail to Indian Hill. Hike a complete loop on Indian Hill and retrace on the WC trail back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trail head Leaders: Lucy Yu/Iris Liu Saturday 10/5/2024 - (10/5-10/7) Farm family camping and fruit harvest Chestnut Hill Vineyard, Rhode Island 2-3 days camping to experience modern farm living. Feed and pet the friendly pigs, goats and sheep. Harvest and take home winter squash, pawpaw fruits and vegetables. Take a walk at Newport Cliff and enjoy the autumn scenery. Camping 10/5 -10/6 and option to stay on 10/7. Bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad and cooking utensils. Option to sleep in the farm shelter or bring your own tent. Camping fee $50 includes site rental, 2 dinners, 1 lunch and 1 breakfast. Free for children under 12 years old. Space is limited and please register before 9/26. Meeting Time/Place: Contact leader for details Leaders: Li Kunin Saturday 10/12/2024 - 10/11 Fri - 10/14 Mon (4 days 3 nights) Camping + Hiking + Knowledge sharing Phoenicia Black Bear Campground in Catskill, NY Long weekend getaway - campsite is available on 10/11 Friday too. The trip is limited to 25 trip leaders or anyone interested in outdoor knowledge. We will have a day hike (Kaaterskill falls, section of the Devil's path, and Overlook Mountain) and knowledge sharing session (map skill, navigation, equipment, backpacking, teamwork...) each day. Bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensil, etc.) or backpacking gear (if you have). Campsite provides flush toilet/hot shower. Register before 9/30. Fee: $80 (covers campsite/3 breakfasts/3 lunches/2 dinners). Leaders reserve the right to screen members. Meeting Time/Place: to be announced Leaders: Tony Shu/Bon Chiu/Chwen (Jun) Best/Iris Liu Saturday 10/12/2024 - Elk Pen/ Time Square Hike, 8 - 10 mile, Levels B&C Harriman State Park, NY From Elk Pen Parking lot , take the Arden-Surbridge trail up to the viewpoint at Green Pond Mountain. Switch to a service road to visit Boston Mine. Then follow the Dunning trail and R-D (red) trail to Ship Rock, Hogencamp Mountain and Times Square. Change to A-SB trail to visit the famous rock formation of Lemon Squeezer. Follow the Appalachian Trail to the tranquil Island Pond and return to Elk Pen. Fast paced hikers can extend the route to Valley of Boulders. Continue to R-D (red) trail to hike along the ridge of Black Rock Mountain to Time Square. *Limit to 20 People and No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Kwok-Chi Ng/Diana Lu Saturday 10/12/2024 - (10/12 - 10/14) Camping-Biking Tour Dutchess Rail Trail at Lake Taghkanic State Taghkanic State Park, New York The campground sits next to the pretty Lake Taghkanic and a perfect place to relax after a day's biking. The nearby Dutchess Rail Trail is a 40-mile paved-over retired railroad with many scenic views. It’s relatively flat & easy with no vehicular traffic. It ends with the famous footbridge walking over Hudson River to Catskill. Day 2: Bike the more difficult Rhinebeck Loop on country road with hilly sections to visit the old towns and farms. You can bike or hike to visit the historic sites: 1. Mills Mansion, 2. FDR National Historic Site, 3. Vanderbilt Mansion, 4.The Culinary Institute of American etc.Camping Fee: $25/person; Share cost on (10/12)BBQ Dinner & meals. Register before (9/30) Meeting Time/Place: Contact leaders for details Leaders: Ben Lee/Kenny Lip Sunday 10/13/2024 - Silvermine Lake - Black Mtn - Queensboro Lake fall foliage hike / Level B & C Harriman State Park North, NY Starting from Silvermine lake, walk along the North-East shore to go up Black Mountain for the view of the surrounding mountains and New York skyline. Descend the mountain on the 1779 Trail passing through forest with variety of fall foliage colors. Continue hiking to Queensboro Lake and Turkey Hill Lake to see different foliage colors. Hike on the Long Path along the Stockbridge Mountain ridge to the shelter for the western view of the mountains. Descend to Lake Nawahunta and back to the Silvermine Lake parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Chung Leung Saturday 10/19/2024 - Storm King Mt to Pitching Point Loop Hike / Level B & C Cornwall, NY From the Route 9W (North) trailhead parking lot, ascend Storm King Mt. on the Butter Hill Trail (orange). Then follow the yellow Stillman Trail through many scenic viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River. Change to the blue Howell Trail to loop around North Point with a view that looks like a Scandinavian fjord. Return via Pitching Point with more viewpoints. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trail head Leaders: Nancy Liang/Davy Mak/Lian Jiang Saturday 10/19/2024 - Minnewaska State Park Hike / Level A & C Minnewaska State Park, NY Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged terrain. The hike takes you around Lake Minnewaska and the Awosting Falls. Walk along the carriage road to the sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views. Hikers choose to hike the Castle Point Loop or the Gertrude's Nose Loop.*No Carpool Arrangement* Meeting Time/Place: Meeting Time/Place: 9:00 AM at the Trailhead parking lot Leaders: XiaoJing Wei/Wei Chen/Jianming Wang/Chung Leung Sunday 10/20/2024 - Anthony's Nose Hike / Level A & C Bear Mt State Park, NY Anthony's Nose is a mountain peak on the eastern side cliff of the Hudson River. Anthony’s Nose Hike, option hike to Bear Mountain. Start from Route 202 offsite Parking Lot, visit Bronze Elk Statue, then cross the Bear Mountain Bridge. Continue up to the Anthony’s Nose via AT and blue trails. This is the best time and place to see the fall foliage scenery. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the Trailhead parking lot (Route 202 offsite parking) Leaders: Jennifer Chen/Chung Leung Saturday 10/26/2024 - Bull Hill & Breakneck Mountain hike/ Levels B&C Hudson Highlands State Park, NY Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) is located next to the famous Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands. Hiking up Bull Hill offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and neighboring peaks from rock outcrops but without the rock scramble like Breakneck. Descend from the summit of Bull Hill. Cross over to the northern section of the Breakneck Ridge by the Notch trail for more views. Finish the hike by walking downhill on the Cornish trail along the Breakneck Brook. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM at the Washburn Trailhead Leaders: Chwen (Jun) Best/Sharon Yen Saturday 10/26/2024 - West Mountain Range 10+ miles Hike / Level B/C Bear Mountain State Park, NY Starting at the Anthony Wayne Parking Area, follow the White trail, then the FAWN (red) trail and then the Timp-Torne (blue) trail to meet the AT trail at West Mountain. Enjoy all the lookout points along the ridge. After the West Mountain Shelter, continue to The Timp and back to Red Cross trail, follow Yellow S-BM (Y)trail,return to Parking by R-D. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Anthony Wayne Parking Leaders: Iris Liu/Vincent Yu Sunday 10/27/2024 - Sterling Lake-Fire Tower-Bare Rock Loop, 6 - 9 miles, Levels B & C Sterling Forest State Park, NY Starting from the Lautenberg Visitor Center, tour the Lakeville Ironwork Furnace. Walk along the south shore of Sterling Lake to the Fire Tower trailhead. Hike along the Sterling Ridge to the Fire Tower and enjoy the scenery of the Lake and the surrounding mountains. From the Fire Tower, walk through the swamp to visit the Bare Rock lookout point for an expansive view of Greenwood Lake. Retrace the (orange) trail and continue to the north of Sterling Ridge. Descend the hill and go along the Sterling Lake to return to the Visitor Center. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trailhead Leaders: Jennifer Chen/Jianming Wang/Chung Leung Saturday 11/2/2024 - Norvin Green/ Weis Nature Center 6 - 9 Mile Hikes, Levels B & C Norvin Green State Forest, NJ From Weis Center, go up Ball Mtn. to the Vista point. Come downhill to Roomy Mine and view the cascades along the Blue Mine Brook. Continue on the Highland Trail to visit High Point which is famous for its rock ledges, pitch pines and panoramic view. Branch off to visit the lookout points at Carris Hill. Return to Weis Center by the service road. Avid hikers can extend the hike to the trails on Buck Mtn. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at New Weis Center Parking Lot Leaders: Nancy Liang/Mei Lu Saturday 11/2/2024 - Stony Brook & Diamond Mountain 8-10 miles/ Level C Harriman State Park, N Y The Stony Brook is a river with many pretty cascades. Starting from Reeves Visitor Center, take Pine Meadow Trail and cross the river at the Cascade of Slid to reach the Stony Brook (Y) trail. Go to the end and continue with TMI & Seven Hill (B) to Lake Wanoksink & Pine Meadow for the lake scenery. After the break, taking Yellow trail to Diamond Mtn. for panoramic view. Coming down on the Seven Hill (B) trail and continue on to the Pine Meadow (R) Trail back to parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Reeves Visitor Center (Seven Lake Drive) Leaders: Amy Tien/Lian Jiang Sunday 11/3/2024 - Horse Pond Mountain and Monksville Reservoir Hike, 8 & 10 miles / Level B & C Long Pond Ironworks State Park, NJ The Monksville Reservoir was built in 1987 by damming on the Wanaque River in West Milford, NJ. The hike starts at the South Boat Launch parking area. Follow the Monks Trail to Monks Mountain for a southern view of the reservoir. Go around the northern bay of the reservoir to visit the remains of the Long Pond Furnaces. Change to the Highland Trail to go up Horse Pond Mountain. At the summit, the full view of the horse shoe shaped reservoir can be seen. Descend from the summit and walk on the Monksville Dam to return to the parking. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Trailhead Parking Leaders: Jennifer Chen/Chung Leung Saturday 11/9/2024 - Elk Pen - Through AT RD and Nurian to Valley of Boulder-9 mile Level C Harriman State Park, NY From Elk Pen Parking lot, take AT (white) to Lemon Squeeze. stay on AT and change to the Long Path south, A-SB and Lichen. Continue from Lichen to Ramapo-Dunderberg RD (red) hike to the Nurian White. Then follow Nurian (white) passing Valley of Boulder to Stahahe Brook red stripe trail (red). Continue to Arden Surebridge red triangle (red) to AT and back to Elk Pen Parking. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Trailhead Leaders: Vincent Yu/Danielle Liang Saturday 11/9/2024 - Schunemunk Mountain 7 & 9 Mile Hike/ Levels B & C Schunemunk Mountain State Park, NY The trail over Schunemunk Mountain offers a series of fine lookouts and a varied terrain. The Storm King Art Center can be seen from the ridge. Enjoy the special vegetation and rock formations on the ridges. The Megaliths is a must visit lunch spot. Expect some steep up hills and descents. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Nancy Liang/Davy Mak/Lian Jiang Sunday 11/10/2024 - Lake Awosting - Wolf's Jaw - Waterfalls Minnewaska Scenic Hike Minnewaska State Park, NY Starting from the lower parking lot, visit the landmark Awosting Falls. Hike around Lake Minnewaska to its southern end. Follow the Hamilton carriage way to view the fall foliage scenery of the Palmaghatt Valley and to reach the rock ledges of Hamilton Point and Castle Point. Descend from the cliffs and hike along the Scenic Trail (violet) to visit the rock formations of Margaret Cliff, Wolf's Jaw and Tunnel. Continue to Lake Awosting, Rainbow falls and follow the Mossy Glen (yellow) trail along Peter's Kill back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:45 AM Lower Parking Lot, Minnewaska State Park Leaders: Chung Leung/Jennifer Chen Saturday 11/16/2024 - Fingerboard - Stockbridge - Goshen Mountains Loop 8-12 Mile Hike / Levels B&C Harriman State Park, N Y Starting from the Lake Tiorati Trail (triple B) to the crest of Fingerboard to connect AT southbound, then change to Long Path (north B) near Dismal Swamp. Continue LP to Stockbridge Shelter and change to Menomine Trail (Y), passing Silvermine Lake to Brien Memorial Shelter. After shelter change to RD passing Goshen Mt to return to parking. Meeting Time/Place: Recommended 8:30 AM at the trail head Leaders: Iris Liu/Lucy Yu Saturday 11/16/2024 - Silvermine Lake/ Stockbridge Mountain Hike / Level B & C Harriman State Park, NY Starting from the Silvermine Lake picnic area, follow the yellow trail to the Brien Memorial Shelter.Then change to RD. Cross over to the Long Path near Lake Tiorati. Follow the Long Path to visit the Hippo Rock and the Cave shelter. Return by the Yellow Menomine trail back to Silvermine Lake Picnic area. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: HY Lee/YuShan Li Sunday 11/17/2024 - Mount Defiance - 4 ponds to Shepard Lake Hike / Level B & C Ringwood State Park, NJ From the parking lot C, visit the Swan Pond then go up Mount Defiance for the gorgeous views of the Ringwood valley and surrounding mountains. Walk along the mountain ridge and descend to Gatun Pond. Follow the pink trail to visit the pretty Weyble Pond and Glasmere Ponds. Walk on the service road or go over the mountain to Shepherd Lake which has many beautiful views. Take the bike path to pass through the Botanical Garden to return to the parking lot. Avid hikers can extend the hike to go up Cupsaw mountain to the shelter. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Chung Leung/Jennifer Chen Saturday 11/23/2024 - Three Reservoirs / TMI Loop Hike, 6 - 8 Miles / Levels B&C Harriman State Park, NY Starting at parking lot off Rte 106, at the foothill of the Jackie Jones Mountain, follow the S-BM (yellow) trail for about half a mile. Then turn left to the unmarked road to visit the three reservoirs. Follow the unmarked trail to TMI. Then catch the Breakneck Mtn trail and the S-BM trail back to the parking lot. C Level hikers may hike on the unmarked Woodtown Road to reach TMI, turn right to reach (W) and turn right on (W) --> S-BM back to the parking area. **No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Trailhead Leaders: Jessica Liu/MeiSheng Liu Saturday 11/23/2024 - Beacon Mountain and Fishkill Ridge Fall Foliage Hike / Level C-D Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, NY Beacon Mountain is a popular spot for a fall foliage hike. The lookout points on the trails offer incredible panoramic views of the Town of Beacon, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the Hudson River and the neighboring mountain ridges. The hike starts from the parking lot of the Mount Beacon Incline Railway which was built for the now ruined Casino Resort in the mountain and was the steepest railway in the world during its operation. Visit the ruins of the Incline Railway and Fire Tower. Continue to hike to the scofield Ridge, Fishkill Ridge, Lamb Hill and downhill to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Chwen (Jun) Best/Sharon Yen Saturday 11/30/2024 - Pyramid Mountain & Reservoirs, 7-10 miles / Levels B&C Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, NJ This is a natural preserve in the heart of the suburban Morris County, NJ. About 18,000 years ago, the Wisconsin Glacier deposited a number of extraordinary boulders and created beautiful landscapes with numerous swamps and streams in the area. Those in turn, help nourish the amazing array of wildflowers, birds and wild animals in this densely forested park. The area contains a maze of trails with many hidden viewpoints like the Tripod Rock, Bear Rock and to just naming a few. Therefore follow the trip leader and take your time to visit these interesting places. For faster hikers, they can extend the hike to Turkey Mountain and visit the reservoirs. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at PMNHA Visiting Center, Kinnelon, NJ Leaders: XiaoJing Wei/Jimmy Xing Saturday 11/30/2024 - Deep Hollow - Lake Skenonto Loop; 10 Miles Hike / Level B & C Harriman State Park, NY Starting from Tuxedo train Parking lot, take RD trail for 0.2 mile then turn to yellow triangle trail until cross RD trail again nearby Parker Cabin Mt. Change to Victory Blue, passing Lake Skenonto and change back to RD at Tri Trail Corner. Taking RD all way back to Tuxedo Train Station. $3/car parking fee required at Tuxedo train station. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Tuxedo Train Station Parking Lot. (Parking fee required) Leaders: Rosa Melgar/HY Lee Saturday 12/7/2024 - Dunderberg Mountain 7 & 11 miles Day Hike / Levels B & C Bear Mountain State Park Start from the parking lot at 9W/202, follow the blue trail to trace the route of the Railway. Continue to the Timp. Change to the red R-D Trail to Bald Mountain and Cornell Mine. Follow the R-D trail to the viewpoint on top of Jones Point. There is the view of Indian Point Power Plant across the Hudson River. Come down on a steep grade to the parking. The longer route: from the Timp, take Timp-Torne Trail (blue), pass West Mountain, turn left on S-BM trail (yellow), then turn left on R-D (red), then join the shorter route. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trail head Leaders: HY Lee/MeiSheng Liu Saturday 12/7/2024 - Otter Hole to Ball Mountain Loop Hike, 6 - 9 Mile / Levels B & C Norvin Green State Forest, NJ Start from the Otter Hole trailhead. Follow the blue, then white trails to Chikahoki Falls. Climb up Carris Hill to Yoo-Hoo Point. Yell Yoo-Hoo so people at High Point can hear you. Continue on the blue trail to connect to the Otter Hole (green) trail back to the trailhead. Visit all the viewpoints along the way. *No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Vincent Yu/Sharon Yen Saturday 12/14/2024 - Hasenclever Mine Loop 8-10 Miles / Level B & C Harriman State Park N Y Staring from Lake Askoti Parking taking ASB red trail and change to Red Cross passing Hasenclever Mt to parking lot by Lake Tiorati. Changing to Beech Trail (B) passing Nat House Mt, Civil War period cemetery until end at Long Path. Taking LP return to Askoti parking. For the longer hike: from parking lot take Long Path to Time Square, and change ASB toward Askoti Lake to Red Cross Trail to continue to Hasenclever Loop. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Askoti Lake Parking Lot Leaders: Chwen (Jun) Best/Carina Li/John Li Saturday 12/14/2024 - Stonetown Circular & Tarawingo loop, 8-12 Miles Day Hike / Level C-D Norvin Green State Forest, NJ Starting from the trailhead parking lot on West Brook road, take the Highlands Trail north, then Stonetown Circular trail (red triangle), pass Windbeam Mt., Bear Mt. and Board Mt. and cross Stonetown road. After Harrison Mt, stay on Highland Trail (white), pass Horse Pond Mt, turn left to Burnt Meadow (Green), then turn to Tarawingo (Blue), then turn left when meet Lake Sonoma (Orange). Chang to Stonetown Circular trail (Red triangle) to pass Tory Rocks, to return to parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Stonetown Rec. Complex parking lot Leaders: Iris Liu/Vincent Yu Saturday 12/21/2024 - Appalachian Trail (AT) section Loop hike, 12+ Miles / Level E Bear Mountain State Park, NY Going eastwards from Elk Pen, the Appalachian Trail (AT) passes through Green Pond Mountain, Fingerboard Mountain, Black Mountain and into West Mountain. There are gorgeous views on the mountains. Hikers aim to hike through this section of the AT as much as time permits, then find the quickest way to return to Elk Pen. Daylight is short and good time management is required. Experience hikers only. Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM at trailhead Leaders: Frank Song/Jianming Wang Saturday 12/21/2024 - Three Reservoirs to Breakneck Pond Hike / Level B & C Harriman State Park, NY The hike explores the reservoirs and lakes in the valley surrounded by the Cranberry Mtn, Ladentown Mtn and Jackie Jones. The hike will be on a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and the cool breeze on the lakes and reservoirs. Starting at parking lot off Rte 106, visit the Orak Ruin. Then follow the service road to visit the reservoirs. Climb over the Breakneck Ridge to hike down to the Breakneck Pond. After lunch, visit Big Hill shelter and the fire tower. Then follow the paved road back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the Trailhead Leaders: MeiSheng Liu/Steve Huang Saturday 12/28/2024 - Kakiat Mtn - Pine Meadow Lake Hike, 7 - 10 mile, Levels C & D Harriman State Park, NY From Kakiat Park, take the Mountain Trail (Orange) - steep and rocky - which ascends the escarpment to a panoramic viewpoint where the Manhattan skyline is visible. Continue on Kakiat Trail (White), then followed by Suffern-Bear Mt. Trail (Yellow), Cronklins Crossing (White) and Pine Meadow Trail (Red) to the lakeside lunch spot. After lunch, either take the service road (Torne Valley Road) or Raccoon Brook Hills (Black-on-White) to connect to Kakiat Trail (White). Turn left onto Kakiat Trail and hike back to the parking lot. *No carpool arrangements. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Kakiat County Park parking lot Leaders: Cherry Lau/Shui-Kei Ng Saturday 12/28/2024 - Johnsontown Circle to Lake Skenonto winter Hike / Levels B & C Harriman State Park, NY From JTC, follow Blue Disc Trail to climb up Dater Mtn. Visit the curtain of icicles hanging from the cliff at Elbow Brush. Climb up Claudius Smith Den to enjoy the winter view of Blauvelt Mountain. Continue on Blue Disc trail, then take the Victory Trail to the frozen Lake Skenonto. After lunch, go along the bank of Lake Sebago to the Triangle (Yellow)Trail. Follow the Triangle and then the White Bar Trails back to JCT. *Limit to 20 People and No Carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: XiaoJing Wei/Lucy Yu Saturday 1/4/2025 - New Year Inspiration Hike, Explore the Silver Mine & Cookout Harriman State Park, NY Looking forward to the year 2025. Starting from the parking, hike along the north shore of Silvermine Lake and then up the Black Mtn. Enjoy the expansive views at the lookout points. Hike through the stream and swamps to Brien Shelter. Return to the parking along the western shore of the Lake. Cookout picnic at the pavilion. If interested, bring a snow board to slide down the old ski slope behind the pavilion. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon around Silvermine Lake and Lake Nawahunta. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Silvermine Lake Parking lot Leaders: Nancy Liang/Jessica Liu Saturday 1/4/2025 - Four Lakes Hike, 8-10 miles/ B & C levels Harriman State Park, NY From the Sebago Boat Launch parking, take the 7-Hills trail to the lookout points on Diamond Mtn. Hike down to Pine Meadow Lake from Yellow and to Lake Wanoksink from unmarked road. Change to the TMI trail-Wood Town Road and Yellow to Resevoir 3. After Walking on the Breakneck ridge enjoying the expansive view of the Breakneck pond. Enjoy leisure smooth walk down Buck Trail (yellow) and Blue trail to the parking lot on Lake Sebago. *No carpool arrangement* Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 am at the Sebago Boat Launch Leaders: Saturday 1/11/2025 - Bear Mountain Hike, 7 miles Level C Bear Mountain State Park From the Bear mountain State Park offsite parking lot, take the R trail along Hessian Lake to Major Welch hike up 1100 ft elevation to Perkin Tower at top of Bear Mt. There are views of the surrounding mountains, the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. After a break at the Tower, following the AT trail downhill to pass the Seven Lake Drive, turn to trail 1777, then change to Yellow trail to Lake Hessian to return to parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Bear Mountain State Park offsite Parking Leaders: Jianming Wang/Iris Liu Saturday 1/11/2025 - Ringwood SP - Mt.Defiance - Five Ponds levels B-C Ramapo Valley County Reservation, NJ Start from Ringwood State Parking lot - 1st visiting Swan Pond then hike to Mt. Defiance, follow the Pink trail to reach Brushwood Pond, Gatun Pond, Weyble Pond, Glasmere Pond. Walk down through the secret place of NJ Botanical garden, with New Year's decoration. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: MeiSheng Liu Saturday 1/18/2025 - High Point, NJ - 7 Mile Day Hike / Level C High Point State Park, NJ High Point State Park occupies the highest point within NJ and has a natural landscape of unusual beauty. Starting from parking lot on Rt. 23 south of the Park Office, take Blue for a short distance, turn right onto Iris (Red) and then turn left onto AT (Whit). After 3/4 mile, turn right onto Blue Dot toward Sawmill Lake. From Sawmill lake service road, go to Mashipacong (Yellow) toward east and cross Rt. 23. Get onto Brown/Yellow, then Kuser Road along Lake Marcia and onto Monument (Red/Green). After a loop on Monument trail will reach the Monument. Stay at the Monument for a short break, then get onto AT south toward Iris (Red), and Blue back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the parking lot on Route 23 Leaders: Homer Hsieh Saturday 1/18/2025 - Lake Askoti- Island Pond Family Hike -- with level C option Harriman State Park, NY Take the A-SB (red triangle) trail to Time Square. Go up the Hogencamp Mountain and visit the lookout points on R-D and Lichen trails. Continue to visit the famous rock formation of Lemon Squeezer. Go west on the AT trail to the north shore of Island Pond. Change to a service road to a secluded spot, south of Island pond. Retrace back on the service road and follow the scenic Dunning (yellow) trail back to the parking. Avid hikers can extend the hike to visit the lookout points on Black Rock Mountain before heading back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at trail head Leaders: Saturday 1/25/2025 - Black Rock Forest Exploration Hike, 8 -10 miles / Level B & C Black Rock Forest, Cornwall NY The Black Rock Forest is famous for its reservoirs, ponds and the ridges. The easier hike takes advantage of the carriage roads. The more difficult hike follows the trails on the ridges and visits all the view points at Mt. Misery, Hill of Pines, Rattlesnake Hill and Eagle Cliff. However no one will miss the views atop the Black Rock Summit. *Limit to 20 people* Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at the trailhead Leaders: Chwen (Jun) Best Saturday 1/25/2025 - Claudia Den with Pound & Dater Mt, 6 Mile/Level B (suitable for Family Hike) Harriman State Park, NY A trail with history and geographical interest to start from Tuxedo train station. Take TMI to Claudia Smith Den, to continue to Elbow Brush to pass Pound Mt. and Daters Mt. Rest at Almost Perpendicular/old Dater Mine for expansive view. Down hill to Kakiate trail (white) to hike down to Tuxedo train station. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM at Trailhead Leaders: Saturday 2/1/2025 - Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Rocks Trail Hike / Level B & C Westchester County, NY The hilly terrain in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a mix of second-growth hardwood forest, hemlock, laurel, bold rock outcroppings, steep ravines, wetlands, open meadows and mountain ridges. Start from the Michigan Road Parking Lot, take the Red Trail to explore the Leatherman's Cave Loop. Crossover to the Rocks Trail to visit the Dancing Rock, Bear Rock Petroglyph, Spy Rock, Castle Rock, Raven Rock and Indian Rock Shelter. Take the Blue Trail to Kimberly Bridge and walk along the beautiful Cross River. Leave the River on the Fox Hill Trail to visit the Trailside Nature Museum and then back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30 AM Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Rd. Parking area Leaders: Vincent Yu Saturday 2/1/2025 - Splitrock Reservoir & Indian Cliff Hike / Levels B & C Farny State Park, NJ This loop combines a section of the Four Birds Trail with the Splitrock Trail to circle the Splitrock Reservoir. Enjoy views of the reservoir and Misty Pond from Indian Cliffs. The relentless minor elevation changes of the Highlands terrain gives you a good workout. Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Trailhead Leaders: Homer Hsieh Saturday 2/8/2025 - Ramapo Lake to Wanaque Ridge Loop Hike/ Levels B & C Ramapo Mountain State Forest, NJ From Skyline Dr. Lower Parking Lot, take Blue/Black trail to Ramapo lake. Take the Red trail uphill to visit the view points on LeGrande Hill. Continue onto the orange trail to go up Wanaque Ridge to enjoy the expansive views. Follow the Orange trail to go downhill. Turn left onto the orange/black trail and then on unmark trail to connect to the white Castle Loop trail. Follow the white trail to visit the stone tower and the ruined mansion. Come down from the hill and follow the north shore of the lake back to the parking lot. Meeting Time/Place: 8:00 AM Skyline Drive Lower Trailhead Parking Leaders: Homer Hsieh Saturday 2/8/2025 - Elk Pen - Through AT RD and Nurian to Valley of Boulder-9 mile Level C Harriman State Park, NY From Elk Pen Parking lot, take AT (White) to Lemon Squeeze, stay on AT and change to Long Path south, A-SB and Lichen. Continue from Lichen to Ramapo-Dunderberg RD (Red)hike to the Nurian White. Then follow Nurian (White) passing Valley of Boulder to Stahahe Brook red stripe trail (red).Continue to Arden Surebridge red triangle (red) to AT and back to Elk Pen Parking. No carpool Arrangement Meeting Time/Place: 8:30AM at Trailhead Leaders: |
