New Jersey and points north

imported
#1

Hi folks. I am a 4 year section hiker, whom, if life allows, will be hiking from Deleware Water Gap and going as far as i can in 3-4 weeks. Don’t see much written about that section and am wondering if you folks could weigh in about msut stops, must visits, must sees, as well as what to avoid. Keep in mind, us section hikers never build up to the 20 mile days you gusy do on thru hikes, 9we have to start from scratch every year!), but where would be a good place to end a 3-4 weeks where i could either catch a bus, plane or car, home to the Norther Virginia area.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!!!

mooneman

#2

Mooneman,

Last year, I finished my 4 year section hike of the AT. I really enjoy the section from NJ to Bennington, Vt. which I hiked in about 23 days. For a section hiker, this was easier than some of what you’ve already done and will face later. In 4 weeks you can do that section in that time. I got off the trail in Bennington and used the Albany NY airport to fly back home. It is always an adjustment getting back on the AT, but what a thrill it is each time you return. I’m missing the thought of doing a large section this summer, but I may do two weeks from Damascus to Tillie’s Place near Pearsburg just to keep my old, cranky knees in the game.

I loved the hostel in Vernon and wish I could have stayed a little longer is Salisbury, Conn. (spent only an hour or so there and then headed up to Riga). NJ has a water problem but there are some trail angels that leave some water at critical points.

The biggest problem I faced was the mileage between campsites that forces you to do a lot of 15-17 mile days, or real short days, but the terrain is not that tough so the over 15 miles days are not as tough as in some other parts of the AT. Also the mosquitos were bad at Brink Shelter and Walkill. Saw lots of bears. Met lots of very helpful people. I heard a lot of complaints about the sameness of the terrain, but I enjoyed it and would go back again. Particularly beautiful for me was the hike in Conn/Mass. New York was a little rockier than I had thought it would be. I would not miss the Greymoor this time, though I didn’t stop when I passed it.

Good luck on your hike.

Pastor John from Georgia

Pastor John

#3

Mooneman,

Last year, I finished my 4 year section hike of the AT. I really enjoy the section from NJ to Bennington, Vt. which I hiked in about 23 days. For a section hiker, this was easier than some of what you’ve already done and will face later. In 4 weeks you can do that section in that time. I got off the trail in Bennington and used the Albany NY airport to fly back home. It is always an adjustment getting back on the AT, but what a thrill it is each time you return. I’m missing the thought of doing a large section this summer, but I may do two weeks from Damascus to Tillie’s Place near Pearsburg just to keep my old, cranky knees in the game.

I loved the hostel in Vernon and wish I could have stayed a little longer is Salisbury, Conn. (spent only an hour or so there and then headed up to Riga). NJ has a water problem but there are some trail angels that leave some water at critical points.

The biggest problem I faced was the mileage between campsites that forces you to do a lot of 15-17 mile days, or real short days, but the terrain is not that tough so the over 15 miles days are not as tough as in some other parts of the AT. Also the mosquitos were bad at Brink Shelter and Walkill. Saw lots of bears. Met lots of very helpful people. I heard a lot of complaints about the sameness of the terrain, but I enjoyed it and would go back again. Particularly beautiful for me was the hike in Conn/Mass. New York was a little rockier than I had thought it would be. I would not miss the Greymoor this time, though I didn’t stop when I passed it.

Good luck on your hike.

Pastor John from Georgia

Pastor John

#4

Mooneman,

You’ve got lots of flexibility as far as transportation and you should be able to get up into New England a bit in 3-4 weeks. There is bus service from Great Barrington and North Adams/Williamstown and Pittsfield MA, all easy to get to from the trail. Also Bennington, Manchester Ctr and Rutland VT has bus service and if you get kinda adventurous and move quicker, so does Hanover NH. Please check these stops before you decide on a plan as I know Greyhound has been drastically cutting routes lately as they’re not doing well. The point is, you’ve got tons of flexibility and shouldn’t need to pick an ending point and the start of your hike.

 This section has quite a few deli's and restraunt stops, particualarly in NY.  This is nice because you won't always have to carry much food, more than a couple days worth and many of these stops are really close to the trail (a mile or less).
   Definately try to spend a night at the secret hostel which you'll most likely hear about once on the AT.  Worthington's Bakery unfortunately closed.  The sunrise pavilion south of mashipacong shelter is great for lunch or sunsets but no camping.  
  As mentioned Graymoor Monestary in NY is a must stay as well.  RPH is a nice shelter that most folks enjoy.
  I highly recommend Ten Mile river campsite and shelter.  One of my favorite spots to camp on the trail.  The Mounntainside Cafe near Falls Village CT is a great spot to have a meal, right on the trail.  Rands View is incredible, so spend some time there!  The whole section of trail between Salisbury CT and JuG End rd in Mass is pretty great and there are tons of good camping options (Riga shelter, Sages Ravine, Race Mtn, Hemlocks Shelter etc.)
 Upper Goose Pond in Mass near Lee is a must stop.  The cabin is great, you can canoe and the caretaker makes AYCE pancakes for 3 bucks!  You can't beat it.  Dalton Mass is a great little trailtown and you can't go wrong staying with either Tom Levardi or Rob at the Bird cage.  Both places are  esentially free.  
 If you get up as far as Vermont, Glastenbury Mtn, Goddard Shelter, Stratton Pond and Mtn, Bromley Mtn, Spruce Peak Cabin, Cooper Lodge/Killington, Little Rock Pond, Big Branch shelter and Baker peak are all cool places to camp or check out sunsets.
  Most likely as mentioned above, thrus will be racing by you complaining about being bored while you scratch ur head.  Yes this section is not as fantastic as the Mahoosucs or the Grayson highlands or smokies, but there are some real cool spots and you can get there with a good deal less effort.  Take ur time and enjoy.  And yes southern NY/Harriman park is a lot more difficult and frustrating than the profile maps lead you to believe so take ur time and don't expect too much.  Enjoy!

A-Train

#5

Thank you so much for responding and you sage advice. i’m looking forward already to my next steps. Hopefully I’ll get to go about mid June!!!

Thanks again!!!

mooneman