Backpacking in New York State

Backpacking in allowed along the Appalachian Trail (see below), in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park, in the Catskill Forest Preserve, and in the Adirondacks.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The “AT” provides 2,100 miles of backpacking opportunities from Maine to Georgia. In the NY-NJ area, the AT enters NY at the Connecticut state line north of Pawling. It follows a southwestern course from the foothills of the Taconic Mountains, through Fahnestock State Park and the ridges along the southern end of the Hudson Highlands. The trail crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge, then continues west through Bear Mountain State Park. It ascends the ridges of the Ramapo Mountains then extends through the valley to NJ, to the Kittatinny Ridge at High Point, then south to the Delaware Water Gap.

Open fires are prohibited at many areas along the AT, so take a backpacking stove. Camping is permitted along the AT in areas more than one-half mile from a road access and 25 feet from any stream or other water source within the Delaware Water Gap Recreation area. In NY and NJ outside the Delaware Water Gap NRA, backpacking and camping is allowed only at designated shelters and campsites. Overnight group size is limited to 10 (day hike use is limited to 25).

For more information about these sites and trails, see the Appalachain Trail Guide for NY/NJ, which is available at The Catskill Hiking Shack.

HARRIMAN-BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Camping is allowed only at the designated lean-to sites scattered throughout the park. See the Trail Conference Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails map set. Fires are allowed in the fireplaces at the lean-tos, but wood is in short supply and a lightweight backpacking stove is strongly recommended.

CATSKILL FOREST PRESERVE

ADIRONDACK FOREST PRESERVE
Restrictions are similar to those in the Catskills, but the camping/fire ban is in force above 4,000 feet instead of the Catskill’s 3,500 feet. A permit is required for groups of 10 or more, and for stays of four or more nights in one location. For the best maps and guides, stop by or call (914-888-HIKE) the Catskill Hiking Shack. For group permits and information in either of NY’s Forest Preserves, contact the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation at (518) 457-2500.

Camping in New York State

ADIRONDACK and CATSKILL REGIONS
State Campgrounds in this region are operated by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation, which maintains 50 public campgrounds and associated day use facilities. The rates are reasonable and permits are issued for available sites for up to a two-week period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations may be made for 1 to 14 nights (depending on campground and time of year) by calling 800-456-CAMP (800-456-2267). For additional information, contact the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation, 50 Wolf Road #679, Albany, NY 12233. Their phone number is (518) 457-2500.

PALISADES REGION
(Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties) Camps run by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission include those in the Harriman-Bear Mountain, High Tor, Nyack Beach, Rockland Lake and Tallman Mountain State Parks. Reservations may be made through 800-456-CAMP.
Information can be obtained by contacting the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), Bear Mountain, NY 10911. (914) 786-2701.

SHAWANGUNKS
(Ulster County) Currently no camping is allowed in the Shawangunk Mountains (Minnewaska & Mohonk). Minnewaska State Park, 914-255-0752, is administered by the PIPC (see above). There is a private campground, Lazy River in Gardiner, 914-255-5193 (open mid-April through late October).

TACONIC REGION
(Putnam, Columbia & Dutchess Counties) For information on cabins and camping (Copake Falls, Rudd Pond, Fahnestock, Norrie, Lake Taghkanic) contact the NY State office of Parks/Taconic Region at 914-889-4100. Reservations:800-456-CAMP.

For information on camping in New York in both private and public campgrounds, try the I Love NY Outdoors Guide available from NYS Empire State Development, 1 Commerce Plaza, Albany NY 12245. 800-225-5697 or 518-474-4116. Web site: www.iloveny.state.ny.us

Leave No Trace
If we want to continue enjoying the beauty of our local trails, forest preserves and State Parks we need to treat them with respect. We all have to do our part to protect the outdoors from abuse and overuse. From day hiking to extended backpacking trips, anyone who spends time outdoors should be familiar with the practice - Leave No Trace.

Here are some tips to help you "Leave No Trace:"

Plan ahead and prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
• Visit the backcountry in small groups. Small groups are quieter, safer and do less damage to the trail.
• Avoid popular areas during times of high use.
• Choose equipment and clothing in subdued colors.
• Repackage food into reusable containers.