Author Archives: Charlie
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Putnam County, New York
I decided to try the northwest corner of the park, which I had never previously visited. Driving north on U.S. 9, one passes county road 301, and then after a quarter mile one reaches the Hubbard Lodge park entrance, on … Continue reading
Ringwood State Park, Bergen County, New Jersey
I was thinking of returning to Norvin Green State Forest to explore the northern part, but when I drove to the area designated as a parking area on the NY-NJ Trail Conference map, I didn’t find an obvious spot. I … Continue reading
Norvin Green State Forest, Passaic County, New Jersey
The Jewish Outdoors Club 5th Annual Fun Day was held in Norvin Green State Forest this year. Two hundred people bought tickets, though I don’t know if they all made it there. We met near the Weiss Ecology Center. I had … Continue reading
Harriman State Park, Orange County, New York
The weather finally cooperated, so I drove to Harriman, where I parked in the Elk Pen off Highway 17 and began climbing the Appalachian Trail (AT) northbound (actually east-southeast) into the park. There’s a pretty steep 400′ climb up Green … Continue reading
Splitrock Reservoir, Morris County, New Jersey
Splitrock Reservoir is a popular location for area fishermen, and is encircled by a 13.8-mile trail. There are rolling hills but the elvation change doesn’t appear too steep. Unfortunately, I got there around 11:00 a.m., and it was also an overcast yucky cool … Continue reading
Ken Lockwood Gorge & Columbia Trail, Hunterdon & Morris Counties, NJ
The plan was to join a group that advertised they were going to hike Schooley’s Mountain in Morris County, New Jersey. I drove about 90 minutes to get there. I had never been with this particular group before. I learned that they had … Continue reading
Hudson Highlands State Park, Westchester County, NY
It was a very cold day, but I hadn’t been hiking in several weeks and the sky was bright and clear, so I decided not to be deterred by the cold weather. Before I left home, it was around 10 … Continue reading
Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge, Brooklyn, New York
I thought it would be a good idea to check out the polar bear plunge on Coney Island on New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, my date was not ready when I arrived to pick her up, and she also directed me … Continue reading
Wawayanda State Park, Sussex County, New Jersey
I had planned on hiking with the Appalachian Mountain Club, but arrived at the meeting place a few minutes late and they were gone. I continued on my own to Wawayanda, which I understand is pronounced “way way yonder,” a … Continue reading
Manitoga, Putnam County, New York
My goal this week was to hike along the Appalachian Trail near the Bear Mountain Bridge. I decided to park at Manitoga and hike through their trails to reach the AT. Manitoga was the estate of the industrial designer Russel Wright. It … Continue reading