Hike and Camp southern Tier

[BKhunter]

Looking to do some overnight hiking trips this spring. Does anyone have any recommendations for the southern tier on a nice day hike where you can set up a little back country camp for the night in the southern tier? I am located down in the city so something within a reasonably drive. 

[Two Track]

If just hiking and camping (w/o firearms) Harriman State Park may be the closest (no firearms are allow PERIOD, ...ever)

They have springs, streams, ponds, a few trail shelters, abandoned mines,.... Some areas have letter-boxing/Geo-caches to find along the trails.

The Appalachian trail goes through there, and there are several options for circuit hikes within the park land.

There are maps with the various trail and guide books on hiking suggestions.

I know of a few scout troops that backpack there.

If you go, keep your food stashed at night, suspend from a tree - bears, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and chipmunks all want to sample/steal it.

Non-hunting season - you can get a permit to camp in a couple selected areas of Stewart Forest, not sure if they allow camp fires.  Never tried camping there.

If you want to get a bit further out of civilization, head to the Catskills.

[stoneam2006]

Alleghany state Park
Thunder rocks (part of ASP)
Rock city (excellent for kids 5 +)
Sculpture park
Letchworth
Stoney brook


All local to me and all excellent

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[tommyc50]

check the dec web site they have cabins and leantoos for rent also check with them about bear spring mnt. its close to the city but far enough to do some hiking they have camp site by reservation

[Two Track]

There are a few DEC camps in the southeastern Catskills if you want a campsite to park at in a staffed camp that has canoe/rowboat rentals, playground, fishing pond/lake.  Some have pull-in/tent sites short walk to bathroom and water, others have electric/water hook ups for campers.

I have gone to Mongaup Pond a few times.  hiking trails, fish pond, canoes, beach for swimming (in season).  A few miles down the road you can visit a trout hatchery.  Couple latrines and places to get water in each site loop. By the beach is boat rentals and showers.  There is a guy that comes through in a truck with firewood, ice and other basic supplies once per day.

Mongaup is probably ~3 hours from NYC.

If you want to backpack and not travel far from NYC, check out Harriman State Park, otherwise head to southern Catskills (and book soon) if you want a DEC staffed camp.  Mongaup and North-South lake fill up fast.  Not sure about the other ones.

If you want to visit Cooperstown on the cheap - Glimmerglass state park and campground.  It is a DEC camp, so it is less expensive and was nice - beach, boat rentals, boat ramp, hiking trails, covered wood bridge, museum, hot showers in the camping site loops.  The sites are kind of open though, so not much privacy.  Nice place for 4th of July.  Fireworks are right on the lake.

[Elmo]

Reservations are only required for camp sites.  Back country camping (if the park allows it) does not require reservation.