Backcountry Camping Rules in New York State

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DEC marker pointing to a designated camping area.

New York State has lots of space for backcountry camping and is very friendly to backpackers, but the rules vary from place to place, and it is important to know them.  

Planning ahead and knowing the status of your intended destination is a basic tenet of safe hiking programs.  It is also the first principle of Leave No Trace: “Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit”.

The following is a summary of some of the key backcountry camping rules covering public lands in New York State.

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Backpacking Sleeping Bags

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I get asked a lot about how to choose backpacking sleeping bags.  Most people are looking for a bag for warmer weather backpacking (i.e., not winter, also known as 3-season sleeping bags) and that is what this post is primarily about. 

If you choose a bag that is good for backpacking, rest assured that it will also be good for car camping but the reverse is not true.  However, if you are only car camping you don’t have to worry about weight and can buy a less expensive bag.

When choosing backpacking sleeping bags, don’t overlook the specifications (specs).  Reading the specs becomes a habit, at least it does if you are a guide.  If the sleeping bag specs do not list weight and stuff size, they probably won’t meet your requirements… or you might have to dig deeper to find more detailed specs.  The following explains some of the specifications:

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Catskill High Peaks – 2023 Social Series

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We’ve got a great set of hikes lined up for the 2023 installment of the Catskill high peaks social series.  Each month, usually on a Thursday, we meet for a guided hike of one or more of the Catskill high peaks that are required for 3500 Club membership. This year’s hikes include a selection of moderate and more difficult hikes.

The 2023 planned Catskill high peak group social hikes are listed below.   Click the links for more information about the hikes and how to register.  Please read the hike descriptions and gear requirements before registering. There is no charge for these hikes but you will need to sign the typical liability waivers. 

Our group at the summit of Big Indian Mountain, one of the Catskill High Peaks.

Summit of Windham High Peak in the Catskills
Hike with a Guide

This is a great chance to hike with a guide and meet fellow Catskill hiking enthusiasts. Along the way we’ll learn about the history, geology and plant life of the Catskills as well as some basic navigation skills. 

Get Introduced to Local Hiking Clubs

Many of these hikes are also being offered to Adirondack Mountain Club and Catskill 3500 Club Members.  Both are non-profit hiking clubs that do great work in New York State and I’m a proud member of both organizations. The Catskill 3500 Club awards a patch and membership to hikers who summit all 35 of the Catskill high peaks plus four more that have to be hiked twice with at least one of the hikes during the winter.  It’s a lot of fun and a great motivator.  You can find more information about the Catskill 3500 Club on their website:

http://catskill-3500-club.org/membership.php

I hope you’ll be able to join for one or more of these hikes.  Drop me a note with any questions via the contact form or use the phone number or email listed on the contact form. You can also use the contact form to join the mailing list for our “HerdPath” newsletter:

Contact

Catskill Backpacking for Beginners

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Catskill beginner backpack with instruction.  Meals and group gear included.

Upcoming workshops:

Our Catskill Backpacking experience is a fully guided overnight group hiking and camping trip that is ideal for beginners and novices.   This fun and hands-on experience will focus on teaching backcountry fundamentals in a small group setting. Therefore, it is ideal for backpackers who want to learn new skills or brush up on old ones while getting away for a relaxing weekend in an enchanting location.

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Catskill Hikes 2022 Social Series

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We’re continuing the popular tradition in 2022 of monthly Catskill “social” hikes.  The turnout in previous years has been tremendous with registrations for hikes filling up well in advance.  Each month on a Thursday we meet for a guided hike of one or more of the Catskill 3500 peaks. Although we’ve tried to keep things relatively simple, most of these hikes have some challenging sections.

Below is the list of Thursday Catskill group social hikes scheduled for 2022.   Click the links for more information about the hikes and how to register.  Please read the hike descriptions and gear requirements before registering. There is no charge for these hikes but you will need to sign the typical liability waivers. 

Hike with a Guide

This is a great chance to hike with a guide and meet fellow Catskill hiking enthusiasts. Along the way we’ll learn about the history, geology and plant life of the Catskills as well as some basic navigation skills. 

Get Introduced to Local Hiking Clubs

Many of these hikes are also being offered to Adirondack Mountain Club and Catskill 3500 Club Members.  Both are non-profit hiking clubs that do great work in New York State and I’m a proud member of both organizations. The Catskill 3500 Club awards a patch and membership to hikers who summit all 35 of the Catskill high peaks plus four more that have to be hiked twice with at least one of the hikes during the winter.  It’s a lot of fun and a great motivator.  You can find more information about the Catskill 3500 Club on their website:

http://catskill-3500-club.org/membership.php

I hope you’ll be able to join for one or more of these hikes.  Drop me a note with any questions via the contact form or use the phone number or email listed on the contact form. You can also use the contact form to join the mailing list for our “HerdPath” newsletter:

Contact

Halcott Mountain – Catskill Social Series 2021

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Halcott Mountain – some say Hal-cot and some say Hawk-it, but on December 9th we’re gonna hike-it.

Halcott Mountain in Winter

The Catskill social series takes us to Halcott Mountain on December 9. This 4 mile bushwhack has plenty to offer and makes for an interesting day. Unless global warming overwhelms the Catskills this December, please be prepared with full winter gear including proper clothing, foot traction and snowshoes. If you are not new to winter hiking, then like me you are probably hoping for good snowshoeing conditions. December 9 might be a little early in the season for that, but we can hope.

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Adirondack Backpacking – 4 Peaks

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Join us July 26 – 28 on a 3-day Adirondack backpacking trip to bag 4 remote peaks. After a long hike in and setup of our campsite, we’ll set our sights on bagging Cliff, Redfield, Skylight and Gray Peak.  This trip is for experienced hikers in good physical condition.

View photo album from previous trip

View from Mt Skylight
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Wilderness First Aid Instruction

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Upcoming Wilderness First Aid Classes:

  • January 10 – 12, 2023 – Oneonta, NY (private organization)
  • Contact us to schedule training for your organization

I am proud to share that I am instructing HSI Wilderness First Aid certification classes. First Aid in the backcountry has unique challenges. This course teaches practical skills that will enable you to respond to wilderness injuries and emergencies. I’d be happy to arrange classes for your group or organization.

Keeping a "patient" warm in Wilderness First Aid class.

Course Description

Contact us for more information

Catskill Hikes 2021 Social Series

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Catskill Hikes: Eastern Outdoor Experiences group at the Balsam Cap summit.

We’re continuing the popular tradition in 2021 of monthly Catskill “social” hikes.  The turnout in 2020 was tremendous with registrations for hikes filling up well in advance.  Each month on a Thursday we meet for a guided hike of one or more of the Catskill 3500 peaks. Although we’ve tried to keep things relatively simple, most of these hikes have some challenging sections.

 

Hike with a Guide

This is a great chance to hike with a guide and meet fellow Catskill hiking enthusiasts. Along the way we’ll learn about the history, geology and plant life of the Catskills as well as some basic navigation skills. 

Get Introduced to Local Hiking Clubs

Many of these hikes are also being offered to Adirondack Mountain Club and Catskill 3500 Club Members.  Both are non-profit hiking clubs that do great work in New York State and I’m a proud member of both organizations. The Catskill 3500 Club awards a patch and membership to hikers who summit all 35 of the Catskill high peaks plus four more that have to be hiked twice with at least one of the hikes during the winter.  It’s a lot of fun and a great motivator.  You can find more information about the Catskill 3500 Club on their website: 

http://catskill-3500-club.org/membership.php

2021 Catskill Social Series Schedule

Below is the list of Thursday Catskill group social hikes scheduled for 2021.   Click the links for more information about the hikes and how to register.  Please read the hike descriptions and gear requirements before registering. There is no charge for these hikes but you will need to sign the typical liability waivers. 

I hope you’ll be able to join for one or more of these hikes.  Drop me a note with any questions via the contact form or use the phone number or email listed on the contact form. You can also use the contact form to join the mailing list for our “HerdPath” newsletter:


Contact


Vaccinated

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I received my second dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine on April 21. A few days ago, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people can safely engage in outdoor activities like walking and hiking without wearing masks.

For people that aren’t fully vaccinated, outdoor activity is still considered very safe while maintaining social distancing.

I can’t prevent you from being exposed to Covid-19, but as a guide your safety and comfort is important to me. If you are more comfortable traveling the backcountry with me wearing a mask, I’ll respect that and wear mine.

The CDC announcement of April 27 can be read here: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated