Uncategorized Archives - Eastern Outdoor Experiences

Backcountry Camping Rules in New York State

Posted on July 1, 2023 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

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

Posted on June 29, 2023 by EdMoran

Posted in Backpacking, Uncategorized

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 Hikes 2022 Social Series

Posted on February 2, 2022 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

Thursday January 6 – Twin Mountain See Photos
Thursday February 10 – Panther Mountain See Photos
Thursday March 10 – Blackhead Range See Photos
Thursday April 7 – Rusk Mountain
Thursday May 5 – Table and Peekamoose See Photos
Thursday June 9 – Balsam Lake Mountain See Photos
Thursday July 7 – Kaaterskill High Peak See Photos
Thursday August 11 – Windham High Peak See Photos
Thursday September 15 – Big Indian Mountain See Photos
Thursday November 10 – Balsam Lake Mountain See Photos

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

Vaccinated

Posted on April 30, 2021 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

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

Westkill Mountain Hike

Posted on March 25, 2021 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

Catskill Hike Series: View of the Black Head Range from West Kill Mountain — *View from Buck Ridge lookout*

April’s featured Catskill Social Series hike is Westkill Mountain.

Westkill Mountain is the 6th highest peak in the Catskills and the highest point on the Devil’s Path trail (nearby Hunter Mountain is taller but the trail doesn’t pass over it’s summit). This trek is a great introduction to the Devil’s path on one of the gentler sections of the famous trail.

Join us on April 8 as we hike past waterfalls and great views to the evergreen clad summit. There may still be snow and ice in places and we’ll need appropriate footwear and traction devices.

This is a mostly moderate hike despite the lofty summit at less than an arms length shy of 3900 feet. There are one or two tricky ledges, especially if ice persists.

Reserve your spot for Westkill Mountain

Contact

See the full schedule of the Catskill Hikes 2021 Social Series

2021 social series

COVID-19 Impacts on Hiking and Camping

Posted on March 29, 2020 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

The COVID-19 impacts on hiking include the universal disruption of plans, including ours.

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Like lots of people, I’m going more than a little stir crazy due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I’ve been taking local hikes to get some fresh air and exercise and this really does help. It’s been a challenge to keep up with constantly changing COVID-19 impacts on hiking activities. Active guiding is on hold for now and near-term trips that were planned have been canceled. Longer term everything is tentative, although we are still taking bookings for guided trips. These will be dependent on both public health policy and local rules as well as common sense regarding COVID-19

Officially, we are still encouraged to get outside, but there are important common-sense guidelines. Below are some key takeaways regarding COVID-19 impacts on hiking and camping, my personal thoughts and interpretations regarding access and safety considerations, and some links you can use to keep track of rapidly changing guidelines for outdoor recreation

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Adirondack Guided Hiking – Fall Foliage Tour

Posted on October 16, 2018 by EdMoran

Posted in Uncategorized

Join us for Adirondack Guided Hiking and special B&B style lodging during the heart of the fall foliage season.

A 3 day Autumn Adirondack Guided Hiking adventure is the ideal trip for active leaf-peepers. Your package will include lodging, breakfasts and trail lunches and personally guided hiking customized for you. Therefore, each day’s activity can include bagging 4000 footers or hiking easier, lesser traveled trails through the beautiful Adirondack fall scenery. Likewise, we will include visits to local attractions and other non-hiking activities if you desire. Your guide will accompany you through the entire itinerary showcasing the best that the Adirondacks have to offer. These are personal hikes and tours and as a result the group size is usually between 2 and 4 people. We can accommodate up to 5 for your group.

Sample Itinerary (3-day option):

Saturday – Arrival. Check-in and orientation, happy hour snacks, and lodging.
Sunday – Breakfast, bagged trail lunch, guided hiking, and lodging.
Monday – Breakfast, bagged trail lunch, guided hiking, and lodging.
Tuesday – Breakfast, bagged trail lunch, guided hiking

The price for this adventure is $249 pp/pd based on double occupancy (1 room) or $159 pp/pd based on quad occupancy (2 rooms). The guide will assist with local dinner plans and travel. Home cooked dinner options are also available.

We do all of the planning and always speak with our clients before a trip. As a result your itinerary will be tailored to the ideal schedule, length of stay, meals and activities based on your level of fitness. We will also accommodate specific hiking goals, if you have them. We will gladly assist assist with transportation options. Longer or shorter stays can be accommodated. Call 631-741-3765 for more information.

Explore the Adirondacks in Fall