|
Post by ozymandiac on Dec 18, 2016 4:02:12 GMT -8
Hi all, I registered today, because my girlfriend and I will be visiting the US in the summer to spend time with emigrated family (we're from the Netherlands) in the Buffalo, NY region. After that, we would like to spend some 7-10 days hiking a trail. Experience: little. We have spent 2 x 1.5 weeks hiking a Welsh (=hilly) trail and loved it. We were spoiled there though, because there was always the possibility of setting up our tent on a camping (=toilets); we usually had the possibility of taking a B&B if we wanted to; and we always knew there was a way out if we would get injured because the nearest house was never more than an hour away. Being from so far away, I have no idea what the infrastructure of US trails is like. I think our ideal trail would: - start in the region around Buffalo, NY. We would travel 1 day maximum to get to the starting point I think. - start and end in a place where we can access public transportation. - have campsites (or B&Bs etc) along the way. - have a 'hillyness' somwhere between the Netherlands (= completely flat) and Wales. We love the hills but are cursed with weak Dutch legs I have had problems before with my knees. - have places to restock on food and drink every 1-2 days. - not be along or on roads with cars/bicycles on it. - not be in bear country Like I said, this would be the ideal trail. Deviations are definitely allowed if our preferences are unrealistic. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Ozymandiac
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 18, 2016 7:30:02 GMT -8
A possibility exists to do part of the Appalachian Trail. The section on the Vermont/Massachusetts border has some climbs, but not as extreme as farther North. The trail has shelters with privies spaced out within a day's walk or less. You come near to several towns for supply and cross one mountain top lodge (Bascom Lodge, Mt. Greylock, Ma. ) You can take a Greyhound bus to Bennington Vt. and go north from there to Manchester (or farther N. to Danby) on Green Mt. Express. Going south from there, you can end in Massachusetts and get transportation from Pittsfield, Ma. A little over 100 miles. Probably not as easy as you'd like , but not far off, either. Consulting Appalachian Trail guides and sites will give you a better idea. I have a few other ideas, but I hate to suggest them without lots of research.
|
|
jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,064
|
Post by jazzmom on Dec 18, 2016 7:30:06 GMT -8
|
|
Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960
|
Post by Westy on Dec 18, 2016 11:16:11 GMT -8
Although not personally familiar with the area, the hiking protocol you propose might be best sorted out in the Adirondacks. I'm sure there are an assortment of possibilities.
Based on your "Dutch legs" perhaps two other areas to consider would be the Finger Lakes region of New York or western Pennsylvania.
Living in Utah just a couple of miles from the Utah Olympic Oval, we volunteer and attend many ISU Long-Track Speed Skating competitions. Orange rules in the spectator stands and the "Dutch Legs" are all powerful.
|
|
|
Post by ozymandiac on Dec 18, 2016 23:56:43 GMT -8
Regarding the legs: I specified it to knees. I have had some problems before when walking, running or cycling with a higher workload. My knees can't handle the extra load and become so irritated/painful I have to stop. This means a very hilly trail (from a Dutch perspective ) is possible but we have to think about how much weight we take. That's why I'm looking into the hut-to-hut hikes since it will mean no tent = less weight. Thanks for the suggestions above, I will definitely look into the Appalachian Trail and the Finger Lakes. I thought the White Mountains were far away, but they were also recommended in another thread. We may be able to make it work. I will visit a travel guide store today and see what they have. Cheers, Ozy
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 19, 2016 5:43:42 GMT -8
Do you actually need public transportation as in train/bus, or is a rental or borrowed car in the picture? Your options are world's apart with that in consideration. Mass transportation is not a large part of our infrastructure.
|
|
|
Post by ozymandiac on Dec 19, 2016 11:59:46 GMT -8
Neither of us have a driving license... One of us could start taking lessons but in that case we won't know for sure if we will succeed in getting a license in time.
|
|
ki0eh
Trail Wise!
Posts: 47
|
Post by ki0eh on Dec 19, 2016 13:24:30 GMT -8
Public transportation is much thinner on the ground in USA than in Wales. But here is a possibility not too far from Buffalo. Take the intercity bus (Greyhound) to Corning, NY. It appears to be a 4.5 hour trip with one transfer in Rochester. Take the Route 5 city bus to Burger King on Victory Highway in suburban Painted Post. www.rideceats.com/index.php/en/schedules/route-5Follow Crystal Hills Trail (marked with orange blaze marks on trees/posts) north to Finger Lakes Trail. There is a lean-to/shelter at the junction and relatively easy hiking. Then follow Finger Lakes Trail (now marked with white blazes) east through Watkins Glen (trail passes through village to take a break from camping in the woods, and directly past Walmart to buy food and use toilet) and through Robert H Treman State Park. If you are passing through from late spring to mid-autumn, divert from the white blazed all weather route to the spectacular gorge trails in both Watkins Glen State Park and R H Treman State Park. Turn left on Buttermilk Falls Spur trail into Buttermilk Falls State Park, then (again open only late spring through mid-autumn, otherwise follow a road) descend through the gorge trail to the edge of Ithaca city. Plan to spend a night in Ithaca to aid reentry into more polite society amid the charms of a relatively worldly university town (home to Cornell University, largest of the "Ivy League" of US universities). Return by intercity Greyhound bus from Ithaca to Buffalo - appears usually to be 3.5 hours and no transfers. The hiking maps and more details are available from www.fltconference.org/trail/
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 19, 2016 14:10:01 GMT -8
Rental cars are prohibitively expensive if you damage them or are under 25. So, you may want to consider the much shorter Finger Lakes trip, or consider section hikes on the AT. There are Greyhound buses out of Buffalo that could carry you east to Vt., southeast to NYC (you can transfer to a train to the trail in Harriman or Tuxedo NY. The White Mts. would be a transfer out of Boston, and I would guess a good 20 hr. bus trip. You can find relatively close and good trails in the Alleghany Mt.s of Pennsylvania, but we're talking primitive and much less transportation possibilities. Maybe a drop off? You could also check on buses that travel to Lake Placid in the Adirondacks, and walk to the Northville- Lake Placid Trail; but once again- primitive. If you stayed at a lodge in a town like Keene Valley in the High Peaks of the ADK's, you could day hike some amazing terrain with minimal loads, probably even get some rides with folks (Americans aren't all as nasty as we seem) hehe, rent bikes, get a ride to Wilmington and canoe or raft on the Ausable River. Gorgeous area. Might be your best bet for a longer trip. You could even do several overnighters with the lodge as a base camp to return to. I think you'd find most lodge owners will bend over backwards to help you, too. The best for what you want and the least expensive with shuttles to trails is the Keene Valley Hostel. www.keenevalleyhostel.com/ It may be a good compromise doing primitive 1 nighters, but coming back to a lodge in-between. The Keene Valley has waterfalls, gorgeous trout ponds, and granite topped mountains. Not the worst place to be. There are bears though, you have to keep your food in a bear canister. I bet they can be rented or borrowed at the Hostel- they'll know where to , if they don't. DO NOT freak out over this, though. Attacks are extremely rare. Your safer in the campsite than on the plane. webstore.trailways.com/bus-companies/adirondack-trailways/bus-schedules Adirondack Trailways has service between Buffalo and Keene Valley. I laughed looking up where the bus stopped. The Noonmark Diner, where we eat after hiking in the area. Decent place. Noonmark Mt. is a great hike, with great views for less elevation gain than most of the peaks in the area.
|
|
|
Post by ozymandiac on Dec 20, 2016 10:57:34 GMT -8
Thank you both for such comprehensive suggestions! The suggested itineraries look great. ki0eh I checked out the last website (www.fltconference.org/trail/) too, very handy. (There's actually a trail going through the town we'll be staying (the orange line). But I think I would prefer going south/east by bus/car for the change in scenery.) bluefish The idea of using a lodge as a basecamp was an eye-opener for me. Will definitely keep that in mind.
|
|
|
Post by bluefish on Dec 20, 2016 12:28:55 GMT -8
I would really look closely at the High Peaks region of the ADK's. People visit from around the World, it is not a second class destination, by any means. I sometimes take it for granted because I've lived in easy distance for many years. It really is a special place, filled with good people that both love and know the outdoors.
|
|
talus
Trail Wise!
Posts: 560
|
Post by talus on Dec 21, 2016 15:10:28 GMT -8
Look at the Laurel Highlands Trail. I'm not sure about transportation, but there are shelters with privies every 7-10 miles or so.
|
|
|
Post by jmitch on Dec 21, 2016 17:41:31 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by captainrob on Dec 28, 2016 23:16:20 GMT -8
Everyone has posted some good advice so far as to destinations.But I wanted to let you know that the Black bears in the East are vastly different then Grizzly's of the west.Common sense and a little knowledge will keep you from having any problems.Essentially if you know how to keep the mice and critters away you'll do ok with keeping the bears at bay too with just a few more little tips and bear cans can be rented in a lot of places.Chances are you could even rent one online and have it delivered to a lodge if needed.
I'm note saying to not take them seriously but dont let them limit your trip either.There's plenty of people who can help you prepare and teach you whats needed in bear country on here.
|
|
|
Post by ozymandiac on Jan 5, 2017 7:56:26 GMT -8
bluefishKeene Valley (Adirondacks) is definitely on the shortlist, the Greyhound bus is very convenient. @tdale I used to think hiking poles were silly (only seniors use them here ) until I saw literally every Welshmen/Englishman using 1-2 of these. So they're on my shopping list. talusjmitchI've been looking at these trails, especially Susquehannock since it's closer to Buffalo and it has a nice length. I haven't found a good transport for either but I'm looking into it now. captainrobYeah I'm still not keen on meeting a bear but that doesn't mean we won't go
|
|