ATLANTIC CHAPTER HIKING, BACKPACKING, SNOWSHOE, ICE SKATING, SKI TRIPS, WALKS, MEETINGS AND SOCIAL EVENTS

ALL MONTH LONG:

SINGLES OUTINGS and IMPROMPTU OUTINGS Atlantic Chapter/Lower Hudson Group email list of impromptu singles outings & other impromptu outings led by Murray Schechter, Don Pachner and others. Events include museum trips, social events, photography outings, nature walks, day hikes, etc. To be put on list for notification via email click here and go to "Join or Leave the List"

SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIPS Help spruce up one of the region’s most beautiful trails in one of the 10 most endangered ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere. Moderate to strenuous outing, including a 5 mile hike. Possible dinner afterwards in New Paltz. Light cotton work gloves required (available for $1 or $2 at most hardware stores). Hiking boots recommended. Group size limited and early start required due to transportation requirements. You will be notified of the trips throughout the fall. To be placed on the email notification list or for further information, subscribe to the Impromptu/Singles Outings List used also for notification of Shawangunk Service Trips.   Pictures of previous trips available on web site . Participants on two or more trips will receive an official Gertrude's Nose Trail Maintainer T-shirt when they are designed and  produced!

NYC VEGETARIANS NYC Vegetarians - fun and informal vegetarian dinners, picnics, hikes and other activities throughout the year.  To register for the NYC Vegetarians list-serv, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCVegetarians then follow the instructions. (advertisement)

To October Schedule

SCHEDULED OUTINGS (underlined trips require pre-registration):

Nov 3 (Sat) EXPLORATORY HIKE TO HIGHMOUNT AND BELLEAYRE REGIONS - SITE OF PROPOSED CATSKILL CROSSROADS VENTURES DEVELOPMENT. Moderate hike. Beautiful views. Weather forecast sunny! A battle is brewing over a megadevelopment in the western Catskills which includes potentially a mile long road and more than a dozen homes over the 3,000 foot line and clear cutting of Highmount, taxpayer subsidies of more than $55 million and a sweetheart deal that will allow the developer to sell unbuildable property to the state to finance an intensely built 1 sqare mile development adjacent to Belleayre Ski Area and the old Highmount ski area. Moderate 2 hour hike, possible bushwhacking. Optional additional hikes afterwards, dinner, or early return to NYC. Meeting at coalition member's home in Highmount prior to hike. Ride sharing required. Contact LEADER: Don Pachner by email wildplaces@verizon.net  or phone 914-234-6618 (no calls after 10:30 PM)

Nov 4 (Sun) WALK ATOP THE OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT from Ossining to the Dam that is the largest masonry structure since the great pyramids of Egypt, picnic in the magnificent gorge by the rocky spillway of the Croton River and study the history and design of this engineering marvel that saved New York City. Trans: MTA 8:51 from GCT or 9:10 from Marble Hill arr. Ossining Sta. at 9:37. Drivers should meet the train and shuttle to Community Center parking lots, 95 B’way, Ossining. From there, we will walk, at a brisk, firm pace on the level tree-lined OCA Trail, by a double arch bridge and the Weir and on to the great dam, descend to the Gorge for lunch and return the same way in time for the 4:04 train back. Actual rain cancels. Joint with AMC. Leader Michael Graff Mgraff@nyc.rr.com  Tel. 917-902-7979 (no calls after 10 PM of before 9 AM.) For drivers wanting to meet us at the dam or arrange a shuttle to drive back instead of hiking back, the driving instructions from Ossining are: Continue north on Rt. 9 through Croton to the traffic light in Croton at the intersection of Route 129 (Maple St.) and Old Post Road South; turn right on Rte. 129 northward for 0.7 mile to Quaker Bridge Rd. (first right after Jacoby). On Quaker Bridge Rd., stay right at the fork and cross the one lane Quaker Bridge (1897, but still good). Turn left from the bridge and drive 0.6 mile to another left onto Quaker Ridge Rd. Stay left at Apple Bee Farm Rd. for about 0.3 miles., then turn left onto Croton Dam Rd. about 0.3 miles to the small parking area at the dam barrier. Hikers should arrive there about 12:20. This route is 3.4 miles from the light in Croton. (Croton Gorge Park information: 914-862-5290; Westchester County Parks: 914-864-7275.)

Nov 4 (Sun) ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK PRESERVE. Get a glimpse of fall foliage at its peak on this leisurely stroll of around 6 miles along some of the carriage paths and intimate wooded lanes with panoramic vistas which characterize this beautiful State park preserve. Take the 9:20 MetroNorth Hudson Line train from Grand Central, arriving in Philipse Manor at 10:12 (RT fare: $14.50/Srs.$9.50). This train may also be boarded 9:40 at the Marble Hill station, one block from the 225th St. stop on the #1 subway (RT fare: $7/Srs.$3.50). Please sit in the first or second open car of the train. Drivers from NYC: Thruway to Exit 9 to Route 9 North to Palmer Ave., left on Palmer Ave. to Philipse Manor station. Park in the commuter lot by the station (free on weekends). No need to register, but you must call or preferably email me beforehand to make sure that the hike is on, and if you need or can offer a ride from NYC. No children, no pets, no smoking. LEADER Bob Susser Tel. 212-666-4371; rsusser@aol.com

Nov 17 (Sat) SHAWANGUNK SERVICE TRIP Moderate to strenuous with a 5 mile hike. Will be driven to trailhead by the park rangers. Come survey and work on our spectacular trail Gertrude's Nose Footpath and clip encroaching vegetation 1,300' above the Walkill Valley floor. Considered part of one of the "last great places" by The Nature Conservancy with the highest biodiversity rate in NY and endangered plant species found nowhere else in the state. Hiking boots/shoes and cotton work gloves (we have a few extra gloves.) Bring fleece or other warm clothing for slow periods and rest stops, also a windbreaker and hat. We supply the tools. Bring water, lunch and a snack. Be prepared to have a fun time with a congenial crew in a beautiful setting. Possible socializing over hot cider or drinks and dinner afterwards in New Paltz. Always a fun trip. Co-leaders Don Pachner Email mailto:wildplaces@verizon.net Tel. 914-234-6618 (until 10:30 PM) and George Klein. Public transportation available but must contact leaders to arrange pickup in New Paltz at bus depot. Drivers meet at park entrance at 9:15 AM. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED SO WE CAN LET PARK RANGERS KNOW HOW MANY TO TRANSPORT TO TRAILHEAD

Nov 24 (Sat) OUTDOOR TURKEY ROAST AT RINGWOOD STATE PARK, RINGWOOD, NJ  We will supply a turkey roasted over an open fire and all the other stuff that goes with it; you can come just for dinner (around 3:30) or come earlier and hike around before dinner. The shelter we use is about one-half mile from the parking lot. After dinner & clean up, stay around the campfire if you wish. We go rain or shine since the food will already be bought. Advance Reservations are absolutely required and must be received by Nov. 21st. Include the $17 per person cost, your phone number and E-mail address (if you have one), and a self- addressed envelope (so we can send you exact directions). Also indicate if you can give or need a ride. The bus routes have changed so there is no longer a nearby stop but we may be able to arrange a car shuttle from Cupsaw Plaza--call the leader for information. Workers who arrive in the morning to help are especially needed & welcome and get a reduced rate. Vegetarians, Helpers or those with questions should call the leader. Leader: Don Wade, 35-41 72nd Street, Jackson Heights, N.Y. 11372; (718) 426-8555 (leave a message if out).
E-mail: DonWade@donwade.us

<Return to November Calendar>

OUTINGS TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION & TRAILHEADS FOR HIKERS

NYC TRANSPORTATION: Unless otherwise specified, buses leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) at 8th Ave. & 41st St. in Manhattan, while trains leave from Grand Central Terminal (GCT) at Park Ave. & 42nd St. in Manhattan (or take the IRT #1 Broadway subway to 225th St. for the Marble Hill station). Check bus and train schedules for changes. The leader will wait for the bus or train to arrive. Although car rides might not be available on the way back, a one-way ticket is a good bet. Car pool arrangements are strictly between the rider and the driver, not the leader or the Sierra Club. It is suggested that each passenger pay five cents a mile, and that all passengers share in the tolls. Drivers should arrive in time to meet the bus or train. Bring your lunch—the group will not wait for you to buy it at the meeting point. Do not assume you can leave your car all day at the meeting point – ask the leader.

ARDEN: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North 2.3 miles past Red Apple Rest (see Southfields). Turn right onto Arden Valley Road (not marked, but where Appalachian Trail enters Harriman Park). Drive ¼-mile over Thruway and turn right into dirt parking lot. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Arden, arriving at 9:10. Get off at Arden entrance of Harriman Park. Walk east ¼ mile up road and turn right into the parking lot.

BEAR MOUNTAIN: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway to Exit 19-Bear Mountain Park. Meet at entrance to the Bear Mountain Inn. Nondrivers: Take 8:45 International Bus (Shortline ticket window) from PABT to Bear Mountain, arriving at 10:15. Meet at entrance to the Bear Mountain Inn.

BREAKNECK RIDGE: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 11 miles (past Cold Spring). Go through a tunnel and park ¼ mile north of the tunnel on the left-hand side of the road. Nondrivers: [weekends only]: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Breakneck Ridge (flagstop—tell the conductor), arriving at 10:14. Walk back ¼-mile towards tunnel and meet in parking area on left.

COLD SPRING: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 10 miles, make a left on Main St., and meet near the Station Café (to the right of the foot of Main St.). Nondrivers: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Cold Spring, arriving at 10:10. Walk north (do not cross over the tracks) and meet drivers at the Station Cafe.

GARRISON: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 6 miles, then take Route 403 West for half a mile. At train station, continue via overpass to other side of tracks (Hudson River side) and park at the south end, between ticket booth and deli. Nondrivers: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Garrison, arriving at 10:06.

GREENWOOD LAKE: Drivers: Take the GW Bridge to Route 4 to Route 208 to I-287 South. Exit 57 to Skyline Drive North until it comes to an end. Make a right onto Route 511 (Greenwood Lake Turnpike) north. Continue through intersection with Lakeside Road (a/k/a Union Valley Road/Route 513) - West Milford diner is on your right; just ahead on your left, park in the Hewitt Plaza (A&P) shopping mall parking lot, near the Mobil gas station. Nondrivers: Take NJ Transit bus from PABT-leaving at 8:30 AM Sat. or weekdays (arriving at 9:57) or 8:45 AM Sun. (arriving at 10:12) to Greenwood Lake, New Jersey. Check latest schedule with NJ Transit (973-762-5100) – it varies.

MANITOU: Drivers: Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway all the way to the Bear Mountain Bridge, cross the bridge, turn left onto Route 9D North for about 1.3 miles, and turn left onto Manitou Road. Park next to the railroad tracks. Nondrivers [weekends only]: Take Metro North train (Hudson line) from GCT leaving at 8:48 to Manitou (flagstop—tell the conductor), arriving at 10:01.

MOUNTAINVILLE: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 16 (Harriman). Take Route 32 North through Central Valley, Woodbury and Highland Mills to intersection with Angola Road, adjacent to Black Rock Fish & Game Club sign on left. Wait for the leader. Nondrivers: Take the 8:30 Shortline bus from PABT to Mountainville, arriving at 9:52.

NEW PALTZ (Minnewaska, Mohonk, Awosting): Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 18. Turn left, go down hill approximately a mile to the Trailways bus station. Park on the street, not in the parking lot; please don't block the buses or cabs. Nondrivers: Take the 8:30 Adirondack Trailways bus from PABT to New Paltz, arriving at 10:00. Exit the parking lot and meet the leader on the street; please don't block the buses or cabs.

SLOATSBURG: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North to Sloatsburg. Look for the Municipal Bldg. (2-story, modern red brick) on the right, make a hard right turn, make a second right before crossing the RR tracks (200 ft.), and a third right into the railroad commuter parking lot south of the station. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Sloatsburg (next stop after Suffern), arriving at 8:52. Get off in front of the Sloatsburg Municipal Building, and follow driving directions above (it’s not far).

SOUTHFIELDS: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North past Sloatsburg and Tuxedo to Southfields. Park in back of the Red Apple Rest, a large diner on the right-hand side of the northbound lane. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Southfields, arriving at 9:02. Meet at the Red Apple Rest.

SUFFERN: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 14B-Airmont Road. Go left on Airmont Road to Route 59 West to Suffern. Park in railroad parking lot behind the bus shelter. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Suffern, arriving at 8:43.

TUXEDO: Drivers: Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 15A to Route 17 North several miles past Sloatsburg. Park in lot by police station/railroad station. Nondrivers: Take the 7:50 Shortline bus from PABT to Tuxedo, arriving 8:57.

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