April 8-10, Cabin Trip, Stokes State Forest, Branchville NJ
We've reserved a cabin for the weekend. Stokes is adjacent to High Point State Park and near the Delaware River, this state forest has many hiking trails, including six miles of the Appalachian Trail. There are great views from the top of Sunrise Mountain, hiking in the Tillman Ravine Natural Area and at Buttermilk Falls. Click here for a park map. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY APRIL 1.
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Sarah 212-675-5012
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Denise 646-457-2072
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Sunday, April 17, Day Hike Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, Mendham NJ
Join us for a moderate forest hike in north-central New Jersey to yet another Buttermilk Falls. Bring lunch, water and sturdy shoes. NO CALLS BEFORE SUNDAY APRIL 10.
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Sunday, May 1, Brunch at The Park Restaurant, Manhattan NY
Denise liked Theresa's excellent restaurant pick for the annual meeting so much that she'd like to go back. This spacious, hip restaurant has nice brunch selections, friendly staff, and a big atrium. Meet us at 1 pm. NO CALLS BEFORE SUNDAY APRIL 24.
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Sunday, May 8, Day Paddle, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, Sussex County NJ
The Wallkill shares with the great rivers the Nile and the Rhine the peculiarity of northward flow. A nine-mile stretch of Sussex County river wetlands north of Hamburg NJ gives rise to the Wallkill River NWR, which, since 1990, has been a haven for more than 225 species of birds, a wide variety of fish and wildlife; and those who love to watch them. There are short hiking loops and the Appalachian Trail intersects here, but one of the best ways to see the refuge is by canoe or kayak. You will experience the great diversity of habitats that makes the refuge unique. Paddling takes you through beautiful floodplain forests, wet meadows which are maintained by seasonal flooding, and under tall rock cliffs. We can meet at the nearby Sussex Queen Diner at 9:00 AM for breakfast, then drive over to the take out site to leave vehicles, and drive back down to the launch site to start our one-way paddle. There are no boat rentals at the launch site, but a rental location can be recommended.
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May 20-22, Camping Trip, Fire Island National Seashore, Watch Hill NY
Camp behind the dunes by the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy miles of secluded, clothing-optional beaches, or hike on a boardwalk nature trail through salt marshes, fresh water marshes, thickets and forests. You won't see a private car all weekend because ... no cars are allowed. The birds and vegetation are spectacular, but beware of the ticks. We do this trip in the spring because the mosquitoes are ferocious later in the season. Flush toilets and hot showers. Fire Island can be reached by public transportation via LIRR and ferry. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY MAY 13.
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Sarah 212-675-5012
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Frank 914-740-1053
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May 27-30, Camping/Cabin Trip, Voorhees State Park/Spruce Run Reservoir, Glen Gardner/Clinton NJ
We'll have the choice of hiking on several great trails in and around this secluded park (see #7, #8 in trails link), bicycling on the Columbia Trail, or boating and hiking in nearby Spruce Run and Round Valley Recreation Areas. (Boat rentals available). In the evening, if Voorhees State Park's observatory is open, we will be able to view planets and constellations through the park's high power telescope. At night, as always, we'll pitch our tents and share stories by the campfire. For those without a car who would like to travel from the city on Friday afternoon or evening, trains on the Raritan Valley Line depart from NY Penn Station, and arrive in the nearby town of High Bridge. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY MAY 20.
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Oded 917-593-1588
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David 718-897-1448
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Sunday, June 12, Day Hike Minnewaska State Park, New Paltz NY
Normally we go to Minnewaska during the winter to ski, but the park is beautiful in the summer too. On this day, we'll take a moderate hike to Low Falls and then, weather permitting, we'll swim. NO CALLS BEFORE SUNDAY JUNE 5.
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June 17-19, Camping Trip, Worthington State Forest, Columbia NJ
We'll be camping at a group site, right on the Delaware River. Put on your swimsuit, and boat or fish from the boat launch near the campsite. Hikers can climb up the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond, an unspoiled glacial lake, or visit the Mohican Outdoor Center for nearby swimming or boating. On Saturday or Sunday morning, Ken may lead an early morning hike. Chemical toilets by the site, flush toilets and showers in another part of the park. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY JUNE 10.
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Janice 973-930-3563
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Theresa 917-836-7003
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