July 1-4, Camping Trip, Swartswood State Park, Newton NJ
Come and hike the trails, or walk to the beach to swim in Lake Swartswood. The park rents canoes, rowboats and paddleboats, and the lake is stocked with fish. The area is also great for road cycling, or biking with hybrid and mountain bikes on the nearby Paulinskill Valley Trail. Horseback riding is also available nearby on the Trail. We've reserved a shady group site that holds 20 people, where we can listen to the bullfrogs at night in the nearby duck pond. Outhouses at the site, flush toilets and showers at the lake. Quiet hours are 10 P.M. to 6 A.M.
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Ken 201-388-3685
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David 914-356-7164
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Saturday, July 9, Day Trip, Arrow Park, Monroe NY
Celebrate summer with us by hiking, boating and swimming in this rustic private park in Orange County. Bring a picnic lunch or contribute to a potluck. We will also hold a planning meeting in the afternoon for everyone interested in attending. NO CALLS BEFORE SATURDAY JULY 2.
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July 15-17, Camping Trip, High Point State Park, Sussex NJ
Swim, boat, fish, hike the Appalachian Trail, ride your mountain bike or just relax at this private group site situated far away from other campers. Hiking to the Monument at the highest point in NJ will award you with the most expansive 360 degree view of PA, NY and NJ in the area. A visit from our friendly black bears will make this trip one to remember. Pit toilets on the site, hot showers and flush toilets at the lake. Limited to 25 people. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY JULY 8.
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Theresa 917-836-7003
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Kirsten 914-966-8077
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Saturday, July 23, Day Paddle, Splitrock Reservoir, Rockaway Township NJ
Join us for an easy day paddle at this beautiful natural gem. The reservoir was only opened to the public for paddling and fishing in late 2003, and still has a remote feel that belies it's nearby NJ location. When on the water, the wide open space and largely unspoiled coastline gives one the impression of being somewhere in the north woods! There will even be islands and accessible trails to explore. You can bring your own kayak or canoe, but we have arranged (for this day only) kayak rentals at the launch site. (The number of rentals are limited, so RSVP now.) Unless you are able to find your way to the remote launch site and parking lot, we would all meet at a nearby diner at about 9 or 10 am. The earlier the better because the launch site parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. Bring a lunch, plenty of water, bathing suit, water shoes, sunscreen, etc. We may also go out for dinner afterwards if there is interest.
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July 29-31, Camping Trip, Taconic State Park, Copake Falls NY
What a great time to visit this vista filled park! Easy to advanced hiking is available. The campground is near Alander Peak and Brace Mountain. After a vigorous hike you can jump into the cool water at majestic Bash Bish Falls! Bicycle the Harlem Valley Rail Trail; it is great for mountain bikes and hybrids, or map out a route on the quiet roads in this bucolic area. Hot showers and flush toilets available. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY JULY 22.
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Denise 646-457-2072
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Frank 914-740-1053
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Sunday, August 14, Day Hike/Swim, Norvin Green State Forest/Highlands Natural Pool, Ringwood NJ
This hike was originally scheduled for Sunday, August 7, but because it rained on that day, we've rescheduled the hike to Sunday, August 14. Join us for an athletic day hike in this nearby undisturbed forest, and then for a relaxing swim in a natural pool! You are also welcome to just swim and picnic on the grounds. The hidden gem of the Wyanokie Highlands, the Highlands Natural Pool is an Olympic size, stream-fed freshwater pool. It is located adjacent to Norvin Green State Forest, and to N.J. Audubon's Weis Ecology Center (or click here for directions). The Pool grounds include a picnic and barbecue area. There is direct access to a recreation field (including a baseball backstop), volleyball court, ping-pong tables, and over 21 miles of pristine hiking trails in the forest. The pool will be open from 10am to 8pm. Ken will be leading a 3-4 hr hike at about 10 am. Bring prepared food or barbecue on their grills. Park in the Weis Ecology Center's outer parking lot. $10 per adult, $3 per child, for the day.
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August 19-21, Camping Trip, Tolland State Forest, East Otis MA
Tolland State Forest's campground is on a scenic lake peninsula on the western shore of the Otis Reservoir. The State Forest occupies nearly 4,900 acres in total and features numerous trails for hiking and exploration. The close proximity of Otis reservoir means recreational water activities are also an option. This crystal clear 1200 acre lake is the largest recreational lake in Massachusetts. There is a small beach at the campground for swimming, and there is a boat ramp at the Forest entrance if you want to launch your own watercraft. Boats, canoes, and kayaks can also be rented at nearby Camp Overflow or J and D Marina. We have reserved a few shady tent sites. Flush toilets and hot showers are available. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY AUGUST 12.
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Sue 973-896-3120
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Micole 201-220-1910
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September 2-5, Camping Trip, Fahnestock State Park, Carmel NY
Hike in the beautiful Hudson Valley, even on the Appalachian Trail - it runs right past our large group campsite! You can also swim, rent a kayak, canoe or rowboat in the park's Canopus Lake (a 10 minute drive or moderate day hike from the campsite). The quaint town of Cold Spring is also a short drive away. Flush toilets and hot showers are available within the park, rustic accommodations are available at the campsite. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY AUGUST 26.
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Kirsten 914-966-8077
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Terry 718-933-9807
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September 16-18, Camping Trip, Stokes State Forest, Branchville NJ
We will return to the beautiful Ocquittunk campsite that we enjoyed so much last fall. This park has many hiking trails including six miles of the Appalachian Trail. There are great views from the top of Sunrise Mountain and in the Tillman Ravine Natural Area. This beautiful area includes a portion of the Kittatinny Ridge, and is also near High Point State Park and the Delaware River. Flush toilets and hot showers. NO CALLS BEFORE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9.
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Debby 917-340-2663
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David 718-897-1448
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September 29-October 2, Bicycling Weekend, Martha's Vineyard Hostel, Martha's Vineyard MA
Take a day or two off from work and extend your weekend with us to enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer. Located near the center of the island, we will stay at the comfortable, large and efficiently run Martha's Vineyard Hostel. It has a large kitchen/dining room, den, and men's and women's dorms. A bike path can show you the way, right from the ferry wharf. Leave your car in the ferry lot in Quonset Point, RI (remember to pack light), bring or rent a bicycle (or rent a moped or smart car), and tour the quaint towns and beautiful shoreline on the many miles of quiet roads and smooth bike paths. The brightly colored Gay Head clay cliffs and lighthouse in Aquinnah is a must-see! You can also take in the flora and fauna by hiking or kayaking. Don't forget to visit the many shops and seafood restaurants. Taxis and a shuttle bus also service the Martha's Vineyard Hostel. Please plan now while there is still room left in the dorms. Do not call the hostel at this time to make reservations. To ensure bed availability, you must call a trip leader ASAP. Reservations will be accepted through September 1st.
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Janice 973-930-3563
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Jane 732-221-3483
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