Recent content by Hikerdad

I agree that it's very doable from JBL. My sons (probably about 11 and 14 YO at the time) went from Slant Rock to Haystack and Basin (and then on to Saddleback, Gothics, Armstrong and Upper Wolfjaw and back to Slant Rock) in a day (albeit a long, gruelling day..maybe 11-12 hours). Just doing...

Bubba: I've never heard of "Harold Square"....is that different than "Times Square"? Thanks,

Wow....very impressive...I will definitely get a copy...

Be advised that the Southside trail is quite a bit rougher (and slower therefore) than the Phelps trail. Also, depending on water levels, I don't think you need that bridge to get across Johns Brook (in fact I don't think I've ever used it). I've gotten across at Johns Brook Lodge easy enough. I...

I don't have my maps here but I would think it was about 19 miles...I think its 7.2 miles from UW to Uphill LT, say .3m(?) to Feldspar, it has to be 1 mile or more up the Feldspar trail, then .5(?) to Skylight and .3(?) to Gray...that's 9.3 times 2 or 18.6...round to 19....

We got going late from home on Sunday so it was 10:30 or so before we hit the Loj. No rain on the drive up until we left the Northway on Rt 73 then it started. Rain was a light but steady shower by time we reached the Loj. I considered bagging the hike but decided to just try Wrights (had hoped...

My (hopefully) soon-to-be hiking dog is our almost two year old golden lab (also called Colden, for the peak). He hasn't gone on any high peaks hikes so far but that is my goal for tthis year. Since I'm new to the whole hiker-dog thing what words of advice do people have?

Cascade is a great peak to start on...it's very moderate (not steep) and short, it gets plenty of traffic so the trail will probably be packed down and obvious and there will probably be people around. It's in trees until the very close to the top so it is a bit sheltered until then, then there...

Have have to put in another vote for the MacAllister guide book. I think it's the best guide book I've seen...good background for hiking in general and on the Catskills, well written, easy to read, good advice. It helped me get into hiking/climbing. I always recommend it as a good Catskill...

I've always thought about staying at the Ausble Inn (never have though so I can't say what it's like). The Adirondack Ark Motel is on 9N toward Jay from Keene and is supposed to be good (clean and cheap). I'd like to stay at the Hostel but like Pete says if I have 2-3 of the kids with me it's...

Rookie: Congrats! That slog up to Lake Arnold is a grind.... Did you tent camp at Feldspar? If you did how/where were the tent sites?

I wouldn't worry too much about going up or down the slide.... I've (with kids) have been up and down it several times. There is a lot of loose dirt/rocks that are more irritating than dangerous (IMO) but nothing that would make me avoid it as a descent. I would definitely avoid the Lillian...

Butch: The showers at Adirondack Loj are in the information bldg not the Loj itself....they're opposite the rest rooms in the back of the bldg and there are two separate showers. I THINK that they are even available after the main part of the bldg itself is locked...I THINK they keep some back...

Good luck on your attempt on Haystack...it's a real gem...remote, rugged, great rock scrambling, great views. My first attempt on Haystack was in unbelievable fog and wind with my two boys...we ended up turning back. I hope your kids like the hike becuase there is nothing like hiking with them...

It would be a long, tough day hike...the col between Basin and Haystack is deep. The climb down the Saddleback cliffs isn't too bad so don't worry about coming down if you go in that direction. I agree with Atlerpeak...camp in the JBL area and do the loop as a day hike....we did Basin and...