Hike on the AT from Fahnestock State Park, NY to Hudson Highlands State Park, NY

A 2-day hike (or 1-day option for 1st day) on the Appalachian Trail (AT) starting at the Long Hill Rd. parking area near East Fishkill, NY (at Shenandoah Mtn. at the eastern limit of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park) and heading southbound to Hudson Highlands State Park, NY for a total of about 17 miles. This is the next segment of the AT southbound from the Nov. 15 '08 trip for the group. We'll spend the night at a tenting area near the trail (you need a tent or must arrange to share with someone). There is an early out option (1-day hike) at 8.3 miles without an overnight stay for those with backup transportation. We'll meet for the hike at the small dirt parking area on top of the hill on Long Hill Rd., E. Fishkill, NY (see below). The hike for the day will be about 8.3 miles through Fahnestock Sate Park. We should reach the endpoint for the day by 4:45 PM (sunset 4:46 PM). We will stay at the free Dennytown Road Group Campsite for the night off of Dennytown Rd. Water and latrine are available. It is possible for those who only wish to do the 8.3 miles as a dayhike to leave at this point if they have transportation to pick them up (see below). Cell coverage is unknown for this location. The next morning we will start by 8 AM (sunrise 6:34 AM) and hike about 8.7 miles to the endpoint near the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. 403 (see below). This endpoint is at the border with the Hudson Highlands State Park and should be reached by no later than about 4:45 PM (sunset 4:45 PM). There should be at least a couple scenic viewpoints along the hike for the day. We'll shuttle back to the cars at the start. If there is interest, we'll hit a place to eat in the area. Please note that terrain, conditions, and individual party members may affect the overall timing of the hike and may necessitate backup plans if any member of the party runs into significant issues or if there are weather related issues that spring up. I have been conservative with the estimated times and as long as all parties are reasonable fit, experienced, and equipped we should come in earlier than I estimated. == ADVISED MUST-BRING GEAR/SUPPLIES (for 2-days)== NOTE: It will likely be cold at night so plan accordingly. * Full pack * Waterproofed hiking boots -Must be comfortable, & broken in * Wool socks * Layers of cloathing -Avoid cotton as it stays wet (this includes underwear). Plus second day's clothing. * Hat * Rain parka/jacket or rain poncho-Just in case (essential with weather this summer!) * Sleeping bag -3 season or winter * Warm bedcloaths * Headlamp or flashlight -LED version best -essential! * Backpacking tent -Or share * 3 quarts water -No defined safe water source except campsite * 4 meals for on the trail -DAY-1: lunch, supper; DAY-2: breakfast, lunch (all trash to be packed out!). High energy meals should be planned. Only supper may be cooked but if getting up early (6:00 AM) then breakfast can be cooked too. * Trail appropriate high energy snacks -e.g. at least G.O.R.P (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), beef jerky, granola bars, etc. * Sunscreen * Emergency whistle * Bear bag and 15' min. light weight rope -Hang food at night * Toiletries & Toiletpaper -essential! == ADVISED MUST-BRING GEAR/SUPPLIES (1-day OPTION)== * Daypack * Waterproofed hiking boots -Must be comfortable, & broken in * Wool socks * Layers of cloathing -Avoid cotton as it stays wet (this includes underwear). * Hat * Rain parka/jacket or rain poncho-Just in case (essential with weather this summer!) * 3 quarts water -No defined safe water source except campsite * 2 meals for on the trail -DAY-1: lunch, supper (if stating longer); High energy meals should be planned. Only supper may be cooked. * Trail appropriate high energy snacks -e.g. at least G.O.R.P (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts), beef jerky, granola bars, etc. * Sunscreen * Emergency whistle * Toiletpaper -essential! == OPTIONAL GEAR == * Water filter -To restock water * Camera and extra batteries * Pocket knife * Backpacking first aid kit -For blisters and such * Compass * Bugspray * Waterproof matches -For cooking, campfire, emergency fire (warm up, signal) * Mess kit -If needed * Camping utensils -If needed * Backpacking stove and fuel -If cooking * Sleeping pad * Game(s) to play in camp -ards, Jenga, etc. Approximate location/directions to the meetup location & AT starting point, Long Hill Rd., East Fishkill, NY via MapQuest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=East+Fishkill&state=NY&address=100+Long+Hill+Rd. Approximate location/directions to the dayhike option pickup area (Dennytown Rd., in Fahnestock State Park) http://www.mapquest.com/maps/l=41.42;g=-73.869 NOTE: About 1.2 miles south of Rt. 301 on Dennytown Rd. Approximate location/directions to the endpoint near the intersection of Rt. 9 and Rt. 403: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Garrison&state=NY&address=1400+Route+9 === Legal Stuff === By clicking on "Yes" or "Maybe" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Hartford Area Hiking meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. 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