r/catskills

Hey r/catskills — looking for recommendations for a trail for my first real backpacking overnight and want it to be a great experience so I keep coming back. I’m experienced with day hikes but new to overnight backpacking and have been doing a ton of research (AllTrails, Gaia, DEC maps.). I’ve been looking at the Big Indian / Slide Mountain Wilderness area but still can’t decide.

Looking for:

Primitive/dispersed camping (following DEC rules)

Nice flat campsite with decent ground (pine needles/duff preferred, not tall grass/rough rocky ground)

Near reliable water so I don’t have to carry a ton of weight of water and i have a filter and a stove

Quiet/less crowded if possible (i can go on weekdays)

Beautiful scenery / peaceful woods vibe

Don’t mind a challenging hike in

Also wondering: what are trail conditions usually like in late April? Still snowy/icy at elevation, or mostly melted out by then?

Coming from Queens, NY so a 2hr 30 min drive from there. Planning for mid-week if possible.

Would love recommendations for trails, trailheads, or areas that fit this vibe. Thanks!

Hi, I am exhausted from the last few years and finally booked a vacation. It needed to be driving distance from New Jersey area, dog friendly, and not require me to do any cooking. I landed on Scribners, and I have a 4 or 5 day stay booked for next month.

I am a single young-ish (late 20s, so I think I’m young but my nieces don’t) woman and I chose this location mostly so I could enjoy some quiet time with a book and take my dog on nice walks. Neither one of us are big hikers or adventurers (mostly because my dog is one of those small white fluffy ones) but I can get a backpack to carry her in if there’s a particular hike that is a must-do in the area.

I honestly was not planning much in terms of preparation. I haven’t looked up things to do in the area, nor mapped out an itinerary. I went to undergrad in upstate NY (finger lakes area) so I am not unfamiliar to the point that I don’t know how to dress or anything, but now I am curious if there is anything I should know about the area around Scribners or anything I must see when I am there? I’d love any tips or recommendations, or things to stay away from!

I booked this trip a bit impulsively, so I am also open to hearing from anyone about whether this is worthwhile to go to Scribners alone and for that long of a stay. I haven’t taken a vacation since before law school, and now my dog is a senior so it’s limited my options quite a bit. I want this to be a good trip for her too, to relax and get attention and lots of time outside.

Hi all,

As spring arrives, I’m hoping to find some hikes that will allow me to see some spring ephemerals. Does anyone have any recommendations for hikes that are good for this?

Thanks!

Going to be staying in Woodstock the last weekend in April for the Afghan Whigs show. Looking for some things to do Friday night and Saturday. I have done the hike to the buddhist monastery and the hotel ruins. Which was cool. Bars/ Eats/ Anything else- Any suggestions and ideas would great!