Created from 6 pictures from Giant Ledge





N e w s

The week of March 17th begin with intervals of sunshine and clouds with showers and a breeze on Sunday with highs in the high 40's. Monday will have intervals of clouds and sunshine with a breeze and a chance of rain or show showers with highs in the high 30's. Tuesday will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a chance of some snow flakes and highs in the mid 30's. Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with a little snow and highs in the low 40's. Thursday will still be breezy in the morning and then colder with times of clouds and sun amd highs in the low 30's. Friday will not be as cold with times of sun and clouds and highs in the mid 40's. On Saturday there will be times of clouds and sun with highs in the low 40's. Daylight will continue to slowly increase heading toward the spring equinox. Packing a working headlamp is always a good idea as it may mean the difference between finishing a hike easily and wandering around in the forest. NEVER assume that conditions at the trailhead are the conditions on the mountain. Spikes and full crampons are now a necessity on most trails especially on the high peaks. Some routes may require full crampons to be really safe. When the weather conditions are constantly changing, be sure you have dressed appropriately in clothing that will wick away moisture to prevent it from accumulating in your clothing, which can, at the very least, be uncomfortable. Layering should be with non-cotton materials as cotton tends to hold moisture. Keeping hydrated is essential no matter the temperatures since hydrating properly will allow you to hike longer and in greater comfort. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you as local water sources can be unreliable and may be contaminated. Once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated! Remember, the weather forecast is only a prediction and always contains percentages. Be prepared and have a plan for the most likely and least likely forecast! Are you prepared to stay out overnight on a trail? Conditions in the morning can change drastically by the afternoon. Conditions at the trailhead do not always reflect the conditions on the peaks! Variable trail and weather conditions are a hallmark of these mountains. BE CAREFUL AND BE PREPARED!

Winter Hiking Gear

Recently there has been a lot of discussion on social media about snowshoes and other winter traction devices. The choice of this kind of equipment is highly personal and depends upon diverse criteria including hiking terrain and hiker budget. Few people will ever agree completely on the "best" equipment and even on what equipment to bring on a hike. Steve Olesen was king enough to work up two chart that deal with this subject. One chart lists some popular brands of snowshoes while the other has other traction devices from spikes to full crampons. Many thanks to Steve. Check out his list below:

Snowshoes
Other Devices

Website highlights the Appalachian Trail

AppalachianTrail.com is an informational resource devoted to the world's longest hiking-only trail - the Appalachian Trail. From various wildlife you might encounter on the Trail - to the best movies featuring the AT - we have it covered. You can read other hiker's stories, discover the highest peaks, famous places and attractions on the Appalachian Trail, and research communities along the way. We strive to be your all-everything reference when planning your AT hike and learning about the history of the trail.

Tuesday: January 2nd: Parksville Maintenance
Friday: January 5th: Round Top Figure 8's
Sunday: January 7th: Round Top Figure 8's SNOW
Saturday: January 27th: Parksville Rail Trail Loop
Monday: January 29th: Round Top Figure 8's MORE SNOW
Tuesday: January 30th: Beaverkill Campgrounds
Tuesday: February 13th: Round Top BEFORE SNOW
Monday: February 19th: Parksville Rail Trail
Saturday: February 24th: Round Top Figure 8's
Monday: February 26th: Frick Pond: Flynn, Big Rock, Quick Lake
Tuesday: February 27th: Parksville Rail Trail: Sonoma Falls
Friday: March 1st: Round Top Figure 8's
Monday: March 4th: Parksville Rail Trail
Wednesday: March 6th: Beaverkill Campgrounds
Friday: March 8th: Frick Pond: Loggers Loop
Tuesday: March 12th: Frick Pond Maintenance
Thursday: March 14th: Beaverkill Campgrounds
Saturday: March 16th: Round Top Figure 8s


- + Hiking Picture Books

- + Sullivan County Hiker

- + Trail Maintenance Equipment

- + Hiking Poles

- + Trailkeeper.org


Webmaster: Ralph Bressler



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