Published May 27, 2010 05:47PM
Local Hikes: Northeast
Hike across a state, gain the country's best foliage view, and top alpine balds. (Click linked trips for GPS waypoints, photos, and more.)
'(Map by Andrew Matranga.)'
(Map by Andrew Matranga.)
(Map by Andrew Matranga.)
1. Best foliage: Camel’s Hump
Vermont’s third highest peak has 10 acres of tundra on top, a nice pad to scan the kaleidoscope of turning maples and oaks below. Hit the 2.4-mile Burrows Trail in October’s second week.
2. Alpine day: Bonds-Twins linkup
Top six 4,000-footers (the Bonds, Twins, and Mt. Guyot) on a 16.6-mile point-to-point from NH 112 to US 3.
3. Mega megafauna: Baxter SP
“If you don’t see a moose on this hike, then your guide dog will,” jokes Roy. Leave Roaring Brook Campground for a seven-mile hike to Bullwinkle-infested Russell Pond.
4. Favorite basecamp: Wild River Campground
Five trails meet near the entrance, and trout rise within walking distance. Its 12 sites are first-come, first-served.
5. Favorite weekend: The Great Range
Some do this 25-mile greatest-hits loop through Adirondack Park’s High Peaks region in a day. Blasphemy. Savor it. Day one is huge: You’ll hit seven peaks higher than 4,000 feet, then top 5,344-foot Mt. Marcy, the highest point in the state, before camping in Panther Gorge. Hike out on day two.
6. Best mini thru-hike: Maryland section of the AT
Hike the Appalachian Trail 41 miles across Maryland. Start in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Camp at Pine Knob Shelter.
7. Best falls hike: Ricketts Glen
See nearly three cascades per mile on this 6.2-mile lollipop.
Quick City Escapes
Amazon’s bestselling guidebook authors choose killer dayhikes near…
Boston from Michael Tougias
AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Boston, AMC Books, $17
> Fernwood Lake Trail, Ravenswood Park
> Carriage Path, World’s End Reserve
> Noanet Peak Trail, Noanet Woodlands
New York City from Rhonda and George Ostertag
Hiking New York, Falcon, $19
> Pine Meadow Lake Loop, Harriman SP
> Breakneck Ridge Trail, Hudson Highlands SP
> Three Lakes Trail, Clarence Fahnestock Memorial SP
Philadelphia from Susan Charkes
AMC’s Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphia, AMC Books, $19
> White/Blue Trail, Ridley Creek SP
> Indian Springs/Hidden Pond Trail, Brandywine Creek SP
> Summit Trail, Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain