Section hiking on Appalachian Trail in New York, took Abby and I two trips. The first trip, was from Stormville Mountain Rd in Stormville, NY to Route 55 in Pawling. The second trip, a week later, from Route 55 to Route 22, Pawling NY. We aren’t comfortable with sleeping solo, yet and just hiking onward.
Trip #1/ Stormville Mountain Road to NY 55-
It was very humid and very hot. I believe low 90s.
Before considering hiking in this weather, please make sure you are able to handle the conditions and if you are like me and traveling with a small person, be extra vigilant. Lots and lots of water, cool clothes, hat, bandanna … Only go if all parties are used to it. Children get heatstroke faster than adults. I hike a lot and it felt like I was being punched in the lungs and I was breathing in a very small space when I started as she was on my back and I was lugging an extra pack off that one. Once I pushed through and my lungs acclimated, it became a lot easier.
Tip #2-
Also be prepared for bugs. This section was done in July and the bugs were not too bad. However, we did part of this section in the Spring and it was a nightmare. The only place I got bit bad was the first road you cross after Mount Egbert.
Tip #3-
Lack of water. You should always carry water or water and a filtration system. Never drink water. Especially standing, stagnant water. As Abby girl says, “you will poop yourself.” This section lacked water. At the start of the hike, Trail Angels do leave jugs of water. If they are open, I used to filter them because you never know. I hate to think that way, but even if a stranger took a swig. Gross.
Terrain-
This section isn’t too bad. There is a lot of up and down. There is only one summit and this is Mt. Egbert. There are some small scrambles and rocky sections. One scramble is hard with a monkey on your back. It is heading up to Mount Egbert and I literally had to hoist my leg up and pull my body by gripping rock. At this point, Abby was still sleeping on my back.
Section #2/NY 55 to NY 22-
Section #2 was a lot buggier. I walked away with some pretty bad deer fly bites. They were literally biting me through my clothes even with bug spray. My husband asked me later on after the hike why I had bug bites on my hip … I replied, “I hiked naked.” I really didn’t. You just couldn’t stand still for very long. Some of the higher elevations and more forested settings, the bugs did let up. However, around Nuclear Lake in the beginning and at the end heading into Great Swamp territory, the bugs took no prisoners. Abby and I were walking fast screaming “bug in eye.” literally got bugs stuck to our eyeballs.
Terrain-
Now that I have scared everyone. You are probably thinking this sounds horrible. It wasn’t. As a hiker, it’s par for the course. It happens. The lake is beautiful and a great place to stop. I made a crown of wild daisy’s for my wild child.
It is a lot of wandering. A lot of up and over and through the woods. Shortly after the lake, you start winding upward. Abby took the opportunity for a nap. Then lost a shoe and I had to hike a half mile back when I was almost to the summit. As one dad I saw said, “he’s been there a few times too.”
The summit of Cat Rocks overlooked all the rolling farm land and mountains in the distance. Watch the drop and the view point with small children. I didn’t let Abby get too close to the edge.
The trip down after the summit had some wild berries this time of year. Not many left and it dyed my child’s hands and face purple. My hands also were stained. I cannot resist some berries. Caught purple handed. Some were crunchy. Bugs give you that extra protein boost. It was the pick me up you need for the steepness ahead.
It’s a lot of downhill from here. One section is a bit of scramble. Nothing too horrible. Just watch your footing and you can always butt scoot if you are nervous. If Abby age 3.5 can do it, you can. Well, maybe not as she is apparently, part monkey.
The next highlight is the Dover Oak. Stop, hug and awe in it’s glory. Just don’t get hit by a car crossing old Rt 55 to see the Oak.
After that, it’s more uphill. The uphill is through several fields. Several fields in direct sunlight. I was glad my child covered me in mud before this section. Helped a lot.
Then the final section is heading toward, and then, into the Great Swamp to do battle with the bugs. Just hike quickly.
Tip-
Abby girl and I played games and sang songs to keep both of us going. She was heading into the four mile range on her feet without a carry and six miles total. At this point we had traveled almost eight miles. So games like Eye Spy or Bear Hunt really do wonders. Sang the ABC song a million times and counted a lot.
The Great Swamp-
Our pickup location was the Great Swamp. We have been here several times. It is a beautiful places and all boardwalks. We sat and had an impromptu science lesson while we waited for our ride home from dad. The water had receded and a snake was eating the dead fish. Gross to some … But, Abby Girl was fascinated. This is the child who loves watching Dr. Pimple Popper.
At the end of the Great Swamp, carefully cross the train tracks. You have already survived merciless bugs, being a billy goat, playing frogger and getting nettle burns. You don’t need to get hit by a speeding train.
If you are lucky like us, a cool air conditioned car and your favorite snacks will be waiting. Abby talked about a Taco party for about a mile before pickup. We are still waiting for the Taco Party. Perhaps another post?
Conclusion-
All in all both trips were awesome and it really helps to be able to just go and not have to do in and out trips. Where are we heading next? Subscribe to follow our next adventure!
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