This hike is a 6.5-mile challenging bushwack with fun climbs and nice views. With a 2300’ ascent, the hike is rated moderate-to-difficult. The pace of the hike will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed, typically) with steep climbs and short breaks.
Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, water/ sports drink, snowshoes, traction aids (e.g. microspikes), warm layers of clothes, proper outerwear, winter boots, gaiters, poles, and a headlamp (just in case).
The event is limited to 12 people and registration is required by February 13. To register, contact event leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted only with the permission of the event leader.
We will meet, ready to shuttle, no later than 8:00 am at the Shaft Rd parking area off of Rt 42. Please do not park on Shaft Rd. or the adjacent home's driveway. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave most cars here, and will shuttle to the Mink Hollow parking area (Western end of Devil's Path) on Spruceton Rd to start our hike.
GPS Coordinates for Shaft Road parking area: 42.165112, -74.408771
Google Maps link for Shaft Road parking area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q5nr8Y5afajuHm1B9
Driving directions: From the north, take State Route 23A to State Route 42. Go 7.6 miles on Route 42 and turn left. Continue on the short gravel road through the line of trees, and the parking area is on the right.
From the south, take State Route 28 to State Route 42. Take Route 42 3.75 miles and turn right. Continue on the short gravel road through the line of trees, and the parking area is on the right.
Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about four days before the hike.
More info
Bring:
• Headlamps with extra batteries
• Poles with snow baskets
• Warm, water resistant boots
• Gaiters
• Traction aides
• Snowshoes
• Extra mittens, liners, caps
• Survival gear/supplies (puffy, bivy, fire starting materials, extra food/water)
• Snow shovel, ice scraper, tow rope in car
• Change of boots/clothes in car
• Sleeping bag/blanket in car
Also from Marv:
• I can provide loaner gear. Tell me what you need.
• Set up Google offline mapping so you can head home without cell service.
• Well behaved dogs are generally welcome, with my permission. Please request my permission before bringing a dog. My standards for what constitutes a "well behaved" dog are pretty high. Please tell me if you're uncomfortable hiking with dogs.