Introduction to Cold Weather Camping

This overnight hike is an introduction to cold-weather camping before snowfall. We will hike from Tuxedo Park to Bald Rock Shelter in Harriman State Park, practice cold-weather camping skills, and return the following day.

Prior overnight camping experience is required. Participants must be self-sufficient with their gear or independently coordinate gear-sharing arrangements with other participants on this hike.

Route

Day 1: Trailhead to Claudius Smith Den, then White Cross Trail to Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, continuing to Bald Rock Shelter.

Day 2: Counterclockwise from Bald Rock Shelter via Dunning Trail, White Bar-Dunning Trail, and White Bar Trail to Triangle Trail, returning to the trailhead.

Distance: Approximately 12 miles total (6 miles per day)Elevation gain: Approximately 2,500 feetDifficulty: IntermediatePace: 2 mph

Transportation

The hike is accessible by public transportation. Participants may meet at Tuxedo Train Station.

Public transportation schedule: CoachUSA ShortLine leaves Port Authority Bus Terminal at 9:10 AM on Saturday. On Sunday, return options are a bus departing Tuxedo Park at 2:24 PM or NJ Transit trains departing hourly between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Drivers who are willing to offer a carpool should post their availability in the WhatsApp chat.

Cold Weather Camping Focus

The focus will be on transitioning from warm-weather to cold-weather camping. This is a good opportunity to try new gear and learn in a non-consequential environment.

Required Gear

Sleep and shelter

Tent; a three-season tent is sufficient

Sleeping bag rated to 20°F or warmer

Sleeping pad with an R-value of 4 or greater

Foam sleeping pad, if you have one

Clothing

Rain gear

Normal hiking clothing

Softshell pants

Base layer and mid layer

Mid-weight insulated jacket (down parkas will be overkill for this hike)

Windbreaker or softshell jacket

A dry change of clothes and warm socks for the night

Winter hat and gloves

Optional camp shoes

Cooking and water

Personal stove (any stove would work, but if anyone has a liquid fuel stove, it would be a good idea to practice), bowl, cup, and utensils

Water filter or purification tablets

Capacity to carry 3 liters of water; water is limited or unavailable directly at the shelter

Safety and personal items

Headlamp and spare batteries

Personal first-aid kit

Map; NYNJ Trail Conference maps are recommended for this area, in print or digital format: Harriman Bear Mountain Trails Map

Microspikes (in the unlikely case of snow on the ground)

Personal items, such as a towel, toothpaste, and toothbrush