Things You'll Need:
- hiking clothes, backpack, food, GPS if possible, maps,
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Step 1
The first thing you need to do is pick the right place for your backpacking trip. There are plenty to choose from, such as Harriman State Park, just 30 miles north of New York City, near Bear Mountain. Harriman State Park has more than 200 miles of trails, picnic areas, lakes and beaches. Check in with the park rangers, tell them you want to go backpacking and they will point you in the direction of some of the best places in the park. This backpacking location is recommended by Backpacking Magazine.
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Step 2
Hudson Highlands State Park is pretty much undeveloped land in the Peekskill and Beacon areas of New York state. The park rangers will give you a map of the hiking trails and you can bring your dog along, as long as they're on a leash. The trails range from easy to difficult. No picnic areas here, but you can have your meal under the trees by the lake and really lay back and relax.
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Step 3
Bear Mountain is one of the most famous of the state parks in New York. It has hiking trails and one of the best nature trails, all great for backpacking. It will be one of the most crowded of the New York state parks, but there is plenty of room for everyone.
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Step 4
Once you have decided where you are going on your backpacking trip, it is time to do your homework. Contact the park and tell them what you want to do. They will tell you what the park conditions are. There are times when some of the trails will be closed. Pick up maps at the park's visitor center. Talk to the rangers and let them know where you will be. Remember, it is always a good idea to backback with a buddy. Obey park rules.
