Long Path Map?

[MattC]

We started discussing a Long Path map on Deb's Silver Hollow trip report thread, so I thought I'd take a little poll. If the Trail Conference or someone else were to publish a map or map set of the complete New York Long Path corridor, would you purchase it? Please vote and discuss.

Matt

[Deb]

There are a lot of good ideas about ways to improve the Long Path maps expressed on the other thread. One solution that would not be expensive for the NY/NJ Trail Conference to copy is that of the Finger Lakes Trail. (www.fingerlakestrail.org)

Maps are in color on 8.5x11 sheets of waterproof paper. The scale is 1 inch to a mile. They are $1.88 apiece.

This would allow the Trail Conference to keep pace with all the changes on the LP. I can fully understand them not wanting to invest in expensive maps that they know are only going to need updating.

By the way, Matt, I did indeed e-mail the TC and politely asked them to take note of the LP thread.

[Jay H]

Well, I answered No and it's not that I'm not interested in the LP, I just have no real plans on hiking it in its entirety. I have the maps of the parks that it goes through (catskills, Shawangunks, Harriman) and the rest I can always find off the internet if I need it, like say for Vernooy falls. And I can get the book from my library to study. It's not that I don't think there needs to be a new map for those interested but right now, I see no need for myself to have one..

I do think that the TC would be good to do something like it does with the Harriman map, offer the map separate from the book and just have a combo offer, especially since the LP goes through many existing parks where the TC already has a more detailed map. So, offer the map at a reasonable price for the map collectors out there and offer the book separately or as a combo offer for those more serious about the LP itself.

Jay

[daLunartik]

This thread and conversation reminded me of Bill Bryson's commentary on the maps for the AT in "A Walk in the Woods". I think part of it is that we have been spoiled by how good the maps for NY generally are - both the ones the NY/NJ TC puts out and the ones by the ADK (or is it the AMC?) for the Adirondacks.

While I don't have much of an interest in hiking the Long Path from end to end - I might be more inclined to hike sections of it if I was more aware of where it is and what regions it passes through. While I could certainly get that from a piece-meal sectional map, having a nice, clear and concise overview also helps for general planning. As an example, HauntedFox and I were in Thatcher Park this past weekend for the start of the annual Hawk Migration, and were surprised to find the familiar Aqua Blazes - if we had known, and were thinking about section hiking the LP, we could have planned accordingly.

[snowshoe]

It would be nice but the trail is changing all the time. I think it would be a waste to do it now. Once the trail is complete and no re-routes are nessasary then a map set would be fine. They also need to make camping legal. I think having a long distance trail were you cant camp is a wast of time. It seems like all the TC wants to do is make these long distance trails. The idea sounds nice but I would rather see more loops created, like 8 to 10 mile loops rather than a 30 mile trail that does not allow camping and does a lot of road walking like the Long Path, Liberty-gap trail, the Highlands trail. I think there should be more focus on creating loop trails instead. There are plenty of area this can be done. I dont think there is much of an intrest out there to do these long distance trails because you cant camp and it is tough to have to spot cars all the time.

I think the long path book is good as is. If I were to change it I would make it like the VT Long Trail guide the 24th edition. (Not sure if the new guide is the same). Have it pocket sized with colored maps. Then have a seperate end to end guide that comes out yearly for changes and updates.

[Deb]

I agree, there are too many areas south of the Catskills where camping is prohibited. JayH told me you can get a permit to camp in the Shawngunks, but that was the first I'd heard about that.

In lots of the built-up areas with road walks, the only option is a motel.
I am pretty good at stealthing...and I really don't like motels.

[snowshoe]

Camping is not permited in the gunks even with a permit. (Sams Point, Mohonk and Minawaska) The permits are used for hiking in Mohonk preserve. The only place camping is legal is on DEC forest preserve lands. I beleive there are a few pieces of Forest preserve land south of rt 52. With the exception of the Bashakill which does not allow camping.

[Jay H]

Yeah, I don't think I ever said camping was allowed with a permit. The permit is for access to the real ice caves by Sam's Point which is owned by The Nature Conservancy/OSI. Of course, I'm sure most people dont get a permit to go in, but you're supposed to.

Jay

[Deb]

Sorry, Jay, I misunderstood.

Hey, suddenly I'm a senior member.
It makes me feel...old.

[LionRoar]

It would be nice but the trail is changing all the time. I think it would be a waste to do it now. Once the trail is complete and no re-routes are nessasary then a map set would be fine.

It's interesting to note the five mile roadwalk thru Woodland Valley in the Catskills.

The lead surveyor is searching for assistants to help with the partially completed Romer ridge project; volunteer, of course.

Inquire within.

Moose

[Jay H]

Sorry, Jay, I misunderstood.

Hey, suddenly I'm a senior member.
It makes me feel...old.

Hey, it says "senior member", not "senile member" ;)

Jay

[Dick]

While I don't have much of an interest in hiking the Long Path from end to end - I might be more inclined to hike sections of it if I was more aware of where it is and what regions it passes through. While I could certainly get that from a piece-meal sectional map, having a nice, clear and concise overview also helps for general planning. As an example, HauntedFox and I were in Thatcher Park this past weekend for the start of the annual Hawk Migration, and were surprised to find the familiar Aqua Blazes - if we had known, and were thinking about section hiking the LP, we could have planned accordingly.

There was a recent discussion about this section here (http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=10492&page=2) on Adkforum. Roemer's HP is now off limits and there is now a 2.5 mile roadwalk to continue on the LP southbound. Private property issues have also existed on the LP section that runs north of the park, and I was surprised to learn that there is far less road walk than in the past. I've heard of other sections having private property issues. All of this makes me somewhat leery about purchasing a map with so many PP issues up in the air.

Dick

[BTPete]

I voted yes because I'll often buy a map or something to help out the cause. If I think it will help generate interest and keep the cause moving forward. I live in Albany and have been interested in hiking from Thatcher to the Cats but I find the info scattered and I really don't like road walks.