I'm looking for a 5 day trip in the NE (NJ,PA,NY,CT) area. Trying to stay off the AT and the Long Path. Planning to do in it from early Spring to Fall; so any trips that come to mind during the time-frame would be awesome.

Also- a brief review of it as well. Thanks a mil

Mark

One option would be the Mid-State Trail that runs North-South through the center of Pennsylvania. Google it and you'll find lots of information. It would be a shuttle hike but there are services available to help.

I'm doing a 4-day section this Spring. Good luck!

How many miles per day?

Try the Nothvile-Placid Trail. http://www.nptrail.org/

Would you also be interested in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine? Much more options up there.

Maybe 10 or so miles. I take my time and enjoy the roses. Further North is ok as well, Maine, Vermont and such. I would most likely hit the Northerner regions during the Summer. I teach so have some flexibility during that time. Thanks everyone and please keep them coming.

Anywhere in Vermont in the late summer/early autumn will be nice. My vote would be going somewhere on the northern half of the Long Trail, after it has separated from the AT. The trail is still pretty good, nice shelters, practically no people. Unless you run into a college group, but they usually stick to the southern areas.

In the spring I would avoid Vermont and the surroundings because of the high rainfall and constant mud. unless that's your sort of thing.

The Eastern High Peaks area of the Adirondacks has a LOT of trails. I avoid them in summer (when school is out) because they are very popular.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/33889.html

Also, look at the Cranbery Lake 50.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=141543549423

i can do 70 miles or so in 5 days. here's the options in PA that appeal to me.

Quehanna Trail - 74 miles of awesome (loop)

Laurel Highlands Trail - 70 miles of ridge hiking. some great vistas. (linear)

Mid State Trail - 320+ miles - part of larger trail network so it can be made into a loop at several places. (linear)

Tuscarora Trail - 105+ miles in PA - can be part of a large loop. (linear)

Standing Stone Trail - 72 miles was previously called the Link Trail. links Tuscarora Trail with the Mid State Trail (linear)

here is a handy trail tool for PA:

http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=65

Edited by asciibaron on 01/24/2011 08:53:49 MST.

Don't forget about The Black Forest Trail even though it is 42 miles long . Great views , fishing and climbs to tire you out ! Top notch for a loop trail in the middle of great country .

Quehanna: Has some fantastic trails cutting across the loop, so you can customize the length to whatever works for you.

Laurel Highlands: I'm pretty sure you're required to stay at one of the designated sites (with tested water!), and reserve your shelter ahead of time. Great for first timers but not a lot of room to be spontaneous.

Black Forest: Wonderful hike, but probably too short for 5 days.

Loyalsock Trail: Very nice. Linear, although there is at least one option for a long weekend loop.

I believe Will is right about Laurel Highlands, and not only that you must stay at the designated site, but that you must stay in the lean-to/shelter at the site and not set up your own. This should be checked.

The Susquehannock Trail System is a great hike as well, though it's 85 miles overall you can shorten it. Beautiful scenery. You could even cobble your own together as the STS and the Black Forest Trail run close enough together with attaching trails.

If you're only doing 10 miles per day, the 42 miles of the Black Forest might be quite good, as there is a LOT of elevation gain and loss, it's one of the tougher trail in PA, but well worth it.

Loyalsock is 60 miles, and again a beautiful trail. I really enjoyed doing the trail this past summer - it throws a lot of looks at you.