long hikes without a car

[camila]

Hi, I am planning to go to the adirondacks next week (sunday to wednesday) and I would appreciate very much if you have suggestions about where to go and how to get to places. Here is some info about what we like (me and my boyfriend - we are from Brazil and I live in Queens, NY):
- we would like to know the region without using a car (as we do not have one)
- we do not have much money...
- we are good hikers and like to climb high mountains in wild places (I am a biologist, he is a geologist)
- we will be camping

my biggest concern is if it is possible to go with public transportation and I would appreciate suggestions about good places to hike

thanks a lot!

[AntlerPerak]

There is very little in regard to public transportation. How are you going to get up there? Bus? Check out the information on this site about the hiker shuttle that may be of use for you. There are plenty of loops you can make that begin in the garden. You said Sunday to Wed, are you backpacking? or staying in a campground and day hiking? It would be less expensive if you were backpacking. Either purchase the Adirondack Mountain club's Guide to the high Peaks or borrow it from a library. It has hiking map and trail descriptions of the entire area. There is a host of trail shelters that are free. all are mentioned in the guide. There is information on this site about bear cannisters you are required to use one if backpacking. The trails network will allow you many routes where you can backpack Sun to Wed starting and ending at the Garden in Keene Valley. The bus from the city also stops in Keene Valley. Hopes this helps

[SKCM2006]

Check out the information on this site about the hiker shuttle that may be of use for you.

I have looked for this and I can't find the link to the shuttles. Heading up to the Adirondacks and would like to see if I possibly use this service..

Thanks

Russ

[jellen]

Shuttle info is available at:

http://www.adk.org/about/directions_ncountry.aspx

JE

[AntlerPerak]

Try this

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2202

[camila]

Thank you very much, this already helps a lot!
Yes, we will be backpacking ( I am happy to know about the trail shelters).
I was thinking about getting the train or the bus from New York (any suggestion which one is better?) - where would be better to arrive in order to get the bus or shuttle to Keene Valley?

[AntlerPerak]

There is no train service that I know of to Keene Valley. The bus does go directly to Keene Valley, check with Trailways and Greyhound for that info. The shuttle service is local bringing people from Keene Valley to the "Garden" a popular high peaks trailhead. From that trailhead you can access the higher mountains and back country. Check the trail maps in the high peaks guide to work out possible loops. Remember the requirement for the bear cannisters. ( for food storage )
here is a link for info about the cannisters
http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2365
I believe you can rent them from the Mountaineer in Keene Valley but I am not positive about that their number is 1-518-576-2281 I was also told the ADK rents them but again not sure about it.
Many book stores sell the hiking guide including the mountaineer. Check your local stores you should review it before getting to the trail head. Adirondack Trails (Forest Preserve Series Volume 1): High Peaks Region with Map
Somebody in NYC should have this, Barnes and Noble?

[camila]

Thanks so much again!
One last question: the Amtrak train goes to Glens Falls, Whitehall, Ticonderoga and Port Henry. Would it be possible to get the train to one of these locations and from there get a bus to Keeney valley? (I like trains...) If so, which of these stops would be better?
(without your help the trip would be a lot more difficult! thanks!)

[camila]

ah, and thanks for the advice about the bear cannister - I would never have suspected that I needed one! quite interesting!

[AntlerPerak]

Bus service from Glens Falls would likely be more frequent, however, I believe the train actually stops in Ft Edward 6-8 miles away which would require a taxi to the bus station. I am unsure about bus service from the other three as Whitehall, Ticonderoga and Port Henry are off the main routes. Best to check with Greyhound or Adirondack Trailways and work back to the train based on the bus service.

Of course if you make this trip you are required to post a trip report letting us all know how your adventure worked out.

[Pete_Hickey]

my biggest concern is if it is possible to go with public transportation and I would appreciate suggestions about good places to hike!

There is a Trailways bus that goes from Queens (Queens Village, corner of Springfield Blvd and Hillside Ave), right up to Keene Valley.

[camila]

thanks for the info about the train and about the trailways bus

again, you were very helpful! good that this forum exists!

I will make the trip and write the report - you can look for it next week!