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