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I might be moving from Seattle WA to Nutley NJ in the next couple of months. I have a great job offer, but I am a bit worried about the recreational activities nearby. I have 3 national parks within driving distance and love spending time out hiking and 2-5 day backpacking trips.
How are the catskills for backcountry hiking? I am looking for more than just day hikes / hiking in city parks. Do they get super crowded / are there areas that you can be pretty remote?
You don't have to worry about a lack of back country in NW New Jersey nor the Catskills. With the Appalachian trail coursing its way from the Delaware Water Gap northeastward to the NY state border, you have a trail enough for a couple of days worth of hiking.
I used to summer camp in the Catskills, and I think they're wonderful for quiet walks with steep climbs. You could realistically be ascending at least 2,000 vertical feet on some of the higher peaks (Hunter, Sugarloaf, etc.) The NY State parks dept. should be able to provide hiking guides and trail maps for the Catskills. Hope that helps for starters!
From Nutley to Harriman is a bit of a drive - I mean like 45 minutes maybe.
Only on the nicest day in spring or summer will these get very crowded, and then only within a few miles of the trail heads/parking lots.
I hike at Ramapo which from Nutley is probably also about 45 minutes... within 10 minutes it is unlikely I see 2 other people on a 1-3 hour loop.
BTW The peak of Hunter is pretty high I think more like 4K feet. There is a fire tower at the peak there. Not sure about the elevation gain there but it is definitely steep. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_Mountain_Fire_Tower
The AT is easily accessible from NJ and NY also as others have said. just watch out for the ticks!!!!!
Will you be LIVING in Nutley, or WORKING in Nutley? Nutley is on the gray line between suburban and urban (it's pretty close to NYC). If working in Nutley, you may want to live a half hour north (in the very pretty suburbs of northern Bergen County, and closer to the Catskills), or half hour west in Morris County, which has some towns that are somewhat rural, and you'd be closer to the Poconos. Either way, you won't be far from places to enjoy the outdoors. One thing that is great about NJ is it's proximity to everything, including wilderness, coastline, and the world's most famous city.
I might be moving from Seattle WA to Nutley NJ in the next couple of months. I have a great job offer, but I am a bit worried about the recreational activities nearby. I have 3 national parks within driving distance and love spending time out hiking and 2-5 day backpacking trips.
How are the catskills for backcountry hiking? I am looking for more than just day hikes / hiking in city parks. Do they get super crowded / are there areas that you can be pretty remote?
Thanks!
Travis
The casacades are awe inspiring but the Appalachian Trail cuts right through NJ and while its not as challenging its an amazing experience.
As for rougher terrain there are sections of High Point State Park that are down right amazing, assuming it isn't closed this year due to budget cuts.
Hacklebarney, Schooley's Mountain, Stephen's State, Jenny Jump, High Point, Merrill Creek and Round Valley Reservoirs etc. Morris, Warren, Hunterdon and Sussex Counties are loaded with hiking and camping areas. A little bit of a ride from Essex County (Nutley) but worth it.
Well, I would be working in Nutley, not sure where I will be living. I really probably don't want to live in Nutley but I also really do not want longer than a 30min commute. Is the commute any worse from northern Bergen County or west in Morris County
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommyc_37
Will you be LIVING in Nutley, or WORKING in Nutley? Nutley is on the gray line between suburban and urban (it's pretty close to NYC). If working in Nutley, you may want to live a half hour north (in the very pretty suburbs of northern Bergen County, and closer to the Catskills), or half hour west in Morris County, which has some towns that are somewhat rural, and you'd be closer to the Poconos. Either way, you won't be far from places to enjoy the outdoors. One thing that is great about NJ is it's proximity to everything, including wilderness, coastline, and the world's most famous city.
Well, I would be working in Nutley, not sure where I will be living. I really probably don't want to live in Nutley but I also really do not want longer than a 30min commute. Is the commute any worse from northern Bergen County or west in Morris County
I don't think the commute from either would be bad. A lot will depend on your budget, which is another conversation.
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