I'm planning to hike from the Hudson River (Bear Mountain State Park) to approximately Kent, CT the first week of June (beginning May 31st). Three hikers from Nashville are planning to hike with me (2 men, 2 women) and perhaps a WhiteBlazer. If anyone else is interested, feel free to drop me a line.
So, questions: How will the black flies and bugs be? I've heard bad things about them in June, further north.
Any good places to eat/resupply along the trail that you'd care to recommend?
Is it legal/illegal to camp along the trail? I see that shelters can be few and far between along some of this section of trail. I doubt if we'll do any/many 15-mile days. Probably will be more like 12-milers. Just guessing.
I considered the trail in NY south of the Hudson to be much more difficult than the profile map might indicate. Is it similar north of the Hudson?
Any concerns about water?
How to get from Kent (or area) back to NYC (perhaps Newark airport)?
I thank you all in advance for answers, suggestions, warnings, and "not to miss" hints! They're much appreciated!
Rain Man