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If you want to be off the marked trails you may want to check out the east branch of the Neversink River in the Slide Mountain Wilderness area. Catskill map 143 in the new Catskill map set, map 43 in the older map sets. Yes fires are permitted, you will find all the regulations for that area on the back of the map. Andy

If you have the Harriman/Bear Mountain Map set, you could hike the entire Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail. Metro-North goes to Manitou (but only on weekends and holidays), and NJT stops at Suffern. There are 2 shelters along the trail, and the southern one has a flat open area behind it that you could easily set up a tent if that's what you want. I haven't been on the northern part of the trail yet, but in a few weeks i plan on hiking the entire thing in one day, so if you're still looking for info at that point, i'll let you know what i find. I don't know if you are allowed to camp on the trail other than at the shelter areas.

I've done extensive hiking in Harriman State Park for the past ten years and often stay overnight. I'm becoming increasingly worried about the full 30 gallon bags of garbage and empty liquor bottles I'm finding at the lean-to's. I've seen this at the Tom Jones shelter most recently, and other shelters around the park. Of the bear encounters that I've read about in the area, the bear seem to be becoming comfortable with a human presence and often stand their ground or flank hikers who continue along the trail. Bear population in the area has been increasing, areas around the park are densely populated, and if "Leave No Trace" is contunually ignored and the shelters remain baited with garbage then a bad bear encounter is inevitable.

I forgot to mention that I am coming from NYC. Thanks, Kara