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CONTACT US BY PHONE
(845)357-3380

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Wild Earth Adventures
P.O. Box 88
Suffern, NY 10901

Our thanks to the members who have graciously allowed us to display their beautiful trip photographs on these pages:

Michelle Adamson
Joanna Anderson
Katie Benedict
Al Berrios
Karen Bichard
Denise Karin Johnsson
Daniel Latorre
Charles McMellon
Luiz A. Perez
Rebecca Robbins
Rob Schiffman
Susanne Schulmeister
Irving Solero
Pilar Valledor
Carine Vermenot-Fay
Karen Yoshino
Manny Zhang

Trip Information

More About Wild Earth Adventures
About Charles Cook
Trip Information, Policy and Fees
Questions and Answers About Our Trips
Recommended Items to Bring on Day Hikes
Information About Winter Trips
Be On Our Mailing List

More About Wild Earth Adventures

We've been organizing and leading hiking & walking trips, backpacking & wilderness camping trips, cross country skiing trips, and other nature-oriented and wilderness-based adventures since 1980. We're here to help you enjoy the extraordinary rewards and benefits of hiking and other wilderness activities, and to make it easier for you to fully connect with the natural world. We're willing to wager that these pursuits will enrich your life immeasurably.

On our hiking trips we visit the wildest, most beautiful, and most spectacular natural areas in New York, northern New Jersey, western & central Connecticut, southwestern Massachusetts, and eastern Pennsylvania -- including a number of little-known areas of usual scenic interest. We offer over 80 different one-day hiking itineraries in NY, 30 such itineraries in NJ, and more than 20 different hikes in CT (and new hiking trips are added to the schedule each year). The trips range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

Many participants say they find our hiking trips and other outings and adventures to be special and memorable. We've received considerable media recognition over the years, and journalists who have hiked with us have repeatedly sung our praises in print. As you may (or may not) already know, we've acquired the reputation of offering some of the best organized, most professionally run, and most enjoyable hiking and walking trips available anywhere.

Trip and membership fees reflect the large amount of time, energy, and expense we invest in development and preparation of new hiking itineraries and new wilderness camping locations, offering ample assistance via phone and e-mail to less experienced participants prior to trips, and doing everything possible to make our hikes and other trips the best they can be.

Our hiking trips attract an interesting, friendly, and congenial group of people from the New York City metropolitan area, upstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and far beyond (including other parts of the United States and abroad), people with all levels of hiking and other experience in outdoor activities. Beginners are welcome on many of the trips. Instruction and other assistance are available when needed. On most trips we become a little traveling community, with lots of positive feeling generated.

We have a membership system, with an average of 350-400 members (see our membership page) from NYC, NY State, NJ, CT, and other states and countries. Some members are 'regulars' and come on our hiking trips virtually every week (hiking is rewardingly addictive, after all), others hike with us once or twice a month, and still others come less often. Non-members are welcome to join us on hikes as well. Over the years we've had close to 20,000 participants, and virtually every week we receive e-mails or letters thanking us for "a wonderful (or lovely/terrific/memorable) trip."

If you're attracted to nature and interested in outdoor activities like hiking,walking in nature, backpacking, wilderness camping, and/or cross country skiing -- and like the idea of sharing an exhilarating and memorable day in a gorgeous natural setting with some friendly fellow-travelers -- we're willing to bet that you'd enjoy being a member of Wild Earth Adventures. Consider joining and reserving for some hiking or other trips today!

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About Charles Cook
Founder and Director
of Wild Earth Adventures

A well-known hiking and wilderness expert who has founded several outdoor organizations, Charles Cook is a licensed hiking and camping guide who has led more than 1500 trips over the years. His personal hiking trips have included a 5-month, 2,100-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail end-to-end from Georgia to Maine. Known for his warmth, gentleness, humor, and responsiveness to participants' needs, Charlie has led all of our hikes and other trips since the 1980s. He's available on the majority of weekdays to answer your questions over the phone or via e-mail.

Charles Cook is also the author of five highly-praised books, including The Essential Guide to Hiking in the United States and The Essential Guide to Wilderness Camping and Backpacking in the United States. His most recent book is Awakening To Nature: Renewing Your Life by Connecting with the Natural World (McGraw Hill, 2001).

Charlie and his hiking trips have been the subject of articles in numerous publications over the past 28 years, including the New York Times Magazine, Success magazine, New York magazine, the Daily News, Time Out New York, the Bergen Record, Newsday, the Washington Post, and USA Today--and he's been interviewed on the national NBC Nightly News.

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Trip Information, Policy,
and Fees

Group size on hiking trips averages 10-15 people and is limited to a maximum of 20. On wilderness camping and backpacking trips the maximum is usually 8-10. Some hikes and other trips fill well in advance, so early reservations are highly recommended--but phone calls and e-mails are welcome as late as the day before each trip (up till 9 pm) to check on space.

HIKING RESERVATIONS are made by sending a check or money order by U.S. mail (we've never been set up to take credit cards). Members who pre-pay for trips may reserve by phone or e-mail. If a hiking or other trip is less than a week away, call or e-mail us before sending your payment to make sure space is still available for the date(s) you're interested in. When your payment is received you will be sent a confirmation, which provides more information about the trip and what to bring.

Transportation from NYC is arranged in advance for those who live in or near the city, and the cost is included in the trip fee. Participants from other areas -- and our trips do attract substantial numbers from upstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and elsewhere -- drive directly to the trip destination and meet us there, and some drive along with us from NYC. The New York City group meets at the Museum of Natural History (Central Park West at 79th St.) in Manhattan and departs from there.

Departure times from NYC range from 7 to 8 am for day trips (5:30-6 am for overnight trips), and return times range from 4 to 9 pm, depending on the distance we're traveling, the length and difficulty of the hike, whether swimming is included, weather and temperatures, and other considerations. For participants who are driving directly and meeting us at the various hiking locations, the time we meet to begin the hike ranges from 8:30 to 10 am, and the time when we're back at the vehicles after completing the hike usually ranges from 3 to 6 pm (typically on the earlier side for easy hikes in cold weather, and on the later side for long, strenuous summer hikes in the Catskills that include swimming). Be aware that unavoidable delays occasionally occur, resulting in a later-than-expected return. Because we can't guarantee return times, it's best to avoid making evening plans the day of your trip (especially after longer hikes that include lengthy drives).

Hiking Trip fees: The day trip fee for those who drive directly to our trip destinations is $60 for members and $90 for non-members. The day trip fee for those who ride as passengers with us from New York City is $75 for members and $110 for non-members, which includes transportation costs. For information about memberships see the membership page.

The fee for a driver with a vehicle who can take at least three passengers from our Manhattan departure point is $25 for members and $55 for non-members, and such drivers are also fully reimbursed for gas and toll costs on the trip. Please note that only a limited number of drivers (sufficient to carry those needing rides) can be accepted at this reduced fee.

Discounts for members: Members who pay for a minimum of 3 day trips in advance pay lower rates. If you're a member who provides your own transportation, you can pre-pay for 3 day trips for $150 (=$50 per trip). Or you may pre-pay for 10 day for $400 (=$40 per trip), or 20 trips for $700 (=$35 per trip).

If you're a member who rides as a passenger with us from New York City, you can pre-pay for 3 day trips for $175 (=$58 per trip). Or you may pre-pay for 10 day trips for $500 (=$50 per trip), or 20 trips for $900 (=$45 per trip).

To qualify for these discounted rates, pre-payment must be made in full by check or cash. However, it's not necessary to specify trip dates until you're ready to do so (and then reserving requires only a quick phone call or e-mail). Pre-paid trips are not refundable, but you'll have up to three years (36 months) to take all of the trips.

Cancellation deadlines: For hiking and other one-day trips, your cancellation must be phoned in or e-mailed by Monday noon the week of the trip in order to be guaranteed credit for another trip (refunds are not available for day trips, but you may take up to 12 months to use a trip credit). After Monday noon, credit is available only if your space can be filled. Sorry, credit is not available for no-shows, those who cancel at the last moment, those who cancel after the deadline if we're unable to fill the space, or those who miss the trip by arriving late, regardless of the circumstances. Cancellation deadlines for wilderness camping and backpacking trips vary and are found in the trip listings.

Weather: Hiking and other trips go rain or shine! Hikes are cancelled only on rare occasions, when there is a high probability of continuous heavy rain, a major snowstorm, or other unusually severe weather. Remember that forecasts are often wrong, especially for the mountain areas we travel to (on some days when rain is forecast we get none; at other times rain arrives unexpectedly). Precipitation should always be considered a possibility, but with proper clothing and rainwear, a hiking trip can be fun and rewarding-- and nature is beautiful--in any weather. An attitude of accepting "whatever comes" will serve well.

Smoking policy: Most of our participants on hikes are non-smokers and many are disturbed by cigarette (or other) smoke. Our policy: "No smoking in the presence of the group." Smokers are asked to completely remove themselves from the group, visibly and otherwise, if they need to smoke.

Cell-phone policy: Many participants on our hiking trips find cell phone conversations intrusive, annoying, and out of place on a group hike. Our policy: "No cell phone use during the hike." Please leave your cell phone in the car or make sure it's turned off before we start hiking (also, keep in mind that cell phone reception is often poor or non-existent in some of the mountain areas we visit, so be prepared to be out of touch with people at home for the entire day--as well as for the duration of any overnight trip).

Levels of difficulty: Easy hikes are done at a very leisurely pace, moderate and strenuous hikes at a somewhat brisker pace, but always with rest breaks. If you are in less than excellent condition, or uncertain of your ability, please choose an easy hiking trip for your first. When in doubt, call (845)357-3380 or e-mail us for advice. Even easy hikes include a significant amount of exercise and exertion, and trails are sometimes rocky. Moderate and strenuous trips involve greater distances, rougher trails, and often more changes in elevation--and thus require considerable strength and stamina (those signing up for moderate and strenuous hikes should be capable of maintaining a reasonably fast pace at times, including on rocky stretches of trail).

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Questions and
Answers
About Our Trips

Are beginners welcome?

Absolutely -- people with all levels of experience are welcome on our hiking & walking trips, wilderness camping & backpacking trips, and cross country ski trips -- including total beginners. Although a substantial portion of our hiking club membership consists of people with plenty of hiking and other outdoor experience, a number of beginners join and participate each year.

Do I have to be a member to participate?

No you don't, and there's never a requirement to join. However, most people who plan to come on our trips more than once or twice a year do join the hiking club because members pay $30 less per day trip ($100 less per overnight trip) and qualify for additional discounts by pre-paying for a minimum of 3 trips. You're more than welcome to try one or more of our hiking trips as a non-member if you wish (or, if you're sure you want to be a member, you may join before your first hike).

How do I become a member?

Simply go to our trip reservation page, print out the form, fill it out, and send it to our postal address with a check or money order (we've never been set up to take credit cards). If you come on a hiking trip or other outing as a non-member, you also have the option of joining our hiking club by paying the membership fee by check or cash while on the trip.

How do I reserve for a trip?

Payment is required in advance for all hiking trips (except when space is available at the last moment). To reserve, go to the trip reservation form, fill out the form, and send it to us with a check or money order for the appropriate amount. If less than a week remains before a hike or other trip, please contact us first to make sure space is still available. When your payment is received you'll be e-mailed a confirmation (unless you prefer receiving it postally) with details about the trip and the departure time -- and if you'll be meeting us there, driving directions will be included.

What if I can't keep up with the group?

That's unlikely as long as you don't sign up for a hike that's beyond your level of fitness. If you're not in great shape and/or don't want an intense workout, start with an easy hiking trip, which is typically 5-6 hilly miles done at a very leisurely pace, usually with some long rest breaks. If you're an experienced hiker who gets regular aerobic exercise, you may want to begin with a higher-level hike. When in doubt, please call for advice before reserving for your first hiking trip.

What about bears, snakes, ticks and other risks or dangers in the woods? And how about getting lost or injured?

The risks of hiking and the other outdoor activities we offer are very low -- much lower than many people imagine. Injuries are extremely rare on our hikes, and are usually limited to a twisted ankle (avoidable by walking attentively) or an occasional cut or scrape on a rock or branch. Most wildlife give us a wide berth and we've never had any kind of problem. Lyme disease? The odds of contracting it on our hikes are minuscule (we've had one case in 28 years). And part of the job of your guide is to make sure everyone stays safe and no one gets lost while hiking.

I'm on a tight budget. Is there a way to reduce the cost?

The least expensive way to participate is to become a member of the hiking club and take advantage of membership discounts (above). Consider pre-paying for at least 10 day trips, if you can afford to do so (you can take up to 3 years to use all pre-paid trips), which comes out to just $40 per person, per hike, if you're providing your own transportation, or $50 per hike if you're riding with us from NYC. Or if you have a car and can carry passengers from Manhattan, you may take advantage of our extra low "drivers' rate," which includes reimbursement for gas and toll costs.

What kind of people come on the trips? And what's the age of most members?

Our hiking and walking trips have always attracted a congenial group of people -- a mix of women and men, singles and couples (the majority are single and come by themselves), of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages (from very young to seniors; the largest number are in the 20s-50s range, although all ages are welcome). Our members share an affinity for nature and the outdoors, and tend to be friendly, interesting people who are often a delight to be with. While the makeup of each hiking group is unique, it's very unlikely that you'll feel out of place. Many members who have met on hiking trips have become close friends (and there have even been marriages among members).

How are your trips different from those of other groups and businesses?

Here are a few differences. Unlike most hiking clubs and other groups in the NYC metropolitan area and elsewhere, we provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan for those who need it (other participants drive directly). We offer an extremely large and unique repertory of lovely and often spectacular day hike locations, including many that are little-known and off-the-beaten path (on some trips we don't see another soul all day) -- although we do also visit well-known mountain areas and hike on famous trails like the Appalachian Trail. Most local hiking clubs and businesses return regularly to a limited number of locations and trails, especially those reachable by bus or train from places like NYC (such trails tend to be heavily used), whereas 95% of our trips are to areas that can't be reached by public transportation, and we don't repeat the majority of our huge selection of day hikes more often than once every 1-3 years.

At the risk of sounding like we're unabashedly tooting our own horn, we're frequently told that the quality of our hiking trips is unrivaled (raves are common, and some who have gone with other hiking groups tell us our trips are "absolutely the best"). One reason, some say, is because of our leadership. The hikes offered by most clubs are led by volunteers, and most businesses that offer outdoor trips hire relatively low-paid guides, some of whom have limited experience. In contrast, all of our trips (90-100 or more per year) are led by Charles Cook, a well-known outdoor author/expert and professional hiking guide (often referred to in the media as a "hiking guru"). Charlie is one of the best-known and top-rated hiking and wilderness guides in the Northeast, and he's hiked 50,000+ miles since the early 1970s. Among his many personal adventures, he was one of the first 100 people to hike the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in a single trip.

What if I'm too busy to participate?

Remember that a day of hiking and relaxing in the natural world is almost always wonderfully restorative. Imagine spending this coming Saturday or Sunday in a quiet, gorgeous, and/or spectacular natural setting, breathing fresh, fragrant mountain air, de-stressing, having fun, enjoying some exhilarating exercise, tasting some adventure, and experiencing deep relaxation, a feeling of refreshment and renewal, and a heightened sense of well-being. We hear constantly from participants who tell us that after a day of hiking "in the wild" they feel much more peaceful, relaxed, and centered, and that their work week goes infinitely better. You'll find that setting aside a day every week or two for hiking and communing with nature offers extraordinary benefits.

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Recommended
Items to Bring
on Day Hikes

Day pack . Useful for carrying items on your back, leaving hands and arms completely free. Available in all shapes and sizes from local outdoor and sporting goods stores. Most are made of nylon and are waterproof or water-repellant. A shoulder bag might pass for your first hiking trip, but a day pack will usually be much more comfortable to carry.

Plastic water bottle(s) or canteen(s) (and/or thermos) -- filled with water or other liquid before you leave home. It's extremely important to take in fluids throughout a day of hiking to avoid dehydration, which can have unhealthy consequences. Always bring a minimum of one liter or quart of water, and at least 2-3 liters/quarts of water in warm to hot weather, or on longer or more strenuous hiking trips. Avoid breakable plastic or glass containers.

Lunch . Food intake is essential during a day of hiking or other exercise (skipping lunch is unwise, as you could find yourself without sufficient energy for the exertion required). Bring whatever appeals: a sandwich, trail mix, salad or other foods in a plastic container. Even the most perishable foods will usually keep for a few hours (pack potentially messy foods in double plastic bags in case of possible leakage). You may want to bring additional snacks as well, especially on longer hiking trips and when we're traveling to more distant locations.

Waterproof rain jacket or parka, or poncho, or other lightweight nylon rainwear (which should include hood or hat). This is vital to bring in case of rain, since without it you could get soaked and chilled, which can be a problem even in the summer if temperatures are cool. Get in the habit of ALWAYS bringing rainwear on a hiking trip, as rain can come in the mountains at any time, regardless of the forecast -- blue-sky mornings are sometimes followed by afternoon showers. A low-cost vinyl poncho or rain jacket is better than nothing, but be aware that vinyl tears and falls apart easily. Avoid heavy and bulky rubberized raingear as well. Lightweight and durable nylon rainwear is most recommended for hiking trips and will take up little space.

Sweater or light jacket . ALWAYS bring an extra layer or two of warm clothing on a hiking trip, even on a hot summer day. Remember that temperatures in the mountains are often much cooler than at home, and a cloudy, windy day can be quite chilly, even in the summer. Also, during a storm (such as an afternoon thunderstorm) temperatures can plunge as much as 20-40 degrees (F) and occasionally even more. Virtually every summer we have a couple of hiking trips when some participants are cold or chilled because they didn't bring extra clothing. In cool or cold weather (fall through spring) have PLENTY of warm clothing along to be on the safe side, and dress in layers; you may take much of it off while hiking, but during lunch and other breaks you'll probably be glad you brought it.

Light-to-medium-weight hiking boots or other sturdy, rubber-soled boots, which should come up well over the ankles -- for ankle support and stability on rough ground. Especially important on moderate and strenuous hiking trips, but recommended for all hikes. Sneakers or other soft shoes may pass for your first hike or two with us, especially if you'll be coming on easy hikes (and assuming you take extra care on rough, rocky stretches of trail). But if you plan to do much hiking, buy hiking boots -- which offer substantial ankle support, make it easier to walk on sharp rocks or stones, reduce your chances of twisting an ankle, and protect your feet from mud and water while hiking. Avoid low-cut hiking shoes. Feel free to call for advice if you've never purchased hiking boots before. If you'll be wearing new boots on a hike, bring a spare pair of light shoes to change into just in case of blisters or other problems.

Clothing suggestions (having the right clothing can make it easier to enjoy a hiking trip): wear synthetic or heavy wool socks along with thinner "liner socks", which will reduce the friction on your feet. Loose-fitting pants will be most comfortable. Shorts are fine in warm weather, but long pants provide better protection against bugs, poison ivy, and thorny bushes (some trails that haven't been maintained regularly become overgrown with vegetation, meaning on quite a few hiking trips we have to push our way through thick and sometimes thorny bushes every now and then). T-shirts are fine in warm weather. Bring a long-sleeved shirt as well in case of insect problems or unexpectedly cool temperatures. Since cotton provides no warmth at all when wet, it's important to have along some non-cotton items (synthetics or wool) on any hiking trip, especially in cool weather. If cool to cold temperatures are possible on the hike, bring gloves or mitts, a knitted cap or hat, and a down vest or jacket.

Also recommended to bring on a hiking trip:

A plastic litter bag to carry out any leftovers or litter (you can also help by picking up any you see along the trail).

A small amount of toilet paper, in case you have to go in the woods.

A small whistle. If you should somehow get lost or separated from the group, blowing on it could help us locate you (a series of 3 short blasts is recognized as a call for help).

In warmer weather: bring bug repellant, swimsuit (if appropriate for trip), and sunscreen or lotion.

Don't hesitate to pack a camera, binoculars, or any other item you consider important -- but to avoid overloading yourself, "when in doubt, leave it out."

Please don't bring: radios, CD players, and cell phones (or at least keep your cell phone turned off and don't use it on the hike, as others in the group tend to find cell phone conversations intrusive and unwelcome in the quiet places where we hike). And sorry, we're not able to allow dogs or other pets on our hiking trips. (What's wrong with bringing a Walkman-type radio or CD player with earphones? The problem is that even with earphones your music will sometimes be audible in the quiet woods and disturbing to others -- and would keep you from enjoying nature's sounds and silence!)

Please do bring: good feelings and positive energy!

Here are several companies that carry hiking gear and clothing. Call for suggestions if you have trouble locating a suitable store and/or finding the items you need:

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)
Campmor
L.L. Bean
Sierra Trading Post

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Information About Winter Trips

Cross Country Skiing

For those who are new to cross country skiing, this is the original form of skiing which evolved in the Scandinavian countries and Asia as a way to travel through snow -- and dates back several thousand years. In recent years it's re-emerged as a popular (and safer) alternative to downhill skiing.

Cross country skiing is a healthy activity that almost anyone can do, and you can get started with a minimum of instruction. A common misconception is that cross country skiing is inherently strenuous, which is no more true than the statement that hiking, biking, kayaking, or swimming are inherently difficult. It can be as easy or challenging as you want it to be! Like hiking, how easy or strenuous it is depends on the pace followed, the distance covered, and the difficulty of the trails. On cross country skis you can traverse flat or hilly terrain, and go uphill as well as downhill. It can be fun no matter what your level of skill, including the first time out, and the activity is more conducive to communing peacefully with nature than downhill skiing. As on our hikes, we follow hilly trails that wind through beautiful mountain forests and offer scenic vistas.

No experience is required to cross country ski with us, and a brief lesson --plus additional assistance, if you need it -- is available on all trips. Most of the places we visit are "cross country ski centers" in New York and New Jersey (and occasionally other states) where equipment rentals are available, trails are groomed, and there's a warm shelter of some kind to retreat to if you get tired, usually with refreshments for sale. The NY and NJ locations listed in our trip schedule are subject to change up to the last minute based on trail conditions (if there's more snow and/or conditions are much better at a different location just prior to the weekend, we'll usually change the trip destination.)

Unlike on our hikes and other trips, every cross country ski trip is open to all levels of experience, from total beginners to expert skiers. And unlike on other outings, we can't usually stay together as a group all day, since participants typically have widely different paces and levels of skill. Beginners and those who prefer an easier outing mainly stick to easy trails, over terrain ranging from flat to gently hilly. More experienced and/or ambitious cross country skiers have options that include hillier and more challenging trails. We typically start out together as a group -- after the brief optional lesson -- and then break up into smaller groups, and usually try to re-group periodically.

There's never a minimum distance you have to cover on a cross country skiing trip, and you're free to go as slowly (or as fast) as you like and quit or take a break at any time. The trails at cross country ski centers are well-marked and easy to follow, and everyone gets a map, so you can ski at your own pace and even go off on your own if you want, although most participants usually prefer to ski with others.

An additional trail use fee, payable on the trip, is charged for cross country skiing at all ski centers -- the range is usually $7-$16, depending on the location we visit.

Equipment Rentals

If you don't have your own cross country skiing equipment you'll need to rent skis, boots, and poles. Rentals are available at the ski centers we visit in New York and New Jersey. A refundable deposit must be made when renting equipment; bring a charge card or checkbook for this purpose. Rental fees range from $12-$20 per day for all ski gear. Added to the trail fee, this amounts to a total of $36 in cash you should bring on the trip (the cost will be less than this at most cross country ski centers). It's too early to confirm whether fees will be increased this coming winter, so be prepared for the possibility that fees might be a couple dollars more than the above rates.

Winter Hikes

As at other times of year, an EASY hike is usually 5-6 miles, and a MODERATE hike 7-10 miles over rougher terrain, with more ups and downs. And as with cross country skiing trips, locations for winter hikes are subject to change up to the last moment based on trail conditions. We'll attempt, whenever possible, to visit areas where there's little or no snow (but when necessary we’ll sometimes hike in up to 6-8 inches of snow).

Additional Information

Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about our winter trips, including about your ability to learn cross country skiing (many non-skiers express doubts or fears over the phone to us -- especially those who have been misinformed about how difficult cross country skiing is, or who confuse it with downhill skiing, which is quite different). If you can hike, and you have a passably good sense of balance, you can learn to cross country ski. And if you're someone who is intimidated by the thought of spending several hours or more out in the snow and cold, you're likewise far from alone -- but most people who give cross country skiing a try usually have a good or a great time, and often return feeling refreshed and renewed. Remember that with enough layers of the right clothing, you can be comfortably warm even in bitter cold (although temperatures rarely drop that low).

Upon receipt of your reservation you'll be sent a confirmation, which will include information about the departure time, driving directions if you need them, recommended clothing to wear, items to bring, and advice about dealing with cold weather.

Keep in mind that an absence of snow in the New York City area, New York’s Hudson Valley, and other low-elevation areas in New Jersey or Connecticut doesn't mean there isn't good snow in the mountain regions. If there isn't adequate snow for cross country skiing on a particular weekend, however, you'll be contacted late in the week and offered an opportunity to reserve for another date. If enough participants are interested, we may also offer the option of a hiking trip on the original date.

Cancellations: If you've reserved for a trip and need to cancel, you'll receive full credit for another trip, to be taken within 12 months, as long as you call or e-mail us by Monday noon the week of your trip. If you call or e-mail us after Monday noon, credit is available only if your space can be filled (sorry, we're unable to make exceptions to this policy).

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Would You Like
To Be On
Our E-mail List?

Every week or two we send out e-mail Updates that feature hiking news and commentary, photos from recent trips, announcements about schedule changes, and short selections of nature writing and poetry (some of our members and others tell us they love receiving them). E-mail us to get on the list. And four times a year we e-mail a Calendar of Trips, which includes our hiking trip schedule for the six months that follow. Contact us to get on the list (be assured that we will never sell, rent, or give your e-mail address to anyone else under any circumstances--and you can easily get off the list at any time by making a simple request to have your address removed).

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Do You Have
Questions?

Please call us at (845)357-3380 or e-mail us if you have any questions about our hiking and other trips, which we'll be more than happy to answer. We enjoy talking with people who are interested in hiking and communing with nature -- you won't be imposing on us in the least, and no question or concern is too trivial.

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Thinking About
Joining?

Do our trips sound appealing to you? Would you like to spend more of your spare time exploring the wilder places on foot? Could you use more fresh air and outdoor exercise than you're currently getting? Does the idea of hiking and relaxing in a gorgeous and/or spectacular natural setting raise your pulse just a bit? Can you imagine experiencing a taste of mountain adventure with a congenial group of companions? How about taking some regular doses of "nature therapy," and enjoying nature's peaceful, healing benefits on a hiking trip? If you're already hiking regularly by yourself, with friends, or with an organized group, are you interested in exploring a host of natural areas that are new to you? If you can answer some or most of the above in the affirmative, why not give yourself a gift and become a member of Wild Earth Adventures today?! Trip feedback from most of our hiking club members and other participants has always been overwhelmingly positive. As long as you enjoy walking and are interested in getting some outdoor exercise, and are attracted to the natural world, chances are you're going to have a good or a great time hiking with us. We hope to see you on a trip soon!

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Click here for our Trip Schedule