February 2012

A NOTE ABOUT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING TRIPS: On most weekends in recent winters we haven’t had enough snow for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in local mountain areas (the winter of 2011 was a major exception, the first time in many years!), so we schedule day hikes for every Saturday and Sunday in January and February -- but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips will be added to our schedule whenever enough snow materializes for these activities. If you’re on our e-mail list you’ll receive announcements of any schedule changes, including the likely addition of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips.

Please note: winter trip locations are always tentative and subject to change up to the last minute in the event of weather-related changes in trail conditions. For more about our cross country ski trips and what's involved, click on the Trip Information page and go to "Information About Winter Trips".

2/4 (Sat) ISLAND POND – Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). On this hike we’ll be following an easy route to lovely lake-size Island Pond in the northwestern part of New York’s Harriman Park -- passing through some beautiful hemlock forest en route, and taking breaks at two different scenic spots along the lakeshore (one at each end of the pond). It’s hilly hiking, but most of today’s inclines are gradual, with brief rocky stretches of trail.

2/5 (Sun) FINGERBOARD MOUNTAIN / ISLAND POND – Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9-10 miles). Today we’ll be returning to the northwestern part of Harriman Park, traversing Fingerboard Mountain and several other small mountains, plus stopping for a lunch break at Island Pond. Elevation changes on this hike are relatively minor, but there are lots of short and occasionally steep ups and downs over rocky trail, and we’ll be climbing up through the rock crevasse known as the Lemon Squeezer.

2/11 (Sat) BLAUVELT MOUNTAIN / LAKE SKENONTO – Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-10 miles). Today we’ll be ascending several small mountains in the southwestern part of Harriman State Park, including Blauvelt Mountain and Parker Cabin Mountain, and also visiting beautiful Lake Skenonto. Some of the trails are extremely rocky, hilly, and occasionally steep, with many longer stretches that are on the easy side.

2/12 (Sun) BLUE MOUNTAIN RESERVATION (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles).On this hike we’ll be returning to Blue Mountain Reservation, near Peekskill, which features scenic forested terrain with a couple of lovely lakes. Highlights include a view of the nearby Hudson River from the top of Blue Mountain (665 ft.), accessible by a short, semi-steep climb. Occasionally hilly but otherwise the hiking is easy.

2/18 (Sat) OSBORNE PRESERVE / HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). The beautiful Osborne Preserve is part of Hudson Highlands State Park, east of the Hudson River. We'll be following several trails -- including a section of the Appalachian Trail -- through this scenic area, which includes dense stands of mountain laurel. It's very hilly but relatively easy hiking, with one short, steep climb to a fine vista.

2/19 (Sun) DUNDERBERG MOUNTAIN / TIMP / WEST MOUNTAIN – Bear Mountain State Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (8-9 miles). Today we’ll be hiking to the tops of three sizable mountains south of Bear Mountain, starting with a steep 1,000-foot climb of Dunderberg Mountain. Our total ascent will be well over 2,000 feet, and the trails are extremely rocky and rugged here. All three mountains offer wonderful vistas. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace.

2/25 (Sat) BEAVER POND / WICCOPEE RIDGE - Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). On this hike we'll be visiting the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area, which protects several thousand acres of wild and lovely forested land that’s now part of Fahnestock State Park. Most of our itinerary will be easy, with some hills and rough spots. Highlights include a view from Wiccopee Ridge, and we'll take a long break at beautiful Beaver Pond.

2/26 (Sun) LADENTOWN MOUNTAIN - Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-9 miles) Our hiking itinerary today will take us through the southern part of Harriman State Park (which is about 40 miles northwest of New York City), featuring fine vistas from small mountaintops, beautiful mountain streams, and several lakes and reservoirs, including scenic Third Reservoir, where we'll have lunch. Most elevation changes are minor but there will be a few short, steep climbs over rocky trail.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

March 2012

3/3 (Sat) CANOPUS CREEK / BUSHY RIDGE - Fahnestock State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (5 miles). Join us as we explore some scenic hiking trails in Fahnestock State Park, the largest park in New York east of the Hudson River, and the adjacent Clear Lake Scout Reservation. Terrain is hilly and bumpy, especially on Bushy Ridge, but otherwise easy. One of our stops will be at beautiful Canopus Creek.

3/4 (Sun) JOHN ALLEN POND / FAHNESTOCK STATE PARK (New York). MODERATE HIKE (10-12 miles). NY's Fahnestock State Park is a large and attractive park in Putnam County. The hilly and rocky terrain includes high ridges and ravines, hardwood forests and hemlock groves -- and lovely John Allen Pond, one of several beautiful lakes and ponds. Our hiking route includes many hills but no major elevation changes.

3/10 (Sat) GIANT STAIRS / PALISADES - Palisades Interstate Park (New Jersey/New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-9 miles). This hike takes us along an especially scenic portion of the Palisades on the NY-NJ border, with great views of the Hudson River from the famous and spectacular cliffs, plus a lovely waterfall. Included are two challenging miles of extremely rugged hiking trail over and around giant boulders ("Giant Stairs"), plus a steep 500-foot descent and ascent via trail from the river. The rest is much easier.

3/11 (Sun) BLACK RIVER / HACKLEBARNEY STATE PARK (New Jersey). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). Join us as we hike alongside the beautiful tea-colored Black River, which flows through a rugged gorge in northern New Jersey's Hacklebarney State Park. Some of the trail by the river is rough and rocky; the rest of the hiking is hilly but easy.

3/17 (Sat) TEN MILE RIVER / HOUSATONIC RIVER (Connecticut). MODERATE HIKE (8 miles). This hike features a splendid stretch of the Appalachian Trail alongside the Housatonic and Ten Mile rivers, where the two scenic rivers meet near the New York border. We’ll have lunch by the Housatonic, which includes some rough rapids, and get there by traversing steep Ten Mile Hill, where we’ll enjoy a couple of nice vistas. Total elevation gain and loss today is at least 1,700 feet.

3/18 (Sun) TUMBLING WATERS GORGE / POCONO RIM - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7 miles). Today we'll be visiting PA's eastern Poconos near the Delaware River. Highlights include a lovely gorge with waterfalls and pools, and a vista of the Delaware River Valley. There are a couple of steep but relatively short trail-climbs. The rest of the hiking is hilly but on the easy side.

3/24 (Sat) GREAT LEDGE / DEVIL’S DEN PRESERVE (Connecticut). EASY HIKE (7 miles). For today’s hike we’ll be returning to the Nature Conservancy’s beautiful 1,700-acre Devil’s Den Preserve, said to be the largest undeveloped area in southwestern Connecticut. Today’s itinerary will take us to the Great Ledge, a rock formation that offers a wonderfully scenic vista. We’ll also stop at a couple of lovely mountain streams. The terrain is hilly but elevation changes are minor. Note that the distance is a bit longer than on most of our easy hikes.

3/25 (Sun) MOMBASHA HIGH POINT / FITZGERALD FALLS (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). On this hike we'll follow some 9 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the wild and scenic mountains northeast of Greenwood Lake. There are fine views from Mombasha High Point (1,262 ft.) and Cat Rocks, and we'll stop at lovely 25-foot Fitzgerald Falls. Included are ups and downs over rocky trail.

3/31 (Sat) PRYDDEN BROOK FALLS / HOOSATONIC RIVER - Paugussett State Forest (Connecticut). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). On this outing we'll be hiking along one of the wildest, most undeveloped stretches of the Housatonic River in southwestern Connecticut, crossing several streams, spending some time at impressive Prydden Brook Falls, and rarely losing sight of the beautiful river. Terrain is hilly and occasionally steep.

Make a reservation now!

April 2012

4/1 (Sun) STORM KING MOUNTAIN, Storm King State Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (6-8 miles). Perched more than 1,300 feet above the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain offers some of the most dramatic views of any location along the Hudson. The hiking trails here include rough, rocky, and steep stretches. Our total ascent and descent will be over 2,500 feet. Expect some terrific vistas. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

4/7 (Sat) SHEPAUG RIVER - Steep Rock Reservation (Connecticut). EASY HIKE (5 miles). Steep Rock Reservation is a lovely "unknown" preserve in western Connecticut, and through it runs the wild and scenic Shepaug River. We'll be following an easy (but occasionally rough and rocky) hiking trail alongside the river, with one short, steep climb to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the area.

4/8 (Sun) HOOK MOUNTAIN – Hook Mountain State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (12 miles). Today we’ll be doing a loop-hike over rugged Hook Mountain, on the west side of the Hudson River about 25 miles north of NYC. Included are some splendid views overlooking the Hudson. The highest elevation here is only 728 feet, but the mountain features vertical cliffs and rock walls, and the trail, while not precipitous, includes many ups and downs. Our final few miles will be on a much easier path alongside the river.

4/14 (Sat) MT. TAMMANY - Worthington State Forest (New Jersey). MODERATE HIKE (8 miles). On this hike we'll be ascending a steep and rocky trail to the top of Mt. Tammany (1,549 ft.) -- an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet -- for some great views overlooking the Delaware River. Later we'll follow a much easier hiking trail some distance alongside Dunnfield Creek, a lovely stream that flows down out of the mountains.

4/15 (Sun) RAYMONDSKILL FALLS / HACKERS FALLS – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). This is a shorter, easier version of our moderate hike to Raymondskill Falls, which we premiered in 2009. We’ll be visiting PA’s highest waterfall, spectacular 165-foot Raymondskill Falls, plus stopping at beautiful Hackers Falls and enjoying some fine cliff vistas. Along with easy stretches of hilly trail there are a couple of steep ascents and descents.

4/21 (Sat) SHELDON FALLS / PETERS KILL CREEK - Minnewaska State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (5 miles). Peters Kill is a spectacular mountain creek with small waterfalls and cascades -- and several larger ones -- running through a rugged Shawangunk mountain gorge. Elevation changes are minor, aside from a couple of steep inclines, but some of the trail is quite rough and rocky, and today's hiking itinerary includes some bushwhacking (off-trail travel).

4/22 (Sun) BUTTERMILK FALLS (New Jersey). MODERATE HIKE (10 miles). Our hike today will take us to the lovely Kittatinny Mountains, just southwest of Stokes State Forest. We'll be starting with a steep 1,100-foot climb up past beautiful Buttermilk Falls, and then we'll follow the rocky Kittatinny Ridge for some distance, with great views of the Delaware River Valley along the way.

4/28 (Sat) SUNNY VALLEY PRESERVE / LAKE LILLINONAH (Connecticut). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (5-6 miles). Sunny Valley is a lovely Nature Conservancy preserve in western Connecticut that features open fields, dense hemlock forests, rock ledges, and some shoreline along scenic Lake Lillinonah (formed by the dammed-up Housatonic River). While much of our hiking route here is easy, it also includes some steep hills and a few stretches of rough, rocky trail.

4/29 (Sun) RACE BROOK FALLS / SAGES RAVINE (Massachusetts / Connecticut). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (9 miles). In the unusually beautiful and unspoiled Taconic Mountains (MA/CT border), this hike starts with a very steep but extremely scenic climb up past Race Brook Falls (5 separate high falls), and continues to the top of Mt. Race (2,365 ft.) for some great views. Recommended for experienced and especially fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably fast pace (when appropriate).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

May 2012

5/5 (Sat) SUNRISE MOUNTAIN / STOKES STATE FOREST (New Jersey). MODERATE HIKE (9-10 miles). We'll be hiking today in the northern part of Stokes State Forest, following a stretch of the Appalachian Trail as it winds along the top of the scenic Kittatinny Mountain ridge. There are great views from Sunrise Mountain (1,653 ft.) and other high points. Much of the trail is very rocky.

5/6 (Sun) CHAPMAN FALLS - Devil's Hopyard State Park (Connecticut). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). Today, for the first time in 3 years, we'll be hiking in Devil's Hopyard State Park, a wild, rugged, and beautiful park in south-central Connecticut. The centerpiece is roaring Chapman Falls, where the Eight Mile River drops 60 feet, and there's also a lovely high cliff vista. The trails are very hilly and occasionally rough.

5/12 (Sat) VAN CAMPENS GLEN / DELAWARE RIVER - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (New Jersey). EASY HIKE (6 miles). On today’s hiking trip we'll be following some relatively new trails to do a hilly loop through a scenic part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Highlights: Van Campens Glen, a splendid mountain gorge with a series of waterfalls, and we'll also follow a stretch of trail alongside the Delaware River.

5/13 (Sun) RAYMONDSKILL FALLS / POCONO CLIFFS – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Two years ago we premiered this hike, which takes place on a new network of trails. The highlight is PA’s highest waterfall, spectacular and (after rain) massive 165-foot Raymondskill Falls, consisting of 3 cascades not far above the Delaware River. There are high cliffs en route that offer fine vistas. The trails are mostly dirt with few rocks, but several ups and downs are included, a couple of them on the steep side.

5/19 (Sat) HORNBECKS CREEK / INDIAN LADDER FALLS – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7-8 miles). New hike! Today we’ll be following an unmarked trail up through a beautiful mountain gorge that features a series of waterfalls, some small and others up to 30-40 feet high, which should be full at this time of year -- and we’ll be hiking other paths and trails in the area. A few stretches of trail are steep, narrow, and precipitous (anyone with a major fear of heights and/or less-than-great balance should skip this one). Another hike for waterfall fans!

5/20 (Sun) KAATERSKILL HIGH PEAK / HUCKLEBERRY POINT - Catskill Forest Preserve (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (10 miles). On this hike we'll be climbing 3,655-foot Kaaterskill High Peak (1,800 foot elevation gain) in the magnificent northeastern Catskills of upstate New York, and taking a side trip to Huckleberry Point, where the vistas are truly splendid. Some of the hiking is rough, rocky and steep (other stretches are much easier), with a total elevation gain and loss of 2,500-3,000 feet. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

5/25-28 (Fri-Mon) CATSKILLS WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIP - Catskill Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Join us on our first camping trip of 2012, on Memorial Day Weekend, as we welcome spring's arrival in the magnificent Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. On this 4-day (3-night) trip we'll be walking in with backpacks about 3 easy miles to camp near lovely East Kill Creek, which features some small waterfalls, in the wild and spectacular northeastern Catskills, and taking (optional) day hikes from there. Some easy hiking is available by the creek, and for more experienced and fit hikers there will also be the choice of a moderate-strenuous hike up the backside of nearby Blackhead Mountain (3,940 ft.), which involves an elevation gain of 1,700 feet -- and there are smaller mountains in the area offering moderate hikes as well. Another available daytime option is relaxing by the stream or in a lovely meadow nearby. Departure will be early Friday am, return by early Monday evening (Memorial Day). If you need to cancel, refunds are available through February 25, 2012 (minus a $125 cancellation fee). After 2/25/12 credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended (some years our Memorial Day trip has filled up far in advance). Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Catskill Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225, with gas & toll costs reimbursed). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325, with gas & toll costs reimbursed).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

June 2012

6/2 (Sat) ICE CAVES / VERKEERDER KILL FALLS - Sam's Point Preserve & Minnewaska State Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7 miles). This hike includes a visit to the top of spectacular (180-foot) Verkeerder Kill Falls, where we’ll have an extended lunch break (it’s a shorter version of the 10-mile moderate Verkeerder Kill Falls hike we’ve been offering for years). Prior to the falls we’ll be following a relatively steep, rocky route down into and through the impressive Ice Caves. It’s a mix of easy hiking along with some rough, rocky, and occasionally steep trail.

6/3 (Sun) SOUTH MOUNTAIN / KAATERSKILL FALLS – Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (10-11 miles). This hike, which we premiered 2 years ago, features a relatively new route to the top of 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls, highest waterfall in New York State. Aside from the splendid waterfall there are several spectacular vistas from the Escarpment Trail. Elevation changes are over 2,000 feet, more than most moderate hikes, but most of the ups and down are gradual.

6/9 (Sat) SUTHERLAND POND / BLACK ROCK FOREST (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Privately owned Black Rock Forest is a lovely mountain forest located just west of the Hudson River 50+ miles north of NYC. Our hiking route will take us over several little mountaintops, with great views of the Hudson River Valley, and also to beautiful Sutherland Pond for an optional swim. Included are two steep trail-climbs during our first couple of miles.

6/10 (Sun) UPPER PETERSKILL CREEK - Minnewaska State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6-7 miles). Today we'll be hiking alongside a stretch of Peterskill Creek, one of the largest and loveliest mountain streams in NY’s Minnewaska State Park, with cascades and large pools. After a bumpy and possibly muddy stretch of easy trail we'll be ascending to enjoy some spectacular cliff vistas from elevations over 2,000 feet (elevation gain 500+ feet).

6/16 (Sat) PASSAIC RIVER - Morristown National Historical Park (New Jersey). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (5-6 miles). For this hike we'll be visiting New Jersey's scenic and densely-forested Morristown National Historical Park, hiking to the beautiful Passaic River, which is wild as it flows through the region. While much of our route is easy, it includes some big semi-steep hills, and we’ll be taking breaks at different places along the river.

6/17 (Sun) PEEKAMOOSE MOUNTAIN / TABLE MOUNTAIN - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE- STRENUOUS HIKE (10-12 miles). Today we'll be ascending via trail both Peekamoose Mountain (3,843 ft.) and nearby Table Mountain (3,847 ft.), in the magnificent wilderness of the southern Catskills. Total elevation gain is over 2,500 feet, and some of it's steep and rugged. We’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views. For experienced and especially fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

6/23 (Sat) HIDDEN VALLEY RESERVATION (Connecticut). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). Join us today as we visit another of Connecticut's little-known natural areas, Hidden Valley Reservation, which lies only a short distance north of Steep Rock Reservation. Highlights include a lovely stretch of the Shepaug River, a nice vista, and some beautiful dense forest. Most of the hiking here is easy but there are some sizable hills.

6/24 (Sun) ACRA POINT / BATAVIA KILL CREEK - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (7-8 miles). On this hike we'll be visiting New York’s wild northeastern Catskills, following a route that includes a stretch of the scenic Escarpment Trail. There's an initial ascent of 1000+ feet, and we'll take breaks at Acra Point (3,100 ft.) and Burnt Knob (3,180 ft.), where there are great vistas. In the afternoon we'll be able to cool off in beautiful Batavia Kill Creek.

6/30-7/4 (Sat-Wed) CAT MOUNTAIN POND / FIVE PONDS WILDERNESS TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. July 4th falls on a Wednesday this year, and as we've done in the past when that happens, we're offering a 5-day wilderness camping trip that starts on Saturday and ends on the Wednesday holiday. We'll be returning to the magnificent Five Ponds Wilderness, a vast, splendidly scenic, and relatively remote tract which lies south and west of enormous Cranberry Lake, in the northwestern Adirondacks. We'll be walking in about 5 relatively easy miles with backpacks to (tentatively) camp near beautiful Cat Mountain Pond, and then take (optional) easy to moderate day hikes to explore the area -- which includes a host of lovely lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and small mountains with great views (including little Cat Mountain, which involves only an elevation gain of a few hundred feet to the top). In the area are many towering old-growth white pine trees. Other options include swimming and spending one or more days relaxing by the pond. Departure will be Saturday morning (early morning for those traveling with us from NYC, and late morning for those meeting us in the park) and we'll be leaving the park by mid-day Wednesday (July 4th). If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) through 3/30/11; after that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended -- holiday weekend trips sometimes fill far in advance. Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $525 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $625 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

July 2012

7/7 (Sat) DUNNFIELD CREEK - Worthington State Forest (New Jersey). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). Dunnfield Creek is a lovely mountain stream which runs down from the Kittatinny Mountains into the Delaware River. After one major hill we'll be hiking alongside the creek on an easy but sometimes rocky trail, and relaxing (with opportunities to jump in) along the way.

7/8 (Sun) SHAWANGUNK CLIFFS - Minnewaska State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (10-11 miles). NY's Shawangunk Mountains are commonly considered to be the most impressive mountains this side of the Catskills. Today we'll be taking a hiking route over the open rock ledges and cliffs in the southwestern part of Minnewaska State Park -- with superb views along the way -- and in the afternoon stopping for a swim break at Lake Awosting.

7/14 (Sat) ISLAND POND / HARRIMAN BUSHWHACK - Harriman State Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6 miles). Today's hike will take us through a wild and attractive section of Harriman Park, less than 50 miles north of NYC. Included will be a couple of miles of bushwhacking (off-trail travel, which at times involves getting over and around fallen trees and branches). We'll take a long lunch break at Island Pond, one of the park's most scenic lakes, and in the afternoon we'll also negotiate the rock crevices of the Lemon Squeezer. Some parts are easy, but the terrain is hilly with some short, steep climbs.

7/15(Sun) DIAMOND NOTCH FALLS / WEST KILL MOUNTAIN - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (10 miles). On today's hiking trip, in the northeast Catskills, we'll be ascending a trail to lovely Diamond Notch Falls, which includes several cascades and pools, and then on up to a spectacular vista near the top of West Kill Mountain (3,880 ft.). Our total ascent will be close to 2,500 feet. For experienced and especially fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a brisk pace.

7/21 (Sat) LAKE AWOSTING / RAINBOW FALLS - Minnewaska State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9-10 miles). Lake Awosting is a lovely and well-preserved mountain lake at an elevation of 1,867 ft. in a beautiful area of the Shawangunk Mountains. Before hiking to the lake for a swim break we'll visit Rainbow Falls, following a hilly and occasionally rugged route over rocky cliffs for some great views.

7/22 (Sun) EAST KILL CREEK - Catskill Forest Preserve (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). Today we'll be returning to the splendid northeastern Catskills, hiking to a lovely mountain meadow and beautiful East Kill Creek, where we'll have lunch at a waterfall (which includes a pool suitable for taking a dip). Terrain is very gentle, with few hills, but at times the trail is rocky and may be muddy if it's rained recently.

7/25-8/1 (Wed-Wed) WEST CANADA LAKES WILDERNESS BACKPACKING TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Time for another week-long trip on the Northville-Placid Trail! Plan now to be with us as we visit another remote and splendid area of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, which is as large as the state of Vermont and has scenery as wild and lovely as anywhere in the East. On this 8-day trip we'll be traversing the West Canada Lakes Wilderness on foot with backpacks (a trip we last offered 4 years ago), hiking 38 roadless miles of the 130-mile Northville-Placid Trail through the south-central Adirondacks, averaging a few miles a day (with additional hiking options available for more ambitious participants). During the week we'll be passing at least 9 beautiful lakes and ponds, several of which we'll camp next to. Most of the trail is easy but there are hills and occasional rough spots, and depending on the year's weather, some of it could be muddy. Unlimited swimming is available! Departure will be on Wednesday morning, 7/25 (early morning for the NYC group, late morning for those meeting us in the park), and we'll be leaving the woods by mid-day the following Wednesday, 8/1. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $150 cancellation fee) through 4/25/11; after that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Fee includes transportation from NYC for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondacks). Fee for members: $695 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $275). Non-members: $795 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $375).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

August 2012

8/4 (Sat) STONY BROOK – Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). Stony Brook is a large and lovely mountain stream that merges with Pine Meadow Brook in the southwestern part of New York’s Harriman State Park. We’ll be hiking alongside the brook for a couple of miles on a relatively new trail, enjoying the sound of the water during an extended lunch break, and also stopping at nearby Lake Sebago. While most of the hike is easy, some stretches of trail are a bit rough, rocky and hilly.

8/5 (Sun) NORTH MOUNTAIN / NORTH LAKE - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-10 miles). This hike will take us along the southern part of the Escarpment Trail, commonly considered to be the most scenic trail in New York’s Catskills, with many outstanding views. Hiking highlights will include a panorama from North Point and a swim stop at North Lake. A couple of relatively steep but short trail-climbs are included.

8/11 (Sat) HASECO LAKE – Minnewaska State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (11-12 miles) Today we’ll be hiking to beautiful Haseco Lake (also known by the lowly name of Mud Pond), which we couldn’t visit for many years because the trail beyond the lake had been closed by a private landowner (land that’s now thankfully part of the park). We’ll have lunch on some splendid cliffs with outstanding views. Our morning route will take us along the north shore of Lake Awosting, and on our way out we’ll stop at the south shore for a swim. There are no major elevation changes, but many small ups and downs, and some of the trail is quite rocky.

8/12 (Sun) NEVERSINK RIVER - Catskill Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6-7 miles). Today we'll be hiking alongside the lovely Neversink River, which runs down through a remote wilderness valley in New York’s southern Catskills. Much of our route is on unmarked trail, and while the terrain is mostly easy (with some hills), we may have to work our way over and around some fallen tree branches, and some stretches of trail are rocky.

8/18 (Sat) KAATERSKILL FALLS / NORTH LAKE - Catskill Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). The Catskills are home to some of the most impressive and unspoiled mountain scenery in southern New York State. Our hiking itinerary will include a visit to the top of 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls (highest waterfall in the state), a series of wonderful views from high cliffs, and a stop for a swim at North Lake. There are a couple of short, steep, and very rocky stretches of trail.

8/19 (Sun) INDIAN HEAD MOUNTAIN / ECHO LAKE - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (13 miles). Today’s hike, in the spectacular mountains of NY’s eastern Catskills, begins with a steep, rocky, 1500-foot trail-climb to the top of Indian Head Mountain (3,573 ft) for some terrific views and a lunch break. After descending we'll continue hiking over much easier trail to scenic Echo Lake, where we’ll take a swim break. Total elevation gain and loss of the day will be over 2,500 feet. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace.

8/25 (Sat) ISLAND POND – Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). For many years we’ve had an easy-moderate hike to Island Pond, which is a lovely mountain lake in the northwestern part of New York’s Harriman State Park (we offered that hike on 7/16 this year). Today’s hike follows an entirely different and easier itinerary. On route we’ll pass through some beautiful hemlock forest, take a morning break at a scenic spot at the southern end of the lake, and have lunch at the north shore. It’s hilly hiking, but most of today’s inclines are gradual.

8/26 (Sun) CATSKILL ESCARPMENT - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (10 miles). On this hike we’ll be exploring the wild northeastern Catskills, climbing via trail up to the Catskill Escarpment south of Blackhead Mountain for a great view of the mountains and valley below. The first and last 3 miles are easy, but before lunch we’ll ascend (and later descend) 1,200 feet on a trail that’s rugged and steep at times. On our way out we’ll take a break at a lovely waterfall on East Kill Creek (with a pool suitable for a dip).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

September 2012

8/31-9/3 (Fri-Mon) SACANDAGA RIVER / SIAMESE PONDS WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. 4 days. Join us on Labor Day Weekend as we return to the southern part of the splendid Siamese Ponds Wilderness in New York's enormous Adirondack Park (which is the size of the state of Vermont). This area features the East Branch of the lovely Sacandaga River, 67 lakes and ponds, small mountains, and other magnificent wilderness scenery. We'll be hiking in 4-5 miles on a mostly easy trail to camp near the river, our first visit to this area in 2 years. From here, easy to moderate day hikes to the Siamese Ponds and other beautiful lakes are available. You're also welcome to spend one or more days relaxing by the river. Departure will be early Friday morning and we'll return Monday evening (Labor Day). Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls and e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) until June 1, 2012. After that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $215, with gas & toll costs reimbursed). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $315, with gas & toll costs reimbursed).

9/8 (Sat) STEENEYKILL LAKE - High Point State Park (New Jersey). EASY HIKE (6 miles). High Point State Park includes New Jersey's highest elevations (the highest being 1,803 feet). Most of today's hike is within the Dryden Kuser Natural Area, which features a lush cedar swamp with rhododendron and conifers, plus fine mountain vistas. We'll also stop at scenic Steeneykill Lake. Much of the hiking is easy, but some of the terrain is rocky and there are a couple of steep hills.

9/9 (Sun) LITTLE POND / CABOT MOUNTAIN - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Today we'll be hiking in the beautiful but less-frequently-visited mountains of the Western Catskills. Our route will take us to the top of Cabot Mountain (2,970 ft.) for some fine views, and we'll spend time at lake-sized Little Pond, and also visit a lovely mountain meadow. This is one of our most challenging moderate hikes, with a couple of very steep trail-climbs included.

9/15 (Sat) MILLBROOK MOUNTAIN / SHAWANGUNK CLIFFS - Minnewaska State Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7-8 miles). The spectacular cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains are justly famous, and Millbrook Mountain is said to have one of the highest sheer drops east of the Mississippi. Today's itinerary includes some rough stretches of trail. Among the rewards are a number of magnificent views, including from the cliff known as "Gertrude's Nose."

9/16 (Sun) WINDHAM HIGH PEAK / BURNT KNOB - Catskill Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (11 miles). On this trip we'll be hiking to the top of the northernmost peak in New York's Catskills, 3524-foot Windham High Peak (1880 ft. elevation gain), and then over 3180-foot Burnt knob. The day's total elevation gain will be more than 2500 feet, with a few steep stretches, and we'll be enjoying some spectacular mountain vistas. Recommended for experienced and especially fit hikers who can maintain a reasonably brisk pace.

9/22 (Sat) STERLING FOREST - Sterling Forest State Park (New York / New Jersey). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Established in 1998 and located about 40 miles northwest of NYC, this important 18,000-acre state park protects a wild and lovely mountain area that had been slated for development. After a fairly steep 700-foot trail-climb we'll follow a route along Sterling Ridge, which offers several wonderful vistas. Along with easy stretches there are short but steep climbs to rocky knobs.

9/23 (Sun) WARD POUND RIDGE RESERVATION (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). 4,700-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest and one of the loveliest parks in New York's Westchester County. Our hiking itinerary will take us through some attractive deciduous forest, with pine and hemlock groves, and to a couple of fine viewpoints. It's very hilly but otherwise easy.

9/29 (Sat) PAWLING NATURE RESERVE (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). This is a rather large and little-known tract of wild forest in Putnam County. Several miles of trails run through the reserve, including the Appalachian Trail. There's a fine vista from a ridge, a lovely hemlock gorge with a little waterfall, and a splendid sense of isolation. It's mostly easy hiking with a couple of very steep hills.

9/30 (Sun) BELLVALE MOUNTAIN / HEWITT STATE FOREST (New Jersey / New York). MODERATE HIKE (10 miles).Today we'll be hiking a 10-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail along the scenic ridges above 9-mile-long Greenwood Lake, from Bellvale Mountain through Hewitt State Forest, starting in New Jersey and ending in New York. There are no major elevation changes, but some of the trail is extremely rough and rocky, with endless small ups and downs -- and some splendid vistas.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

October 2012

10/5-8 (Fri-Mon) HA-DE-RON-DAH WILDERNESS TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Be with us for 4 days on Columbus Day Weekend as we re-visit the magnificent Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness in the western Adirondacks, which features scores of lovely lakes and ponds nestled among small mountains -- our first trip here in 3 years. We'll be walking in some 3-5 miles with backpacks on mostly easy trails to camp near one of the larger lakes, and then taking easy to moderate hikes each day, all of which are optional. Day hike destinations include a number of other scenic wild lakes, some of which have sandy beaches, and there are also many streams and rivers to explore. Other options include swimming and spending one or more days relaxing by the lake. This is fall foliage time in the Adirondacks, and the colors are often spectacular here on Columbus Day Weekend. It will also be our final camping trip of the season. Departure will be early Friday am, return by early Monday evening (Columbus Day). Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls and e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) until July 5, 2012. After that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

10/13 (Sat) BLACK ROCK – Black Rock Forest (New York) EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7 miles). Today we’ll be exploring the scenic trails in the northwestern part of Black Rock Forest, less than 60 miles north of NYC -- and also hiking to Black Rock, where there’s a terrific view of the Hudson Valley and Hudson River. Terrain is very hilly and while there are no major climbs today, there will be several short, steep, and rocky ascents and descents.

10/14 (Sun) MT. FRISSELL - Taconic State Park (NY). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (8-9 miles). Today we'll be climbing Mt. Frissell, at 2,453 feet the highest point on the western ridge of the Taconic Range, in an unusually beautiful and unspoiled wilderness. We'll be walking in 3 different states (NY, CT, MA) on this hike! The climb to the ridge is steep; views are wonderful. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who can maintain a reasonably brisk pace.

10/20 (Sat) MACEDONIA BROOK STATE PARK (Connecticut). MODERATE HIKE (8 miles). Located in western Connecticut, Macedonia Brook State Park is a large and beautiful tract of wild forest with small but rugged mountains. Elevations changes are not great, but the hiking trails are rough and steep in a few places (with one especially rugged and steep descent). There are great views from the top and shoulder of Cobble Mountain (1,380 feet).

10/21 (Sun) LAUREL POND - Wawayanda State Park (New Jersey). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). One of NJ's lesser-known parks, 18,000-acre Wawayanda State Park is a tract of mostly wild and unspoiled forest, including areas thick with rhododendron and cedar, featuring 255-acre Wawayanda Lake. Our hike will include a stop at beautiful Laurel Pond. It's easy but hilly walking with a few rough spots.

10/27 (Sat) LAKE HOPEWELL / HUNTINGTON STATE PARK (Connecticut). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). Huntington State Park is a lovely 700-acre tract of wild forest in southwest Connecticut. Along with a feeling of remoteness there are several attractive lakes, including large and beautiful Lake Hopewell. The hiking here is easier than on most of our easy hikes, with just a few hills.

10/28 (Sun) HUBBARD-PERKINS CONSERVATION AREA – Fahnestock State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (12 miles). Consisting of several thousand acres of land that are now part of Fahnestock State Park, this wild area features dense forest, small mountains with great views, a lake, two ponds, and a relatively new 22-mile network of hiking trails. There will be many ups and downs today, a couple of them on the steep side, and also some long, easy stretches of trail.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

November 2012

11/3 (Sat) BLACK ROCK CLIFFS & PONDS – Black Rock Forest (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9-10 miles). Today we’ll be returning to beautiful (3,800-acre) Black Rock Forest, about 60 miles north of NYC, following an itinerary that we’ve only offered once before, a few years ago. We’ll be ascending Whitehorse Mountain and several other small mountains, hiking past several different ponds, and enjoying fine vistas from rocky cliffs. There are lots of ups and downs, with a few steep stretches of trail.

11/4 (Sun) LAKE MINNEWASKA - Minnewaska State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (7 miles). The Minnewaska area in the Shawangunk Mountains (near New Paltz, New York) has long been known for its unusual beauty. We'll be utilizing some of the old carriage paths today to explore the lake and surrounding mountains, with superb views from multi-leveled cliffs. It's mostly easy hiking.

11/10 (Sat) HOUSATONIC RAPIDS (Connecticut). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). This is a shorter, easier version of the Ten Mile River / Housatonic River” hike we now offer each spring (in this version we hike in from the opposite direction). There’s one semi-steep 700-foot trail-climb to a nice mountain vista, and the rest is bumpy but easy. The highlight is a splendidly scenic stretch of trail alongside the Housatonic River (including rapids) as well as the Ten Mile River, which flows into the Housatonic. Two of our rest breaks will be by the beautiful rivers.

11/11 (Sun) BREAKNECK RIDGE / SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN - Hudson Highlands State Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (7-8 miles). On today’s hike we'll be climbing famous Breakneck Ridge (1,200 ft.), which rises up precipitously from the Hudson River. The views are the most dramatic and impressive to be found anywhere along the Hudson. Some of the trail is very steep and rugged. Recommended for experienced and fit hikers who can maintain a reasonably brisk pace (when appropriate).

11/17 (Sat) TIORATI BROOK - Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). Tiorati Brook is a large and beautiful mountain stream that runs through the north-central part of Harriman Park, just an hour northwest of NYC, and includes some little waterfalls. On today's mostly-easy hiking itinerary, with a few sizable hills, we'll explore some scenic forested trails and rest by the brook at two different locations.

11/18 (Sun) SUNFISH POND - Worthington State Forest (New Jersey). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Sunfish Pond is a scenic glacial lake nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains a few miles from the Delaware Water Gap. We'll be climbing gradually to the pond via a rocky stretch of the Appalachian Trail, and our return will include be via an easier route along rhododendron-lined Dunnfield Creek. This is one of our easier moderate hikes.

11/25 (Sun) TERRACE POND - Wawayanda State Park (New Jersey). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (7 miles). Terrace Pond is a lovely and wild mountain lake, located on Bearfort Mountain at an elevation of 1,380 ft., surrounded by high cliffs plus rhododendron and blueberry thickets. We'll be hiking to the pond over mostly easy trail, but there are some semi-steep hills and several stretches are rough and rocky.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

December 2012

12/1 (Sat) PINE MEADOW LAKE - Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9 miles). Many would agree that Pine Meadow Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Harriman State Park, and it's one of the few that's relatively isolated. Today's hiking itinerary will take us over several small mountains with fine views, and we'll have lunch on a rock outcropping before descending to the lake -- after which we’ll follow a lovely stretch of Pine Meadow Brook. Some occasionally steep and rocky trail-climbs are included.

12/2 (Sun) BEAVER POND / WICCOPEE RIDGE - Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). On this hike we'll be visiting the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area, which protects several thousand acres of wild and lovely forested land that’s now part of Fahnestock State Park. Most of our itinerary will be easy, with some hills and rough spots. Highlights include a view from Wiccopee Ridge, and we'll take a long break at beautiful Beaver Pond.

12/8 (Sat) HOOK MOUNTAIN CLIFFS – Hook Mountain State Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). The past few years we’ve offered a 12-mile moderate hike on precipitous Hook Mountain, which overlooks the Hudson River north of Nyack. This hike, which premiered two years ago, is a shorter, easy-moderate version of that hike, which starts with a mostly-gradual (but occasionally steep) 700-foot+ ascent. The rest is much easier, with a few hills and a long nearly-flat stretch alongside the river. Views from the mountain cliffs are splendid.

12/9 (Sun) BEAR MOUNTAIN / WEST MOUNTAIN – Bear Mountain State Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (10-12 miles). New York’s famous 1,284-foot Bear Mountain is an impressive mountain with striking features, and it offers spectacular vistas overlooking the Hudson River. We’ll start with a steep 1000-foot climb of the mountain, and after descending we’ll climb nearby West Mountain. Total elevation gain and loss is well over 2,000 feet, and some of the trail is extremely rough and rocky. For experienced and especially fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably brisk pace.

12/15 (Sat) DUNDERBERG VALLEY - Bear Mountain State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). Today we’ll be following several trails and old woods roads to circle around the scenic valley between Dunderberg Mountain and Bear Mountain, near the Hudson River. Included will be a stop at a beautiful mountain stream with a sizable waterfall, and we’ll be walking through part of the historic abandoned village of Doodletown. Our route includes some major (but mostly gradual) hills.

12/16 (Sun) ROUND HILL / HUBBARD-PERKINS RIDGES (NY). MODERATE HIKE (8 miles). On this hike we’ll be returning to the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area in Fahnestock State Park, a picturesque area of forested mountain ridges with lovely streams and lakes. There are several semi-steep ascents to rocky knobs, along with easier stretches of trail. Highlights include a fine vista from the top of Round Hill.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

January 2013

A NOTE ABOUT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING TRIPS: On most weekends in recent winters we haven’t had enough snow for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in local mountain areas (the winter of 2011 was a major exception!), so we schedule day hikes for every Saturday and Sunday in January and February -- but cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips will be added to our schedule whenever enough snow materializes for these activities. If you’re on our e-mail list you’ll receive announcements of any schedule changes, including the likely addition of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trips.

Please note: winter trip locations are always tentative and subject to change up to the last minute in the event of weather-related changes in trail conditions. For more about our cross country ski trips and what's involved, click on the Trip Information page and go to "Information About Winter Trips."

1/5 (Sat) STONY BROOK – Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (6 miles). Stony Brook is a large and lovely mountain stream that merges with Pine Meadow Brook in the southwestern part of New York’s Harriman State Park. We’ll be hiking alongside the brook for a couple of miles on a relatively new trail, enjoying the sound of the water during a lunch break, and also stopping at nearby Lake Sebago. While most of the hike is easy, some stretches of trail are a bit rough, rocky and hilly.

1/6 (Sun) BLAUVELT MOUNTAIN / LAKE SKENONTO – Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-10 miles). Today we’ll be ascending several small mountains in the southwestern part of Harriman State Park, including Blauvelt Mountain and Parker Cabin Mountain, and also visiting beautiful Lake Skenonto. Some of the trails are extremely rocky, hilly, and occasionally steep, with many longer stretches that are on the easy side.

1/12 (Sat) LADENTOWN MOUNTAIN - Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (8-9 miles) Our hiking itinerary today will take us through the southern part of Harriman State Park (which is about 40 miles northwest of New York City), featuring fine vistas from small mountaintops, beautiful mountain streams, and several lakes and reservoirs, including scenic Third Reservoir, where we'll have lunch. Most elevation changes are minor but there will be a few short, steep climbs over rocky trail.

1/13 (Sun) ISLAND POND – Harriman State Park (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles). On this hike we’ll be following an easy route to lovely lake-size Island Pond in the northwestern part of New York’s Harriman Park -- passing through some beautiful hemlock forest en route, and taking breaks at two different scenic spots along the lakeshore (one at each end of the pond). It’s hilly hiking, but most of today’s inclines are gradual, with brief rocky stretches of trail.

1/19 (Sat) OSBORNE PRESERVE / HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK (New York). EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles). The beautiful Osborne Preserve is part of Hudson Highlands State Park, east of the Hudson River. We'll be following several trails -- including a section of the Appalachian Trail -- through this scenic area, which includes dense stands of mountain laurel. It's very hilly but relatively easy hiking, with one short, steep climb to a fine vista.

1/20 (Sun) ANTHONY'S NOSE / SUGARLOAF HILL – Hudson Highlands State Park (New York). MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (12-13 miles). This is a longer and more challenging version of the moderate hike we’ve offered for many years to the top of Anthony’s Nose, which is only 900 feet high but offers terrific views overlooking the Hudson River, across from Bear Mountain. In addition to a scenic section of the Appalachian Trail, today’s route will include a loop through the Osborne Preserve and steep Sugarloaf Hill (not to be confused with Sugarloaf Mountain), with elevation changes totaling well over 2,000 feet. For experienced and fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a relatively fast pace.

1/26 (Sat) BLUE MOUNTAIN RESERVATION (New York). EASY HIKE (5-6 miles).On this hike we’ll be returning to Blue Mountain Reservation, near Peekskill, which features scenic forested terrain with a couple of lovely lakes. Highlights include a view of the nearby Hudson River from the top of Blue Mountain (665 ft.), accessible by a short, semi-steep climb. Occasionally hilly but otherwise the hiking is easy.

1/27 (Sun) FINGERBOARD MOUNTAIN / ISLAND POND – Harriman State Park (New York). MODERATE HIKE (9-10 miles). Today we’ll be returning to the northwestern part of Harriman Park, traversing Fingerboard Mountain and several other small mountains, plus stopping for a lunch break at Island Pond. Elevation changes on this hike are relatively minor, but there are lots of short and occasionally steep ups and downs over rocky trail, and we’ll be climbing up through the rock crevasse known as the Lemon Squeezer.

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top

2012 Overnight Trip Schedule

5/25-28 (Fri-Mon) CATSKILLS WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIP - Catskill Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Join us on our first camping trip of 2012, on Memorial Day Weekend, as we welcome spring's arrival in the magnificent Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. On this 4-day (3-night) trip we'll be walking in with backpacks about 3 easy miles to camp near lovely East Kill Creek, which features some small waterfalls, in the wild and spectacular northeastern Catskills, and taking (optional) day hikes from there. Some easy hiking is available by the creek, and for more experienced and fit hikers there will also be the choice of a moderate-strenuous hike up the backside of nearby Blackhead Mountain (3,940 ft.), which involves an elevation gain of 1,700 feet -- and there are smaller mountains in the area offering moderate hikes as well. Another available daytime option is relaxing by the stream or in a lovely meadow nearby. Departure will be early Friday am, return by early Monday evening (Memorial Day). If you need to cancel, refunds are available through February 25, 2012 (minus a $125 cancellation fee). After 2/25/12 credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended (some years our Memorial Day trip has filled up far in advance). Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Catskill Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

6/30-7/4 (Sat-Wed) CAT MOUNTAIN POND / FIVE PONDS WILDERNESS TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. July 4th falls on a Wednesday this year, and as we've done in the past when that happens, we're offering a 5-day wilderness camping trip that starts on Saturday and ends on the Wednesday holiday. We'll be returning to the magnificent Five Ponds Wilderness, a vast, splendidly scenic, and relatively remote tract which lies south and west of enormous Cranberry Lake, in the northwestern Adirondacks. We'll be walking in about 5 relatively easy miles with backpacks to (tentatively) camp near beautiful Cat Mountain Pond, and then take (optional) easy to moderate day hikes to explore the area -- which includes a host of lovely lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and small mountains with great views (including little Cat Mountain, which involves only an elevation gain of a few hundred feet to the top). In the area are many towering old-growth white pine trees. Other options include swimming and spending one or more days relaxing by the pond. Departure will be Saturday morning (early morning for those traveling with us from NYC, and late morning for those meeting us in the park) and we'll be leaving the park by mid-day Wednesday (July 4th). If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) through 3/30/11; after that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended -- holiday weekend trips sometimes fill far in advance. Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $525 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $625 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

7/25-8/1 (Wed-Wed) WEST CANADA LAKES WILDERNESS BACKPACKING TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Time for another week-long trip on the Northville-Placid Trail! Plan now to be with us as we visit another remote and splendid area of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, which is as large as the state of Vermont and has scenery as wild and lovely as anywhere in the East. On this 8-day trip we'll be traversing the West Canada Lakes Wilderness on foot with backpacks (a trip we last offered 4 years ago), hiking 38 roadless miles of the 130-mile Northville-Placid Trail through the south-central Adirondacks, averaging a few miles a day (with additional hiking options available for more ambitious participants). During the week we'll be passing at least 9 beautiful lakes and ponds, several of which we'll camp near. Most of the trail is easy but there are hills and occasional rough spots, and depending on the year's weather, some of it could be muddy. Unlimited swimming is available! Departure will be on Wednesday morning, 7/25 (early morning for the NYC group, late morning for those meeting us in the park), and we'll be leaving the woods by mid-day the following Wednesday, 8/1. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $150 cancellation fee) through 4/25/11; after that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls or e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. Fee includes transportation from NYC for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondacks). Fee for members: $695 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $275). Non-members: $795 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $375).

8/31-9/3 (Fri-Mon) SACANDAGA RIVER / SIAMESE PONDS WILDERNESS CAMPING TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. 4 days. Join us on Labor Day Weekend as we return to the southern part of the splendid Siamese Ponds Wilderness in New York's enormous Adirondack Park (which is the size of the state of Vermont). This area features the East Branch of the lovely Sacandaga River, 67 lakes and ponds, small mountains, and other magnificent wilderness scenery. We'll be hiking in 4-5 miles on a mostly easy trail to camp near the river, our first visit to this area in 2 years. From here, easy to moderate day hikes to the Siamese Ponds and other beautiful lakes are available. You're also welcome to spend one or more days relaxing by the river. Departure will be early Friday morning and we'll return Monday evening (Labor Day). Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls and e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) until May 31, 2012. After that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

10/5-8 (Fri-Mon) HA-DE-RON-DAH WILDERNESS TRIP - Adirondack Park (New York). EASY-MODERATE. Be with us for 4 days on Columbus Day Weekend as we re-visit the magnificent Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness in the western Adirondacks, which features scores of lovely lakes and ponds nestled among small mountains -- our first trip here in 3 years. We'll be walking in some 3-5 miles with backpacks on mostly easy trails to camp near one of the larger lakes, and then taking easy to moderate hikes each day, all of which are optional. Day hike destinations include a number of other scenic wild lakes, some of which have sandy beaches, and there are also many streams and rivers to explore. Other options include swimming and spending one or more days relaxing by the lake. This is fall foliage time in the Adirondacks, and the colors are often spectacular here on Columbus Day Weekend. It will also be our final camping trip of the season. Departure will be early Friday am, return by early Monday evening (Columbus Day). Group size is limited to 9 people, and early reservations are highly recommended. Calls and e-mails to check on space are welcome up to the time of the trip. If you need to cancel, cash refunds are available (minus a $100 cancellation fee) until July 5, 2012. After that date, credit for future trips is possible only if your space can be filled. Transportation from NYC is available at no extra cost for those who need it (or you may meet us in the Adirondack Park). Fee for members: $450 (Member-driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $225). Non-members: $550 (Non-member driver with car who can take passengers from Manhattan: $325).

Make a reservation now!
Trip Fees & Information
Top