What we’re about
Strap on your best outdoor walking boots and head for the great outdoors with the Gay Mens' Hiking Group. This woodsy gang of dudes takes day trips to nearby mountains, forests and nature trails. Recent trips have included a winter hike in the Hudson Highlands and a vigorous 10 mile hike in Harriman State Park. We also do an overnight camping trip every year on Fire Island, which is easy and a lot of fun.
We try to do at least one hike per month. Our trips are accessible by trains out of NYC. The guys coming from the city meet in Grand Central or Penn Station and travel upstate together. For the drivers I provide details on parking near the trail head and we meet them there.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Wilkinson Memorial Trail to Beacon NYCentral information booth at Grand Central Station, New York, NY
My favorite hike in the Hudson Highlands! We'll hike from the Breakneck Ridge train station to Beacon, NY. We're avoiding the Breakneck Ridge climb by hiking the Wilkinson Memorial trail north towards Beacon. There will be some great views of the Hudson River.
IMPORTANT: The state is building a new waterfront park along the Hudson and they may close parking or the train stop for construction. I'll let you know if we need to change plans.
THIS IS A HARD HIKE and you should be ready for a INTENSE AEROBIC WORKOUT. It's about a 1000 foot climb in the first mile. There are no short cuts back to the train station, so you must be prepared to hike 9-10 miles of hilly terrain. If you are afraid of heights it will be challenging.
GUYS TAKING THE TRAIN: Buy a round trip to Beacon. We'll be catching the 8:50am Metro North-Hudson Line train out of Grand Central to Breakneck Ridge stop. Meet near the clock/info booth in Grand Central around 8:15am. Return trains in Beacon are at 3:09pm, 3:42, 4:09pm and 5:09pm.
DRIVERS: TEXT ME OR COMMENT so I know to look for you at the trail head. This hike is not a loop. The hike starts near the Breakneck station at the Wilkinson Memorial/Sugarloaf Mountain trailhead https://goo.gl/maps/eB2kvEMxn3hMNk8u5 and ends in Beacon here: https://goo.gl/maps/H9mqeHuBSePbvccP9
Two options for drivers:
1. Park near the Breakneck station and at the end of the hike take the train one stop back to your car. Here's a Google map link for the parking lot at the start of the hike. https://goo.gl/maps/RvXt9Wc9VAWZE24R6 Parking is about a 1/4 mile south from the train stop, walk up to meet us at the Wilkinson Memorial trailhead around 10:20am.2. Do a car shuttle, meaning all the drivers meet in the morning and leave most of their cars at the end point in Beacon here: https://goo.gl/maps/H9mqeHuBSePbvccP9 then drive down together one car to meet us at 10:20am for start of the hike (links for start of hike parking). The hike will end where most of you left your cars. If you message me with your phone numbers I'll help you coordinate this.
GEAR & FOOD Bring plenty of water, at least 2 liters is recommended, and a hearty lunch as there are no stores near the trailhead. Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail runners. Trekking poles are handy too. It's a long day so bring layers and a rain jacket. Bring a headlamp if you have one, just in case it takes longer than expected.
ALLTRAILS: Here's a link to our planned route https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/wilkinson-memorial-trail-to-beacon-5e8a516 AllTrails is a great app and will help you navigate if you ever get separated from the group.
Bad weather postpones this trip.
Can't wait to see everybody!
Bill Wilson
212-675-7064 - Fire Island Campground WeekendFire Island Watch Hill, New York, NY
Join us for our annual Fire Island camping weekend at Watch Hill. It's is a beautiful campground on Fire Island about 1.5 hrs from NYC on the LIRR. We're camping very close to the beach and the area is surrounded by dunes and salt marshes. The nearby National Seashore is undeveloped and beautiful. This is a trip for everybody, all fitness levels are welcome. It's a short walk on a boardwalk from the ferry dock. You can lounge on the beach, swim, take long walks on an empty beach or even visit the Pines, Cherry Grove or Davis Park. Kayaking/canoeing in the Great South Bay and fishing are also options.
I'm asking for the $30 camping fee before you are moved off the waitlist. You can Venmo me at @Bill-Wilson-92. After you pay, I will manually move you from Waitlist to the Going. This is the only cost for the event. You can't find a cheaper weekend on Fire Island!
I think most guys will arrive Friday and leave Sunday, but that's not required. I booked the site until Tuesday morning. If anybody wants to stay a day longer or leave earlier that's ok.
The following gear is required: a tent, camping mattress, and bug spray. There can be a lot of mosquitoes!
There's a marina, restaurant and bar nearby. The campground facilities include running water, grills, picnic tables, showers and bathrooms.
I suggest bringing your own food in a cooler, as the restaurant can be expensive. We can grill on charcoal. Anybody who has a camp stove should bring it. I'll provide a more detailed gear list later.
GUYS TAKING THE TRAIN: You need to take the LIRR to Patchogue and walk a short distance to the ferry terminal. https://goo.gl/maps/g9W2Y8NCYbS2 Make sure you get the ferry to Watch Hill. We don't need to depart at the same time. Come whenever your schedule allows.
GUYS DRIVING: There is free parking at the ferry terminal. Here a link https://goo.gl/maps/g9W2Y8NCYbS2
Contact me if you have any questions. This is going to be a great trip!
Bill Wilson