
What we’re about
For those that enjoy group outings. The Onondaga chapter outings events are held in central NY and surrounding counties (local state and county parks, unique areas, finger lakes trail, north country trail, etc...) and day or multiday trips to the Adirondacks and Catskills. Events include hiking, backpacking, paddling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing. Our hike leaders are volunteers willing to share their knowledge with you. Our goal is safe, responsible and enjoyable outdoor events. Please choose only outings suitable to your abilities; call the leader if you are unsure. Be prepared; dress in layers for variable conditions (i.e. consider elevation changes and weather). New hikers should message the leader before their first outing.
The Onondaga Chapter has a long history of volunteerism; in many aspects; including trail building, trail maintenance, trail stewardship, outings leaders. Our Chapter is one of the original affiliate chapters that built sections of the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) and later, a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). Our chapter currently maintains 72 miles of the FLT and three lean-tos. 57 miles of our FLT section are concurrent with the NCT. We adopted the Pigeon Lake Wilderness in the Adirondacks, and work with a DEC forester seasonally to clear the trails. Check our website for more on what we do as a chapter. https://www.adk-on.org.
Adirondack Mountain Club Membership is $50 per year. Memberships are for a full year, no matter when you join. Onondaga Chapter Outings Meet-up is allowing people to join meet up site without ADK membership. We ask if you enjoy our trips please consider to join the ADK, choose Onondaga as Affiliate chapter, at https://www.adk.org.
Upcoming events
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•OnlineMountain Travel and Rescue LEVEL 1 Course
OnlineMountain Travel and Rescue LEVEL 1 Course
— CNY region at Highland Forest 2025 —
Open to all in the Eastern Division interested in the Mountain Travel & Rescue LEVELInstructor: Jeff Sargent, sargentjj@netzero.net
Contact Jeff Sargent for course schedule and to register. Registration is required by November 7th. Space is limited.ONE course. Are you a Ski Patroller, outdoor enthusiast, or SAR (search and rescue) team member looking to expand your survival and travel skills in the backcountry environment? Are you a weekend adventurer seeking the knowledge and skills to travel and enjoy yourself in reasonable safety and comfort in the outdoor environment? If so, this course can help you get prepared!
Course Overview:
Students taking the Mountain Travel & Rescue 1 (MTR1) course will learn a variety of skills,
including:
· hydration and nutrition
· weather patterns and route selection
· proper clothing and adaptation to the wilderness environment
· Medical and Survival Skills
· teamwork and group dynamics
· incident command system and basic search and rescue operations
· knot tying and low-angle rope rescue skills
· emergency transport and improvised toboggan construction
· land navigation with map & compass and GPS
This course includes online pre-course homework, classroom study (Zoom sessions), and field
sessions to ensure that students can apply what they have learned to real-life situations. Specific field practice includes practice in navigation, travel, survival skills, a search and rescue exercise, and an overnight campout.Instructor: Jeff Sargent, sargentjj@netzero.net
Contact Jeff Sargent for course schedule and to register. Registration is required by November 7th. Space is limited.Pre-Course Homework requires:
1. Purchase the NSP MTR textbook, “MOUNTAINEERING, The Freedom of the Hills” 10th
Edition, by E. Linxweiler and M. Maude. It’s not a long read, Chapter reading assignments will be given by IOR
2. Complete the FEMA online courses for IS-100 and IS-700 courses. Visit the MTR FEMA
web page for guidance. Print the Certificates of Completion or email the PDF’s to the IOR. If
you already have completed IS-700, please bring a copy of your Certificate of Completion.
3. Pack your gear for the campout; A list will be sent out by IOR
4. Practice your Knots. A list of knots will be sent out by IOR
5. Space in this MTR Course is limited; a waitlist may develop, so put a group together,
bring your friends and enjoy a weekend of fun and learning.1 attendee
Tour du Mount Blanc / November Business Meeting / Pot Luck
Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest, HIghland Park Road, New Woodstock, NY, USTour du Mount Blanc / November Business Meeting / Fall Pot Luck
Open to Non-Members-Bring a Friend
Reservations are required (use the link below) by Wednesday, November 12.ADK Onondaga Fall Pot Luck Registration
NOTE: Hiking opportunities available in the morning (see below).
Social Hour 2:00 – 3:00 pm - Drinks and hors-d’oeuvres will be provided by the club.
Guest Speaker 3:00 – 4:00 pm - Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc Presentation by Jamie Condon, Bob Rosati
Business Meeting 4:00 – 4:30 pm
Pot Luck Dinner 4:30 pm. Please bring a dish to share and your own place setting.
Tour du Mont Blanc Presentation. Join us for a special presentation on the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance hiking routes. This spectacular 100+ mile trek loops through the Alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering awe-inspiring alpine scenery, charming mountain villages, and a rich blend of cultures. Chapter members Jamie Condon and Bob Rosati will present and share highlights from this unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Alps on this self-guided group trip with other fellow ADKers.
Please check our website at www.adk-on.org for updates.Short and Long Hikes Available (see below): Registration is not required for the hikes but is required for the potluck dinner.
SHORT HIKE: Highland Forest
Sat, Nov 15 12:00 PM
Meeting Place: Highland Forest Skyline Lodge
Hike Rating: Level 1 C+, Fairly Easy, 4-5 mile loop
Est Hike Time: 2 hours
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2
Leader(s): Ann Furze
Hike a 4-5 mile loop on the Main, Kirnan and Tolbert trails. The loop could be extended if some wish to continue east across the park and return on the main trail resulting in 7 miles. Bring water, snacks, and poles. Probably muddy in places. Please contact leader with any questions.
LONG HIKE: Highland Forest
Sat, Nov 15 10:00 AM
Meeting Place: Highland Forest Skyline Lodge
Hike Rating: Level 2 B, Moderate, 8.8 miles
Est Hike Time: 4 hours
Long Distance Trail: FLT, NCT100
Map(s): DeLorme p. 61, FLT-O2
Leader(s): Kathy Campbell
Enjoy this moderately strenuous hike on the Phil Suters Memorial Main Trail at Highland Forest. This loop trail of approx. 8.8 mi. includes an elevation gain of ~1,200'. You will wind through peaceful forests with a few easy stream crossings. There can be muddy sections during wet weather so wear sturdy hiking boots and bring trekking poles (optional). Bring snack or light lunch and water. Please contact leader with any questions.1 attendee
Back Country Hiking Course
Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville, NY, USBack Country Hiking Course
Registration is required through Fayetteville Free Library Event Calendar:
Back Country Hiking - Fayetteville Free Library Event Calendar
Instructor: Jeff Sargent, sargentjj@netzero.net for questions.
Back country hiking.
These sessions will cover clothing and gear recommendations, survival and emergency actions, and navigation. The classes will be more advanced discussions and geared toward group leaders or those tackling longer and more challenging hikes. Previous basic map and compass training is recommended.
Please plan to attend all 3 sessions.
Session 1 on Dec 15th (2 hrs. evening) will be classroom training held at the Fayetteville Free Library and will cover gear and emergencies.
Session 2 on Dec 17th (2 hrs. evening) will also be at the library and will be a refresher on map, compass, and CalTopo/smart phone GPS use.
Session 3 on Jan 3rd (7 hrs) will be at Highland Forest. There we will travel on and off trail for about 5 miles. Bushwacking (navigation) and emergency skills will be practiced. Appropriate clothing, footwear, and the 10 essentials are required.1 attendee
Past events
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