What we’re about
This group is operated by Appalachian Mountain Club New York-North Jersey Chapter (7/1/22)
The New York-North Jersey Chapter of AMC was the first chapter formed by the club back in 1912. For over 100 years the NYNJ chapter has been protecting the precious natural resources of our region, providing skills and leadership training, and hosting 100's of outdoor activities every year for the public through our professional and dedicated volunteer trip leaders.
Beginner or expert the AMC NYNJ chapter has something for everyone. With activities that include hiking, biking, paddling, backpacking, skiing, climbing, and more we're sure you will find something you love. And since we know living in and around the NYC area can be difficult without a car, many of our activities are accessible through public transportation.
Beyond just the trips, training, and conservation advocacy we are a group that encourages community and camaraderie among it's members. Open and welcoming to anyone with an interest in the outdoors we hope that the shared knowledge and experiences between all of us will help you to grow within the outdoor community and create connections and friendships for a lifetime.
What sets us apart the other Meetup groups?
• Professionally trained volunteer leaders means our trips are well organized, safe AND fun!
• Easy access on public transportation to many of our activities.
• Activities are open to anyone, no membership dues are required, but your support helps.
• Your support helps us continue to protect more than 100,000 acres of land and 2,000 miles of trails under the care of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
• Beyond our volunteer led activities AMC provides opportunities for tens of thousands of youth to experience the outdoors each year through our Youth Opportunities Program.
While this Meetup Group showcases some of our best activities they don't all make it to this page and often you will only see a small fraction of what is available! If you would like to see the full assortment of upcoming activities offered by the NYNJ chapter please click here.
Also, if you would like to be part of the community and join in the conversation please consider following us on Instagram and Facebook:
Upcoming events
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WORLD FAMOUS DAZZLING BRIGHT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN DYKER HEIGHTS (MODERATE)
Comfort Stop Inc., 8503 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, ny, USThere is no better time than Christmas eve to view the city's most spectacular holiday lights display, in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights. From the subway station we will go to the epicenter of the extravagant displays, as we walk down the streets and view houses festooned with Christmas trees, and Santa Claus with his reindeer, and share in the festive mood. We will view the home where this all began as well as the famous Forest of Lights, the Let it Snow and Wild Holiday houses, and at the end of the walk, we stop in the Tasty Pastry Shoppe for a delicious desert. Our urban hike will end at the 79th street subway station on the D line as well.
We will walk at a steady, moderate but not slow pace over a distance of around 4 miles, stopping to see the breathtaking decorated houses. There will be no dinner stop, so bring some snacks along if you wish. (This hike is intended for adults 18 years and older and please no dogs).
Precipitation, as well as potentially unsafe ground conditions from ice or snow, or even questionable forecast may cancel, postpone or modify; check website for latest updates. We meet at 4:30 PM at Comfort Stop Inc., at 8503 18th Avenue, at 85th Street. To get there take the subway D line to 18th Avenue in Brooklyn.
You have an option of signing a paper liability waiver at the meeting place, but encouraged to do so online on the AMC website by clicking on link below:
WORLD FAMOUS DAZZLING BRIGHT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN DYKER HEIGHTS (MODERATE) | AMC30 attendees
Xmas Day at Bull Hill
Parking lot by the Washburn Trailhead, Route 9D North (.7 miles north of the intersection of NY 9D and NY 301 in Cold Spring, Cold Spring, NY, USOverview:
Thursday, December 25, 9:45AM
Bull Hill Full Loop: 5.5 miles, 1400 feet elevation (moderate plus)
Bull Hill Full Loop plus optional Undercliff Extension: 7.7 miles, 2000 feet elevation (vigorous)
Washburn Trail Parking Lot, Cold Spring, NY 41.42686, -73.96568 (GPS may show Philipstown, NY).
Parking lot is on the eastern (northbound) side of Route 9D, about 3/4 mile north of Route 301/Main Street in Cold Spring.
Public Transportation access via MetroNorth to Cold Spring, arriving 9:17 AM (details below)
This is a notification only. Register at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN00000250W52AI/act00018048
Details: The hike starts with an invigorating early climb and the wonderful views that this route is renowned for.
About 90% of the 1400 feet elevation in the 5.5 mile Bull Hill Full Loop happens in the first hour, with a steady ascent up the Washburn Trail past a former quarry. It includes great views of Storm King, the Thayer Hotel at West Point, and, on especially clear days, the Manhattan skyline. After the Mt Taurus summit, the route levels out before beginning a gradual descent all the way to the Cornish Trail.
Lunch will likely be at the ruins of the Cornish Dairy, at the end of the Washburn Trail/start of the Cornish Trail. Shortly after lunch, the Undercliff Trail branches off from the Cornish Trail; at that junction, hikers will be able to either take the Undercliff Trail to the Washburn Trail and then descend on the Washburn Trail back to the starting point (about 600 feet elevation, 60-75 minutes total) or continue along the Cornish Trail, passing a few century-old ruins which include explanatory signposting en route back to the parking lot, a flat and easy 30 minutes. There is no need to decide until after lunch; when we did this route in October, about half the group took the Undercliff Trail and half did not, so whichever route you choose, you will likely have company. Another option: Instead of the Undercliff Trail, stay on the Cornish Trail back to the parking lot, then cross Route 9D to Little Stony Point for an easy 25 minute clockwise loop along the Hudson.
Although the Bull Hill Full Loop is only 5.5 miles, this is not a beginner hike, as the terrain is moderate-plus with 1400 feet of elevation. Poles are recommended but not required; updated information on ground conditions, including whether traction devices and/or gaiters are recommended, will be provided to signed-up hikers on Wednesday evening.
Public Transportation: A MetroNorth Hudson line train (direction: Poughkeepsie) departs Grand Central at 7:57 and Harlem-125th at 8:08, and arrives at Cold Spring at 9:17 am (holiday schedule). There is also a connecting train that departs Marble Hill at 7:48, with a transfer at Croton-Harmon. From Cold Spring station, there is a flat and easy walk of about 20 minutes to the Washburn Trail. Please let the hike leader know if you plan to arrive by train.
Dogs: Hudson Highlands is a dog friendly venue, and dogs are welcome provided their owners are confident that the dogs (not to mention themselves) can handle the climbing. Park rules require leashes of no more than 10 feet, and this will be especially important on the Undercliff Trail (where most hikers will be going the opposite direction) and the Cornish Trail (which is likely to be busy on Christmas Day).
AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this hike if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.
RSVP by 7 pm Wednesday please, by clicking here. Further details, including any last minute updates, will be sent to all signed up participants shortly thereafter.
AMC membership opportunity: For the whole month of December, new members can get a first year regular membership for only $25, under-30'w and seniors (70+) only $12.50, and family only $37. If you are already a member, this month's low prices make AMC membership a very affordable Christmas/Hanukkah gift, too.
Get the deal here: https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member8 attendees
8-10 Mile Fahnestock Hike (Vigorous)
1 Depot Square, Cold Spring, NY, USLet's have some fun this Sat. by doing a Fahnestock State Park hike. The hike will be about 8-10 miles depending on the weather. The hike is rated Vigorous on the new AMC rating scale and 3D8-10 under previous codes. Not suitable for beginners, slow hikers, or runners.
We will start the hike by taking a car shuttle from the Cold Spring Metro-North commuter rail stop to the trailhead. The hike will be a hilly, demanding hike with a reasonable number of stops. If you are looking for a slow stroll or a high intensity workout, this is the wrong hike for you. Leader determines the pace, distance, and mileage. If you like to run, don't come.
Hiking boots and backpack are required. Also bring at least 2 liters of water and your lunch. Dress in layers for the cold and bring a hat and gloves. Bring traction devices since there will probably be snow and ice this weekend. This is an all-day hike that will start at 9:15 AM and end 5-6 hours later. Rain, snow, or ice storms cancels. The hike might be postponed to Sun. if there is inclement weather on Sat. Smoking is not allowed on this hike. Drones and dogs are also not allowed on this hike.
Those using public transportation take the 7:57 AM Metro-North Hudson line to Cold Spring. (Check the Metro-North schedule for any changes.) I will be in the first train car opened for passengers at Grand Central. I will be wearing a red AMC leaders' shirt, tan wide-brimmed hat, and have 2 blue water bottles on my hips. If you are unsure where to go once you get off the train, ride the train in the same car as me. Feel free to say hello.
For those using other modes of transportation, be on time and look for other AMC hikers in my group outside the Cold Spring Metro-North rail stop at the foot of Main Street near Depot Restaurant. If you get lost at the train station or are late, we will not wait. If you have any questions, feel free to call me between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM (718) 331-6148 or email me at joeni1@msn.com.
Covid-19 maintains its presence in our region. So out of consideration for all people who share the trails with us, all participants must: 1) Be free of COVID-19 infection to their knowledge, 2) Carry face masks, 3) Carry hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol and 4) Be prepared to observe social distancing. https://www.outdoors.org/policies-covid/ See AMC Trip Policy below.
AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN0000025mVt2AI/act00018109
AMC Trip Policy
##9 attendees
Harriman Hike (Moderate)
Harriman State Park, Private Road, New York, NY, USModerately-paced 6-8 mile hike. Inclement weather cancels; come dressed for the weather, and bring at least two liters of water. No dogs, no runners, no drones. Not a beginner hike. Practiced beginners are welcome, but please get in touch with the leader to discuss where and when to meet and the timing for the day—limited to 15 participants.
AMC Hike Leader: Richard Dabal email: rdabal10@hotmail.com/
AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001zoYn2AI/act0001763115 attendees
Past events
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