What we’re about
Destination Backcountry is a wilderness guide service founded in 2011 and operated by outdoor professionals who have dedicated their lives to sharing their passion for wild places with others. We all love the woods in different ways, from thru-hikers to canoe experts and deep wilderness explorers, but what we love most is teaching and helping everyone find the same joy in the outdoors that we have.
If you see a trip you'd like to join, please follow the link listed in that trip's description and sign up on our website. You will then receive an email with all of the trip details.
Follow along with our adventures on Instagram @destinationbackcountry and sign up for our email newsletter to receive updates on upcoming adventures and discounts.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hunter Fire Tower (7/12) Brews & ViewsCatskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/hunter-fire-tower-summer-hike
### Summit rugged and beautiful Hunter Mountain in the Catskills with great views, plus a dip at the stunning Diamond Notch Falls
A Catskills favorite, Hunter Mountain offers multiple viewpoints, incredible evergreen forests, and panoramic views from the summit fire tower. We'll also check out the historic ranger’s cabin at the summit. After our descent down the mountain, we'll cool off with a well-earned dip in the stunning Diamond Notch Falls then visit the renowned Westkill Brewery for post-hike brews and snacks.
### Hike stats
🥾 9.1 miles from Diamond Notch Falls parking area to the Hunter Mountain summit and back
⛰️ About 1940 ft elevation gain with some steep and scrambly sections
🧭 Difficulty: Challenging### The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
A FULL day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🥾Expert guidance on steep/scambly sections of the trail
💧 A dip in a great backcountry swimming hole
🌲 Incredible observations about the forest and wildlife we may encounter, including transitions between ecosytems### What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide### Schedule
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~9:45 Arrival at Trailhead
~12:30 Lunch at Summit
~1:00 Hike out
~2:30 Van heads to local brewery
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/hunter-fire-tower-summer-hike
- Canoes & Brews in the Catskills (7/13)Catskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/canoes-and-brews-catskills-canoeing
### A chill day canoeing on a mountain lake + a visit to a local brewery
This gentle day on a calm lake is an easy walk from the parking lot to the canoe launch. In the right conditions, we will paddle a short distance upstream into a secluded forest. This lake is also well known for brown trout, so fishing instruction is an option, no gear required. Our guides will offer paddling and fishing instruction for everyone who is interested. No previous canoe or kayak experience necessary!
### Trip stats
🛶 Minimal hiking + gentle paddling with no current
⛰️ No elevation gain
🧭 Difficulty: Easy.### The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
A FULL day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🥾 On this gentle hike, everyone hikes at their own pace with plenty of time to take pictures and just experience the gorgeous natural surroundings
🫧 A dip in a backcountry swimming hole off-the-beaten path offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure### What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide### Schedule
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~9:45 Arrival at Trailhead
~12:30 Lunch at viewpoint
~1:30 Hike out
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/canoes-and-brews-catskills-canoeing
- Learn to Camp Overnight (7/19-20) Family WeekendCatskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/learn-to-camp-overnight-family-weekend
### Discover the joys of camping with expert backcountry guides. Kids of all ages are welcome on this trip.
This overnight is perfect for anyone looking to spend their first night in the woods, or adventurers who would like to learn more about camping and improve their backcountry skills. On this chill basecamp camping trip, we'll take a gentle hike to a backcountry location for a weekend of relaxing in nature and exploring spectacular views, with the opportunity for fishing, and more. Enjoy time around the campfire, wake up to birdsong, meditate by the river, and find your own peace in the forest. Absolutely no outdoors experience is required for this trip.
### Trip stats
🥾 1-2 miles of moderate hiking to a backcountry camping location
⛰️ No elevation gain during this trip
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate. We will spend some time hiking off-trail to our camping destination and will set up a backcountry campsite.### The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
A FULL weekend of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full weekend of adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trip, our guides will share:
✨ One-of-a-kind destination: experience a night camping in a magical Catskills forest
🦉 Forest interpretation and signs of wildlife like owls, deer, efts, and more
🔥 An incredible camping experience: redefine your idea of cozy camping and imagine a roaring campfire, a gourmet meal shared with your fellow adventurers, and a peaceful night sleep with a warm cup of coffee waiting for you in the morning.### What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast in the Woods: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide### Schedule
Day One
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~10:00 Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to Camp + Camp Setup
~12:30 Lunch
~3:30 Backcountry Skills + Fire Building
~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until BedtimeDay Two
8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Break Camp
10:00-12:00 Optional Hike + Camptime
12:00 Light Lunch + Hike to Van
~2:00-3:00 Arrival at trailhead + van heads back to NYC
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Our overnight trips are much more flexibile! Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
🎒 Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt
💤 Sleeping bag
🛏️ Sleeping pad
🍽️ Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup)
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🔦 Headlamp
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: sneakers or boots are perfect for this trip
🧣 Clothes: extra layers, top and bottom, 3 pairs of socks
🌧️ Rain shell
⛺ Tent: We have a limited number of tents available to borrow. Please let us know if you would like to borrow a tent. There is also the option to sleep under a tarp shelter, which your guide can help build, or to sleep under the stars if conditions permit. If you are NOT planning on bringing a tent, please let us know your preferences from above.Good to have:
🩴 Camp shoes
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/learn-to-camp-overnight-family-weekend
- Outdoor Photography + Camping Overnight with Sam Fuller (7/19-20)Catskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/outdoor-photography-camping-overnight
### Learn outdoor photography basics from a professional photographer and licensed outdoor guide Sam Fuller + spend a great night in the woods!
View the Catskills through the lens of your camera on our photography-driven backcountry experience. This adventure will combine our love of nature and creativity with opportunities to refine your outdoor photography skills under the guidance ofm a professional photographer.
Adventurers are welcome to bring their camera of choice (a mobile device is fine too!). We'll explore different shooting techniques such as landscape and macro, with the possibility of astrophotography if conditions allow. Plus, we spend a great night in the woods!
About Sam Fuller: In addition to being a licensed outdoor guide, Sam studied photography at Ithaca College and works as a professional photographer/videographer in NYC.### Trip stats
🥾 1-2 miles of moderate hiking to a backcountry camping location
⛰️ No elevation gain during this trip
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate. We will spend some time hiking off-trail to our camping destination and will set up a backcountry campsite.### The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others.
A FULL weekend of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full weekend of adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trip, our guides will share:
📷 Photography instruction from a professional photographer
✨ One-of-a-kind destination: experience a night camping in a magical Catskills forest
🦉 Forest interpretation and signs of wildlife like owls, deer, efts, and more
🔥 An incredible camping experience: redefine your idea of cozy camping and imagine a roaring campfire, a gourmet meal shared with your fellow adventurers, and a peaceful night sleep with a warm cup of coffee waiting for you in the morning.### What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast in the Woods: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide### Schedule
Day One
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~10:00 Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to Camp + Camp Setup
~12:30 Lunch
~3:30 Outdoor photography instruction + practice
~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until BedtimeDay Two
8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Break Camp
10:00-12:00 Photography practice
12:00 Light Lunch + Hike to Van
~2:00-3:00 Arrival at trailhead + van heads back to NYC
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Our overnight trips are much more flexibile! Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
📷 Camera (iPhone is fine!)
🎒 Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt
💤 Sleeping bag
🛏️ Sleeping pad
🍽️ Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup)
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🔦 Headlamp
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: sneakers or boots are perfect for this trip
🧣 Clothes: extra layers, top and bottom, 3 pairs of socks
🌧️ Rain shell
⛺ Tent: We have a limited number of tents available to borrow. Please let us know if you would like to borrow a tent. There is also the option to sleep under a tarp shelter, which your guide can help build, or to sleep under the stars if conditions permit. If you are NOT planning on bringing a tent, please let us know your preferences from above.Good to have:
🩴 Camp shoes
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/outdoor-photography-camping-overnight
