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.
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See all- Secret Land of Trout & Berries - Strawberry Solstice Camping (6/20-22)Catskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
### A restorative weekend campout in our favorite old-growth forest
We consider this destination to be a sacred place: a stretch of virgin, old-growth forest wilderness dotted with beaver ponds and brambles and flush with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. The lush meadows are cut by streams filled with trout to form a true paradise. Not marked on any maps or trail guides, we’ve kept the location of the Secret Land of Trout and Berries a closely guarded secret, and though not too difficult to reach, it has remained unspoiled.
On this very mellow backpacking trip, we'll hike into our camping destination before settling in for a long weekend filled with berry picking, swimming, fishing, and celebrating the Summer Solstice. With a moderate hike in, this is a great first camping or backpacking trip for anyone interested in spending their first night in the woods.### Trip stats
🥾Approx. 5-6 mile hike to basecamp
⛰️ No elevation gain to basecamp
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate. We will be hiking on-trail and off-trail to reach out camping destination.### 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 like no other
🦉 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.
🎣 Fishing available
🩱Swimming available
🍃 This incredible forest is perfect for mindfulness activities like meditation, journaling, and more### 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
Between noon-3pm TBD Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
12:30-3:30pm TBD Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
Rest Stop
Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to Camp + Camp Setup
Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until BedtimeDay Two
8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee
10:00-2:30 Optional Hike + Lunch During Hike
~2:30-5:00 Camptime
~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until BedtimeDay Three
8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Break Camp
10:00-12:00 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
🧢 Hat### FAQs
What happens after I book my adventure? You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page here - Peekamoose and Table (6/28) Catskills 3500Needs location
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/peekamoose-and-table-day-hike
### Two incredible Catskill mountains in one fantastic day hike
We love everything about this favorite early summer day hike, from the gentle rolling start alongside the majestic Neversink River, to the extended hiking in the magical spruce-fir summit forest, and the abounding wildflowers all along the way. This trail has a long, gradual incline, and the steep sections do not have any of the rocky scrambles common to Catskill hiking, making this trek easier on the knees and ideal for adventurers looking to take a step forward from moderate hikes. The two peaks include extended time in an old-growth forest where your guides can point out trees that are hundreds of years old.
### Hike stats
🥾 ~9.5 miles from Peekamoose Road to Peekamoose and Table summits and then back Summit
⛰️ About 2600ft elevation gain
🧭 Difficulty: Hard. This is a challenging hike### 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:
🌿 An absolutely stunning trail with many gorgeous viewpoints
🥾Expert guidance on trail
🌲 Incredible observations about the forest and wildlife we may encounter.### 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 of Peekamoose or Table
~1:00 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
🧢 Hat### FAQs
What happens after I book my adventure? You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/peekamoose-and-table-day-hike
