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- Breakneck Ridge by the Back Way -Cold SpringCentral information booth at Grand Central Station, New York, NY
We'll take the Cornish and UnderCliff trails to the top of Breakneck mountain and do a loop back to Cold Spring. This route will avoid the crowds on the main trail up Breakneck. We'll have some spectacular views over the Hudson River. It's around a 9 mile hike including a challenging climb up Breakneck Ridge. DEFINITELY NOT A TRIP FOR ANYONE AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. This is a hard hike and you should be ready for a SERIOUS AEROBIC WORKOUT. It's about a 1000 foot climb up to the top.
GUYS TAKING THE TRAIN: We'll be catching the 8:50am Metro North-Hudson Line (headed towards Poughkeepsie) train out of Grand Central to Cold Spring, NY. Meet near the clock/info booth in Grand Central around 9:15am. Return trains are 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 3:51pm, 4:20pm & 5:20pm.
DRIVERS: Hike starts and ends in the same place. The train arrives at Cold Spring around 10:15am. There's a good parking lot at the Little Stony Point which is closer to the trailhead. We'll walk up and meet you at the trailhead. Here's the Google map pin for that lot. https://goo.gl/maps/1V7nPMasvAUWWx2S9
Also there's parking at the Cold Spring Station. If you park here, you will need to CROSS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE of the tracks to meet us as we depart the train. Here's the Google map pin for the Cold Spring train station. https://goo.gl/maps/6PjbDyqJW4D2A3Bu9 I'll ask the drivers to comment a day before the hike so I know to look for you when we arrive.GEAR: Sunscreen, a sun hat and sturdy hiking boots are a good idea. Long pants and bug spray are recommended to prevent ticks.
FOOD: Bring plenty of water, at least 2 LITERS is recommended, and a hearty lunch. You'll be plenty thirsty by the end of the hike. There's plenty of places in Cold Spring to grab a bite or drink after the hike.
ALLTRAILS MAP: Here's a link to the AllTrails map https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/cold-spring-breakneck-back-way-f356355 It's a very useful hiking app I suggest you download it, will be a big help if you need to navigate on your own.
Bad weather cancels this trip. Light rain is ok though.
Can't wait to see everybody!
Bill Wilson
- 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