Beginner Hiking New York

Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/learn-to-thru-hike-6-5-7)** ### **Learn to Thru-Hike: A Backcountry Masterclass** **Master the art of long-distance hiking through a hands-on, immersive Catskills experience**. ### Adventure Snapshot 🥾 Activity: Backpacking expedition, skills training & backcountry curriculum ⏱️ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 🥾 Distance: Varies based on route; multi-day hiking with a weighted pack ⛰️ Elevation: Moderate, varied terrain 🧭 Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate — no prior backpacking experience required 📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience Have you ever dreamed of tackling the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or simply disappearing into the wilderness for a week, but felt overwhelmed by where to even start? Thru-hiking is more than a long walk. It’s a craft, and like any craft, it can be taught. Our Learn to Thru-Hike Adventure is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to take you from day hiker to confident backcountry traveler. This is more than a guided trip, it’s a full educational journey that includes a pre-trip planning session, a 3-day/2-night field expedition in the Catskills, and a post-trip debrief to refine your skills and gear. Along the way, you’ll learn the systems, strategies, and mindset required for long-distance hiking, whether your goal is to complete a section hike, tackle a thru-hike, or simply feel more capable and self-sufficient in the backcountry. This experience blends practical skills training, real-world application, and personalized instruction in one of New York’s most accessible wilderness areas. ### What You'll Learn 🎯 How to set realistic goals and physically prepare for long-distance hiking 🗺️ How to plan routes, manage permits, and navigate logistical challenges 🎒 How to choose and optimize your gear, including the “Big Three” (shelter, sleep system, and pack) 🥾 How to plan daily mileage, read elevation profiles, and build flexible itineraries 🍽️ How to fuel your body with effective backcountry nutrition strategies 🧭 Navigation and wayfinding using maps, compass, GPS, and natural cues ⚠️ Risk management, including environmental hazards and emergency preparedness 🌿 Leave No Trace principles and responsible wilderness travel practices ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why learn to thru-hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are experienced educators dedicated to helping you build real, lasting backcountry skills. This is more than a backpacking trip. It’s a complete learning experience. Most guided adventures end at the trailhead. This one includes a structured curriculum, a personalized planning session before your trip, and a post-trip debrief to help you refine your system and continue progressing toward your goals. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to plan and execute your own backcountry adventures. ### What's Included? 📚 Comprehensive digital curriculum delivered upon registration 📋 Pre-trip planning session (virtual or in-person) to review goals, gear, and route 🏕️ 3-day / 2-night guided backcountry expedition 🍽️ All meals and trail snacks, with instruction on backcountry nutrition planning 🎒 Group gear including tents, stoves, and water filtration (or bring your own to test in the field) 📝 Post-trip debrief session to review performance and refine your setup ### Schedule Exact itinerary will vary based on route and group goals. Below is a general outline of the experience. **Day 1** Meet at trailhead for introductions, gear check, and final preparation Begin hiking and apply foundational skills in route planning and pacing Set up camp and introduce backcountry systems and routines **Day 2** Full day of hiking with continued instruction on navigation, nutrition, and efficiency Hands-on practice with gear systems, decision-making, and risk management Evening discussion on long-distance strategy and trail life **Day 3** Morning breakdown of camp and final hiking segment Return to trailhead and debrief key lessons from the field *All times are flexible. We adjust every experience to the pace, goals, and needs of the group.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? **Must have** 💧 2+ liters of water capacity 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for multi-day hiking 🥾 Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners 🎒 Personal gear (full packing list provided in pre-trip materials) 🧣 Extra layers for changing weather conditions **Good to have** 🌧️ Rain shell 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat 📓 Notebook for notes and trip planning ### 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](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

Hiking 101 - 1 Mile Taste of the Greenbelt!

Hike the Greenbelt 🌳🌳

Central Park Beginner Runners

Note: please rsvp as "going" only if you are actually going to allow others to come as the max slot is set to 20! Thanks! Running can be overwhelming and a bit daunting if you are just starting out. That's why we've created the Central Park Beginner Runners Club, a relaxed, no pressure group for anyone looking to ease into running, enjoy the outdoors, and meet friendly faces along the way. Whether you've never run a mile or are just getting back into it, we'll take it slow together with an easy 3 mile jog on Sunday mornings. If you need to take a breather and walk, please feel free to let me know and we can slow down. All i ask is that you try your best! However, there is no pressure as this is a beginner friendly group! If you're interested in running together, feel free to join us anytime! We'll gather every Sunday morning at the Gapstow bridge. You can expect the pace to be anywhere between 10-13min mile pace. Our usual route will start from the Gapstow bridge then we will run up north to the reservoir and do a lap around. That should be about 3 miles. Depending on how people feel, we may jog back to the original meetup spot or we can walk back. We'll meet at 10:00 AM and aim to finish by 11:00 AM at the latest. Please bring the bare minimum as it may be difficult to find a place to store your stuff! Whether you're a beginner runner, looking to lose weight, or just want to run, everyone is welcome😁

8 Mile Brooklyn Hike; Greenwood Cemetery, Prospect Park, and Dinner

We'll be meeting deep in Brooklyn, at 25th St and 5th Ave, outside the Greenwood Cemetery and one block East of the 25th St stop of the R train. There will be no vaccine requirements for this hike, neither for the hike itself nor for dinner afterward. Stay at that corner and don't go to the big gothic gate until we have assembled the group. We'll do a zig-zag course of several miles through the hilly cemetery (**[click for pictures](http://www.meetup.com/AfternoonHiking/photos/743588/)**), after which we'll walk out and over to Prospect Park, and do several more miles there. We'll try to find the following sites: * two brothers, buried side by side, killed fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War * Louis Bonard, patron of the ASPCA * a monument to the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, where the British prevailed except that George Washington managed to retreat to North Manhattan with most of our army intact * the status of Minerva, goddess of war, saluting the Statue of Liberty in the distance * Leonard Bernstein's grave * Clarence MacKenzie, a 12-year-old drummer boy, Brooklyn's first Civil War casualty, killed by friendly fire * The family plot of Elias Howe, who patented the sewing machine * Varian Fry, a Gentile who forged papers allowing 2,000 Jews and anti-Nazi figures to flee Vichy France (there are no stones lying near his grave, so if you want to leave one, bring it from home) * Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph * Charles Feltman, a German immigrant who invented the hot dog in Coney Island and built a giant business out of it We'll finish up at the F/G subway stop at 7th Avenue and 9th Street, Brooklyn, after which those interested can come to a delicious and affordable Vietnamese dinner at a restaurant that does separate checks. Note that we will be ending 1.4 miles from where we began, so if you drive you can get back to where we started by taking the F/G one stop toward Manhattan, getting off at 4th Ave, then take the R back to 25th St. There are bathrooms at the beginning, halfway, and at the restaurant. Other than that, we go 4 miles at a stretch with no bathrooms. There aren't even suitable bushes along the way. I expect we will be reaching the end and starting dinner at about 7:00pm. For the trip home, you can take the F/G train, which will be at 7th Ave & 9th St, about 30 feet from the restaurant. If people get lost, it just isn't practical to go looking for them. So it's important that you be able to cope if you do get lost. Attendance is free, and by attending, all participants agree to a release waiver that basically gives up any right whatsoever to sue, to the fullest extent possible by law. You can read the current draft of this waiver (**[here](http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc)**).

Everything has a Silver Lining

Jogging for beginners (Central park)

This is a free event and only rain can stop us! This event is for slow runners only. Dear verticals, it's time for us to make another leisure run around Jacqueline Kennedy reservoir. We will meet wonderful people, exchange ideas and languages, while jogging under the diverse trees of Central Park. This is a loop run. April 25 (Saturday) Start at 12:00 PM Meeting: **in front of Solomon R. Guggenheim** Museum (1071 5th Ave, New York, NY) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqGmKFTCspqtux427](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqGmKFTCspqtux427) Total elevation: 36ft Road type: paved and gravel. Average speed: 4 mph Total distance: 2.4 miles (45 min) Map: [) Google map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bGt7cqU9WNUH8T7NA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bGt7cqU9WNUH8T7NA) Our FB group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145](https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145) Our meetup group: [https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d](https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d) Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GVXEFcR4PMjH70KLNlbpRV](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GVXEFcR4PMjH70KLNlbpRV) **Telegram: [https://t.me/neverwinterfree](https://t.me/neverwinterfree)** Please apply via: **IG: neverwinter_free_parties** LINE: cozmo31 Wechat: cozmo31 [www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=28694880](http://www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=28694880) Disclaimer of liability: By participating in this activity you agree that organizers are not to be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur before, during or after the event.

Backpacking Devils Path East

***Details*** We will meet 8:00 at Notch Lake parking, then shuttle to the start at Prediger road trailhead. **Day 1 hike plan:** 7.3 miles-- climb up the **steep** trail to Indian Head summit, Twin summit and Sugarloaf summit, (\~3K' climbing and descending (3) Catskill 3500 mountains) then descend into Mink Hollow campsite area, you can tent or sleep in the lean-to if available (this will be a very tough 7-1/2 miles with a heavy backpack). Here we will set up camp, cook and hangout. **Day 2 hike plan:** next morning we will cook a nice breakfast, relax, then pack everything into our backpacks and head up the **steep** trail to the Plateau summit, cross the summit (approx. 2 miles) then descend the long, **steep** Plateau west side to the Notch Lake parking area, this descent will be a real knee knocker! Approx. 5+ miles \~1K climbing. Once at the Notch Lake parking area, we will go into Tannersville or the like for a proper lunch. Everyone will be on a waitlist to start. You will need plenty of backpacking gear and experience. This is an advanced backpack hike, shorter milage but lots of **steep** elevation gain and loss. **\*\*\*Backpacking Devils Path East is STRENUOUS\*\*\*** You should be getting regular cardio, be physically fit and have experience carrying a heavier pack up and over steep rocky terrain **Catskill group size limits to 10 overnight campers/hikers** **Everyone starts on the waitlist and will be moved to going.** **only reliable self-sufficient hikers will be moved!** RAIN_SNOW_AND_THE_LIKE_PUSHES_THE EVENT_TO_THE_ FOLLOWING_WEEKEND This is your hike. Hike your own hike. You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events, that you have read and understand the below information and will visit HVH website to read the full liability waiver. If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, Event Hosts or any other members (participants) responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, be able to read and understand a map, know the terrain as dictated by the map topo, read and understand the compass, bring the proper gear and know your medical limitations. Your attendance (RSVP to the event) on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver and understand the requirements above. **Full waiver can be found on the ABOUT page.**

Training walk for 'The Great Saunter'

Joining us for the AMC 150 Team on the Great Saunter? Or just wishing you were? Either way, come out with us for long, brisk training walks! This urban walk of approximately 12 miles is inspired by 'The Great Saunter' hosted by the ShoreWalkers. It may serve as preparation for the event if you are joining this year! We will be meeting at the MetroNorth station at E. 125th in Manhattan and walking to The Battery. The route may be modified at the guide's discretion should it be necessary. Please be prepared to be outside in the Earth's elements for five hours and dress according for the activity and anticipated weather. Please bring water and food as well as any other items you need. If you have a medical condition that the trip guide needs to know about please email [dsolar@outdoors.org](mailto:dsolar@outdoors.org) prior to our time together.

Smoky Mountain Boots and Roots Hiking

**OVERVIEW** Are you into endless views? Old-growth forests? Mist bouncing off a 100-foot waterfall hitting your face? Then spend a long weekend with a small group of women hiking the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including parts of the Appalachian Trail). Channel your inner goat girl as you stroll through iconic scenery and listen to stories of the women who helped shape the Smokies. Take a brief break from the trail living out your pottery fantasies throwing clay on the wheel and sculpting your very own mug. Then kick back like a queen with nightly glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. **BOOTS = HIKING** Get your blues and greens in on three stunning hikes that don’t even look real. The views from Charlies Bunion and Ramsay Cascades are complete madness. Wind your way through pine trees and over classic creek crossings that make you momentarily consider a coonskin hat. (But not really, because animals ♥️) **ROOTS = HER-STORY** Did you know a woman was the first settler to move to the Smoky Mountains? You didn’t? That’s because Martha Jane Huskey Ogle’s husband called dibs on the fame. Learn about the deliciously woman-heavy history of a wilderness that man tried real hard to claim as his own. Your Explorer Chick guide will drop all the juicy gossip, connecting you to the goosebumpy sisterhood who walked before you. Deep dive into Appalachian crafts straddling a wheel and molding a coffee mug with your very own hands. Local artists will guide you through the entire pottery process and only help when needed. After 10 weeks of drying, firing, and glazing, your mug will show up at your doorstep. Surprise! Relive the SHE-nanigans of your Smokies trip. **YOU FEELING MAX COMFY WHILE GLAMPING** Put your feet up in total Insta-worthy digs at our adorable glamping site minutes from Gatlinburg. You will sleep in a tent that has been tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed with WiFi and temperature control – with meals freshly prepared at camp by your Explorer Chick guides. You only have one task after hiking: RELAX. **ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHTS:** * Hike the Appalachian Trail to the sweeping panaromic views from Charlies Bunion * Get up close and personal with the Smokies tallest waterfall, Ramsey Cascades * Learn how to work clay on a wheel as you create your one of a kind glazed coffee mug * Kick back at camp with breakfasts and dinners cooked by your Explorer Chick guides. * Sleep easy at our Glamping site with canvas tents outfitted with all the creature comforts. * Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes the logistics, transportation, navigation, meal planning, lodging, and everything between easy. * Geek out with supportive and encouraging Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour. **See the website for full details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-smoky-mountain-boots-and-roots-hiking-trip/) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

🖼️ Frame the Magic 🪄 Shorewalkers Very First Photography 📸 Walk

**Half the reason I love our hikes so much is everything we discover along the way—beautiful views, interesting finds, the occasional oddity, and even a few things that make us laugh. I’d love to expand that perspective with all of you and see the world through your eyes, too.** **You don’t need to be a professional photographer—just someone who enjoys a great walk and appreciates the chance to take in some truly spectacular views. Along the way, you’ll find endless photo opportunities, no matter your level of experience.** **📸Cameras of any kind 📸** **📱 smartphones are cameras too 📱** **📸 5 + hours - 6+ miles 👟** **Guests need to fill out the waiver form** [here](https://shorewalkers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shorewalkers-Waiver-2024.pdf) **Meeting Place:** * **10:30 AM On the corner of Dyckman & Broadway near Starbucks.** * **We take off at 10:45AM.** **Features** 1. **The Cloisters at Inwood** 1. **Ft. Tryon** 1. **Heather Gardens.** 1. **Cabrini Woods Nature Sanctuary for bird 🐦 peeping.** 1. **Bridge to Serenity off Henry Hudson Pkwy** 1. **Little Red Lighthouse** 1. **Riverbank State Park** **Bathrooms** 1. **Dyckman Playground** 1. **Bonnefont Restaurant—Ft. Tryon** 1. **Ft. Washington Park just past Little Red Lighthouse** 1. **Riverbank State Park** * **Bring water, sunscreen and snacks.** * **Lunch will be around the W.187 area with some good places to grab a quick bite!** * **Dropout points are all throughout our route, if needed to catch the nearest train or bus.** **Hike Leaders: Tiffany—718-300-1655/Ivan 917-446-0013—please text and state your name when you do.**

Help Samara Community School students learn to ride!