Canyon Hikes New York

Our First Meetup: Hempstead Lake Hike

**welcome to our new group! For our very first Meetup** we'll take an easy breezy hike at **[Hempstead Lake State Park](https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hempsteadlake)** on Long Island for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends. **Park is reachable on LIRR to Lakeview Station then 20-min walk over to the park.** **ABOUT THE PARK:** [https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hempsteadlake](https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hempsteadlake) **GETTING THERE:** **check LIRR train schedule --------->[HERE](https://new.mta.info/schedules?tab=mnr) for LIRR that will get you to Lakeview Station by 9:39AM.** **AGENDA**: Once we arrive at Lakeview station by 9:39am it's a 20-min walk to the **Environmental Education and Resiliency Center located at 880 Lake Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552.** There are parking and bathroom facilities here. **PACE**: **LEISURELY and no one will be left behind. NO SPEED DEMONS!** **MILEAGE:** About 3 miles **TRAIL MAP:** **[Hempstead Lake Loop on AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/hempstead-lake-loop?sh=oze8sp&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality)** **THE IMPORTANT STUFF:** * Dress for the weather * Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking/walking * Bring snacks and water * Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, head cover * Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. **DURATION**: This will not be an all day hike. cannot guarantee finishing time, but hope to finish by 4, if not earlier. But you can leave ON YOUR OWN at any time. WE WON'T JUDGE. MUCH. **WEATHER**: Heavy Rain cancels ***LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.***

Spring Hike out of Tuxedo [~12 miles, Train Access]

Kick off the hiking season with a classic loop covering a few lookout points and passing a couple of lakes. [Message Andre](https://www.meetup.com/members/230822/) with any questions about this event. **Please take the [group's 2026 member survey](https://tally.so/r/2EeqKb).** (Especially if you didn't hike with us last year.) \*\*\* **What to Expect on a Hike:** * **We plan to stay together as a group, but this is a social event for hikers and not a guided hike.** Everyone needs to be a self-sufficient hiker with adequate skills and equipment. * **If you are not comfortable hiking** **self-sufficiently** **or are not experienced enough to judge the skill and physical requirements in the route description**, check out the [Appalachian Mountain Club’s](https://www.outdoors.org/) hikes or one of the many professional guides operating in the area. \*\*\* **Typical day-hiking gear list:** * Hiking footwear (boots or trail shoes), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses. ([Permethrin insecticide](https://amzn.to/3XNcflS) treatment against ticks is great.) * Rain gear and an extra warm layer. * Lunch and snacks. 2 liters/ 2 quarts of water minimum, 3 liters for a hot day. Electrolytes on hot days. * **GPS app with offline maps:** **Avenza Maps App** is free, and there is a [free Harriman map in the in-app store](https://store.avenza.com/products/harriman-state-park-trail-map-new-york-state-parks-map?srsltid=AfmBOop2tjhY_l6EzM9c8nYhD5JYycTpDF62ocPcbf1-nidghL5aYL-9). **[Mapy App](http://mapy.com/)** has basic offline trail maps that are adequate. CalTopo ($20/yr) is an excellent GPS program. (AllTrails and GaiaGPS are pricey but also great.) * Map & Compass: NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails or National Geographic Harriman, both available locally at REI. \*\*\* **Route Info:** About 12 miles with about 1.5k' elevation gain at an average pace of about 2 mph. (Moving pace will be faster.) * **GPS:** [Black Ash-Skemonto-Claudius Loop](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.9/-74.1552/41.2113&pubLink=KhOL136qZzAYzSiYYCKkgmTW&routeId=ca062906-b224-44a4-8297-1af5195af48e) * Navigation and Route Finding: Blazed trails * Terrain Type: Hiking trails that may be rough and steep (Class 2) * Contingency Planning: Shorter routes and bailout points are available. Cell coverage can be spotty, but there's generally coverage. \*\*\* **Meeting Location & Logistics:** * **Meeting Time:** 10:40 am * **Meeting Location:** Meet at the Tuxedo commuter parking lot off East Village Road ([Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/aoABudbFJkjAKF926)). (Use the address 2 Powerhouse Ln, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987.) * **Public Transit:** Take the 9:14 am NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Tuxedo Station, arriving at 10:29 am. The station is just around the corner from the parking lot where we are meeting. Return on the 6:44 pm train. Or the 4:20 train, or one of the hourly trains from Suffern via Uber. (Catching the 4:20 train might require cutting the hike short.) * Car Pooling: Please use the comment section to organize carpooling, especially if you are driving from the city. Passengers should chip in for gas and tolls. \*\*\* **General FAQs:** * Regular members in good standing can always skip the waitlist. * No dogs allowed. * No guests beyond the RSVP guest limit, and no one under 18 is allowed. * Hikes are generally rescheduled for thunderstorms, heat index >95f, or AQI >80. \*\*\*

Magical River Hike (5/30)

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/magical-river-hike)** ### Catskills Hidden River Hike: Wander, Swim & Reconnect **Welcome to one of our favorite backcountry gems: a magical off-trail hiking experience along a secluded Catskills river.** ### Adventure Snapshot 🌿 Activity: Guided off-trail hike, river exploration & swimming ⏱️ Duration: \~4–5 hours hiking 🥾 Distance: \~5–6 miles of hiking ⛰️ Elevation: Minimal 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate (mostly off-trail with some challenging terrain) 📍 Location: Catskills Region, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group Join us for a **guided hike along one of our favorite rivers in the Catskills**, following an unmarked route that winds through towering, ancient hemlock groves and open meadows filled with wildflowers and ferns. This magical experience offers a perfect introduction to bushwhacking (off-trail hiking), combining minimal elevation gain with varied and engaging terrain. As we move alongside the river, we’ll navigate through forest and meadow landscapes while learning how to travel confidently off-trail. Along the way, we’ll stop at several incredible swimming holes tucked beside cascading brooks, ideal for relaxing, cooling off, and reconnecting with nature. Most hikes follow clearly defined paths, but this experience invites you to step off the trail and into a more immersive and adventurous way of exploring the natural world. ### What You'll Learn 🌿 Foundational skills for off-trail hiking and navigating varied terrain 🥾 Techniques for safely moving through forests, meadows, and riverbanks 🌲 How to identify old-growth trees and native plant life 🌊 How rivers shape ecosystems and create unique landscapes 🧘 Ways to slow down and reconnect with nature through immersive exploration 🩱 How to safely enjoy backcountry swimming holes ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are passionate educators dedicated to helping people explore beyond the trail and build confidence in the outdoors. This is more than a hike. It’s an opportunity to experience a hidden side of the Catskills while developing new outdoor skills and deepening your connection to nature. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, accomplished, and more connected to the natural world around you. ### What's Included? 🚐 Transportation to and from NYC ☕ Breakfast: Fresh fruit, donuts, coffee, and tea for the drive to the trailhead 🧀 Lunch: Healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during the adventure (vegetarian and vegan options available) 🌄 On-trail and off-trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide ### Schedule 6:30 Meet in Brooklyn near Barclays for pickup 7:00 Meet at Grand Central for pickup \~8:30 Rest stop \~9:45 Arrival at trailhead \~12:30 Lunch on trail \~2:00 Continue hike and begin return \~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 experience to the pace and needs of the group.* ### 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](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

Sun 5\31 For Pk Hike From Buddy Statue Hike.

JERRY will lead this hike We Meet at MYRTLE AV & PARK LANE SOUTH. \*\*\* CHECK HERE BEFORE GOING \*\*\* Weather may cancel hike.\*\*\* Distance is a about 4 miles plus or minus a bit. Meet time is 10:30AM, hike start is 10:45AM. Duration is about 2 hours + or - a few minutes. We will hike along several of the many trails in the woods. Wear heavy shoes or boots as the trails are rocky and have many tree roots. Attendance is at your own risk, and by joining, you agree to hold us not responsible for any accidents, injuries, losses or unforeseen problems that may arise. This includes contamination by any germs, viruses, or any other illnesses. If the grouping, numbers of attendees and distances get too close, we will break into two separate groups. This should satisfy any limitations on numbers of hikers and distancing. The hike is free ,but we would like to ask for a voluntary donation of whatever you want, or one $ 1 or $2 to help cover the fee Meetup charges us to use their website.

BMW Hike

Happy 8th Anniversary to Staten Island Hiking Meetup 🥾🎉🥾🎉 now on June 6

Yoga + Hike: Blue Trail to Shorakkopoch Rock

This event is combined with AMC https://www.meetup.com/amcnynj/events/314870453/?eventOrigin=group_events_list Join us for an energizing and grounding morning of Mindful Hiking and Outdoor Yoga at Inwood Hill Park, home to the only remaining primeval forest in Manhattan! This 5-mile hike focuses on meditation, breathing, and connecting with your body. We will hike along the scenic Blue Trail, enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and then flow through a 30-minute easy-standing yoga session next to the historic Shorakkopoch Rock. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a dedicated yogi, or a complete beginner looking to make new friends, everyone is welcome! Location: 65 Payson Ave, New York, NY 10034 You can take the A train to Dyckman St, walk 3 minutes, and we will meet there. Please bring: \- Plenty of water \(recommended: at least 2–3 liters\) \- Lunch and snacks \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\, sunglasses\) \- Bug spray/insect repellent

Shenandoah Hiking, Winery, And Sunsets Weekend

**Summits And Sips** Imagine finally treating yourself to a girls’ weekend. Only instead of sitting on someone’s living room floor fielding texts from your partner (“WHERE IS MY PRESCRIPTION NASAL SPRAY”) you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail. Eating picnics you didn’t have to pack. And tossing back Virginia wine with women who make you laugh until a you pee a little. Trade the daily hustle for mountain magic with the ultimate long weekend hiking in Shenandoah National Park. This is a more laid-back hiking adventure––active without being hardcore. We’ll explore sections of the Appalachian Trail by day, including Mary’s Rock, Whiteoak Canyon, and Hawksbill Mountain. And we’ll savor golden sunset hikes to Bearfence and Stony Man before our evening PJ parties. Our SHE-nanigan Shuttle will be conveniently parked to save us from sweary uphill climbs, whisking us away to our trailheads, an afternoon wine tasting, and our picturesque lodges with local, chef-made meals. This much beauty and sisterhood in one long weekend will feel illegal. But we promise the park rangers won’t kick us out. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/trip/womens-shenandoah-hiking-winery-and-sunsets-weekend/](https://explorerchick.com/trip/womens-shenandoah-hiking-winery-and-sunsets-weekend/) **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)

Favorite Viewpoints of the Escarpment (6/13) Easy Hike

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/favorite-viewpoints-of-the-escarpment-catskills-day-hike)** ### **Visit the famed Catskills Escarpment on our most popular slow hike!** The Escarpment rises abruptly from the Hudson Valley along the eastern edge of the Catskills, providing jaw-dropping views as far as Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut on a clear day. On this gentle hike, we'll travel through a forest carpeted in wildflowers, including a few that are rare gems like wild columbine. Experience the legendary viewpoints, forests, brooks, and lakes that inspired the Hudson River Valley School of Painters and authors like James Fenimore Cooper who first brought the Catskills national renown. ### **Hike stats** 🥾 3-5 mile hike with multiple stops for viewpoints ⛰️ A few sections with inclines, but generally minimal elevation gain 🧭 Difficulty: Easy, with hiking on well-graded trails. Some minor inclines. We'll take plenty of breaks along our route. ### **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 🌼 The first wildflowers of spring: trillium, spring beauties, and maybe even some trout lilies! 📍Local knowledge: your guide will share the incredible local history of this unique area in the Catskills ### **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 🧢 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](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq "FAQ") here.

From Trail to Tap (5/31) A Hudson Valley Brews & Views Experience

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/from-trail-to-tap-a-hudson-valley-brews-views-experience-with-brad)** ### Brews & Views: Minnewaska Hiking & Brewery Experience **Explore the Hudson Valley’s most stunning landscapes before diving into its thriving craft beer scene.** ### Adventure Snapshot 🥾 Activity: Guided hike and curated brewery experience ⏱️ Duration: Full-day adventure (\~12–13 hours including travel) 🥾 Distance: Moderate hiking on carriage roads and ridge trails ⛰️ Elevation: Moderate 🧭 Difficulty: Easy to moderate 📍 Location: Minnewaska State Park & Hudson Valley, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience Join us for a one-of-a-kind day combining two of the Hudson Valley’s greatest offerings: breathtaking landscapes and world-class craft beer. Led by our Head Guide (and renowned beer connoisseur) Brad Winer, this experience blends a half-day hike through the cliffs, ridges, and sky lakes of Minnewaska State Park with a thoughtfully curated journey through the region’s brewery scene. This isn’t just a hike with a beer stop on the way home, the breweries are as much a part of the experience as the trail. On the hike, we’ll explore one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic landscapes, moving at a relaxed pace while taking in sweeping views, unique geology, and the park’s rich ecosystem. Afterward, we’ll transition from trail to taproom, visiting a selection of local breweries where you’ll enjoy thoughtfully chosen pours, hear the stories behind the beer, and experience firsthand what makes the Hudson Valley one of the most exciting craft brewing regions in the Northeast. This experience blends outdoor exploration, local culture, and great company into one unforgettable day. ### What You'll Learn 🌄 The geology and natural history of Minnewaska State Park 🌳 How the Hudson Valley’s ecosystems shape the landscape and trails 🍺 An introduction to the Hudson Valley craft beer scene 🍻 What makes different beer styles unique and how to taste them 🏞️ How to pair outdoor adventure with local cultural experiences 🧭 Tips for exploring the region’s trails and breweries on your own ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why explore with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are passionate educators dedicated to creating meaningful, well-rounded outdoor experiences. This trip is led by Brad Winer, Destination Backcountry’s Head Guide and the creative force behind our Brews & Views series. Brad brings the same depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to a trailhead as he does to a tap list. This isn’t just a hike with an added stop, it’s a thoughtfully designed experience built around two things done exceptionally well. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with incredible views, a deeper appreciation for the region, and a few new favorite breweries. ### What's Included? 🚐 Transportation to and from NYC ☕ Breakfast: Fresh fruit, donuts, and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive 🧀 Lunch: A healthy gourmet lunch and snacks during the adventure. Vegetarian and vegan options available, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs and allergies 🍺 Curated brewery visits and guided tasting experience (beer available for purchase) 🌄 On-trail guidance from Brad Winer, Head Guide and resident beer expert ### Schedule 6:30 Brooklyn pickup near Barclays 7:00 Manhattan pickup at Grand Central \~9:30 Arrival at Minnewaska State Park and begin guided hike \~12:30 Lunch with scenic views \~1:30 Depart for brewery visits \~2:30–5:30 Curated brewery stops and tasting experiences \~5:30 Begin return to the city \~7:30 Manhattan drop-off \~8:00 Brooklyn drop-off *All times are estimates. We adjust every experience to the pace and needs of the group. Travel times are subject to weather and traffic.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? ### Must have 💧 2, 1-liter water bottles 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes suitable for hiking 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots 🧣 A few extra layers 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](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

Hike the Heights to the High Bridge - 6 miles

Shorewalkers will participate in the annual[ ](https://www.hiketheheights.org/)**[Hike the Heights](https://www.hiketheheights.org/history-trails)**[ ](https://www.hiketheheights.org/history-trails)community event. Starting in Central Park, we walk along the [Giraffe Path](https://www.hiketheheights.org/about-hike-the-heights-and-giraffe-path/Path) through four upper Manhattan parks: Morningside, St. Nicholas, Jackie Robinson, and Highbridge. We'll have lunch at the community celebration at the Sunken Playground in Highbridge Park. After lunch, we'll walk across the High Bridge to the Bronx and back. The full walk is 6 miles with some uneven terrain and a few steep sets of stairs. **START:** Meet across the street from Frederick Douglass Circle on the NW corner of Central Park at 110th Street and Central Park West. The 2/3 trains stop at 110th Street (cross street Lenox/Malcolm X Blvd), two long blocks away. The M2, M3, and M4 buses stop nearby. The C train is across the street. **RESTROOM** Please use a restroom before joining us at the start. There are three restrooms in the northern end of Central Park at the Davis Center, the Great Hill, and the Harlem Meer. The first restroom in Morningside Park is a single-stall restroom and cannot accommodate a large group. **LUNCH:** We'll break for 45 minutes to enjoy the lively community celebration. The event offers a potluck, although it's best to bring snacks/lunch in case the lines are long. After lunch, we'll continue our walk across the High Bridge to the Bronx side and back. **END**: We exit Highbridge Park at 172nd Street and walk as a group to 168th Street for the 1/A/C trains. **BRING**: Water, snacks, and lunch. Wear sunscreen and a hat. GUESTS: All guests must sign our [waiver and release via this link](https://tinyurl.com/28cez6j8) to participate. Hike leader: Pam Cress, pactoday@gmail.com, 917-597-2664. I'll answer texts and calls until we start walking at 10:00 a.m.

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.