Day Hikes New York

Storm King and Butter Hill Mountains hike

This is a FREE event and only rain can stop us! Dear verticals, it's time to do one of most interesting hike of the year! The legendary Storm King mountain and Butter Hill mountain are waiting for us. We will pass through different creeks, river, spring, and multiple landmarks. We will have lunch by the Spy Rock House and probably visit Black Rock waterfalls on a way back. This is a loop walk! When? May 17 (Sunday) Meeting at: 7:50 AM Where? 1st meeting point **07:50 AM at the Starbucks** at Port Authority Bus Terminal on **1st floor** (625 8th Ave, New York) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/suB1gr74FW3FLrBM8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/suB1gr74FW3FLrBM8) 2d meeting point **10:10 AM in front of Mobil gas station** (1001 NY-94, New Windsor, NY) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QanMAC9r8hWssApP6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QanMAC9r8hWssApP6) Detailed plan: 07:50 AM - Meeting in front of Starbucks at Port Authority Bus Terminal (1st floor) 08:30 AM - Departure from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Vails Gate Junction 09:59 AM - Arriving at Vails Gate Junction 10:05 AM - Meeting rest of the group at the entrance to entrance to Mobil gas station (1001 NY-94, New Windsor, NY) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QanMAC9r8hWssApP6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QanMAC9r8hWssApP6) 10:15 AM - Start hiking 10:40 AM - Visiting NY state marker and DAR Historical monument 11:30 AM - Arriving to Esty and Hellie Stowell Trailhead 01:10 PM - Reaching the Spy Rock House 01:15 PM - Lunch at the trail 01:40 PM - Continue hiking 02:40 PM - Reaching the mountain peak 04:30 PM - Arriving to Hudson Highlands Nature Museum 06:00 PM - Returning back to Vails Gate 06:15 PM - Taking train back to back to Port Authority Bus Terminal 07:53 PM - Arriving to Port Authority Bus Terminal \*\*\*\* HOW TO GET THERE and BACK \*\*\* Way to: Port Authority Bus Terminal to Vails Gate Junction (look for a 8:30 AM ShortLine Hudson bus) Way back: Vails Gate Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal (look for 6:15 PM ShortLine Hudson bus) By car: ask the group if someone is driving and can give you a ride. \*\*\* USEFUL INFO \*\*\* About **17 miles** hike (assume for full day). Total elevation: **2700ft**. (please take this into consideration as this hike is **NOT for rookies**). Please don't come late as the train will NOT wait for you. Walkie-talkie: our frequency: 462.6125 or 462.6375 (Channel 3 and 4) Please bring enough water and food for 6 hours. We do not recommend swimming in lakes and rivers. Google map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvpZsgkFqndYUXqr5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvpZsgkFqndYUXqr5) 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) Please apply via: Wechat: cozmo31 **IG: neverwinter_free_parties** LINE: cozmo31 [www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809](http://www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809) We have WhatsApp group to coordinate this event (please ask organizer) 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.

26 Anniversary Wild Hike

It's a Free event and only heavy rain can stop us! Dear Neverwinterers, this time we will do our annual **Wild hike** through one of the best North American trails: Appalachian and Appalachian and Empire State. We will pass through the Whaley, Willow and Nuclear lakes and multiple rivers, enjoy the beautiful scenery and stop for a picnic at the middle of our journey. After the hike every participant will receive a complimentary gift. This is NOT a loop walk! June 7 (Sunday) We start at **06:50 AM** at Grand Central station! We suggest getting train tickets in advance though station or MTA train time app. Detailed plan: 06:50 AM - Meeting at center of Grand Central Terminal (look for a round information kiosk). **07:14 AM -** Departure from Grand Central to Appalachian Trail. 09:13 AM - Arriving at Appalachian Trail. 09:20 AM - Meeting rest of the group at Appalachian Trail station. 09:40 AM - Entering the Appalachian trail. 12:30 PM - Entering the Empire state trail. 02:00 PM - Lunch at Whaley lake. 03:00 PM - Returning to the Empire state trail. 06:20 PM - Entering Patterson. 06:46 PM - Taking the train back to Grand Central from Patterson station. We have 2 meeting points: 1st meeting point - **06:50 AM at the center of Grand Central Terminal** (look for a round information kiosk). 2d meeting point - **9:20 AM at Appalachian Trail & MNRR Station**. Please don't come late as the train will NOT wait for you. \*\*\* Some INFO \*\*\* How to get there? Metro-North train: Way to: Grand Central to Appalachian Trail & MNRR Station (look for a 07:14 AM train). Way back: Patterson station to Grand Central (look for 6:46 PM train). The Above route assumes the transfer at Southeast (tickets include this transfer). By car: ask a group if someone is driving and can give you a ride. Total distance about 14 miles (with 3 mph). Total elevation: 1200ft **"Wild hike"** means that you have to **scramble through the bushes at least 40%** of the time so please consider your abilities to do so! Do not wear shorts or short sleeves. Please bring enough water and food for the whole day. Swimming: at your own risk (organizers will never encourage you to do so). For the walkie-talkie lovers, we will use frequency: 462.6125 or 462.6375 (Channel 3 and 4). Map: [) Google map: [https://goo.gl/maps/6Mzo8dKst8eTngky5](https://goo.gl/maps/6Mzo8dKst8eTngky5) We might optimize the route based on weather and other conditions. FB group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145](https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145) Meetup group: [https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d](https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d) **IG: [https://www.instagram.com/neverwinter_free_parties](https://www.instagram.com/neverwinter_free_parties)** Telegram: [https://t.me/neverwinterfree](https://t.me/neverwinterfree) This is not a foodie meetup so NO food stops on the whole trail. Please come prepared for the ride. Please apply via: Wechat: cozmo31 LINE: cozmo31 [https://www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809](https://www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809) 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. We cannot guarantee the space for latecomers.

Governors Island Expedition-The Hills Are Alive -SUNDAY-MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

This will be a fun and interesting event. Another event to Forest Park is coming up on May 31. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS EVENT CAREFULLY AS WELL AS "WHAT WE'RE ABOUT" ON THIS MEETUP'S HOME PAGE BEFORE YOU RSVP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. I am asking you to please take your RSVP seriously. That does NOT mean you have to go -it means you PLAN to at this time. I just ask that all attendees be considerate with respect to the RSVP process. WE ARE LOOKING TO ADD SOME FIRST TIMERS. DO NOT RUSH THE RSVP PROCESS. IF YOU RSVP AND HAVE NEVER ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THIS GROUP, YOUR E-MAIL IS REQUIRED AS SPECIFIED BELOW WHETHER YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST OR THE GOING LIST. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. PLEASE ALSO READ MY POSTED COMMENTS. A MONETARY CASH CONTRIBUTION TO THE EVENT IS REQUIRED BUT THE AMOUNT OF THAT CONTRIBUTION IS UP TO YOU. (See details below.) Most of the events we conduct are free! IF YOU HAVE NEVER ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THE GROUP, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP AND COOPERATION AS I PLAN THE EVENT. I AM REQUIRING THAT YOU SEND ME AN E-MAIL TO [bsb2@att.net](http://bsb2@att.net/) AS SOON AS YOU RSVP, EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST, AND PUT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE BODY OF YOUR MESSAGE TO ME. THIS WILL HELP ME COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH THOSE WHO RSVP. SOMETIMES MEETUP MESSAGES DO NOT GET DELIVERED FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS. IF YOU CAN'T ABIDE BY THIS SIMPLE REQUEST, YOU ARE GOING TO END UP ON THE NOT GOING LIST. (NO GUESTS UNLESS YOU HAVE ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THIS GROUP. YOU CAN ALWAYS HAVE YOUR GUEST SIGN UP JUST AS YOU DID IF YOU HAVE NEVER ATTENDED AN EVENT BEFORE WITH THIS GROUP.) The wait list for this group does NOT operate in a conventional way. Those on the wait list will NOT be moved to the going list automatically. I do NOT believe that the Meetup waitlist works well for a number of reasons. IF APPLICABLE, ALWAYS JOIN THE WAIT LIST WITH LOW PRIORITY WHICH IS FREE. IF THERE IS A WAITLIST, IT APPEARS MEETUP WILL ASK YOU IF YOU WANT TO JOIN MEETUP + BUT IN SMALLER LETTERS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE YOU CAN CLICK CONTINUE WITH THE FREE PLAN. There is NEVER a need to pay extra to use Meetup's High Priority wait list classification for this group. ON THIS EVENT, WE WILL REQUIRE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION - CASH-AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EVENT BUT THE AMOUNT OF THAT CONTRIBUTION IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU. THERE IS ALWAYS A MONEY BACK GUARANTEE IF YOU FEEL I HAVE NOT EARNED YOUR CONTRIBUTION. Meetup charges an Organizer like me to run the group, it's not a fortune, although the amount was raised substantially and I spend much time and effort planning and preparing for an event. You can contribute whatever you want at the BEGINNING of an event IN CASH. (On most events, I will NOT accept any monetary contributions). PLEASE ALSO READ "WHAT WE'RE ABOUT" ON THIS MEETUP'S HOME PAGE WHICH INCLUDES THE WAIVER OF LIABILITY BEFORE YOU RSVP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. (THE WAIVER OF LIABILITY HAS BEEN POSTED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THIS MEETUP GROUP) I bet you thought I forgot the description of the event! I didn't-I just wanted to make sure you understand how we do things so you are comfortable with that. This will be a fun, relatively fast paced comprehensive 5 mile hiking tour around historic Governors Island. It’s a short free ferry ride in the morning from Manhattan. We will stop very briefly a number of times to talk about the history of the island, some of the interesting buildings there and the design features of the relatively new park. The Island has undergone some massive changes fairly recently. Part of the Island is full of historic buildings and the other part is a beautiful Park with some striking views of the City -which will become even more striking because 4 hills- all different – will be accessible to the public when we go. (Photo by Philip-May 2022) I WILL SEND YOU INFO ON HOW TO GET A **FREE** TICKET FOR THE FERRY. PLEASE GET A FREE TICKET. It's easy. MEETING DETAILS WILL BE SENT BY E-MAIL TO THOSE WHO RSVP NO LATER THAN THE EVENING BEFORE THE EVENT AND PROBABLY SOONER. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, ON YOUR DESKTOP, PLEASE CLICK ON YOUR PROFILE WHICH IS ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE SITE, THEN CLICK "SETTINGS", THEN CLICK E-MAIL UPDATES" ON THE LEFT. MAKE SURE YOUR E-MAIL UPDATES ARE ON AND WHERE IT SAYS "UPDATES ABOUT YOU”, CHECK MESSAGES BOX. THIS WILL HELP TO INSURE YOU GET MESSAGES FROM ME. I LIKE TO THINK THOSE MESSAGES ARE IMPORTANT. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE YOUR SETTINGS FOR A SPECIFIC GROUP WHICH MAY BE HELPFUL IF YOU BELONG TO MANY MEETUP GROUPS. I AM GOING TO LIMIT REGISTRATION TO AROUND 25 MEMBERS. There may be a security check before you board the Ferry so please leave your weapons at home. We will meet at 10:05 A.M. to catch the next departing ferry which is FREE at this time of the day. YOU MUST ARRIVE ON TIME TO CATCH THE FERRY. AND THERE WILL BE A LONG LINE WHICH DOES MOVE FAST. It’s less crowded on the Island in the morning. (We start early because, to me, it's like going to a lunch buffet-you want to get there early before everyone breathes on the food!) Bring water. We are going to finish AROUND 1:45 p.m or so. You can bring lunch to eat on the Island AFTER we finish. THIS GROUP NEVER STOPS TO GO FOOD SHOPPING. If you want to shop for food after the tour is finished, that's another story! I am also going to ask that people NOT post any comments or questions prior to the event. You have more than enough information to do this once you get the meeting details. No offense, but I don’t need to know-and probably neither does anyone else- what you are doing that day if you can’t make it or what you think the weather will be. AFTER the event, post as many comments and photos as you like. Please respect my wishes on this. If the weather forecast is really bad, I will post a notice on the day of the hike by 7:00 A.M. If there is no notice, we go.

May 17 Sun Hike Kaaterskill Falls w Transport $49

**HIKING KAATERSKILL FALLS LOOP** Enjoy this 4.4-mile loop trail with 946 feet elevation gain near Haines Falls, New York. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 18 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Begin from Scutt Road Trailhead and start up the Escarpment Trail. Continue onto Schutt Road and Yellow Horse Trail before meeting back up with Escarpment. This stretch will lead to Inspiration Point. Return back via Escarpment Trail passing by Layman's Monument and detouring off to an overlook of Kaaterskill Falls. More info: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/inspiration-point-to-katerskill-falls-loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/inspiration-point-to-katerskill-falls-loop "https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/inspiration-point-to-katerskill-falls-loop") After the hike, we will have lunch nearby, and head to optional Mountain Top Arboretum. **MOUNTAIN TOP ARBORETUM (Optional)** A peaceful spot with beautiful gardens and walking trails, perfect for a relaxing nature escape (Extra cost: suggested donation $5) More info: [https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g47938-d219617-Hunter_Mountain-Hunter_Catskill_Region_New_York.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g47938-d219617-Hunter_Mountain-Hunter_Catskill_Region_New_York.html "https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionsNear-g47938-d219617-Hunter_Mountain-Hunter_Catskill_Region_New_York.html") **DEPARTURE/RETURN SCHEDULE** **Depart Date:** Shown above. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier. Van will depart sharply on time with or without you. **Depart 7:30 AM from Queens (NEW):** (Northeast Corner of 39th Ave & College Point Blvd) 133-03 39th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354 ([Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJPJoXeaYCsrpndV6 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/UJPJoXeaYCsrpndV6")). Subway lines (Main St-Flushing): 7. **(1/2 block from Asian Jewels)** **Depart 8:15 AM from NYC:** ([Starbucks](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EwXQerKMc4k8Lj67 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EwXQerKMc4k8Lj67"): Southwest Corner of 43rd St and 9th Ave) 593 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036 ([Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EwXQerKMc4k8Lj67 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EwXQerKMc4k8Lj67")) Subway lines (Times Sq-42 St): A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S. **Depart 8:30 AM from NJ (NEW):** ([Lincoln Harbor Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SUkV2fkQzKVHnDLg7 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/SUkV2fkQzKVHnDLg7")) Meetup here: QX6G+H9 Weehawken Township, NJ 07086 ([Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/rk9ffM3DjnfRDQ2F6 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/rk9ffM3DjnfRDQ2F6")) near Lincoln Tunnel. Take Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) ([Light Rail System Map](https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/maps/HBLR_RSM_080522_low.pdf "https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/maps/HBLR_RSM_080522_low.pdf")). **Return Date/Time:** Depart around 4:00 PM, and expect to arrive at NJ 6:00 PM, midtown NYC 6:30 PM & Queens at 7:30 PM **COST** **Early birds:** $49 for first 7 spots or 6 days in advance whichever comes first; **Regular:** Afterward $59. $5 Tips to driver is required & will be collected before departing from Bear Mountain. **Trip includes:** Round trip transportation from NYC area, guided hiking, parking fee, & tolls. **ITEMS TO BRING** Hat, sunblock scream, & cash or credit card. **BUY TICKET HERE** [https://may172026KaaterskillFalls.eventbrite.com/](https://may172026KaaterskillFalls.eventbrite.com/ "https://may172026KaaterskillFalls.eventbrite.com/") **Your spot is not confirmed until your payment is received.** **REFUND POLICY** \* Full refund minus $20 processing fee if cancelled 6 days in advance \* Afterward, no refund for cancellation or no show; however, you can transfer your spot to other with $20 transfer fee; \* Full refund if the trip has to be cancelled by us. By RSVPing "Yes", you and your guest(s) are accepting the terms to THE WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY (listed on the bottom of this page) set forth by NY Ski & Snowboard Club. **CHECK OUT ALL 2026 TRIPS (More to Come):** **Facebook:** [https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/events](https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/events "https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/events") **Meetup:** [https://www.meetup.com/ny-ski-snowboard-club/events/](https://www.meetup.com/ny-ski-snowboard-club/events/ "https://www.meetup.com/ny-ski-snowboard-club/events/") **Eventbrite:** [https://nyskiclub.eventbrite.com](https://nyskiclub.eventbrite.com/ "https://nyskiclub.eventbrite.com/") **Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/nyskiclub/](https://www.instagram.com/nyskiclub/ "https://www.instagram.com/nyskiclub/") **LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE:** [https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/](https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/ "https://www.facebook.com/nyskiclub/") **THE WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY** In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in NY Ski & Snowboard Club events and activities, the event participant acknowledges, and agrees that: 1) The risk of injury from the events may be significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and, 2) KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and, 3) Willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation; and, 4) Event participant, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS NY Ski & Snowboard Club their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event, WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Hike in Prospect Park

BMW Hike

National Trails Day Hike - Inwood Hill Park

Memorial Day White Mountains Hiking Weekend

Late May is an ideal time to hike in New Hampshire: neither cold nor hot, and not yet buggy. Friday: leave as early as possible, drive up to the trailhead for Mt. Percival and Mt. Morgan loop trail (NH Route 113 in Holderness, NH (03223)). This is a 3.8-to-5-mile round trip up rugged rocks, and includes rock scrambling through tunnels, and climbing wooden ladders. There's views of Squam Lake to the south. Then drive to the campsite at Campton Campground (Thornton, NH 03215), set up camp, and either eat dinner onsite or drive to a nearby town like N. Woodstock. Saturday.: long hike from the early morning on the Mt. Wonalancet-Passaconaway-Whiteface loop, a distance of 11-to-13.6 miles. It has numerous scenic overlooks. Sunday: shorter loop closer to the campground, later in the morning than on Sat.: the Tripyramid loop, 10-to-11.5 miles long, and includes two slide faces. Time permitting, we'll then drive across the valley and do a short 5-mile r/t hike at Mt. Tecumseh. Monday: pack up camp, and hike Tecumseh if we haven't hiked it already, maybe hike Mt. Killington in VT (7.2-7.5 miles) if we have OR walk around the "most beautiful town" in VT, and then drive home. Note that the camp location is at the Campton Campground at Thornton, NH, which I can't put in the Location space of this event because apparently the software engineers at M@@tup are fcking r$t@rded.

May Adventure

**🥾 A Hike & A Meal – Adventure #1 (NYC ⇄ NJ)** Our first of 5 summer adventures starts at the GWB 🌉 We’ll walk to the Palisades trail, grab frozen custard 🍦, then bus back. **Bring:** 💧 water, 👟 good shoes Easy, social walk—come meet good people and enjoy the views 🌿

National Trails Day Hike w/ Sharon ~6 miles

**LED BY SOUTH MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY** **Essex County South Mountain Reservation - Tulip Springs Area Hike** Time: 8am-11am Meet at: Essex County South Mountain Reservation, Tulip Springs Parking Lot, Cherry Lane Distance: 5+ miles, Intermediate level. Suitable for ages 16 and up. From Tulip Springs the Lenape trail takes us to Oakdale then to the walkway around the Waterfront, where we pick up the Zoo Loop. We will continue on Zoo loop, passing the Turtle Back Zoo and Codey Arena on Northfield Ave. After visiting turtle back rock, we head back to Tulip Springs on the lower turtle back trail. Meet at: Tulip Springs, large parking area next to pavilion **Leader**: Sharon Salmon 973-715-5554 (cell) \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Memorial Day Weekend Multi-Day Backpacking - ADKs Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

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.