Easy Hikes New York
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BMW Hike
Sun, May 31, 8:30 PM
Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)
Fri, Jun 5, 11:00 AM**[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.

Our First Meetup: Hempstead Lake Hike
Sun, May 31, 1:30 PM**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.***

Favorite Viewpoints of the Escarpment (6/13) Easy Hike
Sat, Jun 13, 11:00 AM**[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.
Happy 8th Anniversary to Staten Island Hiking Meetup 🥾🎉🥾🎉 now on June 6
Sat, Jun 6, 2:00 PM
Sun 5\31 ForPk Hike At Buddy Statue
Sun, May 31, 2:30 PMJERRY will lead this hike \*\*\* CHECK HERE BEFORE GOING \*\*\* Weather may cancel hike.\*\*\* 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. Distance is a about 4 miles plus or minus a bit. 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.
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