Outdoor Adventure Friends

** 6:15 SHARP departure**

This weeks night hike will take us to various parts of the middle and lower Wissahickon Valley. Plan to move at about 3.2- 3.5mph with very few stops in order to stay warm and work those lungs...

Gear required: hiking footwear as there will be plenty of rocks and roots, headlamps and water as needed.

Light rain or shine event. Heavy rain or storms will cancel.

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: We will meet at Blue Bell Park located at 842 W Walnut Lane (see Meetup pin). DO NOT PARK IN PARKING LOT. Gates close at dark. There is plenty of parking on Walnut Lane near the park entrance. Do not leave valuables in plain sight!

Guest policy: Attendees planning to attend events must join Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes.

Please note: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Plan accordingly. I highly advise allowing extra time for arrival to avoid last minute chaos....:)

NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.

**experienced hikers only**

The Hudson Valley is a scenic and historically significant river valley in New York State, known for its natural beauty and the Hudson River. Home to several scenic mountains offering challenging hiking with amazing views along the ridges. Outdoor Adventure Friends will be hosting 3 hikes on 3 separate days in a row. For those traveling from further away, this is an opportunity to have a weekend get away before the upcoming holidays (stay over NOT required).

Part I: Friday ( November 21, 2025)- Schunnemunk Mountain including the megaliths

Part 2: Saturday (November 22, 2025)- Storm King mountain

Part 3; Sunday (November 23, 2025)- Bear Mountain and Anthony's Nose

You can sign up for one, two or all three hikes. Please do so via each posting. There are various lodging options if you chose to make a weekend out of it. The quaint town of Beacon is close by and offers lots of bar and restaurant options for evening plans.

DETAILS FOR PART 1:

Schunnemunk Mountain is a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley, offering rugged terrain, dramatic ridge walks, and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks. As the highest mountain in Orange County, it's less trafficked than nearby peaks and offers more in terms of adventure and solitude. We will traverse some rock scrambles and explore the megaliths. The views from here are amazing from what I have been told!

I have two routes mapped. One is 9 miles and 1,800' of elevation and the other is 11.5 miles and 2,800' feet of elevation. Both options will be available day of the hike. My design allows for a very easy choice at a particular section of the route- simply an additional down and up portion versus straight across the ridge.

Expect a moderate+ pace (exact pace dependent on terrain. Some consider our group "fast"). Our style is such that we keep a nice flow and stop only on occasion to regroup or enjoy scenery at worthy locations. I cater to the pact. If you are way off the back, you may be required to hike alone. All attendees are REQUIRED to have either maps or a hiking trail app (All Trails, Gaia, etc).

Note: end time is best estimate and will vary based upon route length chosen.

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear- hiking boots or trail runners for hikes in woods;
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions: layers, wind and rain protection based upon forecast. Extra socks always good to have.
3- WATER or other source of hydration; food/snacks as needed and
4- Electrolytes
5- Hiking poles and backpacks as needed.
6- Sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray as desired
7- Micro spikes may be needed (will watch forecast)

WEATHER: Hikes are dependent upon safe travel conditions to and from the hiking area. We will hike in existing snow and very light rain. Heavier, cold rain will cancel

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: Schunnemunk Mountain Otterkill Rd trailhead parking lot. See meetup PIN,

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a waitlist will exclude you from being moved off of future waitlists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.

**experienced hikers only**

The Hudson Valley is a scenic and historically significant river valley in New York State, known for its natural beauty and the Hudson River. Home to several scenic mountains offering challenging hiking with amazing views along the ridges. Outdoor Adventure Friends will be hosting 3 hikes on 3 separate days in a row. For those traveling from further away, this is an opportunity to have a weekend get away before the upcoming holidays (stay over NOT required).

Part I: Friday ( November 21, 2025)- Schunnemunk Mountain including the megaliths led by Special Ed

Part 2: Saturday (November 22, 2025)- Storm King mountain led by hike leader Wendy

Part 3; Sunday (November 23, 2025)- Bear Mountain and Anthony's Nose led by Special Ed

You can sign up for one, two or all three hikes. Please do so via each posting. There are various lodging options if you chose to make a weekend out of it. The quaint town of Beacon is close by and offers lots of bar and restaurant options for evening plans.

DETAILS FOR PART 3:

Bear Mountain is one of the most iconic hikes in the Hudson Valley. It has panoramic views of the Hudson River, challenging rock scrambles, and a summit that rewards you with a lookout tower and wide-open vistas.

Our hike will begin with a trek across the Bear Mountain Bridge. We will be going up a very steep challenging hill before descending where others typically go up- IYKYK. From here will be go back across the bridge into Bear Mountain State Park and begin our second climb which will lead us to the Perkins Memorial Tower. We will wrap around the mountain on various trails including the AT. Our totals for the day will be about 10.5 miles and 2,600' of elevation.

Expect a moderate+ pace (exact pace dependent on terrain and some consider us "fast"). Our style is such that we keep a nice flow and stop only on occasion to regroup or enjoy the scenery at worthy locations. I cater to the pact. If you are way off the back, you may be required to hike alone. All attendees are REQUIRED to have either maps or a hiking trail app (All Trails, Gaia, etc).

Note: end time is best estimate

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear- hiking boots or trail runners for hikes in woods;
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions: layers, wind and rain protection based upon forecast. Extra socks always good to have.
3- WATER or other source of hydration; food/snacks as needed and
4- Electrolytes
5- Hiking poles and backpacks as needed.
6- Sunscreen, bug spray and bear spray as desired
7- Micro spikes may be needed (will watch forecast)

WEATHER: Hikes are dependent upon safe travel conditions to and from the hiking area. We will hike in existing snow and very light rain. Heavier, cold rain will cancel

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: Bear Mountain parking lot, 3006 Seven Lakes Drive. See meetup PIN. There is a $10 per vehicle fee to park here.

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a waitlist will exclude you from being moved off of future waitlists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.