May 17-18: Combination Beginners & Intermediate backpacking trip in New York

May 17-18: Combination Beginners & Intermediate backpacking trip in New York Two trips in one! Depending on where/when you start, the trip will be for intermediate hikers or for beginners. Kevin will send off the intermediate hikers and will then hike with the beginners. We will be able to end our car shuttle at the Bear Mountain, so folks can visit the zoo if they would like, and walk across the lowest part of the trail. For new backpackers, the general rule of thumb is to take the distance you have hiked in a day and cut it at least in half for backpacking (example, can do 8 mile hike, can only do 4 mile backpack at most).
Intermediate Hike: Start off at Bear Mountain parking lot, then a 1,000ft climb to the top of Bear Mountain. Descend to Seven Lakes drive before the second climb of the day to the top of West Mtn (700ft) and then a down and up to the top of Black Mountain (500ft). Going to feel like a roller coaster. Total of 8 miles, with last 1.5 miles relatively level, going into William Brien Shelter. Next day hike out 4 miles to the Arden Valley Road (see beginner hike) before heading back to staged cars. You must have backpacked some before to go on this section, this is not for first timers, no matter how much hiking you have done.
Beginner Hike: Start at Arden Valley Road, then hiking 4.1 miles with only minor 100 ft ups & downs, till we reach the William Brien Shelter. You can look for it on google & YouTube to see. No privy at shelter you will have to use the woods; water from nearby well. Next day wake up & retrace our steps to Arden Valley, before heading to Bear Mountain area.
Weather could be cold or warm, so as we get closer, we’ll need to watch the weather and pack appropriately.

Hike limited to 25 people. Hike Leader is Kevin Drevik (856) 630-2485 or [kdrevik@aol.com](mailto:kdrevik@aol.com).