What we’re about
This group is for folks 40+ who are new or are returning to hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and camping. Absolutely no experience is required, and all hikes are easy to moderate. Our hope is to foster a love of nature, a passion for being outdoors, and a spirit of camaraderie with like minded friends. This isn't a "singles" group; we welcome married, single, partnered folks and we celebrate diversity by being open and accepting to persons of diverse backgrounds.
Please check the rating for each event listed. If you are a fast hiker (a "rabbit"), you will hike up front at your own pace. If you are an average/moderate hiker (a "turbit"), you will hike in the middle of the pack at your own pace. If you are a slower hiker (a "turtle"), you will hike in the back at your own pace with the hike leader. Some hikes are only designed for turtles. If you are a Turbit or Rabbit, you may get frustrated by the slow pace. Some hikes are designed for Turbits and Rabbits; please don't sign up for those if you are a Turtle. Check the listing, ask the hike leader, and be honest about your ability.
We are volunteers and are not liable for your health, poor planning, accidents, or, yikes, death. By hiking with us, you agree you are in control of your abilities. Hike leaders may ask you to sign a release waiver, but, even if they don't, registering for the hike means you are releasing the event leader and MeetUp from all liability, including injury and death.
Attendance is important in case of emergencies on an adventure. Being a "no-show" means that another person couldn't attend. 3 "no-shows" will result in being removed from the group.
Hike Leaders:
**We are always looking for hike leaders. Please email Beth if you are interested!
Beth "Squeak" RG is the hike leader for "Turtle" hikes. She is a long distance backpacker on the Appalachian Trail, a Girl Scout Leader & Outdoor Adventures trainer, bagpiper, and the creator/organizer/leader for PA Restart and Palmerton Outdoors. Previously, when she lived in NJ, she was the CO of Restart New Jersey for 10 years. She is a member of the ATC, AMC, Sierra Club and is a past Board member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hiker Association. She serves as an Outdoor Leadership Trainer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and volunteers yearly at Harriman State Park. She has a passion for getting "unlikely" hikers out onto the trail. Her hikes are always designed with new hikers in mind. Her hikes tend to be short (~ 3 miles) and are reasonably flat with smaller inclines. She also offers backpacking, camping, snowshoeing, and flat and Class 1 Rapid paddle kayak activities.
Heather O. is the hike leader for "Turbit" and "Rabbit" hikes. She has hiked and backpacked all over the world. Her hikes tend to be a little longer and rugged, but well worth the effort! She also maintains the attendance rosters for hikes.
There are other hiker leaders that volunteer to lead events. Please read their descriptions carefully :-)
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Appalachian Trail Sunfish Pond Fall BackpackingDunnfield Creek Natural Area, Columbia, NJ
This weekday overnight backpacking trip follows the Appalachian Trail along Kittatinny Ridge, with scenic vistas extending into both PA and NJ. We will also be visiting Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial tarn along the Appalachian Trail, which is designated as a National Natural Landmark. This trip is geared towards turtle backpackers who prefer to hike at a less hurried pace, enjoying time to take in all that nature has to offer. Backpackers of all abilities are welcome, though we will be going very slow with many breaks, and faster hikers may be frustrated by our turtle pace. We will be frequently stopping to discuss interesting natural and cultural points of interest along the trail.
On Tuesday morning at 7:45am sharp we will meet at the Dunnfield Appalachian Trail parking lot off I-80. This will be the end point of our hike, and we will leave most of the cars here, and carpool in 2 cars to the start of the hike at the Appalachian Trail trailhead near Mohican Outdoor Center. I can volunteer to be a shuttle driver, and can cozily fit 4 passengers. We will also need a 2nd driver (who can also carry 4 passengers) to take us to the start point.
Thursday's hike will cover 5.51 miles with a 761 ft. elevation gain. This includes a gradual ascent of Mt. Mohican at the beginning of the hike, but most of the mileage is on top of the Kittatinny Ridge. We will traverse Raccoon Ridge with fantastic views into Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We will then follow the northern side of Sunfish Pond, making a stop at the pond outlet to resupply water. From the resupply, it's just under one mile to the Backpacker 2 campsite, where we will camp overnight. The campsite is the only authorized backpacking location within Worthington State Forest. It is large and has a privy (bring TP) and a bear box. Campfires are not permitted. At this time of the year, there will likely be other backpackers sharing the site, though it is a large area and we can likely spread out.
On Friday, we will pack up in the morning and descend Kittatinny Ridge via the Appalachian Trail. This hike is 3.06 miles with an elevation gain of 56 ft. We will finish at the Dunnfield parking lot. We will need a volunteer to transport the 2 original shuttle drivers back to Mohican Outdoor Center to pick up their cars left at the starting point.
Alltrails map of backpacking trip route
Information about Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Google maps link to parking lot where we will meet at 7:45am on Thursday
Meet at the westernmost parking lot at Dunnfield, labeled Appalachian Trail parking (not the one labeled as Red Dot trail parking). If parking ends up being an issue, you can park in the other Dunnfield lot or the larger Kittatinny Point lot on the opposite side of I-80 (the latter will be an extra 5 min or so walk to the trailhead at the western Dunnfield lot). See attached photo showing parking area where we will meet. Please note that the access road to the parking area is one way so you can't backtrack unless you get back onto I-80 and then turn around at the next exit.
Pit stops: there may or may not be a porta-pottie in this parking lot, and there are also primitive toilets and picnic tables at Kittatinny Point on the opposite side of Interstate 80. Restroom facilities can also be found at the truck stop off I-80 Exit 4 in NJ, or the PA Welcome Center off Exit 310 in PA.
Beginner backpackers: please reach out to me with any questions about gear. I am also available to do a pack shakedown if you would like to arrive earlier before the hike on Thursday. REI's suggested backpacking checklist
Trip will be cancelled if severe weather (heavy/sustained rain, thunderstorms, high winds) are forecasted. I will notify the group the previous day if this needs to occur.
This trip is limited to a small group, so please update your status if your plans change and you are no longer able to attend. In the past, we've had some no-shows on trips, and it isn't fair to take someone else's spot on the trip that could have otherwise attended.
Disclaimer: Read the group description for legal disclaimers. Hiking poses risks; you are responsible for you. Be smart and carry on your person (not your pack), a note with your name, an emergency contact, a list of medications and conditions and a list of allergies.
- Appalachian Trail Sunfish Pond Late Fall BackpackingDunnfield Creek Natural Area, Columbia, NJ
This overnight backpacking trip follows the Appalachian Trail along Kittatinny Ridge, with scenic vistas extending into both PA and NJ. We will also be visiting Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial tarn along the Appalachian Trail, which is designated as a National Natural Landmark. This trip is geared towards turtle backpackers who prefer to hike at a less hurried pace, enjoying time to take in all that nature has to offer. Backpackers of all abilities are welcome, though we will be going very slow with many breaks, and faster hikers may be frustrated by our turtle pace. We will be frequently stopping to discuss interesting natural and cultural points of interest along the trail.
On Saturday morning at 7:45am sharp we will meet at the Dunnfield Appalachian Trail parking lot off I-80. This will be the end point of our hike, and we will leave most of the cars here, and carpool in 2 cars to the start of the hike at the Appalachian Trail trailhead near Mohican Outdoor Center. I can volunteer to be a shuttle driver, and can cozily fit 4 passengers. We will also need a 2nd driver (who can also carry 4 passengers) to take us to the start point.
Saturday's hike will cover 5.51 miles with a 761 ft. elevation gain. This includes a gradual ascent of Mt. Mohican at the beginning of the hike, but most of the mileage is on top of the Kittatinny Ridge. We will traverse Raccoon Ridge with fantastic views into Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We will then follow the northern side of Sunfish Pond, making a stop at the pond outlet to resupply water. From the resupply, it's just under one mile to the Backpacker 2 campsite, where we will camp overnight. The campsite is the only authorized backpacking location within Worthington State Forest. It is large and has a privy (bring TP) and a bear box. Campfires are not permitted. At this time of the year, there will likely be other backpackers sharing the site, though it is a large area and we can likely spread out.
On Sunday we will pack up in the morning and descend Kittatinny Ridge via the Appalachian Trail. This hike is 3.06 miles with an elevation gain of 56 ft. We will finish at the Dunnfield parking lot. We will need a volunteer to transport the 2 original shuttle drivers back to Mohican Outdoor Center to pick up their cars left at the starting point.
Alltrails map of backpacking trip route
Information about Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Google maps link to parking lot where we will meet at 7:45am on Saturday
Meet at the westernmost parking lot at Dunnfield, labeled Appalachian Trail parking (not the one labeled as Red Dot trail parking). If parking ends up being an issue, you can park in the other Dunnfield lot or the larger Kittatinny Point lot on the opposite side of I-80 (the latter will be an extra 5 min or so walk to the trailhead at the western Dunnfield lot). See attached photo showing parking area where we will meet. Please note that the access road to the parking area is one way so you can't backtrack unless you get back onto I-80 and then turn around at the next exit.
Pit stops: there may or may not be a porta-pottie in this parking lot, and there are also primitive toilets and picnic tables at Kittatinny Point on the opposite side of Interstate 80. Restroom facilities can also be found at the truck stop off I-80 Exit 4 in NJ, or the PA Welcome Center off Exit 310 in PA.
Beginner backpackers: please reach out to me with any questions about gear. I am also available to do a pack shakedown if you would like to arrive earlier before the hike on Saturday. REI's suggested backpacking checklist
Trip will be cancelled if severe weather (heavy/sustained rain, snow affecting road travel, thunderstorms, high winds) are forecasted. I will notify the group the previous day if this needs to occur.
This trip is limited to a small group, so please update your status if your plans change and you are no longer able to attend. In the past, we've had some no-shows on trips, and it isn't fair to take someone else's spot on the trip that could have otherwise attended.
Disclaimer: Read the group description for legal disclaimers. Hiking poses risks; you are responsible for you. Be smart and carry on your person (not your pack), a note with your name, an emergency contact, a list of medications and conditions and a list of allergies.
