
What we’re about
We are primarily a group of day-hikers from the Metropolitan New York area (NJ/NY/PA). We hike weekly on over 80 hiking trails within a 60-minute driving radius of our area. We are mostly older hikers (50+), but we welcome adults of all ages, singles, and couples. Our hikes are moderate, typically 5-7 miles-long, with an elevation gain in the range of 750-1,500 feet, and are mostly on trails located in Southern New York and Northern New Jersey. We hike every weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday), and often have additional mid-week hikes.
Most of our hikes do not require prior experience but do require a reasonable level of fitness, and appropriate gear such as hiking boots. Many of our members are seasoned, regular hikers with a wealth of experience and advice for new hikers. Because most wilderness trailheads are only accessible by car, our group works best for those with a car. We do organize several urban hikes (walks) in New York City every year, as well as several regional hikes in the wilderness that are accessible by public transit.
We occasionally organize hiking trips outside our area, typically to National Parks and to other “destination” hiking areas.
We also organize seasonal moonlight-hiking, biking, kayaking, and social outdoor events such as picnics.
All our events are free (except for charges imposed by third parties at special events). Although our events are free, you do have an ethical obligation to follow rules of good citizenship! This includes keeping tabs on your RSVP status, showing up (or canceling in time), and following rules set out by organizers.
“The mountains are calling, and I must go…” (John Muir, 1923).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Sterling Forest About 7 milesSterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo , NY
It has been a while, but we are off to Sterling Forest. The hike will be about 7 miles and moderate in difficulty. We will follow the Bare Rock trail to the Sterling Ridge trail. We will break along the shore of Sterling Lake and then return along the lake. We will also visit the old sterling mine along the hike.
A couple of notes: We will meet at the visitor’s center where there are restroom facilities and maps but the hiker parking lot is across the street.
There is no cell service at the visitors center so if you need to get a message to someone just before the start time, you will have to call the center (1-845-351-5907).
Bring plenty of water and snacks, and appropriate seasonal items (sun- and insect-protection in summer, and crampons in winter). Day-of-hike-only phone: 201-470-9317.
**Note** We hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. Our hikes are not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.
**To join our hikes, you must enable Meetup messaging with organizers (see "New to hiking" link below), and must post a profile image that can be used to recognize you. If you do not, you may be removed from Going list.
**By signing up for this event you are acknowledging that you have read and accepted the posted NJO legal disclaimer: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/emigr7kcfcjw2g3tq4kib/NJO-Legal-Disclaimer.docx?rlkey=3e3i9wpx3t28m0f4st018wloa&dl=0
**NJO policies to discourage "repeat no-shows", "repeat late-cancels" (canceling <48 hours before hike), or "Frivolous RSVPs". For details, see: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2gihwj37j7ltjvfyywgle/NJO-Policies.docx?rlkey=khddp9ns3ioxswkopgyzixeds&dl=0
This is your only notice - if you find yourself removed from the Going or Waiting List, refer to document above. You may message hike leader to reinstate you.
** New to hiking or Meetup? Try: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vcezsno68166y4h79t1m4/New-Hiker-Guide.docx?rlkey=0g0cfyccgj66gq4si52thp4hh&dl=0