Catskill Backpack - Windham & Blackheads
Details
In order to officially secure your spot on this event and to receive the details email of where to exactly park and meet with us you must register on our site by clicking the link below.
Our events typically fill up at 16 people for guided backpacking trips! You won't see the attendees here on meetup as registrations are on our site but we wanted to let you know that we typically see large outings for all of our events!
Windham & Blackhead mark the first step in our Advanced Catskill Backpacking Series — built specifically for TrailBounders who have already completed prior backpacking trips and are ready to increase both physical and technical demand.
For those on their Catskill 3500 quest, we will be summiting Windham High Peak, Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole. Because we're backpacking from Windham, we'll also be summiting Burnt Knob and Acra Point, both part of The Catskill 67, and a rare treat on one of the most beautiful routes in the Catskills.
This weekend introduces sustained climbing, longer ridge travel, and stronger cumulative elevation gain than our intro-level trips. The terrain is classic Catskills: rugged, steady, and honest.
Unlike our beginner overnights, this trip focuses less on foundational instruction and more on refinement:
• Moving efficiently with a loaded pack over more challenging terrain
• Managing elevation gain over extended days
• Strategic pacing and self-care
• Advanced campsite decision-making
This is the most approachable weekend in the four-trip Advanced Catskill Backpacking Series — but it is still a demanding mountain experience.
Day 1 - 1.5 miles, 575' up, 0' down - setting up camp after sunset
Day 2 - 7 miles, 1,950' up, 1,550' down Day 3 - 6 miles, 2,125' up, 2,750' down
Participants should:
• Be comfortable carrying a multi-day pack
• Have prior TrailBound backpacking experience • Be prepared for consistent elevation gain
This is not about learning how to backpack. It’s about becoming stronger at it. Small group. Real mountains. Real progression.
Prerequisites: TBP Backpacking Intro, Easy, and Moderate trips, or equivalent. Email info@trailboundproject.com to discuss equivalents for approval.
Minimum Gear: 50-70 liter backpack, shelter (tent, tarp shelter, bivy, or hammock), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, small pillow, lighter, water bottles or bladder for 4-5 liters of water, water filter, small knife, 75’ paracord, cell phone with USB charger & cable, headlamp & extra batteries, canister stove & fuel, cooking pot, utensils, food & snacks, bear hang food bag, first aid kit, personal toiletries, clothing for the weather, & hiking boots. A detailed packing list will be emailed to students after registration and you can contact us with any questions.
Minimum Age: 12 years old - the minor(s) and a parent/guardian must all be paid registered participants.