Challenging Hikes New York

Slothians and Tortoises Hike the Hudson Highlands

**For our very first Meetup,** come join us in the Hudson Highlands for a fun-filled day of breathing in fresh mountain air, fitness and camaraderie with friends old and new, as we take a hike in Garrison, NY, reachable on Metro-North to GARRISON **HIKE OVERVIEW:** We will hike the Arden Point-Glenclyffe trails. This hike passes several panoramic viewpoints over the Hudson River including views of the Garrison Institute, West Point Military Academy and Bear Mountain and ... ***For the trivia and history buffs and/or future Jeopardy! contestant ...*** one trail we'll be on is rumored to be a historic road used by **Benedict Arnold** to escape after his treason was discovered during the Revolutionary War! **GETTING THERE:** 8:56AM Metro-North from Grand Central Terminal to Garrison Station, arriving at Garrison station by 10:12AM. The trailhead is right by the train station's parking lot. **TOTAL MILEAGE:** 6-8 miles, maybe more, maybe less, who can tell for sure? **INTENSITY**: Moderate. **PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.** Throughout day, we'll have lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers. **NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!** **DURATION**: This is an all-day hike. There are no early outs. **WEATHER**: Rain cancels **LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.**

Train Accessible September Hike☀️🚂🛤️🚃

**Welcome! We are planning a train-accessible hike on Sept 19th. The plan is to take the Metro North from Grand Central around 10AM and head to Beacon in the Hudson Valley. If you want to drive, feel free to meet us at the trailhead. After the hike we plan to grab lunch in the area.** **We will organize through WhatsApp so let me know your number when your attendance is confirmed.** **Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/beacon-fire-tower-via-casino-wilkinson-memorial-and-breakneck-ridge-trail?p=-1&sh=ej2h8r&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality** **To help cover the costs of Meetup, there is a $5 fee (waived for drivers helping out with carpools) - attendance is confirmed only upon payment of the fee via Venmo/Zelle. This fee is non-refundable unless the hike is cancelled.** **Plan for an all day event. Please reach out if you have questions!**

Backpacking Trip - Challenging

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. https://www.trailboundproject.com/service-page/backpacking-trip-challenging?referral=service_list_widget 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! Our most advanced instructional trip in the backpacking series adds hiking into the backcountry at night, more challenging terrain and scrambles, and an overall more ambitious itinerary over the weekend. Students will participate in the trip planning so they can expect to complete the trip as capable solo or group trip leaders. This is a challenging 2-night backpacking trip with a roundtrip total of 10 miles including 3,700' of elevation change up and 2,700' of elevation change down. The scrambles leave smiles on everyone's faces and give us the opportunity to teach how to use rope to pull up our packs after scrambles and even create guidelines for additional safety and comfort (these are scrambles though, we're not rock climbing). We'll continue to teach footwork and scrambling tactics, setting up camp at night, and any other topics that come up. We'll be at your side every step of the way. We’ll start off in the evening to hike in and find a suitable area to set up camp off-trail at night, simulating a typical after-work start to a backpacking trek. The next day we'll scramble up to the Burroughs Range ridgeline where we'll encounter the absolute best view in the Catskills atop Wittenberg Mountain, one of the Catskill 3500 peaks. We'll continue to scramble up the infamous Cornell Crack to summit Cornell Mountain for our second Catskill 3500 peak. To end the day we'll drop down into the saddle to set up camp and enjoy the evening and campfire. Our third day finds us scrambling up and over Slide Mountain, our third Catskill 3500 peak and the tallest in the Catskills. Students will leave self-reliant and capable of using their skills and experiences to not only be confident independent backpackers, but to mentor others looking to experience the outdoors. 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.

Saturday Hike: Sunset @ Breakneck Ridge

**To attend this event, simply RSVPing on Meetup isn’t enough — you must book through our website to secure your spot.** **TO ATTEND YOU MUST BOOK ► [HERE](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/sunset-breakneck-ridge-09-19-26/)** **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)** **Breakneck Ridge** Take on one of the most iconic hikes in New York at Breakneck Ridge. This challenging trail features steep climbs and rugged terrain, perfect for adventure seekers. **Conquer the summit at golden hour and enjoy a stunning Hudson River sunset**—a truly unforgettable New York hiking experience. **Pack your headlamp and wear your best hiking shoes for this adventure!** Pack your favorite sandwich and drink, we’ll take a snack break while enjoying the sunset. *We’re getting away from the city to forget about timing, enjoy nature, and connect with others. If you’re looking to make new outdoorsy friends, you’ve found the perfect place. If you’re seeking a fast-paced group, this might not be the right fit.* 🗺️ About the Hike * **Small Group Experience:** 2 - 15 OutYorkers. * **Hiking Route:** [AllTrails App](https://www.alltrails.com/es/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-breakneck-ridge-ac4d175) * **Difficulty:** Challenging. The perceived difficulty may increase if you are a beginner hiker or not physically active. * **Elevation Gain:** 1,073 ft (327 mt) * **Highest Elevation:** 987 ft (301 mt) * **Lowest Elevation:** 20 ft (6 mts) * **Hiking Distance:** 5 mi (8 km) – We'll walk an extra mile (1.60 Km) from the train station to the trailhead. * **Hiking Time:** 4h 30m. This could change according to the group pace and includes a leisurely stroll around Cold Spring’s waterfront and charming streets. ✅ **Included:** **Hike led by a New York State licensed wilderness guide.** ❌ **Not Included:** Train ticket or any other services or products not mentioned. **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)**

Adirondack Fall Foliage - Car Camping [Spots Available]

**Fall in the Adirondacks is always spectacular!** Come join us for a weekend of camping and hiking in the southern Adirondacks, which has better foliage and far fewer crowds than the High Peaks. A couple of important notes: 1. **Weekend trips are open to regular members in good standing. Message Andre if you're interested.** 2. Hikes are member-organized. Everyone is expected to be able to read a map, follow a trail, and choose hikes within their fitness and ability. Depending on the attendees, we might split into two or more hikes. Do not count on someone more experienced or skilled than yourself to lead you. Hikes in the area are typically 5 miles and up, suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers. I've found that doing a couple of short hikes in different areas maximizes the foliage viewing. (See [Andre's AllTrails list of nearby hikes](https://www.alltrails.com/lists/southern-adks-day-hikes-fb508ef?u=i&sh=q9msug).) There are several great lookout towers in the area that provide 360-degree views, and the high peaks are always an option if you want something longer. **Logistics:** * **Camping Location:** Car-camping at the [Harris Lake Campground](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7VbkKSVS5mndJpYX8) with showers, toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, and canoe rentals. Max two tents and two cars per campsite. * **Food:** BYO food and snacks. There is very little nearby in terms of stores, so bring all your food for the weekend. Mountain House dehydrated meals are a fine option. * **Cost:** $25 per person for two nights of camping, paid to Andre * **General Rules**: We are a low alcohol group. No RVs, generators, camper vans, etc. No dogs allowed. **Schedule:** * **Friday:** Leave as early in the afternoon as you can. It is 5-6 hours to the campground from NYC. Please try to arrive by 10 pm out of courtesy to other campers. * **Saturday:** We'll rise early for our various hikes, BYO dinner at the campsite around a campfire. * **Sunday:** Generally a short hike before hitting the road in the afternoon. \*\*\* **Camping Gear:** * Tent, or space in someone's tent * Sleeping pad and sleeping bag suitable for the low 30s at night * Stove, pots, and pan (check about sharing) * Personal plate/spoon/cup, etc; toiletries, towel, and flip-flops for the shower; swimsuit (for the brave). **Hiking Gear:** * Standard day hiking gear: Waterproof boots suggested (trail shoes are not recommended in the ADKs), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses, rain gear, hiking poles, snacks, etc. * Winter hat, gloves, and jacket, plus insulating layers to account for unpredictable fall mountain weather. If you plan on hiking one of the high peaks, bring microspikes and full winter clothing since early October is usually the first real snow of the season. * Maps of the region: [National Geographic Adirondack High Peaks](http://amzn.to/1JUrKk2) & [National Geographic Northville, Raquette Lake](https://amzn.to/3LcmGud) * **GPS app with offline maps** **Weather:** Average hi/low: 70s/40s, might be in the 30s. The weather above the tree line is always worse. Mountain weather is often unpredictable, so plan accordingly.

Scenic Hook Mt Loop Hike, Not 7-11

Fall Colors EZ Hike/Culinary Institute Lunch

\*\***Get tickets here:** https://newyorksocialnetwork.com/events/fall-colors-ez-hike-culinary-institute-lunch-2/ \*\*RSVPs on MeetUp only represent a portion of those ACTUALLY attending. How many are attending? Who is going to be there? What can I expect? Any questions email Dave@newyorksocialnetwork.com\*\* **Cost: $115 – General Admission / $105 Lifetime VIP** Get out of the hot city and into the cool forest! Spend a summer day out of the city and explore the beautiful Hudson Valley! The Mt Rutsen Loop at Ferncliff Forest is an easy 1.5 mile loop highlighted by the climb up the fire tower for spectacular 360 degree views of the valley and the Catskill Mountains. We will also visit the town of Rhinebeck and enjoy lunch at The Cafeteria at The Culinary Institute of America. Hike Leader: Dave Cervini **What to expect from the Mt Rutsen Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower Loop Hike:** You will take the 7:56am Metro-North train to Poughkeepsie (or you can drive to meet the group at the station at 9:57am). Your guide will pick you up and drive you to Ferncliff Forest for the hike (1.5 miles/1 hour). Following the hike we will visit the village of Rhinebeck, NY. From Rhinebeck we will head over to The Culinary Institute of America’s Cafeteria for lunch. After lunch we will visit The Red Maple Vineyard for samples of their wine, craft beers and hard cider (optional) You will be back on the 4:51pm train at the latest. **Cost:** $115 – General Admission / $105 Lifetime VIP **Included:** Transportation to and from Poughkeepsie train station and to all attractions. Hike & Guide fees. Lunch. (one entrée and soft drink) **Not included:** Since not everyone will be taking the train, train fare is not included. Since not everyone will drink, the beer, wine and hard cider are pay as you go. **About the hike:** This is a level 2-3 hike out of 10. It is about 1.5 miles. There are rocks and roots on the path in some places and there will be leaves on the ground that may make it a little slippery. There are spectacular views from the top of the fire tower of the valley and the Catskill Mountains in the distance. It is almost 100% under the cover of the trees. **Can I come alone?** Yes, most guests do! It’s a great way to meet new people. **Dress Code:** Dress for the weather. Hiking shoes strongly recommended. Sneakers are okay, too. **Ages:** 21+ **Questions?** Email Dave Cervini at dave@newyorksocialnetwork.com or call 212.873.2256, M-F 10am to 4pm. Nonrefundable unless canceled. **Venue:** Take The 7:57am Metro North Train From Grand Central To Poughkeepsie **Address:** Grand Central, to Poughkeepsie \*\***Get tickets here:** https://newyorksocialnetwork.com/events/fall-colors-ez-hike-culinary-institute-lunch-2/

Fast-paced 18-mile GSFC Prep Hike — East Manhattan Northbound

The **[Great Saunter Fall Challenge](https://shorewalkers.org/great-saunter-fall-challenge/)** is almost here! Prepare for *[Reverse Saunter](https://www.meetup.com/shorewalkers-members-only/events/316298031/)*, other challenging GSFC walks, and increase your fitness & stamina by walking 18 miles from Whitehall Terminal ➔ Inwood *at a fast pace* (3.4 mph). You are fit & cheerful. *No slow walkers. No casual clickers. No dogs. No guests. No complainers*. **Route** we'll walk north along the East Side of Manhattan on a route that *mostly* follows the Great Saunter course *in reverse* (with deviations inspired by Cy A Adler). **Why the East side?** It's the side of our island that gets the least respect, has the most twists & turns, and the fewest toilets & water fountains — *but there's much to love* and we will teach you how to navigate it with style! **Meet** 9 am on 2nd level of Whitehall (Staten Island Ferry) Terminal (by the toilets). We start walking @ 9:15. *Check for transit service changes before leaving home!* **Late arrivals** get to a location ahead of the group; contact leader; tell us where to find you. **Breaks** @ Stuyvesant Cove, Carl Schurz Park, Frederick Johnson Playground, and that hidden gem, Swindler Cove. *Alert leader if you need a toilet stop*. **End** in/near Inwood Hill Park. A & 1 subways a short walk away. **Warning** *change your RSVP ASAP if you cannot attend*. Habitual late-cancelers & no-shows (and other inconsiderate types) will be purged from the going list. Your RSVP implies two things: 1. you can attend an event, and 2. someone else cannot. Not showing up means someone stays home unnecessarily. *It will not be tolerated*. **Bring** drinks, snacks, sunscreen, hydration salts, hat, portable charger, and forecast-appropriate clothing. Bookmark the [Great Saunter digital map](https://map.shorewalkers.org) on your mobile browser. Install Komoot, Strava, AllTrails, or similar GPS route app. Pack sunglasses: the sun will be in our faces for much of the day due to the reverse course. **Weather** we proceed if light rain is forecast; we'll reschedule in case of severe weather. *Pay attention to this page for announcements*. **Drop-out points** all along the route in case you are unable to keep up with the main group. *Alert leader if you decide to drop out*. **After party** everyone is welcome to enjoy drinks & eats at a pub on Broadway. Non-alcoholic drinks available. **Leader** Dan D [contact via Meetup] **Co-host** Sheila Chung ❤️ Many thanks to our Aug 29 & Sept 5 advanced scouting volunteers! **Reference** *Walking Manhattan's Rim: The Great Saunter* by Cy A Adler (2003) **Take the Great Saunter Fall Challenge! [Register here](https://shorewalkers.org/join-a-saunter/) to walk 32 miles over 16 days, starting October 3rd. Help Shorewalkers support our parks by donating $10 to participate, with all fees going to the [Riverside Park Conservancy](https://riversideparknyc.org/).**

Thursday Hike: Breakneck Ridge

**To attend this event, simply RSVPing on Meetup isn’t enough — you must book through our website to secure your spot.** **TO ATTEND YOU MUST BOOK ► [HERE](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/breakneck-ridge-09-17-26/)** **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)** **Breakneck Ridge** **Discover Breakneck Ridge, one of the most iconic hikes in New York, located in the stunning Hudson Valley just outside NYC.** This moderate and adventurous trail rewards hikers with scenic paths and unforgettable views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Ideal for travelers eager to explore nature beyond New York City, the hike starts and ends in Cold Spring, a charming town. **We’ll wrap up our adventure at a cozy local pizzeria**, where we can relax, enjoy some food and drinks, and spend time chatting and connecting with fellow adventurers. *We’re getting away from the city to forget about timing, enjoy nature, and connect with others. If you’re looking to make new outdoorsy friends, you’ve found the perfect place. If you’re seeking a fast-paced group, this might not be the right fit.* 🗺️ About the Hike * **Small Group Experience:** 2 - 15 OutYorkers. * **Hiking Route:** [AllTrails App](https://www.alltrails.com/es/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-breakneck-ridge-ac4d175) * **Difficulty:** Moderate. The perceived difficulty may increase if you are a beginner hiker or not physically active. * **Elevation Gain:** 1,073 ft (327 mt) * **Highest Elevation:** 987 ft (301 mt) * **Lowest Elevation:** 20 ft (6 mts) * **Hiking Distance:** 5 mi (8 km) – We'll walk an extra mile (1.60 Km) from the train station to the trailhead. * **Hiking Time:** 4h 30m. This could change according to the group pace and includes a leisurely stroll around Cold Spring’s waterfront and charming streets. ✅ **Included:** **Hike led by a New York State licensed wilderness guide.** ❌ **Not Included:** Train ticket or any other services or products not mentioned. **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)**

Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Hit your bucket list with all the feels on this women’s guided hiking and backpacking weekend! During your Yosemite Half Dome Hike adventure, tour Yosemite National Park as you climb the famous cables of Half Dome with ladies who do their own stunts. Live out every last one of those John Muir nature quotes in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Mountains calling? Check. Between two pines? Check. Walk with nature? Double-check. **GUIDED BACKPACKING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK BACKCOUNTRY** Romp through the backcountry on a demanding, yet epic backpacking trip. Meet your new woman crushes in the Yosemite Valley as the landscape gives way to mountains, waterfalls, and a piney perfume that’ll make Yankee Candle totally jelly. Mother Nature swiped ALL THE WAY right. Leave the phone on airplane mode to immerse yourself in stunning national park backcountry over the course of four epic days. Climb steep, challenging trails to look down upon the Valley with a panoramic view that includes Mt. Starr King, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and plenty of ant-sized tourists with tiny selfie sticks. **HALF DOME: HIKING TO THE TOP** Fuel up for the real MVP—the famous cables of Half Dome! Blast that hiker booty (and bring plenty of water) while ascending 500 feet up a .5 mile of steps carved into the rock. Then, the real fun begins. It’s a 400-foot gain up the top of Half Dome with some points at 70%+ grades. Pace your footwork on wooden slabs spaced out on the climb as you get the upper body workout of a lifetime. Worth it? HELL YES! **BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED** Don’t have backpacking equipment, but can Beastmaster the stairs? Perfect. Explorer Chick has you covered with: * a backpack * sleeping bag * sleeping pad * shared tent All you need to do is show up for this Yosemite Half Dome Hike to backpack like a boss and get that National Parks bucket list checked. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: hello@explorerchick.com 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

NarPhu Trek - 11 days

Catskill 3500 Bushwhack - North Dome

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. https://www.trailboundproject.com/service-page/catskill-3500-bushwhack-north-dome?referral=service_list_widget Our events typically fill up at 24 people for guided hikes! 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! North Dome is a 3,610' tall trailless peak and one of the 33 Catskill 3500 peaks that one must climb to become a Catskill 3500 Club member. It's about 3 miles of on-trail and 2 miles of off-trail bushwhacking with a total of 2,000' of elevation change that takes 5 to 7 hours to complete. Although we'll take this hike at a leisurely to moderate pace, North Dome is infamous for its 5 cliff-bands, so prepare for lots of scrambling! It's a challenging hike, often times with mud and stinging nettles, so it's great to do with other TrailBounders! This will not be your typical guided hike. Every hike with TBP is an opportunity to learn, so for this hike, we will use map & compass combined with orienteering techniques to navigate. No electronics! Although the guides will do much of the map & compass work, all participants will get turns navigating, with the guides helping and teaching when needed. The objective is to build your confidence so you can go out and summit other trailless Catskill 3500 peaks alone or with others. Although North Dome is not known for its views, it does offer beautiful terrain and fun challenges. Join us for a fun day of navigating and scrambling! The parking and hike details are emailed after registration.