Easy Hikes New York
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BMW Hike
Sun, May 31, 8:30 PM
Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)
Fri, Jun 5, 11:00 AM**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/learn-to-thru-hike-6-5-7)** ### **Learn to Thru-Hike: A Backcountry Masterclass** **Master the art of long-distance hiking through a hands-on, immersive Catskills experience**. ### Adventure Snapshot 🥾 Activity: Backpacking expedition, skills training & backcountry curriculum ⏱️ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 🥾 Distance: Varies based on route; multi-day hiking with a weighted pack ⛰️ Elevation: Moderate, varied terrain 🧭 Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate — no prior backpacking experience required 📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience Have you ever dreamed of tackling the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or simply disappearing into the wilderness for a week, but felt overwhelmed by where to even start? Thru-hiking is more than a long walk. It’s a craft, and like any craft, it can be taught. Our Learn to Thru-Hike Adventure is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to take you from day hiker to confident backcountry traveler. This is more than a guided trip, it’s a full educational journey that includes a pre-trip planning session, a 3-day/2-night field expedition in the Catskills, and a post-trip debrief to refine your skills and gear. Along the way, you’ll learn the systems, strategies, and mindset required for long-distance hiking, whether your goal is to complete a section hike, tackle a thru-hike, or simply feel more capable and self-sufficient in the backcountry. This experience blends practical skills training, real-world application, and personalized instruction in one of New York’s most accessible wilderness areas. ### What You'll Learn 🎯 How to set realistic goals and physically prepare for long-distance hiking 🗺️ How to plan routes, manage permits, and navigate logistical challenges 🎒 How to choose and optimize your gear, including the “Big Three” (shelter, sleep system, and pack) 🥾 How to plan daily mileage, read elevation profiles, and build flexible itineraries 🍽️ How to fuel your body with effective backcountry nutrition strategies 🧭 Navigation and wayfinding using maps, compass, GPS, and natural cues ⚠️ Risk management, including environmental hazards and emergency preparedness 🌿 Leave No Trace principles and responsible wilderness travel practices ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why learn to thru-hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are experienced educators dedicated to helping you build real, lasting backcountry skills. This is more than a backpacking trip. It’s a complete learning experience. Most guided adventures end at the trailhead. This one includes a structured curriculum, a personalized planning session before your trip, and a post-trip debrief to help you refine your system and continue progressing toward your goals. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to plan and execute your own backcountry adventures. ### What's Included? 📚 Comprehensive digital curriculum delivered upon registration 📋 Pre-trip planning session (virtual or in-person) to review goals, gear, and route 🏕️ 3-day / 2-night guided backcountry expedition 🍽️ All meals and trail snacks, with instruction on backcountry nutrition planning 🎒 Group gear including tents, stoves, and water filtration (or bring your own to test in the field) 📝 Post-trip debrief session to review performance and refine your setup ### Schedule Exact itinerary will vary based on route and group goals. Below is a general outline of the experience. **Day 1** Meet at trailhead for introductions, gear check, and final preparation Begin hiking and apply foundational skills in route planning and pacing Set up camp and introduce backcountry systems and routines **Day 2** Full day of hiking with continued instruction on navigation, nutrition, and efficiency Hands-on practice with gear systems, decision-making, and risk management Evening discussion on long-distance strategy and trail life **Day 3** Morning breakdown of camp and final hiking segment Return to trailhead and debrief key lessons from the field *All times are flexible. We adjust every experience to the pace, goals, and needs of the group.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? **Must have** 💧 2+ liters of water capacity 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for multi-day hiking 🥾 Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners 🎒 Personal gear (full packing list provided in pre-trip materials) 🧣 Extra layers for changing weather conditions **Good to have** 🌧️ Rain shell 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat 📓 Notebook for notes and trip planning ### FAQs **What happens after I book my adventure?** You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more. **More questions?** Visit our [FAQ page](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.
Happy 8th Anniversary to Staten Island Hiking Meetup 🥾🎉🥾🎉 now on June 6
Sat, Jun 6, 2:00 PM![Spring Hike out of Tuxedo [~12 miles, Train Access]](https://secure-content.meetupstatic.com/images/classic-events/533085977/600x338.webp?w=3840)
Spring Hike out of Tuxedo [~12 miles, Train Access]
Sun, May 31, 2:40 PMKick off the hiking season with a classic loop covering a few lookout points and passing a couple of lakes. [Message Andre](https://www.meetup.com/members/230822/) with any questions about this event. **Please take the [group's 2026 member survey](https://tally.so/r/2EeqKb).** (Especially if you didn't hike with us last year.) \*\*\* **What to Expect on a Hike:** * **We plan to stay together as a group, but this is a social event for hikers and not a guided hike.** Everyone needs to be a self-sufficient hiker with adequate skills and equipment. * **If you are not comfortable hiking** **self-sufficiently** **or are not experienced enough to judge the skill and physical requirements in the route description**, check out the [Appalachian Mountain Club’s](https://www.outdoors.org/) hikes or one of the many professional guides operating in the area. \*\*\* **Typical day-hiking gear list:** * Hiking footwear (boots or trail shoes), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses. ([Permethrin insecticide](https://amzn.to/3XNcflS) treatment against ticks is great.) * Rain gear and an extra warm layer. * Lunch and snacks. 2 liters/ 2 quarts of water minimum, 3 liters for a hot day. Electrolytes on hot days. * **GPS app with offline maps:** **Avenza Maps App** is free, and there is a [free Harriman map in the in-app store](https://store.avenza.com/products/harriman-state-park-trail-map-new-york-state-parks-map?srsltid=AfmBOop2tjhY_l6EzM9c8nYhD5JYycTpDF62ocPcbf1-nidghL5aYL-9). **[Mapy App](http://mapy.com/)** has basic offline trail maps that are adequate. CalTopo ($20/yr) is an excellent GPS program. (AllTrails and GaiaGPS are pricey but also great.) * Map & Compass: NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails or National Geographic Harriman, both available locally at REI. \*\*\* **Route Info:** About 12 miles with about 1.5k' elevation gain at an average pace of about 2 mph. (Moving pace will be faster.) * **GPS:** [Black Ash-Skemonto-Claudius Loop](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.9/-74.1552/41.2113&pubLink=KhOL136qZzAYzSiYYCKkgmTW&routeId=ca062906-b224-44a4-8297-1af5195af48e) * Navigation and Route Finding: Blazed trails * Terrain Type: Hiking trails that may be rough and steep (Class 2) * Contingency Planning: Shorter routes and bailout points are available. Cell coverage can be spotty, but there's generally coverage. \*\*\* **Meeting Location & Logistics:** * **Meeting Time:** 10:40 am * **Meeting Location:** Meet at the Tuxedo commuter parking lot off East Village Road ([Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/aoABudbFJkjAKF926)). (Use the address 2 Powerhouse Ln, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987.) * **Public Transit:** Take the 9:14 am NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Tuxedo Station, arriving at 10:29 am. The station is just around the corner from the parking lot where we are meeting. Return on the 6:44 pm train. Or the 4:20 train, or one of the hourly trains from Suffern via Uber. (Catching the 4:20 train might require cutting the hike short.) * Car Pooling: Please use the comment section to organize carpooling, especially if you are driving from the city. Passengers should chip in for gas and tolls. \*\*\* **General FAQs:** * Regular members in good standing can always skip the waitlist. * No dogs allowed. * No guests beyond the RSVP guest limit, and no one under 18 is allowed. * Hikes are generally rescheduled for thunderstorms, heat index >95f, or AQI >80. \*\*\*

Yoga + Hike: Blue Trail to Shorakkopoch Rock
Sun, May 31, 2:00 PMThis event is combined with AMC https://www.meetup.com/amcnynj/events/314870453/?eventOrigin=group_events_list Join us for an energizing and grounding morning of Mindful Hiking and Outdoor Yoga at Inwood Hill Park, home to the only remaining primeval forest in Manhattan! This 5-mile hike focuses on meditation, breathing, and connecting with your body. We will hike along the scenic Blue Trail, enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, and then flow through a 30-minute easy-standing yoga session next to the historic Shorakkopoch Rock. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a dedicated yogi, or a complete beginner looking to make new friends, everyone is welcome! Location: 65 Payson Ave, New York, NY 10034 You can take the A train to Dyckman St, walk 3 minutes, and we will meet there. Please bring: \- Plenty of water \(recommended: at least 2–3 liters\) \- Lunch and snacks \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\, sunglasses\) \- Bug spray/insect repellent

Three Lakes, Three Parks in Queens
Wed, May 27, 1:45 PM8-mile, moderate pace walk. Iconic Three Lakes, Three Parks in Queens walk from Forest Hills to downtown Flushing through Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Queens Botanical Garden (free entry), and Kissena Park. Come to enjoy the walking, history, and camaraderie. Meet: 9:45 am in front of the law office on corner on north side of Queens Boulevard. Take E/F/M or R to Continental/71st Avenue. Bring water and snacks. We plan to end at Main Street in Flushing near the 7 subway and many bus lines. Optional dim sum for those interested. Leader: Call Rachel Donner 718 261 3579 (home) Sweep Pam Cress 917-597-2664 (day of) Rain cancels. If uncertain, call Rachel. See you soon.
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