Hudson Valley Hikers

Distance: 4 miles Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours Elevation gain: Approx 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate; first mile is all uphill and can be strenuous for some; the final approach to the fire tower can also be strenuous for some.

Gear: HEADLAMP, Clothing for changing temps/wind; water; snacks Map: NY/NJ Trail Conference map for East Hudson trails; Avenza phone app for Hudson Highlands Park trails; or similar maps or apps. The Hike: Please read the entire description before signing up. Not recommended as a "first-ever" hike. The first mile is a steady, and somewhat strenuous, uphill that some hikers find difficult. Hikers should not overestimate his/her abilities. There is no "sweeper" following the last hiker(s). The hike starts at the posted time. This will be a moderately-paced hike (not slow.) Starting at the Mt. Beacon Park on Rte. 9D. We’ll zig-zag up the red Casino Trail for one mile. Then we'll continue east on the red trail and break off to the fire tower. After taking in the 360 degree views from the fire tower, we'll head back down via the same trails. (There are other trail options for the way back if anyone wants to extend his/her hike and add extra miles.) **********

HUDSON VALLEY HIKER LEGAL DISCLAIMER & WAIVER OF LIABILITY You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below. If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. The Hudson Valley Hikers Club does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in any of the events planned by the Organizer or Assistant Organizers. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this group or event you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends. There are no leaders on these hikes, you are your own leader - This is YOUR hike.

Distance: 4 miles Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours Elevation gain: Approx 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate; first mile is all uphill and can be strenuous for some; the final approach to the fire tower can also be strenuous for some.

Gear: HEADLAMP, Clothing for changing temps/wind; water; snacks Map: NY/NJ Trail Conference map for East Hudson trails; Avenza phone app for Hudson Highlands Park trails; or similar maps or apps. The Hike: Please read the entire description before signing up. Not recommended as a "first-ever" hike. The first mile is a steady, and somewhat strenuous, uphill that some hikers find difficult. Hikers should not overestimate his/her abilities. There is no "sweeper" following the last hiker(s). The hike starts at the posted time. This will be a moderately-paced hike (not slow.) Starting at the Mt. Beacon Park on Rte. 9D. We’ll zig-zag up the red Casino Trail for one mile. Then we'll continue east on the red trail and break off to the fire tower. After taking in the 360 degree views from the fire tower, we'll head back down via the same trails. (There are other trail options for the way back if anyone wants to extend his/her hike and add extra miles.) **********

HUDSON VALLEY HIKER LEGAL DISCLAIMER & WAIVER OF LIABILITY You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below. If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. The Hudson Valley Hikers Club does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in any of the events planned by the Organizer or Assistant Organizers. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this group or event you understand that you are attending all events AT YOUR OWN RISK. Organizers and Assistant Organizers of this group are just that, we organize the events and hike together as friends. There are no leaders on these hikes, you are your own leader - This is YOUR hike.

Details
Adirondack High Peaks WINTER CREDIT; This ADK classic visits 4 High Peaks amazing 360* views

Total Mileage : approx. 23 miles OVER 3 DAYS
Total elevation Gain over 2 days ~6,500ft

Hike Plan:
We'll meet at the Seaward Trailhead around 12PM Saturday, then hike ~4.5 miles on the Blueberry Trail, an old logging road which is generally flat towards our camping area at The Blueberry Lean-To. Plenty of space to pitch a tent or hang a hammock plus we are next to a constant source of clean water. Sunday morning (Dec 21-winter credit) after breakfast we'll start our hike up the steep Seward trail, summiting Mounts Seaward, Donaldson and Emmons, round trip from camp approx. 8.5 miles. Tuesday night we'll have a nice dinner back at the Blueberry Lean-to for the night. Monday morning we'll breakdown camp after breakfast, stash our gear at the Lean-To them proceed to Seymour, our final peak for this trip. From Blueberry Lean-to to the summit of Seymour is approx. 2 miles with a STEEP WINTERY climb ascending approx. 2,100ft. then we return collect our gear and backpack out to our cars.

THIS IS AN ADVANCED WINTER BACKPACK/HIKE, must have winter backpack experience!!!!

Everyone will start on the waitlist and will be moved to going once we determine your backcountry experience or if we know you and have hiked with you.

The Adirondack mountains will/can present TOUGH WINTER CONDITIONS this time of the year!!

EXTREME weather, temperatures, wind, rain/snow mix cancels this event

You should understand & have knowledge & experience of your winter gear, Layering systems, calorie burn during cold winter hiking & the 10 essentials of hiking, if you need to ask.... you should not consider this hike. You should be getting regular cardio and have done a hike equal to this length & elevation Gain in the past month. You need to have WINTER hiking UNDERSTANDING & EXPERIENCE!

THIS IS BACKCOUNTRY IN THE ADIRONDACKS AND WILL PRESENT SEVERE COLD, ICE & SNOW CONDITIONS, WHERE POSSIBLE WHITE OUTS COULD AFFECT TRAVEL. YOU MUST HAVE NAVIGATION EXPERIENCE AND BE ABLE TO MANUEVER THROUGH EXTREME WINTER CONDITIONS

Know the terrain and topography, have a map and compass and know how to use them, you should know & understand your winter gear, calorie burn, and electrolyte requirements necessary for this hike, if you do not this hike is not for you.

WINTER GEAR: winter layering is a must to control body temperature! you must be able to control your body temperature to prevent Hypothermia.

MUST HAVE:
Snowshoes, crampons, microspikes, Ice Ax, winter boots 200 to 400 grams of Thinsulate, hard shell, down mid shell, mid/heavy weight base layer, wool/smartwool socks, summit mits, glove liners, balaclava, neck gator, wool hat, goggles, winter day pack, extra clothing, trekking poles, hand/foot warmers, first aid kit.

Camping: at least a zero degree sleeping bag, gas stove, dry layers, food, liquids, warm foot wear & layers while at camp, Nalgene bottles, 4 season tent (if available I will be in the lean-to), bear bag, change of clothes.

Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal road closures

Signing up for this event means you read the liability waiver on the HVH about page and will hold harmless all organizers and hosts for any unforeseen mishaps.

HUDSON VALLEY HIKER LEGAL DISCLAIMER & WAIVER OF LIABILITY You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below. If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear. The Hudson Valley Hikers Club does not provide liability insurance for the protection of individuals who may participate in any of the events planned by the Organizer or Assistant Organizers. This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this group or event you understand that you are attending all events at your own risk.