Backpacking New York

Urban Walk @ Fort Totten

Join the AMC NY NoJ Outdoors For All Committee and the CCNY Outdoors Club for a fun Columbus Day trip to Fort Totten in Queens! ***Please register & pay here:*** [REGISTRATION](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001KLHR2A4/act00024205) We will meet outside ***Apollo Bakery at 135 36 39th Avenue*** in Flushing and take the public bus together to Fort Totten. Please bring an OMNY card or $3 for bus fare. We will walk about 5 miles at a relaxed pace. Our visit includes a special 90 minute guided tour led by two NYC Parks Rangers who will share stories of Fort Totten and show us historic buildings and military areas. After the tour, we will keep exploring the grounds, enjoy waterfront views, take pictures, and spend time together. Please bring at least 2 liters of water, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. There are ***no stores aroung Fort Totten***, so please bring enough food and water for the day. The cost is $10 to help cover the NYC Parks guided tour. No refunds. If you live near Fort Totten or plan to drive, you may meet us at the Fort Totten Visitor Center on Lee Road, Fort Totten, Queens, NY 11359. Please contact us ahead of time to let us know. After we return to Flushing, you may also join us for an optional meal at the New World Mall Food Court. Expect to spend about $13 to $19 depending on what you order. Allergies: If you have any allergies, please find out what the ingredients are from the establishment you are eating from.

Bear Mountain!

On Saturday, October 24th, we’re going to hike Bear Mountain! See details on transportation, the full itinerary, details of the hikes we’ll do, and google maps links below! Can join us by bus or drive there! If by car: \- Meet us at Bear Mountain Inn by 10am \- Please note there’s a $10 parking fee If by bus: \- NYC to Bear Mountain: Meet at NYC’s Port Authority Bus Terminal Gate 405 by 7:45am \(because bus tickets are first come\, first served and not for a specific date\. See details below\) Bus departs PABT at 8:45am\. Bus arrives at Bear Mountain Inn at 10:15am \- Bear Mountain to NYC: Meet at Bear Mountain Inn at 4:55pm\. Bus leaves Bear Mountain Inn at 5:15pm\. Will arrive at Port Authority Bus Terminal by 7pm \- No bus refunds \(unless roads closed\)\, but can use bus tickets over next 365 days \- Link to get bus tickets: [https://www.coachusa.com/travel-option/2597283/2577654/0118aed2?date=2026-10-24](https://www.coachusa.com/travel-option/2597283/2577654/0118aed2?date=2026-10-24) \- Bus is $18\.40 from NYC to Bear Mountain and it’s $18\.40 back \(there’s also a $2 surcharge each way so the total is of $40\.80\) \- And oddly enough the bus ticket just says valid from date of purchase and valid through one year after the date of purchase\. With that said\, please try your best to get to Port Authority Bus Terminal as soon as you can \(I’ll get there by 7:30am and recommend everyone gets there by 7:45am if possible\) to confirm your spot in line\. Please click the reverse sign to get the return ticket. The host bought round trip bus tickets. The full itinerary: 1\. After arriving at 10:15am\, some people may want to use the restroom at Bear Mountain Inn / Restaurant 1915\. And some people may want to make a beeline for Trailside Museum & Zoo by 10:30am to get free donuts and hot cocoa by 10:30am \(not sure how hard the time cut\-off is lol\)\. Trailside Museum & Zoo is a 20 minute walk from Bear Mountain Inn\. 2\. Our way to Trailside Museum & Zoo will be the first quarter of the Hessian Loop Trail \(linked below\)\. It’s 1\.5 mile and is relatively flat \(so it’s considered easy\)\. We’ll continue that trail after getting free donuts and hot cocoa\. 3\. After 30 minutes to an hour\, we’ll complete the Hessian Loop Trail\. 4\. Then we’ll head to do the Bear Mountain Loop Trail \(also linked below\)\. It’ll take 3\.5 to 4 hours\. We’ll be going up 1\,000 feet in about 2 miles so it’ll be moderate / hard difficulty but if you’re relatively fit it should be no problem\. If folks prefer\, they are more than welcome to hang out at Trailside Museum & Zoo \($1 suggested donation and is open from 10am to 4:30pm\) or the 1915 Restaurant in the meantime\. 5\. From 3 to 4:45pm\, a group of us will eat at 1915 Restaurant which is located at Bear Mountain Inn \(where the bus dropped us off\)\. It’ll be a separate Meetup event\. If interested in joining\, please RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/borough-hoppers/events/316818677 6\. We’ll make our way to the bus pick\-up location by 4:55pm\. The bus will pick us up by 5:15pm and we’ll arrive back at Port Authority by 7pm Here are details of the two hikes we’ll do: \- Hessian Loop Trail \(1\.5 miles\, 30 minutes to 1 hour\, Easy\) * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/hessian-lake-loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/hessian-lake-loop) \- Bear Mountain Loop Trail \(4 miles\, 3\.5 to 4 hours\, Moderate/Hard\) * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/bear-mountain-loop-trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/bear-mountain-loop-trail) See photos album for screenshots of trails routes and incline Google maps links Port Authority: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2BZJ4TGeeYd1onKu6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2BZJ4TGeeYd1onKu6) Bear Mountain Inn: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7QiuJ73WUDEij488](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e7QiuJ73WUDEij488) Trailside Museums & Zoo [https://maps.app.goo.gl/atcGtH3Kixm4uBCv8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/atcGtH3Kixm4uBCv8) Of course, please reach out if you have any questions! The not so fun rule on RSVPs Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

Grand canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia trip (5d)

\*\*\*PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION\*\*\* Dear North America mammals, we finally decided to make a trip that we planned for the last 10 years. At this time we will spend the Thanksgiving holidays in Copper, Silver and Golden states by visiting Grand canyon, Death Valley, Las Vegas, Sequoia park, Hollywood, and many other places. This is a **5-days, 5-nights trip, but you can join us at any time!** Start day: **November 25** Finish day: **November 29** **\*\*Preliminary plan\*\*** November 25 - (morning) Meeting by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) November 25 - Hiking Grand Canyon November 26 - Shooting at range at Las Vegas November 26 - Walking through Las Vegas strip November 27 - Hiking Death Valley November 28 - Hiking Sequoia park November 29 - Half day in Hollywood November 29 - (evening) Returning back home **Full plan** will be distributed via our **WhatsApp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LIJMBwqDN2P509lyrCV8HS?s=cl&p=a&ilr=4](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LIJMBwqDN2P509lyrCV8HS?s=cl&p=a&ilr=4)** **\*\*\*\* TIPS \*\*\*\*** Please be ready to wake up at 6-7 AM and hike/walk 12-15 miles every day. We are not a travel agency and you will have to pay for your own travel, however we can help you with advice on flights and accommodation. We highly recommend booking your tickets and hotels ahead of time. Budget is limited by the comfort level you need. If you would like to share the hotel booking please don't forget to collect/transfer the money in advance (we suggest you meet in person beforehand). Organizers are not liable for any damages so please take this into account before you transfer money to someone. We might use local tour guides in some areas. For drivers: approx. map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2hwpoENKqYQyD3f86](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2hwpoENKqYQyD3f86) Our FB group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145](https://www.facebook.com/groups/567293385132145) Our meetup group: [https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d](https://meetu.ps/c/4ZjSr/LdM6k/d) Telegram: [https://t.me/neverwinterfree](https://t.me/neverwinterfree) Please apply via: Wechat: cozmo31 IG: neverwinter_free_parties LINE: cozmo31 [www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809](http://www.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=286948809) Disclaimer of liability: By participating in this activity you agree that organizers are not to be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur before, during or after the event. **Please note, that additional surcharge for National parks might be applied for Non-U.S. residents.**

Chile Patagonia W+ Trek, Riverside Glamping, Thxgiving week (limited spots)

Leader Launch Day

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001JNWb2AO/act00023952)** Interested in becoming an AMC outdoor leader, or looking to sharpen your leadership skills? Join us for the Leaders Launch Day, a day of connection, learning, and hands-on practice in the field. Whether you're exploring leadership for the first time, working through the Leader-in-Training process, or are already an active leader looking for a refresher, you'll spend the day learning alongside fellow AMC leaders in a supportive environment. We'll start with coffee and conversation before heading out on the trail for a field-based leadership practicum featuring realistic scenarios, group discussion, mentoring, and skill-building. We'll wrap up the day with trip planning support to help future leaders take the next step toward posting and leading an activity. Take [Outdoor Leader Fundamentals](https://appalachian-mountain-club-2649.reach360.com/register/e1a8d723-2366-45eb-8713-33031244a0ad), then join the this Future Leaders Hike. By the end of the day, you'll have hands-on leadership experience and clear next steps toward leading your first AMC trip. NY-NoJ Chapter Leaders-in-Training: Participation in this event counts as two co-leads toward your leadership requirements. Please bring any materials needed to document your participation and leadership sign-offs. **Route Description** We'll meet at The Bonnefont. From there, we'll explore the paths of Fort Tryon Park during an extended field session focused on outdoor leadership practice. Along the way, participants will rotate through practicing leadership roles and work through realistic outdoor leadership scenarios. The route provides a welcoming environment for new leaders while offering meaningful opportunities for experienced leaders to refine their skills through mentoring, discussion, and hands-on practice. **What to Pack** Please bring what you need to be comfortable outdoors for the day. We'll move at a training pace (approximately 1.5 mph) with frequent stops for discussion, scenarios, and skills practice. * Comfortable walking or hiking footwear * Weather-appropriate clothing * A warm layer for longer training stops * Rain layer * Water (at least 1-2 liters) * Lunch and trail snacks * Small daypack * Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) * Personal medications * Notebook and pen (optional) * Trekking poles (optional) **Schedule** 9:00–10:00 AM \| Coffee & Connections Meet fellow participants, local leaders, and chapter volunteers while learning more about leadership opportunities at AMC. 10:00 AM–3:00 PM \| Leadership Scenarios on Trail A facilitated field experience featuring realistic leadership scenarios, group discussion, mentoring, and practical problem-solving in an outdoor setting. Topics may include: * Trip talks and activity introductions * Leader and sweep role rotations * Group management scenarios * Navigation and decision making * Inclusion and participant care * Risk awareness and judgment in the field 3:00\-5:00 PM \| Trip Planning Explore activity ideas, get help with trip planning and posting, connect with mentors, and leave with clear next steps toward leading your own AMC activity Join us for the full day or the portions most relevant to your leadership journey. Whether you're preparing to post your first activity or looking to refresh your skills, you'll leave with new connections, practical experience, and clear next steps. Please Register **[HERE](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001JNWb2AO/act00023952)** if you plan to attend. Your registration helps us plan mentoring support, materials, and group size for the day! Leader: Amaya Michael

Vietnam & Cambodia with Angkor Wat! Ancient Kingdoms of Southeast Asia

A Meetup trip in December . . . what can be a better gift for the holidays?! Join our travelers group on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Southeast Asia as we explore the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam & Cambodia (Dec 04-18, 2026) As with all our tailor-made Meetup trips, our expert guides will lead us off the beaten path to uncover the authentic charm of each destination, while comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine ensure a truly immersive travel experience. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, finishing with the wonders of Cambodia. We begin in Hanoi, where history and culture come alive, then sail the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Step back in time among the imperial treasures of Hue, wander the lantern-lit streets of charming Hoi An, and feel the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. We conclude your adventure at the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, home to the legendary Angkor Wat. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: * **Hanoi**; explore Ho Chi Minh sites, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter cyclo ride & water puppet show * Visit rural **craft villages**: conical hat & incense making, home-hosted lunch, village walk * **Ha Long Bay cruise**: limestone islands, floating villages, cave visit, Tai Chi & sunset views * **Hue**: Perfume River boat ride, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh’s Tomb & Imperial Citadel * Scenic **Hai Van Pass train** to Danang; explore Dragon Bridge, Cham Museum, Marble Mountain * **Hoi An Ancient Town** (UNESCO), visit tailor shops, pottery village & organic farm with cooking class * **Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels**; War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace & Ben Thanh Market * **Mekong Delta cruise**: coconut workshops, sampan ride, orchards & lunch in riverside village * **Siem Reap**: dinner with Apsara dance, Angkor temples (Ta Prohm, Bayon, Angkor Wat) * Cambodian cultural immersion: **monk blessing**, village crafts & cooking, **Tonle Sap Lake sunset cruise** For a detailed Day By Day itinerary: **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) *Trip Itinerary:* * **Hanoi** – 3 nights * **Ha Long Bay (cruise)** – 1 night * **Hue** – 2 nights * **Hoi An** – 2 nights * **Ho Chi Minh City** – 3 nights * **Siem Reap** – 3 nights **Price per person, double occupancy: $4400** (we match roommates for those willing to share and save) **Price for single room: $5300** **RSVP with your email address to receive complete information and itinerary. To secure your spot on this trip, please submit a $450 deposit.** [Click Here for Secure Deposit Link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/EM44C56V6RFTC) Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees) [Fill Out this FORM if you are making a deposit](https://forms.gle/Tpz4v9jEbc13FSU38) Limited capacity of 24 total. This trip will fill up extremely quickly. **\*\*\*Airfare from/to the US not included. Contact Anna for a quote\*\*\*** ***[Click Here](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062)***[ to Message Direct to Anna.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) She can help you arrange the airfare and answer any logistics questions. We believe in good decent social. This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here to see all our other fun events](https://www.meetup.com/ccccc-c/events/) We do a [monthly Zoom with Q & A ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)on all our overseas events. Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees. [Click here ](https://www.meetup.com/MoreToExplore/events/282719353/)for General Policies and useful info about our international trips. Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 2000318-10

NYC-ADV Holiday Party /// 1st Thursdays

MUSEUM MILE AND THE HEIDELBERG RESTAURANT, 1648 2 AVE., New York, NY.

Spend the afternoon at one of the many great museums followed by dinner at the Heidelberg.

Biking to the Montauk Lighthouse and overnight stay - 25 to 145 mile options

Our annual Montauk bike trip is on. We are going to bike the length of Long Island from Queensboro Plaza to the Montauk lighthouse in one day. A super fun 145 miles. We will bike along the south shore of Long Island stopping for coffee, brunch and beer along the way. This year we will have a few options for those not wanting to ride the entire length. We have the an 80 mile, 60 miles and 25 mile options. We will have two spots to meet for the rides in the city. If you are doing the 145 miles some people will meet at 4:30am in Long Island City or at Grand Army Plaza. **Meeting points and time for each ride length** **145 miles** 04h30 at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn or Queensboro Plaza at LIC Map of the 145 mile option: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EddLsiNkyZinE5v78 **80 miles** LIRR from Grand Central that leaves at 07h39 and arrives in Patchogue at 09h17. For Woodside, Penn Station, etc check the MTA website for the departure schedule at those stations. Map of the ride: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tyekzifVgFE3r2Q39 **60 miles** Meet at Westhampton at 12h30. There is a 09h53 train from Grand Central that arrives in Westhampton at noon. We will arrive around 12h30 by bike. You can either wait at one of the delis or hang out at the beach until we arrive. Map of the 60 mile ride https://maps.app.goo.gl/CKs6JCo8emRXAL7x7 **25 miles** Meet at Bridgehampton Wölffer Estate Wine Stand at 15h00. Take the 12h05 train from Grand Central (check MTA schedule for other stations) and arrive in Bridgehampton at 14h46. Ride to Wölffer Estate Wine Stand. Average pace will be **13mph** but we might not stick together as people will be going at different paces over the 140 miles and some people might get tired and end up taking the train to Montauk if it gets too late. We will stay overnight In Montauk. You can arrange your own accommodations or share a room with the group. I will most likely book a few rooms. I will collect the money for the hotel end of September. I will post a WhatsApp chat for the group the week of this trip. **The Plan** Saturday: 04h30 Leave from Queensboro Plaza in LIC or Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn 09h30 Arrive at Toast Coffee and Kitchen in Patchogue 10h30 Leave Toast Coffee and Kitchen 12h30 Arrive in Westhampton 15h00 Arrive at Wolfer Estate Wine Stand in Bridgehampton 16h00 Leave Wölffer Estate Wine Stand at the Mountauk Lighthouse 18h00 Arrive at the Montauk Lighthouse 18h30 Leave Lighthouse 19h00 Arrive at the hotel 20h30 Dinner 22h00 Pub hangout and dance party Sunday: 12h00 Take LiRR back from Montauk to the city **The route** Here is the link to the route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2968652085855489014 **Accomodations** I will book accommodations closer to the date. We will stay at a motel in Montauk. Haven't picked one yet. I estimate to be about $100 to share a spot but it depends on the hotel rates in Montauk when I book the room. Again you can book your own if you want.

Outdoorsy Drinks

We will meet this time at Union Pool in WIilliamsburg for drinks and to chat about past, present and future outdoor adventures! Everyone is welcome to come whether you are old or new to the group! We will most likely hang out in the patio near the taco truck. I will post my number on the comments section when I get there so you can find us.

Biking Fall Colors Jim Thorpe/Lehigh River - ByoB or Rent, 20-30miles

Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping

Unreal hoodoos? Check. Slot canyons? Majestic overlooks? Check. All this and more (like heated tents with electricity) await you during our Women’s Hiking and Glamping in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon weekend adventure! **BRYCE CANYON HIKING AND BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CANYONEERING** Escape to prehistoric Utah where you’ll hike stupid-pretty trails in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Wade through the Virgin River below 1,500′ canyon walls in the Narrows. Spend an entire day exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Ghost the tourists as you wander deep into orange hoodoos. Explore areas of Zion so remote, they can only be reached by rappelling, scrambling, and down-climbing on a beginner-friendly canyoneering route. **ZION NATIONAL PARK’S SCOUT LOOKOUT** Beastmaster up the West Rim Trail to Scout Lookout and enjoy some of the best views in Zion National Park. You’ll hike through Refrigerator Canyon, and shimmy up all 21 of Walters Wiggles to Scout Lookout with panoramic views of Zion Canyon and Virgin River. Afterward, dry your pits as you descend the trail to an easier hike around the scenic streams of Upper and Lower Emerald Pools. **GLAMPING** Every night you’ll rest your head in Insta-worthy glamping tents bordering Zion National Park. Kick it by the campfire under a diamond sky with goddesses who aren’t afraid to get dirty. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/hiking-glamping-zion-bryce-canyon](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/hiking-glamping-zion-bryce-canyon) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://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)