Challenging Hikes New York

August Hike ☀️

**Hello! We are planning a hiking trip on August 22nd. This is a carpool only hike so let me know if you are driving or if you need a ride. The plan is to meet up at ~9AM and drive to the location. Please reach out if you have questions!** **Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/raccoon-ridge-via-appalachian-kaiser-and-coppermine-trails-loop?p=-1&sh=ej2h8r&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality** **Note: To pay for the costs of Meetup, there is a $5 fee, waived for drivers who are helping out with rides. I will post my Venmo/ Cash App/ Zelle handle in the comments.**

Slothians and Tortoises Take a Hike at Mohonk Preserve

**As the summer of '26 winds down ...** let's get outdoors and take a hike at **[Mohonk Preserve](https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/who-we-are/)** reachable on Trailways bus out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal going to New Paltz. **AGENDA:** We'll hike the Testamonial Gateway Trail, connecting to Duck Pond trail, then River-to-Ridge trail that will take us back to New Paltz. **GETTING THERE:** We're taking the **Trailway bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal.** The 7AM bus arrives in New Paltz by 8:35AM. One-way ticket is $25.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: **[https://trailways.com/](https://trailways.com/)** From the Trailways bus station in New Paltz, we'll then pick up the **[Nature Bus](https://ucat.ulstercountyny.gov/routes/nature-bus/)** at 8:45am that will drop us off at the Mohonk Testimonial Gateway at 8:55am. **Drivers**: you can meet us at the Testimonial Gateway parking lot at 9am. Do your own research on directions and parking situation. **PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND**. During hike 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 FAST HIKERS!** **TOTAL MILEAGE**: up to about 7 to 8 MILES **DURATION**: We will be out for the entire day. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much. **AFTER HIKE,** we'll allot some time to explore New Paltz and grab some local bites and drinks before heading home. **RETURN BUS:** There is a 6PM bus back to NYC. **WEATHER**: Rain, extreme heat and humidity cancels! ***LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks.*** ***Hold no one liable etc etc.***

6.5 Mile Herald Square to Battery Park Hike

We'll be going from Herald Square down to Battery Park, and then for dinner at a restaurant on Stone Street that does separate checks for large groups. We'll be going through as many parks and points of interest as can be arranged. We'll be starting just north of the Broadway entrance to Macy's. There are restrooms available at Macy's in the basement -- the women's room is in the northeast corner, and the men's room is in the middle of the southern edge of the basement. Make sure you use the bathroom, our next opportunity won't be until Washington Square Park. Attendance on this hike is free, and all participants attend at their own risk. By attending, you agree to the terms of the release waiver, which you can read at **[http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc](http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc)** In it, you basically give up any right whatsoever to sue, to the fullest extent possible by law.

Saturday Aug 15th Forest Park Hike.

FROM WALLENBERG SQUARE !!! Werner and Jerry will lead this hike \*\*\* CHECK HERE BEFORE GOING \*\*\* RAIN Will CANCEL HIKE.\*\*\* Meet time is 10:30AM, hike start is 10:45AM. Duration is about 2 hours + or - a few minutes. We will hike along several of the many trails in the woods. Wear heavy shoes or boots as the trails are rocky and have many tree roots. Distance is a about 4 miles plus or minus a bit. RAIN WILL CANCEL EVENT!!!!! Attendance is at your own risk, and by joining, you agree to hold us not responsible for any accidents, injuries, losses or unforeseen problems that may arise. This includes contamination by any germs, viruses, or any other illnesses. If the grouping, numbers of attendees and distances get too close, we will break into two separate groups. This should satisfy any limitations on numbers of hikers and distancing. The hike is free ,but we would like to ask for a voluntary donation of whatever you want, or one $ 1 or $2 to help cover the fee Meetup charges us to use their website.

Appalachian Trail: Fuller Mountain and Caleb’s Peak

**PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A PRE-PAY ONLY EVENT** Please read carefully: This event is being hosted by Adventure Untamed (https://www.adventureuntamed.com/trip/appalachian-trail-fuller-mountain-and-calebs-peak-2/). **Please register directly through the website**. **You spot will only be held once you register and pay through the Adventure Untamed website.** **Transportation and licensed guide are included in the cost of the trip. All you have to do is show up!** In this hike series, we are taking on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world – one section at a time. For this section, we are venturing into Connecticut! We’ll summit Fuller Mountain, then traverse over to Caleb’s Peak for a scenic view of the surrounding valley. And because our hike parallels the Housatonic River, we’ll be catching views of this winding river throughout our hike. This is a point-to-point hike, and there is no need to double-back or take other trails. The entire day is just the Appalachian Trail. Come explore the AT with us! This is and **INTERMEDIATE+** hike and may fell challenging due to he elevation gain, but we’ll keep the pace moderate! **What’s included**: * NY State Licensed and Wilderness First Responder Certified Guides * Transportation to and from NYC * Section hike of the historic Appalachian Trail * Trail treats 🙂 **Wear** * Hiking boots (**required**) * Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, athletic clothing (**no cotton**) * Wool or synthetic socks (**no cotton**) * Hat * Sunglasses **Pack** * Lunch * Ample Snacks * At least three (3) liters of water * Backpack * Sunscreen * Bug spray * Fully waterproof top and bottom layers that can be worn over all other layers * Extra layers to adjust for changing weather conditions * Extra pair of wool socks * Headlamp * Trekking poles (optional) * A change of clothes for the ride back (optional) **Level:** INTERMEDIATE (https://www.adventureuntamed.com/info/?tab=1) **Mileage:** 9.5 **Elevation gain:** 1,500 feet **Group Size:** 2 - 13 adventurers

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)

A Pleasant Hiking Adventure in Inwood and Fort Tryon Parks

Experience a delightful hike and adventure through the scenic landscapes of Inwood and Fort Tryon Parks. This event offers participants the opportunity to explore the hills and back trails of Inwood Park, followed by a brief uphill walk leading into Fort Tryon Park. The journey begins in Inwood Park, where hikers will traverse a variety of hills and secluded trails. After completing this section, the group will embark on a short uphill segment to enter Fort Tryon Park. Here, participants can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including the renowned Fort Tryon Gardens. * Total Distance: Approximately 4 to 5 miles * Pace: Very moderate * Duration: Up to 3 hours for the full event Participants are encouraged to bring lunch or a snack. There will be an excellent spot along the route to relax, eat, and take in the picturesque scenery. Meet at 9:30 AM by the restrooms in Anne Loftus Playground, located at Dyckman Street and Riverside Drive/Broadway (route 9), across from the A train. If using the 1 train, exit at Dyckman Street and walk four blocks to the playground on Broadway. **If driving,** look for a spot nearby. Joint with AMC and Shorewalkers. **Hike Leader:** Steve Galla, Hiking phone number 914-400-7110. Call, do not text if you have a problem.

Mt. Whitney - day trip

Saturday Hike: Wawayanda Beach [Sold Out]

**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/wawayanda-beach-08-15-26/)** **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)** **Wawayanda Beach** Escape the NYC heat with a fun, **easy 2.24-mile out-and-back hike** starting at **Wawayanda Beach!** We’ll enjoy shaded forest trails and peaceful lake views before returning to the beach to swim, relax, and soak up the summer. **The perfect beginner-friendly adventure to stay active and cool off** with great company. Pack your favorite sandwich and drink, we will have a snack break on the trail. To help everyone have a great experience, **we’ll follow all beach rules and regulations**. Please remember that **speakers and alcohol are not allowed on the beach.** *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 - 16 OutYorkers. * Hiking Route: [AllTrails Map](https://www.alltrails.com/es/explore/recording/morning-hike-7977dbd) * Difficulty: Easy. The perceived difficulty may increase if you are a beginner hiker or not physically active. * Elevation Gain: 72 ft (22 mt) * Highest Elevation: 1,178 ft (259 mt) * Lowest Elevation: 1,138 ft (347 mt) * Hiking Distance: 2.24 mi (3.60 km) * Hiking Time: 1h 30m. This could change according to the group pace. ✅ **Included:** **According to Selected Package.** ❌ **Not Included:** Anything not mentioned in the selected package. **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)**

Guided Hike - Mt Beacon Fire Tower

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/guided-hike-mt-beacon-fire-tower?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! This guided hike has a nominal non-refundable $20 registration fee to secure your spot. Think scrambles and views! The Mt. Beacon Fire Tower hike is a challenging 5-mile out-and-back hike with 1,750' of elevation up and down in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Many categorize this hike as difficult due to the quick elevation gain and scrambles, but if that's what you are looking for then this is an incredible hike! You'll need to use both your hands and feet on rock scrambles and you could be tested if heights make you nervous. Climbing the fire tower is optional of course! The Mt. Beacon Fire Tower is a 60-foot observation tower on the Mt. Beacon South Peak built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1931. It was in use from 1932 until it closed at the end of the 1972 fire season. It was added to the National Historic Lookout Register in 2005 and, after restoration, it was opened to the public in 2013. This hike wastes no time with the first mile quickly ascending 1,000' until it starts to level off. We roll up and down another 1.5 miles until we reach a challenging fun rock scramble for another 1/2 mile to reach the fire tower. Along the way are observation platforms and scenic views of the Hudson Highlands and the Catskills as well as views of Manhattan and Albany from the fire tower on clear days. We've made this a 5-hour hike (typically our guided hikes are 4 hours) to allow extra time on steep sections, scrambling, and enjoying the views and the fire tower. Our efforts will be rewarded with a less strenuous downhill hike back from the tower. The parking and hike details are emailed after registration.

Catskill Backpack - The Catskills Six

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-backpack-the-catskills-six?referral=service_list_widget Our events typically fill up at 16 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! The Catskills Six is our third trip 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. We will be summiting 6 Catskill 3500 peaks — Rocky (bushwhack), Balsam Cap (bushwhack), Friday (bushwhack), Lone (bushwhack), Peekamoose (half-trailed), & Table (trailed). Expect extended elevation gain and loss, rougher footing, and segments that require sharper navigation awareness. The bushwhack peaks will have some herd-paths, but it will be true bushwhacking from where we will be camped, demanding greater attention to map, compass, and terrain reading while carrying a full pack. Over the course of the weekend, we will: • Travel across six Catskill 3500 peaks • Manage sustained elevation gain and loss • Navigate trail and trail-less terrain • Refine terrain assessment under fatigue • Strengthen pacing and group coordination across longer days Efficiency is no longer just helpful — it becomes essential. Energy management, footing awareness, and disciplined pack systems determine how strong you feel by day two. Day 1 - 4 miles, 550' up, 100' down Day 2 - 6 miles, 1,800' up, 1,800' down Day 3 - 8 miles, 2,200' up, 2,600' down Participants should: • Be comfortable carrying a full pack over extended elevation • Have completed prior TrailBound backpacking trips • Be comfortable navigating rugged, uneven, and at times unmarked terrain This is where strong hikers learn to move with control in complex terrain. Small group. Serious terrain. 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.

A Pleasant Hiking Adventure in Inwood and Fort Tryon Parks

Hopefully better weather this time. Experience a delightful hike and adventure through the scenic landscapes of Inwood and Fort Tryon Parks. This event offers participants the opportunity to explore the hills and back trails of Inwood Park, followed by a brief uphill walk leading into Fort Tryon Park. The journey begins in Inwood Park, where hikers will traverse a variety of hills and secluded trails. After completing this section, the group will embark on a short uphill segment to enter Fort Tryon Park. Here, participants can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including the renowned Fort Tryon Gardens. * Total Distance: Approximately 4 to 5 miles * Pace: Very moderate * Duration: Up to 3 hours for the full event Participants are encouraged to bring lunch or a snack. There will be an excellent spot along the route to relax, eat, and take in the picturesque scenery. Joint with AMC. Guests must sign our Waiver and Release ([https://tinyurl.com/28cez6j8](https://tinyurl.com/28cez6j8)) to participate. Meet at 9:30 AM by the restrooms in Anne Loftus Playground, located at Dyckman Street and Riverside Drive/Broadway (route 9), across from the A train. If using the 1 train, exit at Dyckman Street and walk four blocks to the playground on Broadway. If driving, look for a spot nearby. Limited to 30 persons. Then a waitlist (which I’ll probably open up anyway the day before the hike.) **Hike Leader:** Steve Galla, Hiking phone number 914-400-7110. Call, do not text if you have a problem.