Challenging Hikes New York

BMW Hike

Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)

**[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.

Catskills Adventure Challenge: Onteora Lake

**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/catskills-adventure-challenge-onteora-lake/). **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 guides are included in the cost of the trip. All you have to do is show up!** Challenge. The Challenge consists of a series of hikes designed to introduce hikers to the region. And Adventure Untamed is taking on the challenge. And if you complete six of the eight hikes that are part of the Catskills Adventure Challenge, you can earn a patch from the [Catskills Adventure Center](https://www.catskillcenter.org/adventurechallenge?mc_cid=8b2b6a6c7f&mc_eid=700fe10aae). Adventure Untamed is planning to do all eight hikes in 2026. For this hike, we will hike through a pine forest and by two water features: Pickerel Pond and Onteora Lake. Come discover the Catskills with us and earn a patch! **What’s included**: * NY State Licensed and Wilderness First Responder Certified Guide * Transportation to and from NYC * Hike from the Catskill Adventure Challenge [Cancellation Policies](https://www.adventureuntamed.com/info/?tab=2) **Wear** * Hiking boots (**required**) * Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, athletic clothing (**no cotton**) * Wool or synthetic socks (**no cotton**) * Buff * Sun hat * Sunglasses **Pack** * Fleece / mid layer * Windproof/waterproof top and bottom layers that can fit over all other layers * Lunch * Ample Snacks * At least three (3) liters of water * Backpack * Sunscreen * Extra layers to adjust for changing weather conditions * Extra pair of wool socks * Trekking poles (optional) * A change of clothes for the ride back (optional) **Level:** ACTIVE (https://www.adventureuntamed.com/info/?tab=1) **Mileage:** 6.7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 587 feet **Group Size:** 2 - 14 adventurers

South Mountain Lenape (4 mile hike)

Yoga + Hike: Blue Trail to Shorakkopoch Rock

This event is combined with AMC [https://www.meetup.com/amcnynj/events/314870453/?eventOrigin=group_events_list](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

Sun 5\31 For Pk Hike From Buddy Statue Hike.

JERRY will lead this hike We Meet at MYRTLE AV & PARK LANE SOUTH. \*\*\* CHECK HERE BEFORE GOING \*\*\* Weather may cancel hike.\*\*\* Distance is a about 4 miles plus or minus a bit. 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. 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.

Adirondack High Peak Adventure - Lake Placid! (Strenuous)

T**O APPLY FOR THIS EVENT, PLEASE CLICK HERE:** **https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000019XnN2AU/act00021336** **Start Location** 2267 Saranac Av, Lake Placid, NY, US (44.293585, -73.990229) End Location Same as the start location Start Monday\, June 8\, 2026 \| All Day End Friday\, June 12\, 2026 \| All Day Description 🏔️✨ ADIRONDACK HIGH PEAKS ADVENTURE — LAKE PLACID ✨🏔️ Join us for an exciting five-day hiking adventure in the heart of the Adirondacks from June 8–12 as we explore some of the most iconic peaks near Lake Placid! This trip is designed for hikers looking for a rewarding mountain experience, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful camaraderie on the trails. Monday and Friday will be travel days, with three full hiking days in between. 🏨 Accommodations Participants will reserve their own accommodations. I recommend staying in or near Lake Placid to keep driving distances to the trailheads convenient. I am staying at: Town House Lodge 2267 Saranac Ave Lake Placid, NY 12946 518-523-2532 🍽️ Food Plan • Breakfasts can be enjoyed at your hotel or lodging • We can stop at a supermarket to prepare trail lunches and snacks • Optional group dinners at local restaurants after the hikes 🚗 Travel Days Monday, June 8 Driving to Lake Placid. If we arrive early enough, we can enjoy walking around town, exploring shops, lakeside views, and soaking in the Adirondack atmosphere. Friday, June 12 Driving home. If energy and weather allow, we may enjoy a short morning hike or scenic stop before heading home. 🥾 Hiking Itinerary Tuesday, June 9 ⛰️ **Cascade & Porter Mountains** 📏 Approximately 5.6 miles ⬆️ Elevation Gain: \~2,286 feet A classic Adirondack High Peaks adventure featuring open rock summits and breathtaking panoramic views. Wednesday, June 10 ⛰️ **Street & Nye Mountains** 📏 Approximately 9.1 miles ⬆️ Elevation Gain: \~2,634 feet A more rugged and adventurous day exploring quieter High Peaks with stream crossings, forest trails, and true wilderness character. Thursday, June 11 ⛰️ **Big Slide Mountain** 📏 Approximately 7.6 miles ⬆️ Elevation Gain: \~2,126 feet One of the most scenic hikes in the Adirondacks with beautiful overlooks, rock scrambles, and incredible summit views. ⚠️ The leader reserves the right to modify the hiking itinerary based on weather, trail, or safety conditions. 🧭 **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** I am currently looking for an Adirondack hiking guide for the Wednesday and Thursday hikes. The guide cost will be paid directly by participants. 🎒 Recommended Gear • Sturdy hiking boots • Hiking poles • Rain gear • Warm layers • Headlamp • First-aid kit • 2–3 liters of water daily • Lunch/snacks • Sun and bug protection ⚠️ Adirondack trails are steep, rocky, and can be muddy even in summer. Participants should be prepared for strenuous hiking and changing mountain weather conditions. 🌲 Get ready for mountain views, alpine forests, shared laughter, and unforgettable memories in the Adirondacks! Who’s ready for an adventure? 🥾✨ Leader: Anastasia Tavarez 646-207-4136 cell [atavare@gmail.com](mailto:atavare@gmail.com) AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic. Difficulty Rating 6 - Strenuous Difficulty Rating Definition Most physically demanding. Fitness for the specific activity is required with direct experience in the activity highly recommended and potentially mandatory (see the activity description). Expect to be active 6+ hours per day for back-to-back days if it is a multiday trip. Breaks will be shorter/fewer than for other levels of trips. Offered By AMC New York-North Jersey Chapter Trip Leader Anastasia Tavarez 646-207-4136 (Texting preferred)

Happy 8th Anniversary to Staten Island Hiking Meetup 🥾🎉🥾🎉 now on June 6

Hiking - Catskills: Peekamoose & Table (Vigorous)

**[>> MUST REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001925F/act00021156)** Please register with the link above. MeetUp is not used for trip registration. Ignore Meetup Waitlist Status - You must register via the link above to learn your status. What better way to spend a late spring Thursday than atop this classic pair of Catskill 3500-footers? Starting at Denning Rd. Trailhead Parking north of Denning, NY, we'll proceed on the Phoenicia - East Branch Trail and the Peekamoose - Table Trail, summiting 3,849-foot Table Mountain and 3,845-foot Peekamoose Mountain. Then we'll turn around and head back to start! This out-and-back trek avoids the parking fees associated with the Blue Hole trailhead (sorry, Long Path section hikers!). Conditions permitting we'll enjoy some fabulous views! **Distance, Elevation Gain, and Difficulty**: 9.2 miles, 2,500 ft elevation gain, a very solid [Vigorous](https://www.outdoors.org/trip-rating/) For further details and to register: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001925F/act00021156

Saturday Hike: Cats Rock

**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/cats-rock-06-13-26/)** **EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES HERE ►** **[Upcoming Events](https://outyork.com/new-york-hiking-tours/)** **Cats Rock** **Cats Rock Trail, part of the famous Appalachian Trail, offers a moderate to hard hike through dense woods and scenic vistas.** As you climb, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views at the summit. Perfect for those seeking a nature escape or looking to meet new outdoor enthusiasts. A challenging yet rewarding adventure in the heart of the wilderness. Pack your favorite sandwich and drink, we will have a snack break on the trail. ***This is a Continuous Pace Hike:*** *We’ll take breaks along the way, but not as often as on other hikes, since we need to maintain a steady pace to catch the train. Please note that transportation for this hike is limited, with departures only every two hours.* 🗺️ About the Hike * Small Group Experience: 2 - 15 OutYorkers. * Hiking Route: [AllTrails Map](https://www.alltrails.com/es/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-e2a7555--474?u=i&sh=ypq48e) * Difficulty: Moderate. The perceived difficulty may increase if you are a beginner hiker or not physically active. * Elevation Gain: 1,358 ft. (413 mt) * Highest Elevation: 1,171 ft. (357 mt) * Lowest Elevation: 430 ft. (131 mt) * Hiking Distance: 6.5 mi. (10.8 km) * Hiking Time: 3h 30m. This could change according to the group pace. ✅ **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/)**

Catskill 3500: [Bushwhack] North Dome

**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/catskill-3500-bushwhack-north-dome/). **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 guides are included in the cost of the trip. All you have to do is show up!** Are you ready for a bushwhacking challenge? Rising to this challenge will allow us to traverse a beautiful, untouched area of Catskill wilderness. You’ll experience a true bushwhack (hiking off trail), and we’ll navigate using land features (handrails) and a map and compass. If we have time left in the day, we’ll and a peak and bushwhack over to Sherrill. **Note: Must have prior tall-peak hiking experience in the Catskill Mountains or Adirondack Mountains before joining a bushwhack. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [info@adventureuntamed.com](mailto:info@adventureuntamed.com).** North Dome is a required for [Catskill 3500 Club](https://www.adventureuntamed.com/3500-club/) Membership and is #27 Tall Peak (elevation 3,610’). **What’s included**: * NY State Licensed and Wilderness First Responder Certified Guide * Transportation to and from NYC (if you would like to meet us at the trailhead, please email [info@adventureuntamed.com](mailto:info@adventureuntamed.com) for a discount) * Hike three Catskill tall peaks [Cancellation Policies](https://www.adventureuntamed.com/info/?tab=2) **Wear** * Hiking boots (**required**) * Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, athletic clothing (no cotton) * Wool or synthetic socks (no cotton) * Buff * Sun hat * Sunglasses **Pack** * Extra layers to adjust to changing weather conditions * Windproof/waterproof top and bottom layers that can fit over all other layers * Fleece / mid layer * Lunch * Ample Snacks * At least three (3) liters of water * Backpack * Sunscreen * Extra pair of wool socks * Trekking poles (optional) * A change of clothes for the ride back (optional) **Level:** CHALLENGING (https://www.adventureuntamed.com/info/?tab=1) **Mileage:** \~ 8 miles (mileage will vary, as this is an off-trail hike) **Elevation Gain:** 3,044 feet **Group Size:** 2 - 13 adventurers

Three sets of Rocks and then some....Mohonk

This is the reschedule of a cancelled hike from last week. Everyone who registers on Meetup will be Waitlisted. To be included, read instructions on how to register below. Strenuous. 8.5-9 miles. **Rock scrambling** with hiking. Must arrive in car. RAIN/Wet conditions will unfortunately cancel. * ***Don't register, ask questions or expect answers here on Meetup.*** Instead, use the Link at the bottom, after you've read this all. The group will be limited to 12. If you are not yet a Mohonk Preserve Member, *be prepared to pay the now $20 week-end day use fee.* Meet at the Mohonk Visitor Center Parking Lot. This is a hike for people who * like walking over rocks * are comfortable using their arms as much as legs * can tolerate heights and very uneven surfaces * are okay with shimmying through some occasional small dark places. . PACE: Brisk on flat surfaces, slower through/over/between/under/within rocks. Path, if you are inclined to want this, is described on the AMC site. Highlights include: -**Giant's Workshop** -**Humpty Dumpty** **-Zaydee's Bauer** BRING: * Lunch/snacks * Plenty of water * Hiking boots (NOT sneakers) If bringing poles, only bring those which collapse as you will need to be doing so at various points. AMC website listing: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000017oIr/act00020839 AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.