The Great Outdoors

4.9•1357 ratings

About us

We are a group of day-hikers from the Metropolitan New York area (NJ/NY/PA). We hike weekly on over 80 hiking trails within a 60-minute driving radius of our area. We are mostly older hikers (50+), but we welcome adults of all ages, singles, and couples. Our hikes are moderate, typically 5-7 miles-long, with an elevation gain in the range of 750-1,500 feet, and are mostly on trails located in Southern New York and Northern New Jersey. We hike every weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday), and often have additional mid-week hikes.

Most of our hikes do not require prior experience but do require a reasonable level of fitness, and appropriate gear such as hiking boots. Many of our members are seasoned, regular hikers with a wealth of experience and advice for new hikers. Because most wilderness trailheads are only accessible by car, our group works best for those with a car. We do organize several urban hikes (walks) in New York City every year, as well as several regional hikes in the wilderness that are accessible by public transit.

We occasionally organize hiking trips outside our area, typically to National Parks and to other “destination” hiking areas.

We also organize seasonal moonlight-hiking, biking, kayaking, and social outdoor events such as picnics.

All our events are free (except for charges imposed by third parties at special events). Although our events are free, you do have an ethical obligation to follow rules of good citizenship! This includes keeping tabs on your RSVP status, showing up (or canceling in time), and following rules set out by organizers.

“The mountains are calling, and I must go…” (John Muir, 1923).