Storm King: PT Hike with Cuyler Hudson
Saturday, September 14, 2024
We all love to hike! But what does it take to take care of our bodies, so we can hike for year to come? Join physical therapist Cuyler Hudson as he shares his experience and practical suggestions for how to take care of your body as you train and recover.
For this PT hike, we will go on a classic Hudson Highlands hike. We’ll traverse Storm King Mountain’s steep trails while we hike one of the few places where a river bisects the Appalachian Mountain Chain almost to sea level.  This unique geological feature has created views both up and down the Hudson River that are truly magnificent. We’ll take our time on the trail but still get quite a workout, climbing a to the summit of this gorgeous mountain!
About Cuyler Hudson:
Cuyler graduated from Columbia University with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. While there, he had the opportunity to work in the Columbia RunLab, learning how to analyze the biomechanical and neuromuscular causes of gait dysfunction. Cuyler started his physical therapy career in professional baseball, working hands-on with Major and Minor league baseball players. He has spent the last 5 years working to rehab New York City’s active population helping hundreds of runners, weight-lifters, golfers, and post-operative patients return to the activities they love pain free. Cuyler was drawn to a career in physical therapy after a long list of injuries as a high school and college athlete. He remains very active as an avid runner, weight-lifter, golfer, and basketball player. Cuyler is a self-proclaimed research nerd. He prides himself on understanding the latest scientific literature and is constantly evolving his treatment to optimize patient outcomes. Check out Cuyler’s website here!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Limited spots remaining
In this hike series, we are taking on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world – one section at a time. This section takes you to a trail through Stokes State Forest, passing by a number of large and small lakes. This water-feature-rich hike is approximately 10 miles, but only has a little over 1,000 feet elevation gain and is mostly downhill, making it a more gentle INTERMEDIATE-level hike. Because this is a point-to-point hike, there is no need to double-back. It’s only the Appalachian Trail, and it’s new places all day long. Come explore the AT with us!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 10.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,301 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
NOTE: On this trip, you will be able to go at your own pace, if you prefer.
This is going to be an epic day. Almost 15 miles over the steep, rocky terrain of the Catskill Mountains. If you are looking for a challenging day or are training for big hikes, this one is for you. And if you are planning to do the Full Devil’s Path in the summer with us, this is a great hike to gauge where you are. Â Steep slopes, scrambles, and a whole lot of fun! Join us for a challenging day out in the wild!
These peaks are required for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and are #14, #8, and #1 Catskill Tall Peaks (elevation 3,780′, 3,860’, and 4,180′).
Note: Must have prior tall-peak hiking experience in the Catskill Mountains or Adirondack Mountains before joining this hike. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@adventureuntamed.com.
What’s included:
Level: Intense (Learn More)
Mileage: 14.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,842 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 5:15 am
Departure Time: 5:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 8:30 pm
Fall is a beautiful time of year! And just as beautiful are all the amazing outdoor activities it offers. For this trip, enjoy the best of fall with Adventure Untamed. Spend the first half of the day hiking on the trails of Minnewaska State Park Preserve and see beautiful glacial lakes and sweeping ridge views. Then, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at a local orchard, picking apples (they have so much variety!) and pumpkins. You can eat as many apples as you want for free while picking and only pay for what you take home. The orchard has lots of yummy food to taste too!?
What’s included:
Level: Relaxed (Learn More)
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 5:30 pm
This fall we are picking amazing destinations to see fall foliage!
Gertrude’s Nose is a classic!
We’ll see fall colors against the backdrop of the most iconic view in Minnewaska State Park Preserve! This hike traverses the ridge of Gertrude’s Nose, a unique rock formation on the Shawangunk Ridge. We’ll start our adventure at Lake Minnewaska, a glacial lake rimmed by towering, white sandstone cliffs. We’ll then traverse carriage roads and woodland trails and enjoy breathtaking views at the top of the ridge before reaching Gertrude’s Nose. With a keen eye and a little luck, you might spot local wildlife, like a porcupine or a black vulture, a recent addition to this area’s bird population.
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,138 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
Rocks are meant for climbing! Whether you have experienced the unbridled joy of climbing outside, are a gym climber looking to climb outdoors, or a first-timer, join us for a trip to the Gunks, one of the best climbing areas in the country. Our rock guides will set up multiple ropes, so you will get a chance to try routes of varying difficulty and climb as much as you want throughout the day. We will teach you the basics and give feedback and beta throughout the day.
We will provide all the equipment that you need, including harnesses, helmets, and climbing shoes. Please email us your shoe size.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: There will be a 10-15-minute hike to the climbing wall. Please wear closed-toed shoes.
Elevation Gain: —
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Join us on an adventure in the northern Hudson Highlands as we climb the Schunemunk mountain and see some amazing fall views! The name “Schunemunk” means “excellent fireplace” in Lenape, and the Lenni Lenape had a village on the northern tip of the mountain. The land has several unique and striking features. Throughout the day, you’ll see beautiful, panoramic views from the top of the ridge. And we’ll take time to explore a unique rock formation – a cluster of giant rock slabs – known as the Megaliths.
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,550 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
Want to do something spoooky this Halloween?
You’ll begin with a moderate 4-mile hike through the beautiful Minnewaska State Park Preserve, with sweeping views of the entire Hudson Valley and Highlands. Your adventure continues on the historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, whose past residents experienced terrible tragedies, encountered apparitions, and held paranormal investigations. You’ll explore the 340-year-old street on a haunted walking tour where you’ll hear the thrilling, eerie, and mysterious tales from the darker side of history. Join us on this spooooky adventure!
What’s included:
Level: Relaxed (Learn More)
Mileage: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:00 pm
Today we’ll climb two mountains of the northern Catskills’ Blackhead Range. This rugged hike is more challenging than its distance leads you to believe! Be prepared to hike over twisted roots and scramble up steep rocks. We’ll see some epic views on our way to Blackhead and Black Dome’s fragrant summits, thick with spruce and fir trees. If we have time, and the group is feeling up to the task, we’ll hit a third 3500 – Thomas Cole – at the end of the day.
These are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #5 and #3 Catskill High Peaks (elevation 3,941’ and 3,995’).
What’s included:
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,795 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:15 am
Departure Time: 6:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Join us for a truly unique experience! For this trip, we’ll do a relaxing hike to connect with nature. But that’s not all! We’ll also visit and tour a beautiful Buddhist temple, the Chuang Yen Monastery, The monastery is on 225 acres in Kent, New York. The temple is home to the largest indoor statue of a Buddha in the Western Hemisphere. The name “Chuang Yen” means “Majestically Adorned,” and you will get to see why when you witness all of its beauty.
What’s included:
Level: Relaxed (Learn More)
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:45 am
Departure Time: 8:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 5:30 pm
Our adventure begins with a 4.5-mile hike in the beautiful Worthington State Forest, where we’ll see sweeping views of the Delaware Water Gap and hike along a part of the historic Appalachian Trail!
For the second half of the day, we’ll visit a wolf preserve where we’ll see these magnificent animals up-close and learn about the social structure of wolf packs, their eating habits, their interaction with man, and other fascinating facts about this endangered species. We’ll also have the opportunity to see and learn about foxes, bobcat, and lynx that call the preserve home.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:00 pm
Spend Thanksgiving Day in great company! Staying local for Thanksgiving? Come with us!
Everyone knows Breakneck Ridge – it’s a New York classic! It’s that tough scramble with gorgeous views at the top! Today is a rare opportunity for us to do this amazing hike without the usual crowds. We’ll leave early and make our way up the mountain. After summitting, we’ll climb Sugarloaf Mountain and take a less steep decent down. And of course, we’ll have treats!
And if you have evening plans, we’ll get you back to the City by 4:00 pm! It’s the best of both worlds! Come, get your blood pumping, with enough time left at the end to still have evening plans! Gobble-gobble!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,765 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:00 am
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Return Time: Approximately 4:00 pm
Limited spots remaining
The ART trail is the hidden gem of the Catskills. Completed in 2019, it is a hiking and biking 11.5-mile trail with breathtaking views. While the distance might seem on the long side, the total elevation is just over 300 feet. And the trail is made up of compacted, crushed rock, which makes it significantly easier to navigate. This makes this hike slightly easier than an INTERMEDIATE level hike.
You won’t have to work hard to earn breathtaking views of the Burroughs Range Mountains, towering over the vast Ashokan reservoir. There are also plenty of forest sections and water crossings over charming, wooden bridges. The beauty of this brand-new trail is really worth the trip!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Join us on a classic climb of the tallest mountain in the Northeast, with an extra challenge of doing it in precarious winter conditions. At 6,288 feet, boasting 4,000 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles, and harsh, unpredictable weather above treeline, this thrilling hike will challenge even experienced hikers.
Our adventure will take us up and down the classic Winter Lion’s Head Route, and we’ll experience everything from forest trails to the heart-pounding climbs up the steep, snow-covered slopes. Finally, we’ll make our way above the treeline and to the exposed summit cone.
If you are lucky enough to summit on a clear day, you will enjoy gorgeous views of the White Mountains and be able to see as far as Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Experience: This trip is for experienced hikers with prior winter hiking experience. Please contact us at info@adventureuntamed.com for more information. We can help you create a training plan!
Accommodations: 4-person bunk rooms at the Joe Dodge Lodge, 2 nights.
Food: We will have lunch on the road the first day and the last day. Other than that, all meals are included.
Day 1
We’ll depart at 7:00 am, stopping for lunch on the road. After arriving at the Joe Dodge Lodge, we’ll go for a short warm-up hike. We’ll test out our gear and learn crampon and ice axe use, as well as the skills to stay warm, dry, and safe in unpredictable winter conditions. After a moderate scramble to the top, gorgeous views of Mt. Washington will open up right in front of us, and you can trace the route you’ll be taking to the summit the next day. That evening we’ll enjoy dinner, do a gear check, and get a good night’s sleep before the summit attempt the following morning.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start the summit attempt of Mount Washington. The snowy terrain will get the blood pumping right away. Be prepared for steep ascents, especially as the day goes on and you enter the Alpine Zone and make your way up the summit cone. Once above the treeline, you may encounter extreme weather, but our guides will be there every step of the way to keep you safe. If the day is clear, winter-wonderland views of the White Mountains will open up at the top. The hike down, with its steep descents, can be just as challenging as the way up. Back at the lodge, we’ll unwind, relax, and have a delicious dinner to celebrate the day’s adventures.
Day 3
After a good night’s rest, we’ll pack up, eat breakfast, and relax for the leisurely drive back to New York City, stopping for lunch along the way. You have a choice to sleep in or go on an optional pre-breakfast hike!
Level: Intense (Learn More)
Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,169 feet
Group Size: 2 – 9 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 8:00 pm
Explore the wild. Escape your comfort zone.
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