Catskill 3500: Vly and Bearpen
Saturday, November 7, 2026
We are hoping to catch the last of the fall leaves on this hike!
This hike takes us to the very western edge of the Catskill Mountains. It’s so remote that it’s outside the official boundary of the Catskill Park. We’ll follow an old, unmarked trail to the summit of Vly Mountain before tackling Bearpen, the original “Beast of the East”. It got that nickname when it was poised to become a hub for Northeast skiing. Following an old ski road on a moderate climb to the top of Bearpen, we’ll enjoy spectacular views and investigate the ruins of an old ski lift.
This is a great hike to introduce you to the Catskill 3500.
These are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #32 and #28 Catskill High Peaks (elevation 3,542′ and 3,587′).
What’s included:
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,010 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 participants
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 6:45 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 hike is a little longer, but the elevation gain is less than 1,000 feet. If you are looking for a less elevation-intense day to enjoy a hike through the woods, this one is for you! We will have a fantastic forest hike, with part of the day spent hiking by a large, forest lakes. 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!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 695 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
Spend Thanksgiving Day in great company! Staying local for Thanksgiving? Come with us!
Everyone knows Bear Mountain – it’s a New York classic! It’s the beautiful mountain with a tower and 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. To get you back to the City early, we’ll take an easier route up, and everyone can enjoy a more relaxed day. Of course, we’ll have treats!
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: ~4 miles
Elevation Gain: ~900 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:00 am
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Return Time: Approximately 4:00 pm
The Catskills Center has put together a series of hikes as part of the Catskills Adventure Challenge. The Challenge consists of a series of hikes designed to introduce hikers to the region. And Adventure Untamed is taking on the challenge. 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. Adventure Untamed is planning to do all eight hikes. Next one up – Plattekill Falls! We will start the day with a hike to Codfish Point, a scenic overlook with MORE waterfalls next to the trail! Then, we’ll hike to Plattekill Falls, a 50-65-foot, dramatic plunge waterfall. We are rating it INTERMEDIATE+, because the section leading down and up to the waterfall (approximately 0.2 miles) is steep, with approximately 110 feet elevation change, and you may have to wear micro-spikes (we will provide!) if there is ice on the ground. The rest of the day is INTERMEDIATE-. Come discover the Catskills with us and earn a patch!
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: ~4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~850 feet
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 relaxing, post-Thanksgiving trip.
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 a beautiful forest pond!
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 6:30 pm
Introducing our Old Croton Aqueduct hiking series. We are section-hiking this trail in a series of ACTIVE-level hikes. This is hike three of the series (you don’t have to have done the first two to do this one :)). On this hike we will also discuss the winter hiking fundamentals for those that want a gentle way to get into cold-weather hiking.
In this brand new hike, we are going on a section hike of the Old Croton Aqueduct Historic Trail! Escape the 21st century and [go] on a historic journey through Westchester County! For more than 150 years, the trail atop the Old Croton Aqueduct has linked communities along the lower Hudson River. This tree-lined 26.2-mile portion of the 41-mile trailway, popular with runners and walkers, offers glimpses of historic and architectural treasures along the way.” Your guide will share the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct as you hike this unique trail.
Even though this hike is between five and six miles, because of its flatter and less-technical terrain, we are rating it an ACTIVE hike.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: ~5-6 miles
Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:30 am
Departure Time: 7:45 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:00 pm
In this hike series, we are taking on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world – one section at a time. For this adventure, we are tackling a Pennsylvania section. This is a beautiful ridge hike, with very moderate elevation gain. We will also experience the famous Rocksylvania.This is the perfect introduction to INTERMEDIATE-level hikes and the AT series. Because this is a point-to-point hike, there is no need to double-back. It’s 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: ~7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 6:45 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:30 pm
Limited spots remaining
This has become an annual tradition for Adventure Untamed! As we enter a new year, we get together, drive to the heart of the largest park in the contiguous United States – Adirondacks – and climb a 46er. 46ers are 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks, each over 4,000 feet tall. We ring in the new year with mountain climbing, games, and great company! Oh, and did we mention a really cozy lodge (actual picture of the lodge above)?
So, how do you plan to say hello to 2027? How do you want to greet the new year? Join us on this beautiful adventure! Our journey will take us on a gorgeous hike of Phelps Mountain. If you are looking for winter scenery, this is the hike for you. The approach goes through forest trails then opens up at Marcy Dam where you are surrounded by high peaks on all sides. At the summit you will find a beautiful, open rock ledge with panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. You will see Mount Marcy, Mount Colden, the Great and MacIntyre Ranges, and on a clear day, views for miles.
It’s a flat-ish start for the first two miles, then a steady climb for the next two and a half to the summit. The hike will feel anywhere between INTERMEDIATE and CHALLENGING, depending on your experience and conditions. But we plan to keep the pace very moderate, to allow for an enjoyable day. If you can do a Catskill 3500 mountain, you can do this peak (as long as the weather cooperates, of course)! We’ll also provide micro spikes, crampons, and/or snowshoes, so you don’t have to worry about traction. And the view from the top is worth the effort! On a clear day, we will be able to see countless mountains in the High Peaks region.
When not hiking, we’ll spend our nights in front of the fireplace at the Adirondack Loj, relaxing and enjoying board games and great conversation.
Experience: Prior winter hiking experience strongly encouraged. Please email us if you don’t have winter hiking experience. Please contact us with any questions at info@adventureuntamed.com. We can help you put together a training plan! This trip is rated INTERMEDIATE due to easier pace, but it may feel more challenging depending on conditions. This trip has CHALLENGING terrain and (sometimes) conditions.
Accommodations: Shared (with our group) loft room at ADK Loj. Limited private rooms available for an extra $100 per night. Please email us at info@adventureuntamed.com with questions and requests.
Food: We will have lunch on the road the first day and the last day. Other than that, all meals are included.
Day 1 (January 1)
We’ll depart at 7:00 am, stopping for lunch on the road. After arriving at the Loj we’ll go for a short warm-up hike. On the trail, we’ll discuss winter hiking and layering techniques to set us up for success the next day. After a moderate scramble to the top, gorgeous views of the Adirondacks will open up right in front of us. That evening we’ll enjoy a tasty dinner and and get ready for our climb.
Day 2 (January 2)
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll start the summit attempt of Phelps Mountain. We’ll take our time on the trail and make consistent, steady progress, admiring the views. That night, we’ll relax in front of the fire after a delicious dinner!
Day 3 (January 3)
After a good night’s rest, we’ll pack and relax for the leisurely drive back to New York City, stopping for lunch along the way. For those interested, we’ll do a short morning hike to ring in the new year!
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: 8.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,253 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am, January 1st
Departure Time: 7:00 am, January 1st
Return Time: Approximately 6:00 pm, January 3rd
This has almost become an annual AU tradition! First weekend of the new year, we are off to the Catskills to do winter Slide mountain!
“Here the works of man dwindle in the heart of the southern Catskills.” -John Burroughs
Slide, the tallest mountain in the Catskill Mountains, is located in the region’s most popular wilderness area. This hike has a little bit of everything — bubbling brooks, historic trails, and spectacular views. Just below the summit is a plaque commemorating John Burroughs, who was born in the Catskills and devoted his life to writing. While there, see if you can spot Bicknell’s Thrush, a shy and reclusive bird known to reside (but rarely seen) on top of Slide Mountain. This is an excellent adventure for hikers looking for a gentler introduction to the Catskill tall peaks.
This is a required peak for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #1 Catskill Tall Peak (elevation 4,184′). This is one of the four peaks that must be climbed twice, at least once in winter (December 21 – March 21).
What’s included:
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,749 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 6:45 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
In this hike series, we are taking on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world – one section at a time. This section – Culvers Gap to Sunrise Mountain – is a shorter section of the trail, which makes it a perfect winter trip. Experience cold-weather hiking on the Appalachian Trail with a shorter distance, and ease into winter hiking. As a bonus, you end at a beautiful overlook at Sunrise Mountain. 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 (and enjoy some craft beers)!
NOTE: This trip is rated INTERMEDIATE-.
What’s included:
Level: Intermediate (Learn More)
Mileage: ~5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~850 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Let’s go snowshoeing! You don’t need any prior experience to join us on this wonderful winter trip. We are going to the Catskill Mountains to play in the winter wonderland and try snowshoeing. We’ll provide the snowshoes and teach you the basics. Don’t worry, if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Beginners welcome! It’s a day of fun in the snow you are not going to want to miss!
Note, while our usual trip is to the North-South Lake, the exact location of the hike may vary, depending on the best snow conditions. If weather does not cooperate and there is no snow in our region, it will be a regular winter hike!
This trip is rated ACTIVE+.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: 4.5 – 6.5 miles (depending on exact route)
Elevation Gain: ~900 feet
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 6:45 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
Fall in love with winter!
If rocks and walls are meant for climbing, then so are frozen waterfalls! Whether you have experienced the unbridled joy of climbing or are a first-timer, join us for a trip to the Catskill Mountains to climb water that has frozen solid running down vertical rocks. Our ice 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 technique and give feedback and beta throughout the day. This amazing, unique winter experience is a must-try for every adventurer!
We will provide all the equipment that you need, including harnesses, helmets, mountaineering boots, and crampons. Please email us your shoe size.
Please note, if we are having a warm winter and there it’s too warm or there is no ice, we will do our best to run this as a rock climbing trip (if the conditions allow).
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: Depending on location, there may be be a 20-minute, steep hike in crampons to the climbing wall.
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
This hike goes through the region’s most popular wilderness area and traverses the scenic cliffs of an ancient meteorite-impact zone. Coming in the winter means we get stunning views without the crowds! Giant Ledge, named for its high, vertical cliffs, is famous for its numerous spectacular Catskill views and easier access. For the second half of our adventure, we climb more open-rock terraces and continue on to Panther Mountain.
Panther is a required peak for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #17 Catskill Tall Peak (elevation 3,726′). Panther is one of the four peaks that must be climbed twice, at least once in winter (December 21 – March 21).
What’s included:
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 6.85 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,556 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 6:45 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 (February 13)
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 (February 14)
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 (February 15)
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, February 13
Departure Time: 7:00 am, February 13
Return Time: Approximately 8:00 pm, February 14
Fall in love with winter!
If rocks and walls are meant for climbing, then so are frozen waterfalls! Whether you have experienced the unbridled joy of climbing or are a first-timer, join us for a trip to the Catskill Mountains to climb water that has frozen solid running down vertical rocks. Our ice 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 technique and give feedback and beta throughout the day. This amazing, unique winter experience is a must-try for every adventurer!
We will provide all the equipment that you need, including harnesses, helmets, mountaineering boots, and crampons. Please email us your shoe size.
Please note, if we are having a warm winter and there it’s too warm or there is no ice, we will do our best to run this as a rock climbing trip (if the conditions allow).
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: Depending on location, there may be be a 20-minute, steep hike in crampons to the climbing wall.
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
In this hike series, we are taking on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world – one section at a time. For this adventure, we’ll hike through the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey. This Refuge is home to “forest-dwelling and grassland birds, migrating waterfowl, wintering raptors, and endangered species.” Originally this area was known by Native Americans as “Twischsawkin,” the land where plums abound, and has at least 3 Indian rock shelters. 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: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1000 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 7:00 pm
Looking for a winter challenge? Hike the eastern half of the infamous Devil’s Path! Known as one of the most challenging hiking trails in the Northeast, the Devil’s Path has steep, rugged ascents and equally difficult descents, slowing down the pace of even the most experienced hikers. Conquering the eastern half will require you to scramble up rocky trails covered with snow and ice and navigate steep descents. We’ll have crampons, micro-spikes, or snowshoes, as needed, to set you up for success! You will have access to a resupply and bail-out point. This is an at-your-own-pace hike, but our guides will be sweeping on trail and at checkpoints to help throughout the day. You will be able to tackle this trail at your own speed, but we strongly encourage you to stick with at least one other participant or guide. There will be a cut-off time 6 miles into the hike, to make sure no one is hiking in the dark.
If you are feeling up for a really intense day, join us to hike the full Devil’s Path in a day in the summer of 2027.
On this trip we will summit Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau mountains. These are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership.
Note: Must have prior tall-peak hiking experience in the Catskill Mountains or Adirondack Mountains before joining. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@adventureuntamed.com.
What’s included:
Level: Intense (Learn More)
Mileage: 13 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,600 ft
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 5:15 am
Departure Time: 5:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 8:30 pm
Fall in love with winter!
If rocks and walls are meant for climbing, then so are frozen waterfalls! Whether you have experienced the unbridled joy of climbing or are a first-timer, join us for a trip to the Catskill Mountains to climb water that has frozen solid running down vertical rocks. Our ice 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 technique and give feedback and beta throughout the day. This amazing, unique winter experience is a must-try for every adventurer!
We will provide all the equipment that you need, including harnesses, helmets, mountaineering boots, and crampons. Please email us your shoe size.
Please note, if we are having a warm winter and there it’s too warm or there is no ice, we will do our best to run this as a rock climbing trip (if the conditions allow).
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: Depending on location, there may be be a 20-minute, steep hike in crampons to the climbing wall.
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
Explore the wild. Escape your comfort zone.
Get updates on all of our adventures!