Join us on a classic climb of the tallest mountain in the Northeast. At 6,288 feet, boasting 4,000 feet of elevation gain over 4 miles, and often harsh, unpredictable weather above treeline, this thrilling hike will challenge even experienced hikers.

Our adventure will take us up the classic Lion’s Head Route and down the Tuckerman Ravine Trail route, and we’ll experience everything from forest trails to the heart-pounding climb up the boulder-filled summit cone, and the beauty of rare and fragile plants of the above-tree-line Alpine Zone.

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.

Tip: This is a great way to get to know the mountain before attempting a winter summit.

Day 1

We’ll depart at 7:00 am, stopping for lunch on the road. After arriving at the campground, we’ll set up our tents, then go for a short warm-up hike. 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 a dinner at the campfire 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 bouldery 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 treeline, beautiful views of the White Mountains will open up, and you’ll hike among the hardy but fragile Alpine plants. Once at the summit, we’ll stop for lunch at the Mount Washington State Park building. The hike down with its steep descents can be just as challenging as the way up. Back at camp, 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 camp, eat breakfast, and relax for the leisurely drive back to New York City, stopping for lunch along the way.

Accommodations: Campground, 2 nights

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.

Learn to identify the park’s 20 most common tree species.

On this excursion, you will rediscover nature in your own backyard and learn how to connect to the place we call home through the natural world. You will meet your Master Naturalist guide by Naturalists’ Gate and make your way to The Rambles, which park designer Frederick Olmsted considered his greatest accomplishment in the park. You will then start your journey in dendrology – the field of botany dedicated to trees – as you learn about the basics of tree identification. Through the rest of your stroll, you will visit through various sections of the park, stopping along the way to identify a total of 20 trees through lively conversation and storytelling, which will help you commit them to memory. More than just a wealth of great trivia and exercise, you are guaranteed to never view our city quite the same way again!

Your Guide and Interpreter:

Carey Russell is a certified Master Naturalist and holds a masters degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University where he also taught classes in dendrology. He has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy, and the Khangai Nuruu National Park in central Mongolia. Nothing makes him more excited than finding entertaining and empowering ways of sharing natural history, which makes us feel even more at home in the places where we live.

Of the walk, Carey states: “Far from being an opportunity to merely demonstrate my own knowledge, my goal is to ensure that every participant is able to walk away with a profoundly expanded understanding of these magnificent forms of life – and the ability to confidently share the names and characteristics of these species with others. Even in the city, we are surrounded by nature, but far too often fail to acknowledge it. You will never walk down the sidewalk quite the same way again.”

Join us for a rugged hike through three states! There are so many places to explore on this adventure. You will see breathtaking 360-degree views from Brace Mountain, hike to the highest point in Connecticut as you ascent Mount Frissell, and see the place where all three states – Massachusetts Connecticut, and New York meet. The rugged and at times exposed terrain will challenge you, making the journey all the more worthwhile. We’ll see you on the trail!

Join us on a trip to a wild bird sanctuary. This international center for raptor conservation, education, observation and research is home to some of the largest birds in the world, as they migrate through every year. We’ll hike the rugged trails, scramble though boulder fields, and stop at  beautiful vistas where we’ll be able to observe these majestic birds of prey. Mid-September is peak broad-winged hawk migration time.

Learn to identify the park’s 20 most common tree species.

On this excursion, you will rediscover nature in your own backyard and learn how to connect to the place we call home through the natural world. You will meet your Master Naturalist guide by Naturalists’ Gate and make your way to The Rambles, which park designer Frederick Olmsted considered his greatest accomplishment in the park. You will then start your journey in dendrology – the field of botany dedicated to trees – as you learn about the basics of tree identification. Through the rest of your stroll, you will visit through various sections of the park, stopping along the way to identify a total of 20 trees through lively conversation and storytelling, which will help you commit them to memory. More than just a wealth of great trivia and exercise, you are guaranteed to never view our city quite the same way again!

Your Guide and Interpreter:

Carey Russell is a certified Master Naturalist and holds a masters degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University where he also taught classes in dendrology. He has worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy, and the Khangai Nuruu National Park in central Mongolia. Nothing makes him more excited than finding entertaining and empowering ways of sharing natural history, which makes us feel even more at home in the places where we live.

Of the walk, Carey states: “Far from being an opportunity to merely demonstrate my own knowledge, my goal is to ensure that every participant is able to walk away with a profoundly expanded understanding of these magnificent forms of life – and the ability to confidently share the names and characteristics of these species with others. Even in the city, we are surrounded by nature, but far too often fail to acknowledge it. You will never walk down the sidewalk quite the same way again.”

Your adventure starts at the stables, where you’ll meet your horse and saddle up for the ride. You will then enjoy a leisurely ride on scenic, winding forest trails. After the horseback ride, we’ll continue our day at a winery in the foothills of the Hudson Valley. You’ll enjoy a wine tasting and have plenty of time to explore the winery’s manicured grounds, gardens, and orchards. This trip is perfect for someone with a love of horses, fine wine, and an adventurous spirit!

*Please note, as per the stables’ requirements for horse safety, the total weight of rider plus clothing cannot exceed 225 lbs.

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”. 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.

These are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #32 and #28 Catskill High Peaks (elevation 3,542′ and 3,587′).

Explore the stunning Minnewaska State Park Preserve! This hike traverses the ridge of Gertrude’s Nose, one of the most beautiful rock formations 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.

Do you want to spend the night in the woods but are not quite sure where to start? Learn backpacking skills from our guides on this 2-day, 1-night trip! We’ll hike on parts of the historic Appalachian Trail, learning outdoor skills along the way: from the right way to pack your backpack to setting up a campsite, and everything in between. In this weekend backpacking class, we’ll cover:

• What to Pack
• What to Wear
• Packing a Pack
• Fitting a Pack
• Leave No Trace,
• Navigation
• Water Treatment
• Choosing a Campsite
• Setting up Camp
• Backcountry Nutrition
• Backcountry Cooking
• Backcountry Cleaning
• Bear Safety
• Fire Safety
• Backcountry Hygiene
• Staying Warm and Dry in a Tent.

The Big Indian Wilderness is one of the more remote and rugged sections of the Catskills. Its rough trails and mountains do not receive a lot of visitors compared to other areas of the park, so if you’re looking for secluded wilderness, this is the trip for you! This hike takes us up and over Balsam, Haynes, Eagle and Big Indian mountains and features an absolutely stunning traverse at elevation.

Three of the peaks – Balsam, Eagle and Big Indian – are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club membership and are #26, #29 and #19 Catskill High Peaks (elevations 3,608′, 3,583′ and 3,699′).

Spend the day away from the hustle and bustle of the City and immerse yourself in nature as our guide leads you on a mindful hike in the forest. Focus on the moment and find a new appreciation for the sights, sounds, and smells of nature as you take care of your mind, body, and spirit.