Appalachian Trail: Pawling Nature Preserve and Hammersly Ridge
Saturday, February 4, 2023
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 new New York section We are going to be spending most of our day in the Pawling Nature Preserve, described as “a living museum for man’s use.” There, we’ll be looking for the unique flora and fauna that makes it such a special place. And, of course, we’ll be looking out for views of the Hudson Valley from the top of Hammersly Ridge. Because this is a point-to-point hike, there is no need to double-back. It’s just 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: 6.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
NOTE, we are waiting for date confirmation with our cross country skiing partner. This trip is tentatively scheduled for February 5.
Try something new this winter! First, we’ll all take a lesson and learn what goes into being comfortable on the trail on skis. Then, it’s off to the trail! We’ll ski through the forest and enjoy our day in the woods. In the afternoon, we’ll stop at a local cafe for some warm beverages and reflect on our day.
Please note, skiing is very condition-dependant. If we have to reschedule due to weather, you always have the option to come on the new date or receive a refund or a trip credit.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: ~3-5 miles
Elevation Gain: —
Group Size: 2 – 14 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am
Departure Time: 7:00 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:00 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.
Accommodations: 4-person bunk rooms at the Joe Dodge Lodge, 2 nights.
For multi-day trips, as a precaution, we ask that you get a COVID-19 PCR test 3-5 days prior to the trip, regardless of vaccination status.
Day 1 (February 11th)
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 12th)
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 13th)
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.
Level: Intense (Learn More)
Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,169 feet
Group Size: 2-10 participants
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:45 am, February 11th
Departure Time: 7:00 am, February 11th
Return Time: Approximately 8:00 pm, February 13th
This rugged hike traverses five Catskill peaks over 3,000’ in elevation – Blackhead, Black Dome, Thomas Cole, Camel’s Hump, and Caudal – in just under 10 miles. We’ll hike over twisted roots and scramble up jumbled rocks on our way to Blackhead’s summit before continuing on to Black Dome and Thomas Cole. On this adventure through the beautiful northern-Catskill wilderness we’ll see some of the most gorgeous views in the region. The same views inspired mid-19th century Hudson River School landscape painters.
Black Dome, Thomas Cole and Blackhead are required peaks for Catskill 3500 Club Membership and #3, 4, and 5 Catskill High Peaks (elevations 3,995’, 3,953’ and 3,941’). Blackhead is one of the four peaks that must be climbed twice, at least once in winter (December 21 – March 21).
Level: Challenging (Learn More)
Mileage: 9.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,730 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 6:15 am
Departure Time: 6:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 8:00 pm
Limited spots remaining
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. It’s day of fun in the snow you are not going to want to miss!
Note, the exact location of the hike may vary, depending on the best snow conditions. If weather does not cooperate and there is no snow, it will be a regular winter hike!
This trip is rated ACTIVE+.
What’s included:
Level: Active (Learn More)
Mileage: 4.4 – 6.3 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
Limited spots remaining
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 new New York section. This day is full of water features! We are going to be surrounded by lakes and ponds for most of the day, and hike right next to three of them. We’ll spend the day in Fahnestock State Park – one of our less-visited destinations. Because this is a point-to-point hike, there is no need to double-back. It’s just 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: 8.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
Group Size: 2 – 13 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 7:15 am
Departure Time: 7:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 6:30 pm
We are doing the Western Devil’s Path… with a twist! We are adding adding a “little detour” to summit Hunter Mountain! On this adventure, you’ll start at the western end, summit St, Anne’s Peak, followed by West Kill Mountain, then go to the Hunter Mountain fire tower before returning to the Devil’s Path and finishing at Notch Lake.
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 western half will require you to scramble up rocky trails and navigate boulders and gravel on the descents. But we’ll be there to set you up for success! You will have access to a resupply and bail out point, and our guides will be on trail to help throughout the day.
You also have a chance to try the Winter Eastern Devil’s Path this December! And if you are feeling up for a really intense day, join us on a hike of the full Devil’s Path in a day in the summer of 2023. Hint: these hikes are great prep for the full Devil’s Path.
On this trip we will summit West Kill Mountain and Hunter Mountain. 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 this hike. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@adventureuntamed.com.
Level: Intense (Learn More)
Mileage: 14.65 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,800 feet
Group Size: 2 – 12 adventurers
Departure:
Check-in Time: 5:15 am
Departure Time: 5:30 am
Return Time: Approximately 8:30 pm
Join us on a sweet adventure! We’ll start with a beautiful hike through the winter wonderland of the Hudson Highlands. Then, we’ll make our way to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for a walk to the Sugar Bush Shack. As we make our way on this sweet trail, we’ll learn all about how maple syrup is made. “As winter ends, it’s maple sugaring time! Learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees, discover sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and modern-day farmers, and see evaporation in action!” (Hudson Highlands Nature Museum)
It’s going to be a syrupy good time!
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 4:30 pm
Explore the wild. Escape your comfort zone.
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