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Beginner Hiking New York

Start your hiking adventure in New York

Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)

Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)

Fri, Jun 5, 11:00 AM
From Destination Backcountry
4.5

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/learn-to-thru-hike-6-5-7)** ### **Learn to Thru-Hike: A Backcountry Masterclass** **Master the art of long-distance hiking through a hands-on, immersive Catskills experience**. ### Adventure Snapshot 🥾 Activity: Backpacking expedition, skills training & backcountry curriculum ⏱️ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 🥾 Distance: Varies based on route; multi-day hiking with a weighted pack ⛰️ Elevation: Moderate, varied terrain 🧭 Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate — no prior backpacking experience required 📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience Have you ever dreamed of tackling the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or simply disappearing into the wilderness for a week, but felt overwhelmed by where to even start? Thru-hiking is more than a long walk. It’s a craft, and like any craft, it can be taught. Our Learn to Thru-Hike Adventure is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to take you from day hiker to confident backcountry traveler. This is more than a guided trip, it’s a full educational journey that includes a pre-trip planning session, a 3-day/2-night field expedition in the Catskills, and a post-trip debrief to refine your skills and gear. Along the way, you’ll learn the systems, strategies, and mindset required for long-distance hiking, whether your goal is to complete a section hike, tackle a thru-hike, or simply feel more capable and self-sufficient in the backcountry. This experience blends practical skills training, real-world application, and personalized instruction in one of New York’s most accessible wilderness areas. ### What You'll Learn 🎯 How to set realistic goals and physically prepare for long-distance hiking 🗺️ How to plan routes, manage permits, and navigate logistical challenges 🎒 How to choose and optimize your gear, including the “Big Three” (shelter, sleep system, and pack) 🥾 How to plan daily mileage, read elevation profiles, and build flexible itineraries 🍽️ How to fuel your body with effective backcountry nutrition strategies 🧭 Navigation and wayfinding using maps, compass, GPS, and natural cues ⚠️ Risk management, including environmental hazards and emergency preparedness 🌿 Leave No Trace principles and responsible wilderness travel practices ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why learn to thru-hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are experienced educators dedicated to helping you build real, lasting backcountry skills. This is more than a backpacking trip. It’s a complete learning experience. Most guided adventures end at the trailhead. This one includes a structured curriculum, a personalized planning session before your trip, and a post-trip debrief to help you refine your system and continue progressing toward your goals. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to plan and execute your own backcountry adventures. ### What's Included? 📚 Comprehensive digital curriculum delivered upon registration 📋 Pre-trip planning session (virtual or in-person) to review goals, gear, and route 🏕️ 3-day / 2-night guided backcountry expedition 🍽️ All meals and trail snacks, with instruction on backcountry nutrition planning 🎒 Group gear including tents, stoves, and water filtration (or bring your own to test in the field) 📝 Post-trip debrief session to review performance and refine your setup ### Schedule Exact itinerary will vary based on route and group goals. Below is a general outline of the experience. **Day 1** Meet at trailhead for introductions, gear check, and final preparation Begin hiking and apply foundational skills in route planning and pacing Set up camp and introduce backcountry systems and routines **Day 2** Full day of hiking with continued instruction on navigation, nutrition, and efficiency Hands-on practice with gear systems, decision-making, and risk management Evening discussion on long-distance strategy and trail life **Day 3** Morning breakdown of camp and final hiking segment Return to trailhead and debrief key lessons from the field *All times are flexible. We adjust every experience to the pace, goals, and needs of the group.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? **Must have** 💧 2+ liters of water capacity 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for multi-day hiking 🥾 Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners 🎒 Personal gear (full packing list provided in pre-trip materials) 🧣 Extra layers for changing weather conditions **Good to have** 🌧️ Rain shell 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat 📓 Notebook for notes and trip planning ### FAQs **What happens after I book my adventure?** You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more. **More questions?** Visit our [FAQ page](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

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1 attendee
First Meetup:  Hudson Highlands Hike

First Meetup: Hudson Highlands Hike

Sun, May 31, 12:45 PM
From NYC Urban Escapes

**Welcome to our new group! For our first Meetup l**et's get up, get outside for a fun-filled day of breathing in fresh mountain air, fitness and camaraderie with friends old and new, reachable on Metro-North to GARRISON STATION out of Grand Central Terminal. **HIKE OVERVIEW:** We will hike the Arden Point-Glenclyffe trails. This hike passes several panoramic viewpoints over the Hudson River including views of the Garrison Institute, West Point Military Academy and Bear Mountain and ... ***For the trivia and history buffs and/or future Jeopardy! contestant ...*** one trail we'll be on is rumored to be a historic road used by **Benedict Arnold** to escape after his treason was discovered during the Revolutionary War! **GETTING THERE**: 8:57AM Metro-North to Garrison station **AGENDA**: Once we arrive at Garrison station by 10:10AM, the trailhead is right by the train station's parking lot. Exact trail we'll hike TBD. **TOTAL MILEAGE:** 6-8 miles, maybe more, maybe less, who can tell for sure? There are no early outs for this hike! **INTENSITY**: Moderate. **PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.** Throughout day, we'll have lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers. **NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!** T**HE IMPORTANT STUFF:** * Dress in non-cotton layers. * Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking - * Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated. * Bring lunch and snacks for yourself. * Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. **DURATION**: This is an all-day hike. **WEATHER**: Rain or extreme heat and humidity will cancel. **LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.**

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2 attendees
Spring Hike out of Tuxedo [~12 miles, Train Access]

Spring Hike out of Tuxedo [~12 miles, Train Access]

Sun, May 31, 2:40 PM
From NYC Hiking And Nature Meetup
4.8

Kick off the hiking season with a classic loop covering a few lookout points and passing a couple of lakes. [Message Andre](https://www.meetup.com/members/230822/) with any questions about this event. **Please take the [group's 2026 member survey](https://tally.so/r/2EeqKb).** (Especially if you didn't hike with us last year.) \*\*\* **What to Expect on a Hike:** * **We plan to stay together as a group, but this is a social event for hikers and not a guided hike.** Everyone needs to be a self-sufficient hiker with adequate skills and equipment. * **If you are not comfortable hiking** **self-sufficiently** **or are not experienced enough to judge the skill and physical requirements in the route description**, check out the [Appalachian Mountain Club’s](https://www.outdoors.org/) hikes or one of the many professional guides operating in the area. \*\*\* **Typical day-hiking gear list:** * Hiking footwear (boots or trail shoes), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses. ([Permethrin insecticide](https://amzn.to/3XNcflS) treatment against ticks is great.) * Rain gear and an extra warm layer. * Lunch and snacks. 2 liters/ 2 quarts of water minimum, 3 liters for a hot day. Electrolytes on hot days. * **GPS app with offline maps:** **Avenza Maps App** is free, and there is a [free Harriman map in the in-app store](https://store.avenza.com/products/harriman-state-park-trail-map-new-york-state-parks-map?srsltid=AfmBOop2tjhY_l6EzM9c8nYhD5JYycTpDF62ocPcbf1-nidghL5aYL-9). **[Mapy App](http://mapy.com/)** has basic offline trail maps that are adequate. CalTopo ($20/yr) is an excellent GPS program. (AllTrails and GaiaGPS are pricey but also great.) * Map & Compass: NYNJTC Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails or National Geographic Harriman, both available locally at REI. \*\*\* **Route Info:** About 12 miles with about 1.5k' elevation gain at an average pace of about 2 mph. (Moving pace will be faster.) * **GPS:** [Black Ash-Skemonto-Claudius Loop](https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.9/-74.1552/41.2113&pubLink=KhOL136qZzAYzSiYYCKkgmTW&routeId=ca062906-b224-44a4-8297-1af5195af48e) * Navigation and Route Finding: Blazed trails * Terrain Type: Hiking trails that may be rough and steep (Class 2) * Contingency Planning: Shorter routes and bailout points are available. Cell coverage can be spotty, but there's generally coverage. \*\*\* **Meeting Location & Logistics:** * **Meeting Time:** 10:40 am * **Meeting Location:** Meet at the Tuxedo commuter parking lot off East Village Road ([Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/aoABudbFJkjAKF926)). (Use the address 2 Powerhouse Ln, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987.) * **Public Transit:** Take the 9:14 am NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Tuxedo Station, arriving at 10:29 am. The station is just around the corner from the parking lot where we are meeting. Return on the 6:44 pm train. Or the 4:20 train, or one of the hourly trains from Suffern via Uber. (Catching the 4:20 train might require cutting the hike short.) * Car Pooling: Please use the comment section to organize carpooling, especially if you are driving from the city. Passengers should chip in for gas and tolls. \*\*\* **General FAQs:** * Regular members in good standing can always skip the waitlist. * No dogs allowed. * No guests beyond the RSVP guest limit, and no one under 18 is allowed. * Hikes are generally rescheduled for thunderstorms, heat index >95f, or AQI >80. \*\*\*

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18 attendees
Wilderness First Aid & CPR Course

Wilderness First Aid & CPR Course

Sat, Jun 6, 1:00 PM
From NYC Hiking And Nature Meetup
4.8

Hi Hikers, I took their WFA class back in November, and it was great. I highly recommend it. A WFA class is worth taking for anyone who frequents the outdoors, whether you are a climber, skier, mountaineer, or hiker. And it's not just for those heading into deep wilderness - Based on my personal experience running meetup hikes mostly in the NYC area, most injuries happen within just a few hours' drive of the city! \-\-\-\-\- **If you are interested,** [register with Wilderness First Aid NYC](https://wildernessfirstaidnyc.com/course/wilderness-first-aid-bklyn-commons-june2026/). \-\-\-\-\- [Offered by Wilderness First Aid NYC](https://wildernessfirstaidnyc.com/course/wilderness-first-aid-bklyn-commons-june2026/) **Schedule Hours**: 16 hours over 2 Days (Saturday and Sunday) **Training**: Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training **Certification**: 2-year certification **Prerequisite**: None **Cost:** $385.00 **Location:** BKLYN Commons, 495 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, New York 11225 The **Wilderness First Aid (WFA)** course is an introduction to wilderness medicine and basic life support skills. This is a hands-on, scenario-based training focused on prevention, assessment, and treatment of environmental illnesses, recognizing and stabilizing life threats caused by trauma, and calling for a rescue in the event of a wilderness emergency. The WFA is ideal training for outdoor enthusiasts, camp counselors, and backcountry trip leaders. Learn more about the [Wilderness First Aid (WFA) curriculum and course details here](https://wildernessfirstaidnyc.com/course-wfa/).

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2 attendees

Happy 8th Anniversary to Staten Island Hiking Meetup 🥾🎉🥾🎉 now on June 6

Sat, Jun 6, 2:00 PM
From Staten Island Hiking Meetup
4.8
24 attendees
Central Park Beginner Runners

Central Park Beginner Runners

Sun, May 31, 2:00 PM
From Central Park beginner runners
4.9

Note: please rsvp as "going" only if you are actually going to allow others to come as the max slot is set to 20! Thanks! Running can be overwhelming and a bit daunting if you are just starting out. That's why we've created the Central Park Beginner Runners Club, a relaxed, no pressure group for anyone looking to ease into running, enjoy the outdoors, and meet friendly faces along the way. Whether you've never run a mile or are just getting back into it, we'll take it slow together with an easy 3 mile jog on Sunday mornings. If you need to take a breather and walk, please feel free to let me know and we can slow down. All i ask is that you try your best! However, there is no pressure as this is a beginner friendly group! If you're interested in running together, feel free to join us anytime! We'll gather every Sunday morning at the Gapstow bridge. You can expect the pace to be anywhere between 10-13min mile pace. Our usual route will start from the Gapstow bridge then we will run up north to the reservoir and do a lap around. That should be about 3 miles. Depending on how people feel, we may jog back to the original meetup spot or we can walk back. We'll meet at 10:00 AM and aim to finish by 11:00 AM at the latest. Please bring the bare minimum as it may be difficult to find a place to store your stuff! Whether you're a beginner runner, looking to lose weight, or just want to run, everyone is welcome😁

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4 attendees
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Frequently asked questions

Meetup connects individuals with shared interests, enabling them to join local groups or partake in online events. It's a simple way to find communities and activities that align with your interests, including hiking.

Beginner hiking groups provide an excellent platform for those new to hiking to enjoy the outdoors in a supportive environment. You can learn tips, discover gentle trails, and socialize with like-minded individuals.

You can search for local hiking events by entering your location and selecting the 'hiking' category on Meetup. Explore scheduled outings and group adventures, perfect for beginners.

Definitely! Many hiking groups on Meetup are designed specifically for beginners, offering easy trails and helpful guidance from more experienced hikers.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and durable footwear are recommended. Hiking shoes or boots provide better traction and support for outdoor walks.

Typically, events are organized by group leaders or experienced members who guide newcomers through the trails and offer hiking tips.

Yes, you can generally bring friends along to Meetup events. It's a great way to introduce them to hiking and help connect them with the group.

Weather conditions may affect scheduled hikes. Event organizers usually update participants on any changes or cancellations due to inclement weather.

Creating an account and joining groups on Meetup is free. However, some events might have costs associated, such as entry to a park or a fee for guided tours.

After finding an event that interests you, simply use the RSVP button on the Meetup event page to confirm your attendance. You'll be updated about event details as they develop.

While Meetup offers various groups and activities, personal enjoyment depends on individual preferences and participation levels during events.

No, beginner hiking events can be found throughout New York State, not just in New York City. Explore events in regions that have scenic trails fit for beginners.

If no suitable group is available, consider starting your Meetup group in your area to connect with local beginners interested in hiking.

Meetup primarily focuses on group activities and events rather than individual guidance or personalized experiences.

The availability of hiking events varies by group and location. Joining multiple groups can increase the chances of having events to join regularly.