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Beginner Hiking New York

Start your hiking adventure in New York

Turtle Back Rock Hike/Walk [Beginner]

Sat, Aug 22, 12:30 PM
From Hiking New Jersey for Young (20s & 30s) Professionals
4.8
4 attendees
Slothians and Tortoises Take a Hike at Mohonk Preserve

Slothians and Tortoises Take a Hike at Mohonk Preserve

Sat, Sep 5, 11:00 AM
From Happy Trails Adventures and Travel NYC and Beyond

**As the summer of '26 winds down ...** let's get outdoors and take a hike at **[Mohonk Preserve](https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/who-we-are/)** reachable on Trailways bus out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal going to New Paltz. **AGENDA:** We'll hike the Testamonial Gateway Trail, connecting to Duck Pond trail, then River-to-Ridge trail that will take us back to New Paltz. **GETTING THERE:** We're taking the **Trailway bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal.** The 7AM bus arrives in New Paltz by 8:35AM. One-way ticket is $25.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: **[https://trailways.com/](https://trailways.com/)** From the Trailways bus station in New Paltz, we'll then pick up the **[Nature Bus](https://ucat.ulstercountyny.gov/routes/nature-bus/)** at 8:45am that will drop us off at the Mohonk Testimonial Gateway at 8:55am. **Drivers**: you can meet us at the Testimonial Gateway parking lot at 9am. Do your own research on directions and parking situation. **PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND**. During hike 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 FAST HIKERS!** **TOTAL MILEAGE**: up to about 7 to 8 MILES **DURATION**: We will be out for the entire day. But you can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much. **AFTER HIKE,** we'll allot some time to explore New Paltz and grab some local bites and drinks before heading home. **RETURN BUS:** There is a 6PM bus back to NYC. **WEATHER**: Rain, extreme heat and humidity cancels! ***LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks.*** ***Hold no one liable etc etc.***

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1 attendee

Hike the Greenbelt 🌳🌳

Mon, Aug 17, 12:00 PM
From Staten Island Hiking Meetup
4.8
1 attendee
August Hike ☀️

August Hike ☀️

Sat, Aug 22, 1:00 PM
From Jersey City/NYC Hiking & Outdoors
4.9

**Hello! We are planning a hiking trip on August 22nd. This is a carpool only hike so let me know if you are driving or if you need a ride. The plan is to meet up at ~9AM and drive to the location. Please reach out if you have questions!** **Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/raccoon-ridge-via-appalachian-kaiser-and-coppermine-trails-loop?p=-1&sh=ej2h8r&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality** **Note: To pay for the costs of Meetup, there is a $5 fee, waived for drivers who are helping out with rides. I will post my Venmo/ Cash App/ Zelle handle in the comments.**

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19 attendees
6.5 Mile Herald Square to Battery Park Hike

6.5 Mile Herald Square to Battery Park Hike

Sat, Aug 29, 7:15 PM
From The New York Afternoon Hiking Meetup
4.7

We'll be going from Herald Square down to Battery Park, and then for dinner at a restaurant on Stone Street that does separate checks for large groups. We'll be going through as many parks and points of interest as can be arranged. We'll be starting just north of the Broadway entrance to Macy's. There are restrooms available at Macy's in the basement -- the women's room is in the northeast corner, and the men's room is in the middle of the southern edge of the basement. Make sure you use the bathroom, our next opportunity won't be until Washington Square Park. Attendance on this hike is free, and all participants attend at their own risk. By attending, you agree to the terms of the release waiver, which you can read at **[http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc](http://bluejacket7.com/legal/WalkingWaiver.doc)** In it, you basically give up any right whatsoever to sue, to the fullest extent possible by law.

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46 attendees
Catskill Backpack - The Catskills Six

Catskill Backpack - The Catskills Six

Fri, Aug 28, 6:00 PM
From TrailBound Project
4.9

In order to officially secure your spot on this event and to receive the details email of where to exactly park and meet with us you must register on our site by clicking the link below. https://www.trailboundproject.com/service-page/catskill-backpack-the-catskills-six?referral=service_list_widget Our events typically fill up at 16 people for guided hikes! You won't see the attendees here on meetup as registrations are on our site but we wanted to let you know that we typically see large outings for all of our events! The Catskills Six is our third trip in our Advanced Catskill Backpacking Series — built specifically for TrailBounders who have already completed prior backpacking trips and are ready to increase both physical and technical demand. We will be summiting 6 Catskill 3500 peaks — Rocky (bushwhack), Balsam Cap (bushwhack), Friday (bushwhack), Lone (bushwhack), Peekamoose (half-trailed), & Table (trailed). Expect extended elevation gain and loss, rougher footing, and segments that require sharper navigation awareness. The bushwhack peaks will have some herd-paths, but it will be true bushwhacking from where we will be camped, demanding greater attention to map, compass, and terrain reading while carrying a full pack. Over the course of the weekend, we will: • Travel across six Catskill 3500 peaks • Manage sustained elevation gain and loss • Navigate trail and trail-less terrain • Refine terrain assessment under fatigue • Strengthen pacing and group coordination across longer days Efficiency is no longer just helpful — it becomes essential. Energy management, footing awareness, and disciplined pack systems determine how strong you feel by day two. Day 1 - 4 miles, 550' up, 100' down Day 2 - 6 miles, 1,800' up, 1,800' down Day 3 - 8 miles, 2,200' up, 2,600' down Participants should: • Be comfortable carrying a full pack over extended elevation • Have completed prior TrailBound backpacking trips • Be comfortable navigating rugged, uneven, and at times unmarked terrain This is where strong hikers learn to move with control in complex terrain. Small group. Serious terrain. Real progression. Prerequisites: TBP Backpacking Intro, Easy, and Moderate trips, or equivalent. Email info@trailboundproject.com to discuss equivalents for approval. Minimum Gear: 50-70 liter backpack, shelter (tent, tarp shelter, bivy, or hammock), sleeping bag, sleeping pad, small pillow, lighter, water bottles or bladder for 4-5 liters of water, water filter, small knife, 75’ paracord, cell phone with USB charger & cable, headlamp & extra batteries, canister stove & fuel, cooking pot, utensils, food & snacks, bear hang food bag, first aid kit, personal toiletries, clothing for the weather, & hiking boots. A detailed packing list will be emailed to students after registration and you can contact us with any questions. Minimum Age: 12 years old - the minor(s) and a parent/guardian must all be paid registered participants.

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2 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.