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The Great Outdoors

4.9•1540 ratings

Morristown, NJ, US

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About us

We are a group of day-hikers from the Metropolitan New York area (NJ/NY/PA). We hike weekly on over 80 hiking trails within a 60-minute driving radius of our area. We are mostly older hikers (50+), but we welcome adults of all ages, singles, and couples. Our hikes are moderate, typically 5-7 miles-long, with an elevation gain in the range of 750-1,500 feet, and are mostly on trails located in Southern New York and Northern New Jersey. We hike every weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday), and often have additional mid-week hikes.

Most of our hikes do not require prior experience but do require a reasonable level of fitness, and appropriate gear such as hiking boots. Many of our members are seasoned, regular hikers with a wealth of experience and advice for new hikers. Because most wilderness trailheads are only accessible by car, our group works best for those with a car. We do organize several urban hikes (walks) in New York City every year, as well as several regional hikes in the wilderness that are accessible by public transit.

We occasionally organize hiking trips outside our area, typically to National Parks and to other “destination” hiking areas.

We also organize seasonal moonlight-hiking, biking, kayaking, and social outdoor events such as picnics.

All our events are free (except for charges imposed by third parties at special events). Although our events are free, you do have an ethical obligation to follow rules of good citizenship! This includes keeping tabs on your RSVP status, showing up (or canceling in time), and following rules set out by organizers.

“The mountains are calling, and I must go…” (John Muir, 1923).

Upcoming events

21

Elk Pen - 7 mile hike - 1000 feet of elevation.
Sun, Oct 11 · 8:30 AM EDT
Elk Pen Parking lot, Southfields, NY 10975, USA, Tuxedo, NY, US
Elk Pen → AT → Arden-Surebridge → Stahahe Brook Trail → Nurian Trail → Dunning → White Bar → ASB → to AT → back toward Elk Pen.

If you are looking for very nice quieter alternative to the more crowded Lemon Squeezer routes, this is it!

Parking fills quickly so carpooling is highly suggested.
15 attendees
1492 Hike: Lake Sebago to Pine Meadow Lake - 6+ Miles
Mon, Oct 12 · 8:30 AM EDT
Lake Sebago Boat Launch Parking Lot, 430 Seven Lakes Dr, Pomona, NY 10970, Pomona, NY, US
This is a moderate 6+-mile hike through dramatic terrain and serene woodland trails typical of the Harriman State Park system, with an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet. We will start out on the 7-Hills trail to Diamond mountain, and then all around the Pine Meadow Lake on the Pine Meadow Trail (and some local shore trails) before returning to 7-Hills Trail via wood roads.

Bring plenty of water and snacks, and appropriate seasonal items (sun- and insect-protection in summer, and crampons in winter). Day-of-hike-only phone: 973-704-7362.

**Note** We hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. Our hikes are not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.

**To join our hikes, you must enable Meetup messaging with organizers (see "New to hiking" link below), and must post a profile image that can be used to recognize you. If you do not, you may be removed from Going list.

**By signing up for this event you are acknowledging that you have read and accepted the posted TGO legal disclaimer: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/551hnt8zbz2jl5hs1vamd/TGO-Legal-Disclaimer.pdf?rlkey=ttmx8i4p4wdxj6r2fim7snhph&dl=0

**TGO policies to discourage "repeat no-shows", "repeat late-cancels" (canceling <48 hours before hike), or "Frivolous RSVPs". For details, see: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/767rpigz0bpqx22kwwa6g/TGO-Policies.pdf?rlkey=65h7c9giagp45bxoy8e42rugk&dl=0
This is your only notice - if you find yourself removed from the Going or Waiting List, refer to document above. You may message hike leader to reinstate you, but no guarantees!

** New to hiking or Meetup? Try: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/odc5bdiz9tibcn99jyde3/New-Hiker-Guide.pdf?rlkey=e16iff1p4t4h7jenwjnnzgq9m&dl=0
25 attendees
Pochuck Valley Boardwalk on the AT Hike-Easy 5mi
Fri, Oct 16 · 10:00 AM EDT
893 County Rd 517, 893 County Rd 517, Glenwood, NJ 07418, USA, Vernon Township, NJ, US
Hike Location: Address: 893 County Rte 517, Vernon, NJ 07418
Meet at the parking and trail entrance along the shoulder of Route 517 (which is also McAfee Glenwood Rd)
You can park on and along the shoulder of Rte 517.

Restroom: Portable

Please arrive 10 mins early to park so we can begin as scheduled.
Cell # for this event only: 973-978-8748

Hike Details:
Difficulty Level: Easy, Elevation: 150 Ft, total approx. 5 miles In and Out trail, 2.5 Hours. Beginners and all levels welcome!
We will walk on the boardwalk and along the Fall colors of the beautiful fields, mountains, pond, bridge. We will stop for water breaks as needed. We will stop after 2.5 miles at the Heaven Hills Farms for ice cream, apple cider donuts, snacks, restroom break etc prior to turning back.

What to bring:
Must wear Hiking boots (no sneakers) as it will be rocky and muddy in some parts of the trail.
Bring Sunscreen, Bug spray, Poles (optional for this hike)
Bring plenty of drinks and snacks.

Disclaimer| The Great Outdoors operating and helpful information:
**Note** We hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. Our hikes are not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.
**To join our hikes, you must: (1) enable Meetup messaging with organizers (see "New to hiking" link below), and (2) post a profile image that can be used to recognize you. If you do not, you will be removed from Going list.
**By signing up for this event you are acknowledging that you have read and accepted the posted TGO legal disclaimer: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/551hnt8zbz2jl5hs1vamd/TGO-Legal-Disclaimer.pdf?rlkey=ttmx8i4p4wdxj6r2fim7snhph&dl=0
**TGO policies to discourage "repeat no-shows", "repeat late-cancels" (canceling <48 hours before hike), or "Frivolous RSVPs". For details, see: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/767rpigz0bpqx22kwwa6g/TGO-Policies.pdf?rlkey=65h7c9giagp45bxoy8e42rugk&dl=0
This is your only notice - if you find yourself removed from the Going or Waiting List, refer to document above. You may message hike leader to reinstate you, but no guarantees!
** New to hiking or Meetup? Try: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/odc5bdiz9tibcn99jyde3/New-Hiker-Guide.pdf?rlkey=e16iff1p4t4h7jenwjnnzgq9m&dl=0
**https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/lacing-hiking-boots.html Using the surgeon's knot will keep your shoelaces from becoming loose.
3 attendees
Minnewaska State Park - Lake Awosting via Castle Point-9 Miles!
Sat, Oct 17 · 9:30 AM EDT
Minnewaska State Park, 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY, US
We continue our exploration of Minnewaska State Park Preserve with a 9-mile stroll through carriage routes to Lake Awosting via Castle Point. Fear not, the elevation gain is nominal (730 feet). This hike is optimized for leaf-peeking, so keep a chill pace, and take your time with your camera. Park in the Upper Parking Lot, and meet at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor Center. There is a $10 Parking fee (per car) to enter the park. Optional apres-hike stop at Mountain Bauhaus Restaurant on Route 44 in Gardiner, NY (if open).

Bring plenty of water and snacks, and appropriate seasonal items (sun- and insect-protection in summer, and crampons in winter). Day-of-hike-only phone: 973-704-7362.

**Note** We hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. Our hikes are not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.

**To join our hikes, you must enable Meetup messaging with organizers (see "New to hiking" link below), and must post a profile image that can be used to recognize you. If you do not, you may be removed from Going list.

**By signing up for this event you are acknowledging that you have read and accepted the posted TGO legal disclaimer: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/551hnt8zbz2jl5hs1vamd/TGO-Legal-Disclaimer.pdf?rlkey=ttmx8i4p4wdxj6r2fim7snhph&dl=0

**TGO policies to discourage "repeat no-shows", "repeat late-cancels" (canceling <48 hours before hike), or "Frivolous RSVPs". For details, see: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/767rpigz0bpqx22kwwa6g/TGO-Policies.pdf?rlkey=65h7c9giagp45bxoy8e42rugk&dl=0
This is your only notice - if you find yourself removed from the Going or Waiting List, refer to document above. You may message hike leader to reinstate you, but no guarantees!

** New to hiking or Meetup? Try: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/odc5bdiz9tibcn99jyde3/New-Hiker-Guide.pdf?rlkey=e16iff1p4t4h7jenwjnnzgq9m&dl=0
29 attendees

Past events

164

Organizers

Zafri and 11 others

Zafri is a Super Organizer

Members

2,021

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