Destination Backcountry
Outdoor Adventure for All
Hiking, Backpacking, and Paddling in New York State
Scheduled Adventures
Explore our regularly scheduled weekend adventures. We offer hiking, backpacking, and canoeing and kayaking trips in the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Adirondacks for all skill levels and interests, from gentle slow hikes to multi-night backpacking trips in the deep wilderness.
Customized Adventures
Our founder Dave DiCerbo will work with our team of expert guides to tailor a customized adventure that perfectly fits your needs. We specialize in trips for corporate and nonprofit groups, schools and educational institutions, families, and more, from team-building day hikes to educational overnights.
Adventure for All
Founded in 2011 by Dave DiCerbo, Destination Backcountry has grown to a team of over twenty dedicated outdoor guides, professionals, and apprentice guides. Our belief is that everyone should be able to experience the restorative power of wilderness—no matter your skill or experience level—and we design our adventures to create a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Outdoor Expertise
We are proud to take our adventurers off-the-beaten path to the most stunning forests, mountains, lakes, and ponds in New York State, discovered over decades of collective hiking and backcountry experience.
Our Guides
Our team of expert guides combines decades of outdoor experience, from survival specialists to Triple Crown finishers, united by our joy of sharing the wilderness with others.
All Skill Levels
From adventurers taking their first step on the trail, to experienced backpackers looking to expand their skill set, our greatest joy as guides is to teach a new skill or help our hikers engage with nature in a new way.
Diversity of Experience
Our adventures reflect the countless ways to engage with nature in a meaningful way, from gentle slow hikes to deep wilderness backpacks and family friendly paddles.
Transportation Options
We offer transportation to and from New York City with convenient pick up and drop off locations at Grand Central in Manhattan and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Food and Menu Planning
We serve fresh, healthy gourmet meals on our all of our adventures. We're happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions, including providing vegan and gluten free meals on overnights.
Press
Destination Backcountry has been featured on the Today's Show and in the Wall Street Journal, Backpacker, Men's Health, and more
Reviews
The DBA team is amazing! I've been on multiple hikes with them and have always had an incredible experience! All the logistics and transport is so well managed. You can just relax and enjoy the hike without having to worry about anything else. The guides are super professional, helpful and a great company.
—Avinash C.
Extraordinary guides! I took a 3 day backpacking trip with DBA and Dave, Jess, and Alex were knowledgeable, fun, and deeply connected to the forest. I had some natural outdoor fears but their compassion and expertise helped me feel at ease in the backcountry.
—Alexis D.
Their trips are very accessible in price and effort, and their team members are all warm and welcoming... DBA provides a great balance of adventure and safety with a chance to learn within my skill level, or just enjoy the ride and the nature views. Since DBA attracts really great participants, we had a lot of fun and I even made some new friends.
—Patricia Y.
This is the best guiding company I have ever experienced. Wonderful and carefully crafted adventures. Wonderful guides. Outstanding food. You'll learn a lot as well, and you'll have great company and will make new friends! Big shoutout to Dave, Henri and Lauren! Hoping to go many more trips with them.
—Alexej J.
The best outdoor adventure company in NYC/Brooklyn. I've been on multiple trips with them. The owners are fantastic people. They communicate well to manage expectations & cater you individual needs. All the guides are well trained, top notch & just lovely people in general.
—Amy H.
Dispatches
10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Canoe Camping
An Introduction to Bushwhacking AKA Hiking Off-Trail
