Catskills Hidden River Hike: Wander, Swim & Reconnect
Welcome to one of our favorite backcountry gems: a magical off-trail hiking experience along a secluded Catskills river.
Adventure Snapshot
🌿 Activity: Guided off-trail hike, river exploration & swimming
⏱️ Duration: ~4–5 hours hiking
🥾 Distance: ~5–6 miles of hiking
⛰️ Elevation: Minimal
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate (mostly off-trail with some challenging terrain)
📍 Location: Catskills Region, NY
👥 Group Size: Small group
Join us for a guided hike along one of our favorite rivers in the Catskills, following an unmarked route that winds through towering, ancient hemlock groves and open meadows filled with wildflowers and ferns.
This magical experience offers a perfect introduction to bushwhacking (off-trail hiking), combining minimal elevation gain with varied and engaging terrain. As we move alongside the river, we’ll navigate through forest and meadow landscapes while learning how to travel confidently off-trail.
Along the way, we’ll stop at several incredible swimming holes tucked beside cascading brooks, ideal for relaxing, cooling off, and reconnecting with nature.
Most hikes follow clearly defined paths, but this experience invites you to step off the trail and into a more immersive and adventurous way of exploring the natural world.
What You'll Learn
🌿 Foundational skills for off-trail hiking and navigating varied terrain
🥾 Techniques for safely moving through forests, meadows, and riverbanks
🌲 How to identify old-growth trees and native plant life
🌊 How rivers shape ecosystems and create unique landscapes
🧘 Ways to slow down and reconnect with nature through immersive exploration
🩱 How to safely enjoy backcountry swimming holes
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are passionate educators dedicated to helping people explore beyond the trail and build confidence in the outdoors.
This is more than a hike. It’s an opportunity to experience a hidden side of the Catskills while developing new outdoor skills and deepening your connection to nature.
By the end of the experience, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, accomplished, and more connected to the natural world around you.
What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Fresh fruit, donuts, coffee, and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: Healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during the adventure (vegetarian and vegan options available)
🌄 On-trail and off-trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide
Schedule
6:30 Meet in Brooklyn near Barclays for pickup
7:00 Meet at Grand Central for pickup
~8:30 Rest stop
~9:45 Arrival at trailhead
~12:30 Lunch on trail
~2:00 Continue hike and begin return
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan drop-off
~7:30 Brooklyn drop-off
All times are estimates. We adjust every experience to the pace and needs of the group.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣 A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat
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 here.
