Heart of the Catskills Basecamp (5/25-27)
We love three-day weekends in the woods—but we don't love the crowds—which is why we venture off the grid and deep into the heart of the Slide Mountain Wilderness every Memorial Day weekend. This beloved backpack is one of our most popular trips every year, as we explore one of the most stunning landscapes in the Catskills, an old-growth, primeval forest that has remained untouched by man since the glaciers retreated 18,000 years ago—possibly the most remote hiking near NYC and in the Catskills.
Your guide will lead you off-trail for most of the trip, setting up a basecamp near a gorgeous river in a valley deep in the wilderness for both nights. During the day, we'll explore along the river banks and bushwhack (hike off-trail) to one or more nearby 3500' peaks. This trip offers challenging hiking along with plenty of time to relax by the river and decompress.
Cardio Intensity: Challenging.
Terrain: Primarily off-trail. Optional day hike will be steep, with scrambling sections that may require using hands for balance.
Most trips will depart at 6:30am near the Barclays Center and 7:00am near Grand Central. You will be notified in advance if departure times and locations differ for your trip.
Yes! Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead. During your overnight trip, we’ll provide healthy, gourmet meals for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. We pride ourselves on serving delicious dinners cooked from scratch in the backcountry. We often hear from our adventurers that they eat better in the outdoors than they do at home! We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
We will provide a detailed packing list based on conditions before your adventure. Below is a sample packing list:
- Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup)
- 2, 1-liter water bottles
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Clothes: extra layers, top and bottom, 3 pairs of socks
- 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.
Your guides will provide all group gear (water filter, cooking gear, etc.). You do not need to spend much money on gear for our trips! We have gear available to borrow, and we have partnerships with local gear shops to provide reasonable rentals. We’re happy to answer questions and offer advice to ensure you have everything you need.
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 suggested packing list, and more.
Visit our FAQ page here.
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