Learn to see the wilderness in a whole new way as we explore the edible plants of the Catskills.
Adventure Snapshot
🌿 Activity: Guided foraging hike and edible plant identification
⏱️ Duration: Full-day adventure (~12–13 hours including travel)
🥾 Distance: Moderate hiking with frequent stops for plant identification
⛰️ Elevation: Moderate
🧭 Difficulty: Beginner-friendly to moderate
📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
👥 Group Size: Small group experience
Join us for a walk through the wilderness and discover the hidden delicacies that surround you.
On this guided adventure through the Catskills, we’ll explore the incredible variety of edible plants growing throughout the forest as it comes alive in spring.
This relaxed and exploratory hike invites participants to slow down and look closely at the landscape, learning to identify wild greens, berries, roots, and other edible plants that have nourished people for generations.
Most hikers pass right by these plants without ever noticing them. Once you learn how to recognize them, the forest begins to reveal itself as an abundant natural pantry.
Along the way, your guide will introduce the fundamentals of safe and responsible foraging, including plant identification, dangerous look-alikes to avoid, seasonal harvesting practices, and the ecological relationships that shape the forest ecosystem.
This experience is hands-on and interactive. We’ll stop frequently to examine plants up close, discuss traditional uses, and when appropriate, sample a few seasonal wild foods.
What You'll Learn
🌿 How to identify common edible plants of the Catskills
🍃 Key plant families that make plant identification easier
⚠️ How to recognize and avoid dangerous look-alikes
🌱 Sustainable and ethical harvesting practices
🧭 How to “read” landscapes to find edible plants in the wild
🍓 The seasonal rhythm of wild foods that appear throughout the year
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why forage with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are passionate educators dedicated to helping people build a deeper connection with the natural world.
This is more than a hike. It’s a new way of seeing the forest.
By the end of the adventure, you’ll leave with a foundational understanding of wild edible plants and a new appreciation for the abundance that surrounds us on every trail.
What's Included?
🚐 Transportation to and from NYC
☕ Breakfast: Fresh fruit, donuts, and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: A healthy gourmet lunch and snacks during the adventure. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs and allergies.
🌄 On-trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed wilderness guide
Schedule
6:30 Brooklyn pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest stop
~9:45 Arrival at trailhead
~12:30 Lunch at the summit with the potential option to summit additional nearby peaks
~1:00 Hike out
~3:30 Van begins return to the city
~4:30 Rest stop
~7:00 Manhattan drop-off
~7:30 Brooklyn drop-off
All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel times are subject to many factors including weather and traffic.
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.
