A one of kind day highlighting what makes upstate NY so special. A hike, a visit to a local apiary (beekeeper,) and then onto a brewery to enjoy brews and cocktails, some made with honey from the apiary!
The Catskills and the Hudson Valley — mountains and river, wilderness and historic villages, wild honey and craft beer & cocktails. On this day, we move through all of it. We start with a scenic hike through the dramatic terrain of the Kaaterskill Falls area, then descend into the quaint historic village of Athens on the Hudson to meet the beekeeper at the Bees Knees apiary, visit the hives up close, and taste honey fresh from the comb. We'll cap the day at a local craft brewery where some of the cocktails and brews are made with honey from the very hives we visited.
It's a day that connects the dots between the land, the people who tend it, and the remarkable things they make from it.
Adventure Snapshot
💦 Activity: Guided half day hike with post-hike stops at the Bees Knees and Night School of Deep Fried Beers
⏱️ Duration: Full-day adventure (~12–13 hours including travel)
🥾 Distance: ~3 miles
⛰️ Elevation: ~500'
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate
📍 Location: Hudson Valley, NY
👥 Group Size: Small group experience
Join us for a guided adventure exploring some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Hudson Valley.
This experience is designed for explorers who want to experience the best of upstate, on the trail and in the local community
We’ll visit scenic highlights in the Kaaterskill Falls area, hiking at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and fully experience these remarkable landscapes.
After a few hours on trail, we'll head into the quaint village of Athens on the Hudson River to visit a local apiary, the Bees Knees where we'll meet the beekeeper, visit the hives, and sample fresh from the hive honey. We’ll cap the adventure with a stop at a a local craft brewery/restaurant, because nothing pairs better with time outdoors than great company and a well-earned craft beverage.
This experience blends scenic hiking, nature education, and a touch of local culture, making it perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone looking to discover the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley.
What You'll Learn
🌳 The ecology of Hudson Valley forests and waterways
🐝Beekeeping culture, history, benefits & more
📸 Tips for photographing waterfalls and natural landscapes
🚶 How to hike responsibly while protecting fragile ecosystems
🍻 About the Hudson Valley’s growing craft brewery & cocktail culture
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why explore the Hudson Valley with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they’re passionate educators who bring the landscape to life through stories, science, and local knowledge.
By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with new favorite views, fascinating local knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the landscapes just outside New York City.
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 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 Hike, including lunch
~12:30 Head down to Athens & The Bees Knees
~2:30 Head over to The Night School for drinks & snacks
~4:00 Van begins return to the city
~5:30 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 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.
