Join us for a walk through the wilderness and discover the hidden delicacies that surround you!
Learn about the incredible variety of edible plants growing all around us as we walk through the Catskill wilderness as it comes alive in spring. On this relaxed and exploratory hike, we’ll slow down and take a closer look 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 see them, the forest transforms into an abundant pantry.
Along the way, your guide will introduce the fundamentals of safe and responsible foraging, including plant identification, look-alikes to avoid, seasonal harvesting, and our duty to understand how different species fit into the broader forest ecosystem and how that impacts our ability to harvest responsibly
This experience is hands-on and interactive. We’ll stop frequently to examine plants up close, discuss traditional uses, and sample a few seasonal wild foods when appropriate.
What You'll Learn
🌿 How to identify common edible plants of the Catskills
🍃 Key plant families that make identification easier
⚠️ How to avoid dangerous look-alikes
🌱 Sustainable and ethical harvesting practices
🧭 How to “read” landscapes to find edible plants
🍓 Seasonal 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: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed 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 Summit + Potential option to summit additional peaks
~1:00 Hike out
~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 adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Travel time 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.
