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Blackhead Range & Backcountry Bonfire (2/14)

Blackhead Range & Backcountry Bonfire (2/14)

$ 139.00

Discover the Wild Beauty of the Northeastern Catskills

The Blackhead Range boasts stunning peaks, wild forests, and gorgeous vistas and inspired the iconic Hudson River School of Painters. As we hike, we'll be rewarded with expansive views over the Catskills and over the Hudson Valley. 

A truly unforgettable winter escape, we'll summit rugged Blackhead Mountain and we might even venture to Thomas Cole or Black Dome Mountains, weather and conditions permitting.

Bonus - a bowl of hot soup and a cozy mountain mocha around a crackling campfire, expertly built by your backcountry guides. It’s the perfect way to recharge and soak in the winter wonderland.

Hike stats

🥾 ~5.5 miles* 
⛰️ ~1800' elevation gained/lost*
🧭 Difficulty: Challenging

🥾Guide Notes: Truly magical summit and expansive views, a truly unforgettable winter escape. Required winter peak for your Catskill 3500 Club membership

*optional additional peaks add 1-3 miles and 500' - 800' additional elevation gained/lost

The Destination Backcountry Difference 

Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, our decades of experience guiding and teaching translates to a more comfortable, enjoyable, an d safer experience for you. Our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others. 

A FULL day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!

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, hot, gourmet lunch with hot beverages and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs. 
🥾 We'll provide snowshoes, micro-spikes, or a combination of the two.

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 
~4:00
 Board van back to NYC
~6:30 Manhattan Drop Off
~7:00 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
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes in layers, with added insulation. See How to Dress for Winter Adventure and Our Top 5 Tips for Winter Adventure
🥾 Footwear: Cozy winter boots, don't need to be hiking boots.

❓ We're always happy to answer questions to help you prepare, just call, message, or email!

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.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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. On winter hikes, we serve a hot gourmet lunch and snacks, plus hot tea, coffee, and hot cocoa in the woods. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.

Snowshoes and/or microspikes are included with all winter adventures when required for trail conditions. For deep snow, we'll have snowshoes and for lighter snow and ice we will use microspikes. For some hikes, we'll use both!

Wear comfortable, breathable clothes in layers. Start with a base layer of non-cotton material and follow with 2-3 layers of varying weight. Snow pants or ski pants are good, but not essential. Parka, shells, or other outer layers for your top should be wind resistant (most are). You can read more about clothing for winter day hikes here

We will provide a detailed packing list based on conditions before your adventure. Below is a sample packing list:

- 2, 1-liter water bottles
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Extra layers of clothes
- Extra socks
- Hat and gloves
- Footwear: insulated hiking boots are ideal, but "around NYC" winter boots will work as well if insulated/waterproof.

Your guides will provide all group gear (water filter, etc.). We do not require any specialized gear for our day hikes, and you most likely have everything you need already. 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.