Visit the famed Catskills Escarpment on our most popular slow hike!
The Escarpment rises abruptly from the Hudson Valley along the eastern edge of the Catskills, providing jaw-dropping views as far as Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut on a clear day. On this gentle hike, we'll travel through a forest carpeted in wildflowers, including a few that are rare gems like wild columbine. Experience the legendary viewpoints, forests, brooks, and lakes that inspired the Hudson River Valley School of Painters and authors like James Fenimore Cooper who first brought the Catskills national renown.
Hike stats
🥾 3-5 mile hike with multiple stops for viewpoints
⛰️ A few sections with inclines, but generally minimal elevation gain
🧭 Difficulty: Easy, with hiking on well-graded trails. Some minor inclines. We'll take plenty of breaks along our route.
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why hike with us? Expert guides. Founded in 2011, 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!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🥾 On this gentle hike, everyone hikes at their own pace with plenty of time to take pictures and just experience the gorgeous natural surroundings
🌼 The first wildflowers of spring: trillium, spring beauties, and maybe even some trout lilies!
📍Local knowledge: your guide will share the incredible local history of this unique area in the Catskills
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 viewpoint
~1:30 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.
