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HRT Summer Adventure Day 2023 - Minnewaska!

Join us for a day of adventure in Minnewaska State Park on July 8th!

Our day will include a variety of hiking options, from gentle to challenging, with plenty of time for bonding, exploring, and enjoying some downtime in the beauty of the Hudson Valley.

We’ll be exploring Minnewaska State Park, which offers over 60 miles of truly amazing trails through forest unlike any other near NYC. This park has moved from hidden gem to well-loved favorite in recent years, but our knowledge of the trails means we can venture off the beaten path and away from the crowds to explore crystal clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and stunning viewpoints over the dramatic Shawangunks. The Nature Conservancy named Minnewaska “One of the Last Great Places on Earth” and we'll explore all the reasons why with incredible views, crystal clear "sky lakes," and the first berries of summer.

Our professional outdoor guides will serve a delicious, healthy lunch: seasonal fresh veggies, a cheese and sausage plate, hummus, a selection of flatbreads and crackers, cookies, and more. We'll have snack options such as assorted trail mixes and granola bars available throughout the day. 

We'll also enjoy a post-hike stop at a local farm stand for you to stock up on local veggies, fruit, prepared goods, preserves, and more. 

Itinerary

7:00am: meet at 3 World Trade Center to board 15 person vans for the ride upstate. We'll have coffee, tea, donuts, granola bars, and fruit waiting. Driving time is appx 2H 30M, with a rest stop. 

10:00am (appx): arrive at trailhead for a great day in the woods

4:30pm (appx): return to trailheads to board vans.

7:00pm (appx): drop off at 3 World Trade Center. 

Hike Challenge Levels

When you register for the hike below, please choose your preferred hike level.

“Berries & Leisure” - This route will take its time getting started around Lake Minnewaska. At the start of the lake we will talk about the history of the region. We will travel clockwise around the lake, then head toward the blueberry patch. Descending through the patch, we will briefly pick blueberries in multiple areas in order to spread and minimize our impact. Trail stats - 3 miles, less than 400’ elevation gained/lost 

“Lake Awosting” - The Lake Awosting route takes you along a mellow carriage road to a beautiful Lake Awosting for a picnic lunch, traveling back via the Mossy Glen trail alongside one of our favorite creeks in the area. At just over five and a half miles this hike has relatively little elevation gain making it a great choice for the hiker looking for a beautiful day in the woods without much climbing. Trail stats - 5.5 miles, 600’ elevation gained/lost  

“Rainbow Falls” - This hike takes rhododendron shaded trails and historic carriage roads to bring you to some of our favorite viewpoints and a woodland waterfall. At just under 6 miles this hike offers a relaxed pace while still providing a challenge.Trail stats - 6 miles, 700’ elevation gained/lost 

“Two Lakes”- This route visits two of the iconic, glacially carved “Sky Lakes” for which this park is known. A combination of carriageway and foot trail makes these seven and a half miles feel like less distance that that.  Trail stats - 7.5 miles, 950’ elevation gained/lost 

“Gertrude’s Nose” - This route spans 7 miles with a fair amount of elevation gain. Hikers will get excellent views from Gertrude's nose and will enjoy a walk around beautiful lake Minnewaska. This hike is challenging but worth the effort. Trail stats - 7 miles, 1100’ elevation gained/lost 

“Castle Point” - The Castle Point hike provides a challenge for even the experienced hiker, packed full of excellent views. Enjoy the sights from Castle Point, Hamilton Point and Echo Rock on this strenuous hike. Trail stats - 7 miles, 1200’ elevation gained/lost 

Packing list 

We recommend bringing two 1-liter water bottles. Please wear comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking. Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots are ideal. 

Your guides will handle all group gear, including safety, sanitation, water filtration, etc.

Questions? Please email us info@destinationbackcountryadventures.com or give us a ring at 718.208.9878. 

(Photo Credit: Morgana Skelton)

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