Hiking & Backpacking Classes

In all of our classes, you will learn about:
Parks and trail networks in your community
How to prepare for a safe day in the wilderness
The importance of Leave No Trace Practices (LNT)
Gear selection and packing tips
Hiking trail etiquette  
​Conservation and land management

The wilderness setting makes for an exciting  environment to improve physical fitness, gain transferrable skills, and increase independence, all while enjoying the peace, tranquility and natural learning opportunities the great outdoors provides. 

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Our Most Popular Classes

Hiking for Fitness
Find parks and hiking trails in your community
Identify routes within your abilities
Develop a fitness routine that works for you
Improve balance and stability
Increase strength in major muscles
Build stamina and endurance
Set SMART fitness goals
Challenge yourself mentally and physically
Learn about hydration and balanced nutrition
Set pace and manage energy for longer hikes

Hiking Essentials
Research and plan a day hike
10 Essential items to always carry
Gear selection - trails runners vs hiking boots
Clothing layers for changing weather
Rock scrambling & advanced terrain
Mud season and hiking in the rain
Maps and GPS for navigation and route finding
Satellite messengers and communication devices
Hiking clubs and trail maintenance

Backpacking - Overnight to Thru-Hike
Itinerary and route building
Finding, selecting and setting up camp
Ultralight gear - when every ounce counts
Meal prep and cooking on a camp stove
Food storage - how to hang a bear bag
Preparing for long distance section and thru hikes
Apps and guidebooks for navigating
Trail resources and support 

Winter in the Backcountry 
Preparing for freezing temperatures and whiteouts
Navigation techniques for snow covered trails
Identifying and avoiding frostbite and hypothermia
Hiking with snowshoes, microspikes and crampons
Using an ice axe to self arrest
Alpine touring and backcountry skiing

Survival Skills
Primitive shelters & backcountry camping
Fire building
Water filtration and purification
Foraging wild berries and edible plants
Orienteering
Wilderness first aid

Explore the backcountry safely and confidently with a professional guide!

Private Classes start at $380 for up to 5 hours
​($300 per class when you book 5 or more hiking for fitness classes)
​What's Included:

• 3-5 Hour Hike of Your Choice
• Experienced guide, first aid & CPR certified
• Gear & Equipment (Water filter, first aid kit, maps, compass, GPS Satellite Messenger)
• Trekking pole rental
• Snowshoes or MicroSpikes for Winter Hikes
• Water & Snacks
• Custom itinerary​​ for any skill or fitness level

Overnight Camping and Backpacking Courses:
Starting at $750 per night for 1 Person
2 People - $500 per person
3 People - $400 per person
4 People - $350 per person
5 People - $300 per person
+300 each additional person
​What's Included:

• Experienced guide, first aid & CPR certified
• Gear & Equipment (Water filter, first aid kit, maps, compass, GPS Satellite Messenger)
• Lightweight backpacking gear (backpack, trekking poles, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp, dry bags, cooking supplies, and all the essentials!)
• On-trail meals and drinks
• Custom course itinerary and menu planning
• Learn expert tips and tricks for packing your backpacks, setting up camp, backcountry cooking and more!

Hiking Class Locations:
​​Harriman State Park
Bear Mountain State Park
Hudson Highlands State Park
Appalachian Trail
Pound Ridge Reservation
Adirondacks
Catskills
Vermont
​ANY PARK OR TRAIL NEAR YOU!

*There are no pre-requisites; All still levels and abilities are welcome.

*Classes are 1:1 and for private groups, so can be scheduled anytime and customized to meet any goal or objective.

​*Return times are best estimates, and can vary based on the speed and fitness level of the group.
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*For minors and people with special needs, one parent, sibling, aide or chaperone may accompany for no additional charge

*Pricing is for classes in the Lower Hudson Valley. Classes in the Catskills have a $195 surcharge and Adirondacks a $395.