Hiking & Backpacking Classes

Whether your goals are to improve physical fitness, learn new skills, or gain the knowledge and experience to explore the backcountry safely and confidently, our hiking and backpacking classes can be structured to help you achieve specific outcomes. 

The wilderness setting makes for a great environment to exercise, gain transferrable skills, and increase independence, all while having fun and enjoying the outdoors. Learn about local trails and parks in the Hudson Valley and beyond, including Harriman State Park, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Catskills and Adirondacks.

Start with a strong foundation by covering the basics of how to plan and and prepare for a safe day in the wilderness. and the importance of Leave No Trace Practices (LNT). Intermediate skills include learning to safely navigate various terrain like rock scrambling, or hiking on wet, muddy or snow covered surfaces. When ready, join us for a more advanced skiing or mountaineering class.

Classes can be hosted at any hiking destination listed below, or create a custom itinerary!

Day Hikes:
​​Harriman State Park
Appalachian Trail
Breakneck Ridge
Bear Mountain & Zoo
Popolopen Torne
Anthony's Nose

Overnight Trips:
Harriman State Park
Appalachian Trail NY/CT
Pound Ridge Reservation
Adirondacks - Winter
Catskills - Winter

Classes at locations listed above can be booked online. Call or email to book multi-day courses or to get more information on our outdoor classes.

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Class Goals and Objectives:
​Intro to Hiking - Preparation and Route Finding
Wilderness Safety
Hiking for Fitness
Rock Scrambling & Advanced Terrain
Winter Hiking & Adverse Weather Conditions
Alpine Skiing
Snowshoeing
Intro to Backpacking - Gear Selection & Packing Tips
Multi-Day Trip Planning
Ultralight Backpacking - when every ounce counts
​Primitive Shelter Building & Backcountry Camping
Survival Skills - fire building & water purification
Foraging Wild Berries and Edible Plants
Conservation & Leave No Trace (LNT)

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Private Classes start at $300 for up to 5 hours
​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

What to Bring:

• Medications, EpiPen or Inhaler
• Hat & Sunscreen
• Lunch
• Sturdy Footwear - Trail Runners or Lightweight Hiking Boots
• Rain jacket, poncho or umbrella

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!

*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 Hudson Valley. Classes in the Catskills have a $200 surcharge and Adirondacks a $400.