Autumnfest Hiking, Beer and Wine in the Catskills

We will leave New York City on Saturday morning, drive north, and head into the heart of the Catskill Wilderness Area. The Catskills rise dramatically from the Hudson Valley and stretch to near the Shawangunk Ridge, and is part of New York’s Forest Preserve. Reflecting the roots of Dutch settlers, the name means “cat creek” and may refer to the plentiful Catamounts (mountain lions) that once prowled the area. 
Our first destination is Kaaterskill Falls, the highest waterfall in New York state! The hike is short and steep and well worth the effort: this gorgeous two–tiered waterfall cascades over 260 feet into deep lush pools where you can relax, snap photos or brave the cool waters under the falls.
After Kaaterskill, we will drive a short distance to the Hunter Mountain Microbrew and Wine Festival. Here, we turn you loose to sample countless microbrews and wines from around the region, state and nation. There are also a wide variety of vendors offering specialty foods and a farmers market where you can get lunch. In addition to all the stimuli for your palate, there will be live entertainment to keep you moving- and of course all this takes place at the base of Hunter Mountain, against the backdrop if the wild Catskill hills.
Post festival, we will make our way to our campground nestled in a deep, lush valley and make our home for the night.  You will have plenty of time to rest, relax, swim and shower while your intrepid guide prepares a gourmet dinner for the group. If you are not yet tired from the day, we will build a caveman television that will surely glow and flicker your eyes to sleep.

Rise with the sun and the scent of coffee! Today we will pack up and build a solid breakfast base to fuel our hiking and endeavors for the day. Our destination today is Wittenberg Mountain: A rugged 4,200-foot peak rising straight from the valley and gaining 2,000 vertical feet before leveling out at the peak. The top of Wittenberg Mountain affords some of the most spectacular views in the region, especially as the fall foliage makes its majestic appearance.

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

• Activity

  How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

• Distances

  You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

• Surfaces

  What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.