Gunks Hike & Whiskey Tasting

This day of hiking and whiskey tasting is a true escape from city living. A moderate 5 mile hike on one of the most beautiful natural features of New York–the Shawangunk Ridge– will afford sweeping views of the entire Hudson Valley and Highlands. This hike will be a rocky trail along a high ridge line, with 400 feet of elevation change several times. After working up a dire thirst, we will quench it as only whiskey can! Afterward, we will drive to New York State’s only whiskey distillery that is open to the public, where we will tour the distillery and sample three whiskeys and/or vodkas from their selection. Raise a glass of the strong stuff to celebrate your rock prowess! For 220 years this gristmill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, used waterpower to render local grains to flour. In 2001 it was converted one of the mill granaries to a micro-distillery. The partners worked tirelessly to teach themselves the craft of small-batch distillation while navigating the legal and administrative aspects of building the company. Join us for a unique day of exercise and fun!

Event Intensity Level

This trip is Intensity Level 3. Read a full description of all levels.

Event Details

• Departure 9:00 AM. Please arrive at 8:45 AM for check-in.
• Departure/Return Location 73rd Street and Broadway, NE Corner (in front of Apple Bank). 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street, walk 1/2 block north.
• Return Approximately 6:30 PM
• Bring Your lunch, three liters of water per person, hat, sunscreen.
• Wear Hiking boots or trail shoes, shorts or athletic pants, comfortable shirt. Jacket in case of "weather."

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Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.