Surprise Lake Hike

Hike to a secluded lake

Rich in diversity, in both vegetation and terrain, this beautiful five mile trail will lead us to several spectacular viewpoints. We will travel through rhododendron groves and lush woodlands.

The majority of our climb will come in the first two miles where we will climb nearly 900 vertical feet. After hiking a short section of the famous Appalachian Trail we will follow an undulating mountain ridge until we make our way to the secluded Surprise Lake for lunch. In summer, bring or wear your swimsuit for a dip in the lake!

Event Details

DEPARTURE AND RETURN LOCATION
Eastern Mountain Sports Upper West Side (Broadway/76th St.) Subways 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street.
DEPARTURE TIME
9:00 AM Please arrive at 8:45 for check-in.
RETURN TIME
Approximately 5:00 PM.
BRING
Your lunch, snacks and two liters water. In the summer, bring your swimsuit and towel for the lake.
WEAR
Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, sunscreen.
INTENSITY LEVEL
This hike is an Intensity Level 2/3. Please read a full description in the Intensity Level tab above.
TRAIL STATISTICS
Total Miles: 5
Accumulative Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Technical Factors: Minor scrambling, some of use of hands required.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Overview

Adventures at All Skill Levels

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.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

Activity

1 – 3 hours
Distances

Walk or hike less than 3 miles
Surfaces

Flat terrain
Elevation Change

Little or none
Altitude

Less than 3,000 feet

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

Activity

2 – 5 hours
Distances

Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days
Surfaces

Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible
Elevation Change

Up to 1,500 feet per day
Altitude

Up to 6,000 feet

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices & Above

Activity

4 – 6 hours most days
Distances

Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days
Surfaces

Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps
Elevation Change

Up to 2,000 feet per day
Altitude

Up to 10,000 feet

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

Activity

5 – 8 hours most days
Distances

Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days
Surfaces

Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation Change

Up to 3,000 feet per day
Altitude

Up to 14,000 feet

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

Activity

10 plus hours per day
Distances

Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days
Surfaces

Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features
Elevation Change

Up to 4,000+ feet per day
Altitude

May well exceed 14,000 feet

This hike is suitable for beginning hikers who are fit; it is not suitable for those who are out of shape, unsteady on their feet or unfamiliar with the rigors of outdoor exercise.

Why Outdoor Bound?

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.

Outdoor Bound Surprise Lake Hike

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