The Mid-Hudson ADK has a full schedule of outings, published monthly. Non-members are welcome to participate in several outings before joining our chapter.
ADK no longer requires all participants to be vaccinated against Covid 19.
As has been our Chapter policy, leaders may use their discretion in accordance with Federal and State Covid guideline to set rules and limitations for their hikes as they deem fit.
We also offer Mid-Week outings during the week. These additional outings are not published on our website; they are announced to our membership via email. Please contact us if you are a member and do not receive these emails, or you would like a free trial membership.
See Previous Outings for a list of completed outings.
See All Outings Gallery for outing reports and photos from previous outings.
October 2023
Dates TBD. Mine Hole Trail Reblazing at Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Leader: Georgette Weir, georgette.weir@gmail.com
Volunteers welcome; will train. Both easy and/or moderate hikes involved. We need dry conditions to paint Long Path blazes; several dates planned in September were rained out. It’s not too late to give us a hand. Join us. Indicate your interest by contacting the leader. She will send out emails as dates are determined.
Fri, Oct 6 – Alander Mountain Loop (Taconic State Park & Mount Washington State Forest), 6-6.5 strenuous miles with 1500+ feet of elevation gain (and the same down). Hike level: Moderately Strenuous (B+) at a good pace; likely 4-5 hours.
Leaders: Georgette Weir & Jean-Claude Fouere georgette.weir.gmail.com
Beautiful views over the Harlem Valley and toward the Catskills. An old favorite that we’re revisiting this fall. Contact leader for more information.
Fri, Oct 6 to Mon, Oct 9 – Columbus Day Weekend 2023 with the Long Island Chapter
Enjoy a long weekend of hiking, paddling, shopping, antiquing, leaf peeking, or visiting a museum followed by socializing at the Loj. Columbus Day weekend in the Adirondack High Peaks offers opportunities for everyone, from short walks to 46R peaks. Join other ADK members for a great outing and great fun!
You must be an ADK member to attend. Registration and payment for the Columbus Weekend outing is online only at:
https://events.eventzilla.net/e/adk-li-columbus-day-2023-event-2138593054
Please have your membership number available when registering. All accommodations include breakfast each morning. Gratuities are not included in the price. Please sign up for the Saturday night group dinner directly with the Loj.
You can view a video preview of the online registration process here: https://www.adkli.org/cd2023regdemo If you have other questions about the Columbus Day weekend outing contact: edmoran@gmail.com
Refund Policy (subject to transactions fees if we cannot recover them): Before 9/1: full refund. 9/1 onward: refunds are conditional on refilling the accommodation.
Fri, Oct 13 at 1:00pm to Sun, Oct 15 at 1:00pm – Dolly Sods Wilderness Fall Foliage Backpack – 6 miles over 3 days with optional day hike with additional miles – Hike rating B
Leader: David Mong davidcmong@gmail.com
Description: The 17,371 acre Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is located in Grant, Randolph and Tucker Counties, West Virginia. The Dolly Sods Wilderness contains much of the Red Creek drainage and contains bog and heath eco-types, more commonly typical to southern Canada. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet.
This point to point backpack follows a series of trails that move from forest to open grasslands. While the distances are short, the trails here tend toward being muddy and rough. We will relocate the campsite each night to have the group experience both environments. We start at the Blackbird Knob Trailhead and end at the Beaver Dam Trailhead. If the skies are clear, the area is very dark at night. A bear canister or Ursack is required along with water shoes and at least 1 trekking pole. There are several water crossings and the beavers own one of the trails we will be using which make some of the crossings deep. Space is limited. Contact the leader for more information or to register.
Dolly Sods map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5152038.pdf
Information about Dolly Sods: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5090664.pdf
Sun, Oct 15 – Annual hike to Gertrude’s Nose and Millbrook Mtn ~8 miles B
Leader: Roberta Forest robertaforest@gmail.com
This hike starts and ends on carriage roads, but is, otherwise, on hiking trails. We should see peak autumn color! Be prepared to climb on and over rocks as we head from one viewpoint to another. There is at least one water crossing. We will stop somewhere along the way for lunch. Bring water, snacks & lunch. Also carry a rain jacket and any medical or first aid supplies you might need.
Fri, Oct 20 at 1:00pm to Sun, Oct 22 at 2:00pm – Hammersley Wild Area – Near Cross Fork PA – 18 mile two night backpack with roughly 6 miles each day. 1,300’ of elevation gain/loss total. Hiking class B.
Leader: David Mong, davidcmong@gmail.com
The Hammersley Wild Area lies within the Susquehannock State Forest and is known for its beautiful forests and streams. Trekkers remark about solitude, quietude, and dark evening skies given it is the largest roadless area in Pennsylvania. There are 50+ miles of marked hiking trails including a 9-mile portion of the Susquehannock Trail System (STS).
This backpack is suitable for those comfortable being off of established trails and it is a scouting trip for the leader to explore some lesser used areas of the forest. Most of the route is on trails that have been unmaintained for a long time and are hard to follow. We will camp in one spot both nights along a pretty stream.
The route plan is to descend 800’ of elevation on the Bell Branch Trail and a portion of the Nelson Hollow Trail on Friday with a loop hike on Saturday on the Dump Hollow and County Line Trails with 500’ of gain and 500’ of loss. Sunday is a climb back up 800’ to our cars at the Bell Branch Trailhead.
Space is limited. Contact leader for more information.
Map of the area: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/Wild_NaturalAreas.aspx
Fri, Oct 27 to Mon, Oct 30 – Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness in the SW Adirondacks. Approx. 20 to 22 mi, Moderate Pace
Leader: Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or russoutdoors@yahoo.com
The Ha-De-Ron-Dah Wilderness spans 26,000 acres of hills, meadows and woodlands with streams, swamps, lakes & ponds. Moderate grades prevail. Trails are minimally maintained but marked. There is a short spur trail up 2,360- ft. Moose River Mtn. which is the highest elevation and offers a view of the surrounding area. The hiker, seeking solitude, can enjoy a true wilderness experience. Photos are attached. We’ll gather in Thendara, NY, around midday on Friday. Go to http://www.cnyhiking.com/Ha-De-Ron-DahWilderness.htm for a map of the route. Day 1: Big Otter Lake East trailhead to East Pond. (~4 1/2 mi.) Day 2: To Lost Lake (~8 mi.) Day 3: To Middle Branch Lake (~5 mi.) Day 4: To Big Otter Lake East trailhead (~5.5 mi.) We could add a pack-free hike of 2 mi. RT up the Moose River Mtn. spur trail for the expansive view. Physically fit beginners, who have day hiking experience, are encouraged to join us. The leader has some gear to loan. For a full list of necessary gear, go to www.amc-ny.org/backpacking/backpacking-gear-lists If interested, register with the leader.
Looking Ahead
Sat, Nov 4 at 11:00am to Sun, Nov 5 at 1:00pm – Otter Creek Wilderness WV Backpack – 5 Miles – Hiking Class B
Leader – David Mong, davidcmong@gmail.com
Description: Otter Creek Wilderness is 20,698 acres in size. The Otter Creek Wilderness is contained within the Monongahela National Forest and lies in a bowl formed by Shavers Mountain and McGowan Mountain. Most of the streams flow north into Otter Creek. Vegetation consists of second-growth timber, rhododendron, and a variety of mosses and lichens. Elevations range from 1,800 feet at the mouth of Otter Creek to 3,900 feet on McGowan Mountain.
This out and back backpacking trip will be approximately 5 miles round trip with an optional hike after setting up camp. The trail follows a pretty stream with only slight elevation changes. Temperatures are likely to be below freezing so cold weather gear is required. A bear canister or Ursack is required as are water shoes and at least 1 trekking pole. The trip starts and ends at the Dryfork Trailhead which is at the northern end of Otter Creek near Hendricks where we will meet and drive to the trailhead together. Contact leader for more information or to register. davidcmong@gmail.com
Otter Creek map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5195789.pdf
Information about Otter Creek: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5090667.pdf
Fri, Nov 10 to Mon, Nov 13 – Backpack on the Escarpment Trail from Lake Capra to Elm Ridge, Windham/Blackhead Wilderness. NE Catskills – Approx. 19 mi.
Leader: Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9:30 PM) or russoutdoors@yahoo.com
We’ll meet mid-morning at the Park & Ride on the NYS Thruway at New Paltz and caravan to the trailhead. The backpack should end early on Monday in Maplecrest, NY. The Escarpment Trail is a beautiful trail along the Great Wall of Manitou. It offers 13 lookouts in every direction, with some as far as Albany. This route has some ascents, but most are gradual, moderate and short. The itinerary is as follows:
- Day 1: Lake Capra to Dutcher Notch – 4.3 mi.
- Day 2: To Batavia Kill Lean-to/tentsite via the Escarpment, Black Dome & Batavia Kill Trails – 5.8 mi.
- Day 3: To Elm Ridge Lean-to/tentsite via Acra Point, Burnt Knob & Windham High Peak – 8.2 mi.
- Day 4: To the Peck Rd. parking area via the Elm Ridge Trail – 0.9 mi.
Every campsite has water nearby and fire rings. In case of inclement weather, this outing will be rescheduled to Nov. 17-20th.
Sun, Dec 10 – Holiday Party at Locust Grove