Hiking and Backpacking Adventure in the Catskills & Adirondacks

Best Hikes: Hunter Mountain via Becker Hollow & Devil’s Path

July 10, 2018May 15, 2018 Catskills, Fire Towers, Hiking, Venture Out Becker Hollow Trail, Catskill Fire Tower Project, Devil's Path, High Peaks, Hunter Mountain, Lean-to, Plateau Mountain

There are many ways up the Catskills second highest summit. Ranging from moderate to difficult makes reaching the fire tower views doable for most people. With a horse trail and handicap ramp for mounting and

Being outdoors: Why it matters to your health.

July 3, 2018July 7, 2018 Family Friendly, Tips Fitness, Health, John Burroughs, John Muir, Mental health, outdoor fitness, Recovery, Stress, Well-being, William Wordsworth

When I was a kid my parents would often tell my brother and me to “go outside and play”. I think this was true for all of my friends. We spent very little time indoors.

Mine Kill State Park and Mine Kill Falls

June 30, 2018July 6, 2018 Catskills, Family Friendly, For Beginners, Hiking Long Path, Mine Kill Falls, Mine Kill State Park, Schoharie County

This is unlike most of the posts we do on this site. Carolyn and I started the day with plans to hike Giant Ledge, but Carolyn’s hip was recovering from a strain and she wanted

The heat is coming: Strategies to prevent heat stress during exercise

June 30, 2018May 21, 2018 Backpacking, For Beginners, Hiking, Skills & FAQS, Tips Dehydration, heat acclimatization, Heat Illness, heat stress, Hydration, hyponatremia, Water

For the human body water is the most important nutrient. Water makes up about 60% of the average person’s weight but can range from 45% to 75% (Campbell & Spano, 2011). Euhydration is a state

Bear alert in the Adirondacks at Slant Rock (and heat in NY)

June 29, 2018July 1, 2018 Adirondacks, Backpacking Black Bear, Johns Brook Valley, Slant Rock

In a rare and prudent request, Ranger Scott VanLaer (NYSDEC) has requested that backpackers heading into the Johns Brook Valley NOT camp at Slant Rock this weekend due to bear activity. The bear is reported