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Biography – Ed Moran

Ed is a long time outdoor guide and trip organizer.  He prides himself on organizing safe but challenging and rewarding experiences that likewise match the goals and abilities of his clients. Every day is different; Ed is equally at home on easy hikes, or off trail navigating on a dense scrambly mountainside.

From fun social backpacking for novices to advanced navigation and multi-day trips in the back country, his goal is to teach while insuring an enjoyable experience that clients will want to repeat. Through many years of guiding experience Ed has developed a keen sense of how to challenge and excite outdoor enthusiasts of different abilities and aspirations.

Ed is a New York State licensed outdoor guide, a certified Wilderness First Responder, and serves as the Region 1 Director for the New York State Outdoor Guides Association. He is a member of the Catskill Mountain Search and Rescue team (CMSAR), a BSA Scoutmaster and has held positions ranging from Programs Chair to President of his Adirondack Mountain Club chapter.

Ed has been hiking and camping in the forests of the northeast for over 25 years.  He is an Adirondack 46’er, a Catskill 3500 member and a member of 4000 footer club of the White Mountains.  He has hiked all 35 of the Catskill Mountain high peaks in both summer and winter many times, including on-trail and bushwhack routes.  He has also hiked 4000 foot peaks in the White Mountains of New Hampshire over 100 times and lead groups on multi day adventures.  Ed loves the outdoors and therefore can often be found exploring and enjoying the same wonderful places when not guiding.

Outdoor Guide Certifications

  • NYSDEC Licensed Guide #7568
  • WMA certified Wilderness First Responder
  • CPR
  • Safe Swim
  • New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) – Region 1 Director
  • BSA Scoutmaster

Memberships and AffiliationsEd Moran is a director of the New York State Outdoor Guide Association

  • New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA)
  • Catskill Mountain Search and Rescue (CMSAR)
  • Adirondack Mountain Club
  • Appalachian Mountain Club
  • New York New Jersey Trail Conference
  • Adirondack Forty-Sixers
  • Catskill 3500 Club
  • AMC Four Thousand Footer Club (White Mountains)
  • Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference

Client Reviews

  • Ed took us on a hike up the Adirondack Dixes, including his favorite, the slide up Macomb Mountain all from the Elk Lake parking lot. We camped two nights-rather elegantly with meals that had been thought out ahead of time; Learning great techniques, for example- fire starting, due to Ed's expertise, or at using a river sack to cool our food while we were hiking during the day. Ed is especially observant of the comfort level, hiking pace, expectation of challenges, and capabilities of the hikers he is leading. We felt always safe, yet truly stretched by the vigor of our hikes. Also, we felt more confident in self-sufficiency, mixed with respect for experience. Thank you!
    Keelin Murphy
  • Ed Moran, a licensed New York State Guide and experienced hiker, helped me finish my Catskill Fire Tower Challenge and 3500 Club mountain challenge. I am so glad I hired Ed!--his navigational skills and knowledge of the backcountry (including plants!) were phenomenal. He not only led me daily through gnarly, hobblebush-dense herd paths with ease but also provided instruction on using a map and compass. A daily gourmet diet of PBJ sandwiches made with his homegrown berries; lemon grass triscuits and horseradish cheese; and delectable blueberry biscotti were also provided. Ed also started each day with making his "power coffee" served at our very comfortable, affordable lodging at The Mansion House at Alfie's in Tannersville, NY. A great choice for lodging with hot showers at the end of each day! I couldn't ask for a more personable companion and knowledgeable guide than Ed Moran. He made very tough hikes much more enjoyable and I would recommend his service to anyone!
    Jackie Beattie
  • I just completed my first guided backpacking vacation with licensed guide Ed Moran. I camped, and hiked up Table Mountain on my vacation. The views where amazing, the campsite was next to a babbling brook complete with a fire pit, and wooden seating. The lovely tent area was shaded which provided comfort, and quiet for a great night sleep. On top of all of that was the five star menu of grilled steaks, potatoes, with salad, home made omelets, and so much more. This was truly luxury backpacking. In addition to all of that Ed Moran provided detailed, and technical instructions on hiking up and down hills, campsite selection, camp fire starting, water filtration, and so much more. This was truly a vacation that exceeded all my expectations, and I would highly recommend Ed Moran to anyone considering a backpacking trip whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro.
    Jennifer Paul