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Full Moon Backpacking in the Catskills

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Full Moon Backpacking in the Catskills is a special experiences that you’ll want to bring friends along and repeat. Our take on this amazing experience goes off-trail and navigates a fun route to an amazing remote campsite. The camping location is next to an open summit that (weather permitting) will allow fantastic views of the full moon. Please book in advance so that we can take take maximum advantage of timing of the full moon.

Full Moon Backpacking in a secluded mountain-top location

This full moon backpacking is definitely off the beaten path (pun intended) and is a Catskill bucket-list experience. It is strenuous covering 9 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain over the 2 days while carrying overnight gear. Clear skies not guaranteed, but this is a fantastic trip even without the moon.

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COVID-19 Impacts on Hiking and Camping

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The COVID-19 impacts on hiking include the universal disruption of plans, including ours. 

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses.

Like lots of people, I’m going more than a little stir crazy due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I’ve been taking local hikes to get some fresh air and exercise and this really does help. It’s been a challenge to keep up with constantly changing COVID-19 impacts on hiking activities.    Active guiding is on hold for now and near-term trips that were planned have been canceled.  Longer term everything is tentative, although we are still taking bookings for guided trips.  These will be dependent on both public health policy and local rules as well as common sense regarding COVID-19

Officially, we are still encouraged to get outside, but there are important common-sense guidelines.  Below are some key takeaways regarding COVID-19 impacts on hiking and camping, my personal thoughts and interpretations regarding access and safety considerations, and some links you can use to keep track of rapidly changing guidelines for outdoor recreation

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Burroughs Range Traverse – February 6

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Catskill Free Guided Hike Series

This challenging winter through-hike of the Burroughs Range is not for everyone. The 10 mile hike with 3800 feet of elevation gain includes three Catskill high peaks (Wittenberg – elevation 3782 feet, Cornell – elevation 3858 feet, and Slide Mountain – elevation 4184 feet). Along the way we’ll negotiate many steep ledges including the famous Cornell Crack. The Burroughs Range Traverse is a fun hike for fit hikers who enjoy some light scrambling.

There are several spectacular viewpoints along the route including the famous views from the Wittenberg summit, spectacular views of Wittenberg and Slide Mountain from Cornell, and others.

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Slide Mountain Hike

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Catskill Free Guided Hike Series

Winter view of Slide Mountain

We’ll summit Slide Mountain in the final hike of our 2019 Catskill Fall Hike Series, although “pre-winter” or even “winter” may describe the conditions that we will encounter.  Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskill Mountains at 4190 feet and we’ll need spikes or crampons and possibly snowshoes depending on snow conditions.  The total hike will be 7 miles with approximately 1800 feet of total ascent.  Please wear winter hiking boots and bring layers of clothing that can be added or subtracted depending on the temperatures.  We’ll discuss strategies for staying warm before and during the hike.  See our recommended gear list for day hikes for advice on what to bring:

Recommended Gear

Slide Mountain Weather Forecast

Please register for the Slide Mountain hike by by emailing edmoran@gmail.com, calling 631-741-3765 or use the contact form below.  Mention where you learned of this hike when registering.  There is no charge for this hike. Registration ends December 10 or when all spots are filled.

We will continue the monthly Catskill hike series in 2020. Check back for details on upcoming hikes. Winter’s coming and many feel it is the best time of the year to hike.

Contact Ed to reserve your spot

Contact

Full Moon Backpack of Allen Mountain

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Join us for a two-night fully guided backpack of Allen Mountain.  This trip is scheduled for Tuesday July 16 – Thursday July 18, 2019.  The midweek hiking should provide us with Adirondack solitude.  The full moon will add an additional sense of wonder to the evenings.  All meals and group gear will be provided by your enthusiastic and professional New York State licensed guide.

The entire hike to Allen Mountain and back is 19 miles with 4000 feet of elevation gain, but we’ll sandwich a moderate backpack around a day-hike of approximately 5 miles to the summit.

Allen Mountain has fantastic views as you climb and another fabulous viewpoint featuring the Great Range of the Adirondacks near the 4340 foot summit.  The summit itself is wooded, but the great views are close by.

Although only 5 miles round-trip, the hike from our campsite to the Allen Mountain summit will be very strenuous.  The route near the Allen Brook is steep, rugged and sometimes slippery.  Therefore, the reward of a hot meal back at our campsite will be well earned.  Once back at the camp, it will be R&R time under the full moon until we have to load our packs and leave the next morning.

The cost for the July 16 Allen Mountain Backpack trip is $400.  Limited space is available.

 

Reserve your spot now:

Reserve

 

Contact us now to request more information or to schedule custom trips:

Contact

 

View / Print Full itinerary

Allen Mountain Backpack Itinerary

 

 

Bridge over the Opalescent River on the way to Allen Mountain Tremendous views close to the summit of Allen Mountain Full Moon over the trail to Allen Mountain - September 2018

Beginner Backpacking – Catskills

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A backpacker is born - Eastern Outdoor ExperiencesThis overnight beginner backpacking class focuses on back-country fundamentals in a fun and enchanting location.  Therefore, it is ideal for backpackers who want to learn new skills or brush up on old ones in a small group setting.

The next beginner backpacking overnight is scheduled for June 12 – 13 in the Catskill mountains.  We’ll hike 3 miles or less each way with modest elevation gain to a beautiful campsite.  An experienced professional guide will provide instruction and coaching as you learn by doing.

See the latest beginner backpacking trips:

Catskill Backpacking updates

 

Whats included:

  • Meals (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)*
  • Group gear (e.g., tents, cookware, stoves, water filtration, fuel).  Carrying the group gear will be a shared effort.
  • Licensed, professional outdoor guide, instruction and coaching.

Whats’s not included:

  • Personal gear (e.g., backpack, clothing, sleeping bag and pad, headlamps, water bottles, medications)
  • Transportation to/from the trail-head
  • Snacks

 Download our recommended gear list

 

A quiet backcountry campsite in the Catskills - Eastern Outdoor Experiences

Beginner Backpacking Itinerary

Before the Trip

  • We will gladly advise you remotely with preparing for the overnight beginner backpacking trip.  See the recommended gear list.

Day 1

  • Meet at the starting trail-head parking area
  • Introductions, meet the group
  • Pack-check and gear distribution
  • Hike and setup campsite
  • Optional short day hike from campsite
  • Group dinner preparation (bagged lunch is provided)

Day 2

  • Group Breakfast
  • Breakdown camp and hike back to starting point
  • Debrief and return of group gear
  • Optional post hike meal at a Catskill eatery

Class Outline

  • Campsite selection
  • Campsite and tent setup
  • Sleep systems
  • Meal planning, cooking and safe storage
  • “Kitchen setup”
  • Dressing to stay warm and dry
  • Campfires
  • Water filtration
  • Sleep systems and techniques
  • Leave No Trace

 

Contact Ed to reserve your spot or to request information about scheduling different dates.

Contact

 

*Please speak to us in advance if you have special dietary requirements.  We will accommodate special requirements at our discretion if practical, but you may need to bring your own food.  Please complete and return the Health History Form and Waiver and Liability Release Form as soon as possible.

 

Beginner backpacking group on the Neversink Rier

 

Join Us at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo

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Eastern Outdoor Experiences will be exhibiting at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo.  We are proud to join this fun and informative event in Kingston, NY on Saturday March 30.  The Expo runs  from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Best Western Plus Hotel and Conference Center, which is located at 503 Washington Avenue in Kingston, New York

Please stop by and say hello.  We will be there all day and therefore eager to chat about outdoor adventures in the Catskills.  Above all we are excited to meet other outdoor enthusiasts.  We love answering questions and hopefully getting to hear about your Catskill experiences.  There will be mini clinics during the day for those looking to learn hiking and camping skills.  At noon, Ed will be giving a presentation titled, “Bushwhacking The Catskills”.

There will be dozens of other exhibitors. These include hiking clubs, outfitters, Catskill food producers, arts and culture organizations and more.  As a result you can expect to enjoy expert presentations, free samples and raffles.

Proceeds will benefit the Catskill Center.  The center’s mission is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the Catskill region.

Eastern Outdoor Experiences looks forward to seeing you at the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo on the 30th.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Ed Moran.

 

Eastern Outdoor Experiences will be at the Great Catskills Outdoor Expo in Kingston on March 30

 

Baxter State Park, Maine – 2020 Dates TBD

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**CANCELED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS ** Check back for 2021

Join us for 4 days of hiking in Baxter State Park, including Mt Katahdin and Pamola Peak.

This trip will include strenuous hiking, but you will appreciate the hot meal and a comfortable bed each night …and memories to last a lifetime.

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Renew Your Mind and Body This Winter

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Start the New Year off right with fresh air, exercise for your body and renewal for your mind and spirit with guided hiking on Long Island. From hills to beaches, easy to rough terrain, historical sites and great after hike refreshments, Long Island has it all for a perfect day getaway.

I’ll share my experience and joy for hiking these woods and arrange a fun filled day that will refresh you and get you home in time for weekend night activities.

 

Your day will include:

  • Hiking in one of the many beautiful places on Long Island.  I’ll arrange the hiking venue or can accommodate your specific request.
  • A fully guided experience with a knowledgeable local expert.
  • Assistance with your transportation plans
  • Post hike stop at a local eatery (food and drink not included).
  • Cost $80 pp, $300 for a private group of 4.

 

Contact Ed Moran to schedule or for more information

Contact

 

Winter Options

Winter weather varies from dry chilly conditions to deep snow.  We go with the flow and enjoy everything that winter has to offer.  If there is sufficient snow cover we will snowshoe.

When conditions are right, we can plan a cross country skiing adventure.  We ski often and know some of the best places to go for novices or intermediates.  You must have your own ski equipment.

*We also arrange day trips to the lower Hudson Valley and Catskills.  Contact Ed to schedule.

What to Bring, What to Wear

Weather and trail conditions will vary, but we will advise you before a hike of any special requirements.  Please refer to our detailed gear list for typical gear requirements.  Important basics include the following:

  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Relatively thin insulating layers (fleece, down, or synthetics).
  • A waterproof and windproof jacket
  • 2 quarts of water
  • Extra food

Benefits of Hiking

  • Great exercise
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Great social activity

Places We Hike

We hike in a variety of beautiful places including state land, state, county, local, and private parks and preserves.  Whenever practical, we like to vary the route and take the path less taken.  Some examples of hikes we offer include:

  • “The Other Sunken Meadow”
  • Smithtown Sampler (10 miles hiking three lesser known properties).

 

 

 


 

Catskill Guided Hiking and Skiing with Lodging and Food

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Enjoy Catskill guided hiking, skiing and lodging this winter!  The winter snow season is off to a great early start in the Catskills and therefore so are the winter activities we look forward to each year.  As a result it is looking like a promising season for cross-country skiing on natural snow.  Join us for a celebration of winter with a 3-day / 2-night package of guided hiking or skiing with an experienced and enthusiastic guide.  This package includes two nights of comfortable lodging, homemade breakfasts and trail lunches.  Your Guide will accompany and assist with all facets of your Catskill experience.  Consequently, you will love this getaway whether you are looking forward to advanced or beginner snowshoeing or relaxed ski touring. Continue reading→