Backpacking New York

Learn River Canoeing, Solo or Tandem, in Lehighton, PA

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000014M6D2AU/act00019921)** * Note: This canoe instructional weekend class is now full. Please look for this annual canoe class to be offered again in June 2027. Registration for canoe instructional weekend closes Jun 5. Interested applicants must go to AMC NY NoJ link above to apply for the Moving Water Instructional. Joining trip via Meetup site will not register individuals for the event. Description: **One weekend of instruction, practice and feedback by a team with trained canoe teachers. Learn the strokes and maneuvers to safely and adventurously enjoy canoeing in fast or slow moving creeks and rivers.** **Opportunity to join us for follow-up trips to occur in PA, MA, NJ and NY.** **Learn the terminology and practice strokes & techniques for:** **Stopping** **Ferries** **Eddy turns** **Peel outs** **River reading** **Learn basic swiftwater safety:** **Self-rescue** **Safety gear & use** **River hazards** **Course includes camping fees & breakfasts/dinners for the weekend, plus free boat rental all season for AMC trips. Members price extends to current KCCNY & AMC members. Returning students upgrading their skills attend at half price. Teens welcomed if accompanied by a participating parent or legal guardian also attending as a student.** **For those registering for Solo Canoe instruction, we require some paddling experience plus instructor approval. For those registering for Tandem Canoe instruction, no prior experience needed. You can let leaders know if you are interested in solo or tandem canoe instruction in a message or after application submittal and subsequent vetting discussion. Must be able to lift 35-55 pound boats with some help. Must be comfortable swimming in deep, moving water while wearing a personal flotation device. Must be able to sit in a boat for several hours at a time.** **All days of the weekend of instruction are essential and required. Apply here. Those approved will be registered . Classes fill fast.** **Friends or family might opt to take this similar course as kayakers, since we share the location, date and camping fun. Students arrange their own car pools to pick up boats & gear at barn, where we fit you for equipment and give crucial guidance on how to safely car top a boat.** **Questions welcomed. Please email canoe instructors Chris Viani / cwviani@gmail.com (solo) or please text to Charles Michener / cell: 917-370-1591 (tandem) with questions or concerns.** **If you cannot attend for any reason, please cancel online and contact the leader as soon as possible in order to make your space available to others.** **Cancellations up to June 5, 2026 will be fully refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations after June 5, 2026** **Costs** **150.00 USD - New Student, Member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction. AMC member rate is extended to current AMC and KCCNY members.** **180.00 USD - New Student, Non-member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction.** **75.00 USD - Returning Student, Member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction. AMC member rate is extended to current AMC and KCCNY members.** **90.00 USD - Returning Student, Non-member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction.)**

South Mountain Crest Trail

Let's Walk!! in South Mountain and visit Washington Rock and traverse a few of the many trails in the Reservation. Washington Rock is Essex County Park System's bona fide Revolutionary War historic site, dating back to the late 1700's when Beacon Signal Station 9 was located here—one of 23 beacons built by General Washington to observe British troop movements quartered on Staten Island and New York City. Seems like a great place to remember the nation's 250th birthday This hike will be about 3-3.5 miles and mostly flat. The terrain is mostly dirt trails in the woods, so please wear sturdy hiking boots. **Bug spray and protective clothing is a good idea.** Please arrive a few minutes early. We start promptly at the time posted. The hike should take us 60-90 minutes. **Please remember to bring water!** Inclement weather may cancel this event. Please check the event page for comments prior to leaving for the meetup. **Disclaimer:** If you join this event, please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. *photo by Angel Madison*

Clean Up Morning at Ecology Village in Gateway National Recreation Area

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015MAb2AM/act00020241)** Join us as we partner with Park Rangers at **Gateway National Recreation Area** to prepare the Ecology Village campsites for a season of urban camping! Folks new to camping will appreciate your efforts all summer long! **Ecology Village** campsites are located on historic Floyd Bennet Field on Jamaica Bay. It is a unique grassy campground within the five boroughs of New York City! The campsites are predominantly used by youth groups and hikers just learning to enjoy overnight stays in the outdoors. This is a great chance to view AMC's extensive Gear Library at Gateway, which hosts a wide range of equipment for groups to borrow at no cost. Equipment includes tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, rain jackets, fleece jackets, hiking boots, and more. It's also a good opportunity to preview the campsites and available gear if you are thinking of hosting an urban camping trip! Our work may involve clearing overgrowth, repairing equipment, painting or staining fixtures, and replacing signage. All tools will be provided, although you may want to bring your own work gloves and bug spray. Please wear long sleeves and long pants, Ticks and poison ivy are in the area. Bring water and a snack. This event is accessible by public transportation. Take the 5 Subway to the end of the line at Flatbush Ave-Brooklyn College. Transfer around the corner to the Q35 headed towards Rockaway Park. Disembark in front of the Ryan Visitor Center. We will all meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 9:45am and will wait until 10:00am. Please register for this event in advance by clicking **[HERE](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015MAb2AM/act00020241)**

Yellowstone Hiking and More with Grand Teton

Explore the mountains, wildlife, thermals, hot springs and geysers of Wyoming on our 7-day Yellowstone Hiking and More with Grand Teton adventure! Cue the goosebumps as the SHE-nanigan Shuttle passes below the Roosevelt Arch inscription: For the benefit of the people. Preach, Teddy! **EPIC YELLOWSTONE TOUR, EXPLORER CHICK STYLE** Welcome to the world’s first-ever national park, where you’ll go deeper than a highlight tour to see ALL of Yellowstone’s stupid-pretty glory. This means exploring by foot, shuttle, horseback, raft, cliff, backstroke – and maybe that Lord of the Rings eagle. **LAMAR VALLEY** Blow up your photo roll tracking Lamar Valley wildlife on and off trail as the sun creeps up. Our local wilderness guide leads the way as we break out the scopes searching for wolves, grizzly bears, bison, pronghorn, badgers, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and coyotes—who knows what we might see? **GEYSERS, THERMALS, AND HOT SPRINGS – HELL YES!** Spend an entire day chasing enough geothermal beauty to create an entire gallery wall in your house. Catch Old Faithful being a total diva. Rise above the tourists for an osprey’s view of Grand Prismatic Spring. Soak and soothe your amazing muscles in heavenly hot springs. **YELLOWSTONE + GRAND TETON HIKING** Gaze into the Grand Canyon in search of rainbows from Artist’s Point in the South Rim. Scramble up talus slopes to the top of Avalanche peak for an eye-full of the Grand Tetons – 50 miles away! Enter Grand Teton National Park for an all-time favorite hike up Cascade Canyon. Keep your peepers peeled for moose! You’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and will start to feel part-marmot. Slap an inspirational quote on your Insta post before splashing with your new besties in a cold mountain lake. **BEST OF YELLOWSTONE TOUR ACCOMMODATIONS** You’ll get plenty of chill time in our cozy inn (first three nights) in the small town of Gardiner, followed by a Yellowstone National Park hotel (next two nights). End your girls’ trip in a hotel nestled in the heart of Jackson with plenty of time to shop and throwback shots. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yellowstone-tour-grand-teton-hiking/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yellowstone-tour-grand-teton-hiking/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](mailto:hello@explorerchick.com) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Learn to Thru-Hike (6/5-7)

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/learn-to-thru-hike-6-5-7)** ### **Learn to Thru-Hike: A Backcountry Masterclass** **Master the art of long-distance hiking through a hands-on, immersive Catskills experience**. ### Adventure Snapshot 🥾 Activity: Backpacking expedition, skills training & backcountry curriculum ⏱️ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 🥾 Distance: Varies based on route; multi-day hiking with a weighted pack ⛰️ Elevation: Moderate, varied terrain 🧭 Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate — no prior backpacking experience required 📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience Have you ever dreamed of tackling the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or simply disappearing into the wilderness for a week, but felt overwhelmed by where to even start? Thru-hiking is more than a long walk. It’s a craft, and like any craft, it can be taught. Our Learn to Thru-Hike Adventure is a comprehensive, hands-on experience designed to take you from day hiker to confident backcountry traveler. This is more than a guided trip, it’s a full educational journey that includes a pre-trip planning session, a 3-day/2-night field expedition in the Catskills, and a post-trip debrief to refine your skills and gear. Along the way, you’ll learn the systems, strategies, and mindset required for long-distance hiking, whether your goal is to complete a section hike, tackle a thru-hike, or simply feel more capable and self-sufficient in the backcountry. This experience blends practical skills training, real-world application, and personalized instruction in one of New York’s most accessible wilderness areas. ### What You'll Learn 🎯 How to set realistic goals and physically prepare for long-distance hiking 🗺️ How to plan routes, manage permits, and navigate logistical challenges 🎒 How to choose and optimize your gear, including the “Big Three” (shelter, sleep system, and pack) 🥾 How to plan daily mileage, read elevation profiles, and build flexible itineraries 🍽️ How to fuel your body with effective backcountry nutrition strategies 🧭 Navigation and wayfinding using maps, compass, GPS, and natural cues ⚠️ Risk management, including environmental hazards and emergency preparedness 🌿 Leave No Trace principles and responsible wilderness travel practices ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why learn to thru-hike with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders, they are experienced educators dedicated to helping you build real, lasting backcountry skills. This is more than a backpacking trip. It’s a complete learning experience. Most guided adventures end at the trailhead. This one includes a structured curriculum, a personalized planning session before your trip, and a post-trip debrief to help you refine your system and continue progressing toward your goals. By the end of the experience, you’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to plan and execute your own backcountry adventures. ### What's Included? 📚 Comprehensive digital curriculum delivered upon registration 📋 Pre-trip planning session (virtual or in-person) to review goals, gear, and route 🏕️ 3-day / 2-night guided backcountry expedition 🍽️ All meals and trail snacks, with instruction on backcountry nutrition planning 🎒 Group gear including tents, stoves, and water filtration (or bring your own to test in the field) 📝 Post-trip debrief session to review performance and refine your setup ### Schedule Exact itinerary will vary based on route and group goals. Below is a general outline of the experience. **Day 1** Meet at trailhead for introductions, gear check, and final preparation Begin hiking and apply foundational skills in route planning and pacing Set up camp and introduce backcountry systems and routines **Day 2** Full day of hiking with continued instruction on navigation, nutrition, and efficiency Hands-on practice with gear systems, decision-making, and risk management Evening discussion on long-distance strategy and trail life **Day 3** Morning breakdown of camp and final hiking segment Return to trailhead and debrief key lessons from the field *All times are flexible. We adjust every experience to the pace, goals, and needs of the group.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? **Must have** 💧 2+ liters of water capacity 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for multi-day hiking 🥾 Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or trail runners 🎒 Personal gear (full packing list provided in pre-trip materials) 🧣 Extra layers for changing weather conditions **Good to have** 🌧️ Rain shell 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat 📓 Notebook for notes and trip planning ### FAQs **What happens after I book my adventure?** You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more. **More questions?** Visit our [FAQ page](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

Backpackers Book Club: Night of the Grizzlies

This month we’re reading Night of the Grizzlies by Jack Olsen, a nonfiction account of a tragic night in Glacier National Park that explores the intersection of people, wilderness, and unpredictable danger. The book looks at what happens when human expectations meet a place that doesn’t follow human rules. **Note:** Location for discussion is TBD. This book can be a bit harder to find in print, so most people may need to use an ebook or audiobook version. --- *Night of the Grizzlies* by Jack Olsen **1. The Illusion of Safety** * What responsibility do visitors have versus park authorities? * Can wilderness ever really be “managed”? **2. Confidence in the Outdoors** * Why do humans tend to become more comfortable around risk over time? * How might familiarity with nature shift how people judge danger? * Where do you see overconfidence show up in outdoor settings? **3. The Attraction of Danger** * Is risk part of what makes wilderness meaningful or memorable? * Do stories like this change how you think about nature?

Secret Land of Trout & Berries - Strawberry Solstice Camping (6/19-21)

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/secret-land-of-trout-berries-strawberry-solstice-camping)** ### A restorative weekend campout in our favorite old-growth forest We consider this destination to be a sacred place: a stretch of virgin, old-growth forest wilderness dotted with beaver ponds and brambles and flush with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. The lush meadows are cut by streams filled with trout to form a true paradise. Not marked on any maps or trail guides, we’ve kept the location of the Secret Land of Trout and Berries a closely guarded secret, and though not too difficult to reach, it has remained unspoiled. On this very mellow backpacking trip, we'll hike into our camping destination before settling in for a long weekend filled with berry picking, swimming, fishing, and celebrating the Summer Solstice. With a moderate hike in, this is a great first camping or backpacking trip for anyone interested in spending their first night in the woods. ### **Trip stats** 🥾Approx. 5-6 mile hike to basecamp ⛰️ No elevation gain to basecamp 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate. We will be hiking on-trail and off-trail to reach out camping destination. ### **The Destination Backcountry Difference** **Why hike with us? Expert guides.** Founded in 2011, our NY State-licensed guides are not merely hike leaders, they are ambassadors for the outdoors, dedicated to sharing their passion for nature with others. **A FULL weekend of** **adventure:** Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full weekend of adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute! **On this trip, our guides will share:** ✨ One-of-a-kind destination: experience a night camping in a magical Catskills forest like no other 🦉 Forest interpretation and signs of wildlife like owls, deer, efts, and more 🔥 An incredible camping experience: redefine your idea of cozy camping and imagine a roaring campfire, a gourmet meal shared with your fellow adventurers, and a peaceful night sleep with a warm cup of coffee waiting for you in the morning. 🎣 Fishing available 🩱Swimming available 🍃 This incredible forest is perfect for mindfulness activities like meditation, journaling, and more ### **What's Included?** 🚐 Transportation to and from NYC ☕ Breakfast: Your adventure includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and donuts and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive to the trailhead 🧀 Lunch + Dinner + Breakfast in the Woods: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs. 🌄 On trail guidance from an expert NYS licensed guide ### **Schedule** **Day One** Between noon-3pm TBD Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays 12:30-3:30pm TBD Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central Rest Stop Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to Camp + Camp Setup Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until Bedtime **Day Two** 8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee 10:00-2:30 Optional Hike + Lunch During Hike \~2:30-5:00 Camptime \~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until Bedtime **Day Three** 8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Break Camp 10:00-12:00 Camptime 12:00 Light Lunch + Hike to Van \~2:00-3:00 Arrival at trailhead + van heads back to NYC \~4:30 Rest stop \~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off \~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off \*All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group. Our overnight trips are much more flexibile! Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic. ### **What Do I Need to Bring With Me?** **Must have** 🎒 Backpack (45L minimum, with hip belt 💤 Sleeping bag 🛏️ Sleeping pad 🍽️ Mess kit (fork, spoon, bowl and cup) 💧 2, 1-liter water bottles 🔦 Headlamp 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking 🥾 Footwear: sneakers or boots are perfect for this trip 🧣 Clothes: extra layers, top and bottom, 3 pairs of socks 🌧️ Rain shell ⛺ Tent: We have a limited number of tents available to borrow. Please let us know if you would like to borrow a tent. There is also the option to sleep under a tarp shelter, which your guide can help build, or to sleep under the stars if conditions permit. If you are NOT planning on bringing a tent, please let us know your preferences from above. **Good to have:** 🩴 Camp shoes 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat ### **FAQs** **What happens after I book my adventure?** You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more. **More questions?** Visit our [FAQ page](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq "FAQ") here.

SoL, Sunset, Cruising the East River in Evening Glam of NYC

Urban Reset Overnight Retreat (6/12-14)

**[BOOK HERE](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/collections/all-guided-outdoor-adventures/products/urban-reset-overnight-retreat)** ### Urban Reset Overnight: A Catskills Mindfulness Retreat **Extend your reset beyond the day with an immersive overnight experience in the forest.** ### Adventure Snapshot 🌿 Activity: Mindfulness retreat, guided hiking & overnight camping experience ⏱️ Duration: 3 days / 2 nights 🥾 Distance: \~7 miles over three days ⛰️ Elevation: \~1,700 ft gain and loss (includes summit of Big Indian Mountain) 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate 📍 Location: Catskill Mountains, NY 👥 Group Size: Small group experience **What if the reset didn’t end at sundown?** Our Urban Reset experience, breathwork, sound meditation, sensory walks, and deep forest immersion, unfolds over three days in the Catskills. With more time in nature, the reset deepens: the quiet that settles after dark, the stars overhead, the sound of a nearby stream, and waking slowly to birdsong and morning light. Led by NYS-licensed guide and nature-connected coach Herb Brooks, this three-day retreat expands on the core elements of our signature Urban Reset, creating space for a more gradual arrival, fuller days in the forest, and a more integrated close to the experience. On day one, we transition out of the city and into the mountains, arriving at camp and settling in with a guided hike, grounding practices, and an opening circle to set intentions for the days ahead. As night falls, we gather for a shared meal, light sound meditation, and a chance to ease into the stillness of the forest. Day two offers a full, unhurried day of immersion. We begin slowly with a mindful morning before setting out on a guided hike to the summit of Big Indian Mountain. The afternoon invites rest, reflection, and solo time in nature, followed by sensory practices and a deeper evening experience of sound, connection, and stargazing. On day three, we turn toward integration. Through gentle breathwork, reflection, and a closing ceremony, we create space to carry the experience forward before hiking out and returning to the city. This experience blends mindfulness, movement, and time in nature, offering a more complete reset, one that unfolds gradually and stays with you long after you leave the forest. ### What You'll Learn 🌬️ Breathwork techniques to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system 👣 Mindfulness practices including sensory awareness and silent walking 🎵 The role of sound and vibration in meditation and relaxation 🌿 How nature immersion supports mental clarity and emotional well-being 🧘 Techniques for reflection, intention setting, and personal reset 🏔️ How physical movement and time in nature work together to restore balance ### The Destination Backcountry Difference Why reset with us? Our NY State licensed wilderness guides are not just hike leaders—they are passionate facilitators dedicated to helping people reconnect with nature in meaningful ways. This experience is led by Herb Brooks, a wilderness guide and nature-connected coach trained through the EarthBased Institute in Colorado. Herb brings together mindfulness practices and outdoor experience to create a retreat that is both grounding and transformative. This is more than a wellness experience. It’s an opportunity to step fully away from daily routines and allow the natural environment to shape your reset. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave feeling grounded, refreshed, and more connected—to yourself and to the natural world. ### What's Included? 🚐 Transportation to and from NYC ☕ Breakfast: Fresh fruit, donuts, and a selection of coffee and tea for the drive 🍽️ Meals: Gourmet lunches, a campfire dinner, and breakfast in the woods. Vegetarian and vegan options available, and we’re happy to accommodate dietary needs and allergies 🏕️ Group camping gear (tents available to borrow) 🌄 Full guidance from Herb Brooks, NYS licensed guide and nature-connected coach ### Schedule **Day One** Between noon–3pm TBD Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays 12:30–3:30pm TBD Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central Rest Stop Arrival at Trailhead + Guided Hike to Camp + Camp Setup Opening Circle + Intention Setting (sage / palo santo) Campfire Dinner + Light Sound Meditation + Stargazing until Bedtime **Day Two** 8:00–10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Slow Morning Wake-Up 10:00–1:30 Guided Summit Hike + Mindfulness + Lunch During Hike \~1:30–3:30 Rest + Hammock Time + Journaling + Optional Solo Wanders \~3:30–5:30 Sensory Forest Immersion + Silent Walk + Nature Connection Practices \~6:00 Campfire Dinner + Group Reflection + Sound Bath + Stargazing until Bedtime **Day Three** 8:00–10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Breathwork Session 10:00–12:30 Creative Nature Practice (journaling / sit spot / group sharing) 12:30 Light Lunch + Integration Circle + Closing Ceremony \~2:00–3:00 Pack Up Camp + Hike to Van \~4:30 Rest Stop \~7:00 Manhattan Drop Off \~7:30 Brooklyn Drop Off *All times are intentionally flexible. We adjust every experience to the needs and pace of the group.* ### What Do I Need to Bring With Me? ### Must have 🎒 Backpack (daypack is fine — no heavy gear required) 💤 Sleeping bag 🛏️ Sleeping pad 💧 2, 1-liter water bottles 🔦 Headlamp 🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable layers suitable for hiking and sleeping outdoors 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots ### Good to have **🌧️** Rain shell 🕶️ Sunglasses 🧢 Hat 🩴 Camp shoes ### FAQs **What happens after I book my adventure?** You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more. **More questions?** Visit our [FAQ page](https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/pages/faq) here.

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking and Glamping Weekend

Join us on our Great Smoky Mountains Hiking & Glamping Weekend for women only! Enjoy four days of sweeping mountain vistas, a private whiskey tour, forest hikes, and more. Spend a long weekend with a small group of women hiking the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (including parts of the Appalachian Trail). Luxuriate with nightly glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. Your hiking adventure has been carefully (obsessively?) curated by the Explorer Chick team over countless in-field tests. Only our top treks make the itinerary. Prepare to be challenged on the trail and rewarded with the most OMFG-level mountain views and waterfalls. **GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING** Stride through sweet-smelling pine forests to reach sweeping panoramic vistas with a girl gang you’d trust more than Paul Bunyan. Climb to only one of three remaining fire towers in the National Park when you embark on the strenuous trek up Mt. Cammerer. You can take it “easy” on a moderate hike to the park’s highest single-drop waterfall, Rainbow Falls. Then, inch out to a bald rock outcropping on Charlie’s Bunion to get your heart hammered by mountain scenery in every direction. Walk in the foot path of thousands of Appalachian Trail thru hikers that have come before you on two hikes. Your Insta feed won’t know what hit it. Yes, this is real life with WILD women. **WHISKEY TOUR** Of course, what’s a trip to Tennessee without whiskey? You’ll spend a few hours on an exclusive, private tour with our local guide visiting distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Go behind the scenes at a real working still house and see how everything is made start to finish. Learn the history of whiskey throughout the Prohibition era, the state’s romance with whiskey, and why these mountains were such an integral part of moonshine culture. **GLAMPING** Each night, put your feet up in total Pinterest-worthy digs at our adorable glamping site minutes from Gatlinburg. You will sleep in a tent that has been tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed with WiFi and temperature control – with meals freshly prepared at camp by your Explorer Chick guides. You only have one task after hiking: RELAX. It’s a wonderfully wild weekend with a small group of women hiking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over the course of the long weekend, you’ll quickly grow close with your posse of Explorer Chicks as you hike the trails and share memories of summits. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/smoky-mountains-hiking-and-glamping/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/smoky-mountains-hiking-and-glamping/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Croatia Hiking National Parks and Multisport Adventure Tour

Get ready to have your mind blown multiple times over turquoise waters, frothing waterfalls, badass mountain summits, and medieval towns. Croatia will turn anyone into an annoying romantic. Book your week-long women’s multi-sport adventure tour featuring hiking, e-biking, mountain-summiting, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and plenty of Adriatic Sea swimming. You’ll explore ancient cities tripping through architectural history from ancient Roman, Venetian Gothic, Romanesque, and Medieval. Cycle through stupid-pretty Istrian Peninsula hilltop towns. Bust your booties through Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica National Parks. Climb a freaking Via Ferrata to summit Bojin Kuk. And float through the 80+ islands that make up Kornati National Park. BRB we need to pick our jaw up from off the ground. **EXPLORE ZAGREB, CROATIA’S CAPITAL CITY** You and your Explorer Chick entourage will geek over all the architecture porn – from medieval stone gates to Gothic cathedrals. We’ll visit all the “musts” and gather for a welcome dinner in the Old Town. Did you just change your Insta handle to Croatia_Cutie? We are obsessed with you! **E-BIKES, WINE, AND TRUFFLES IN THE ISTRIAN COUNTRYSIDE** What could be better than seeing tiny cutie towns? TASTING the wares of those tiny cutie towns! We’ll cruise the Parenzana trail on our E-Bikes, stopping in Grožnjan, Oprtalj, and Motovun for coffee, olive oil tastings, and a spectacular lunch. By evening, we’ll cycle to the top of Motovun for a stunning gargoyle view of the Adriatic cities. You won’t leave Istria without loading your bike down with bottles of wine and a tummy full of truffles. **HIKE PLITVICE LAKES AND PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARKS** You’re gonna see the kind of natural beauty that shows up in the screensavers of Apple products. The Instagram world is stark raving mad over Plitvice Lakes because of its unique system of lakes and waterfalls. A rock climbing and hiking paradise awaits you in Paklenica National Park with views of the Adriatic Sea from your very own mountain summit. **KORNATI NATIONAL PARK SPEED-BOAT AND SPLIT SEA-KAYAKS** The best views of this gorgeous region are often gleaned from the sea. Across two days, we’ll explore the island systems via speedboat and sea-kayak, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and floating otter-style on your back. You are basically a mermaid now and have to deal with mermaid things like schools of fish, coral spottings and island lunches. You poor thing. **Adventure Highlights:** * E-Bike through Croatia’s “Tuscany” tasting Wine, Olive Oil, and Truffles along the way * Discover charming hilltop medieval towns on the Istria Peninsula * Truffle Hunt with a local in the forests of Motovun * Hike the lower and upper falls of the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park * Soak in sunsets over the Adriatic from beautiful viewpoints * Climb a Via Ferrata to the summit of Bojin Kuk in Paklenica National Park * Enjoy the background music of Zadar’s Sea Organ at sunset * Explore Kornati National Park by speedboat with swimming, snorkeling, and a seafood lunch * Sea Kayak to a secluded beach off Split with more swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping * Get lost in the narrow streets of Split while enjoying a cone of gelato or a glass of wine * Kick back in 3-4 Star boutique hotels throughout your adventure with fabulous views that pair well with a cocktail * Relax with a comprehensive itinerary that makes everything in-between easy. * Geek out with encouraging and supportive Explorer Chicks on a private, women-only, small group adventure tour. **See the website for full details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-croatia-hiking-national-parks-and-multisport-adventure-tour/](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/womens-croatia-hiking-national-parks-and-multisport-adventure-tour/) **Say Hello 👋** 💻 Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: [hello@explorerchick.com](http://hello@explorerchick.com/) 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Learn River Canoeing, Solo or Tandem, in Lehighton, PA

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000014M6D2AU/act00019921)** **One weekend of instruction, practice and feedback by a team with trained canoe teachers. Learn the strokes and maneuvers to safely and adventurously enjoy canoeing in fast or slow moving creeks and rivers.** **Opportunity to join us for follow-up trips to occur in PA, MA, NJ and NY.** **Learn the terminology and practice strokes & techniques for:** **Stopping** **Ferries** **Eddy turns** **Peel outs** **River reading** **Learn basic swiftwater safety:** **Self-rescue** **Safety gear & use** **River hazards** **Course includes camping fees & breakfasts/dinners for the weekend, plus free boat rental all season for AMC trips. Members price extends to current KCCNY & AMC members. Returning students upgrading their skills attend at half price. Teens welcomed if accompanied by a participating parent or legal guardian also attending as a student.** **For those registering for Solo Canoe instruction, we require some paddling experience plus instructor approval. For those registering for Tandem Canoe instruction, no prior experience needed. You can let leaders know if you are interested in solo or tandem canoe instruction in a message or after application submittal and subsequent vetting discussion. Must be able to lift 35-55 pound boats with some help. Must be comfortable swimming in deep, moving water while wearing a personal flotation device. Must be able to sit in a boat for several hours at a time.** **All days of the weekend of instruction are essential and required. Apply here. Those approved will be registered . Classes fill fast.** **Friends or family might opt to take this similar course as kayakers, since we share the location, date and camping fun. Students arrange their own car pools to pick up boats & gear at barn, where we fit you for equipment and give crucial guidance on how to safely car top a boat.** **Questions welcomed. Please email canoe instructors Chris Viani / cwviani@gmail.com (solo) or please text to Charles Michener / cell: 917-370-1591 (tandem) with questions or concerns.** **If you cannot attend for any reason, please cancel online and contact the leader as soon as possible in order to make your space available to others.** **Cancellations up to June 5, 2026 will be fully refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations after June 5, 2026** **Costs** **150.00 USD - New Student, Member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction. AMC member rate is extended to current AMC and KCCNY members.** **180.00 USD - New Student, Non-member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction.** **75.00 USD - Returning Student, Member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction. AMC member rate is extended to current AMC and KCCNY members.** **90.00 USD - Returning Student, Non-member Rate - Includes camping fees, rentals, some meals, instruction.)**