Feeling like you want to head for the hills? A Further Afield Day Hike will take you just far enough away to forget about the stresses of the big city, but not so far that you spend all day in transit to get there.

The Deets!

Where: Harriman State Park, New York

When: Saturday, December 21st, 3:45 AM to meet in Brooklyn, 4:15 AM to meet in Manhattan, 5:30 AM to meet onsite. Travel details provided upon signup.

Native Land Recognition: Schaghticoke,Munsee Lenape & Mohican

Distance: 5 miles

Rating: Moderate – good for average hikers and/or semi-regular exercisers who are excited about the challenge of an early morning activity

Estimated Hiking Time: around 4 hours (including breakfast & sunrise break)

Price: $95 / person

Inclusive of: Group transportation from central meeting points in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Trailside treats including hot beverages & warm snacks, headlamp, winter traction gear (if needed), expert support from New York State Licensed Guide(s), gear check-list upon signup.

Not included: Guide gratuity.

Hike Description: This five-mile loop hike in Harriman is all about celebrating the annual cycle of the seasons, and we’ll start Winter ‘24/’25 off with some much-appreciated early morning sunlight on the shortest day of the year!

In the pre-dawn, we’ll don headlamps and head uphill to catch the first rays of light from an iconic lean-to that overlooks the Hudson River. Once there we’ll warm our bellies with some hot beverages and tasty trailside treats while we wait for the sun to rise above the neighboring hillsides. We’ll take time to reflect on our adventures of 2024, and look ahead at our outdoor intentions for the upcoming year. On our way back downhill, we’ll walk along a section of the Appalachian Trail, where some may feel inspired to add a long-distance backpacking trip to their list!

Whatever we dream of on trail, we’ll certainly feel proud that we’ve done something awesome before most folks have even hopped out of bed! We’ll likely even be back to the big city in enough time to beat the crowds for some last-minute holiday shopping, huzzah!

This trip will run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12 in order to ensure the health and safety of all guides and participants. If the minimum has not been met 24 hours ahead of trip, we will reach out and refund, reschedule or make alternate arrangements. Liability Waiver must be completed ahead of hike in order to participate. All hikes are rain or shine.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel 14 days or more prior to the start of your trip, you will receive a full refund, less a 10% non-refundable administration fee. If you cancel between 24 hours and 14 days ahead, you will receive a 50% refund. Anything less than 24-hours is ineligible for refund, unless trip is canceled by Girl Gotta Hike, due to dangerous conditions or any other reason.

Ride Sharing: For this trip, Girl Gotta Hike will be providing an early AM transport from NYC — but if you’ve got your own wheels and would prefer to drive alone &/or carpool with others, do let us know! Upon signup, you’ll be prompted to let us know if you have a car, or if you’ll need a ride. As the hiking date approaches, we’ll put hikers and drivers in nearby neighborhoods in touch with each other.