Devil’s Path tested our hiking limits

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Devil's Path

It’s easy to become overconfident when you’re spending most of your weekends outdoors. But the thing about exploring these wild places is that eventually you’ll encounter a situation that humbles you.

Such was our own experience a few weeks ago on the Devil’s Path—a 22ish mile hike that winds up and down six peaks in the Catskills. The challenge became both mental and physical as we attempted to climb Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, Hunter and Westkill mountain in a day. We’ve been on a few long distance backpacking trips and thought this day-hike, while not easy, wouldn’t require more than just some extra sweat and motivation to get through.  Continue reading Devil’s Path tested our hiking limits

Make art out of all those photos you take outdoors

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outdoorsy photos

We take a ton of photos during our outdoor adventures (pics or it didn’t happen). But what do you do with all those snaps after you the Instagram and Facebook likes have waned? One way to continue to revel in the glory of an awesome hike or a tough climb is to frame a photo and hang it somewhere prominently in your apartment. Continue reading Make art out of all those photos you take outdoors

Hike in Minnewaska State Park for scenic views of waterfalls

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waterfalls in minnewaska

We have this friend named Tim who’s not the most outdoorsy of souls but who finally, after months of us sending him countless well framed Snapchats of our outdoor adventures, asked us to take him on a hike. We wanted to hook him on the idea so it was important we take him somewhere impressive. Our requirements were:

  • Hiking that isn’t too challenging but where there’s an option to jump on more moderate trails
  • Instagramable scenic overlooks
  • Plenty of cell service (Tim loves cell service)
  • Within a few hours from the city (We sprung for a Zipcar but we didn’t want to have to leave for the trip too early in the morning)

Continue reading Hike in Minnewaska State Park for scenic views of waterfalls

Practice your map and compass skills in the park

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map and compass class

“I think we should be about there,” someone said as we approached an indistinct corner of Prospect Park. We were a few hours into a navigation class and we were lost.

“Um, I don’t think this is right,” someone else mumbled. We glanced at the map of the park we had plotted our course on beforehand to try to make sense of where we were. Our instructor gave us a few minutes to figure out our error before setting us back on track. We held up our compasses and marched on by following the azimuth we had recorded on our maps when we had planned our route. Continue reading Practice your map and compass skills in the park

Spring hike checklist: Trails near New York City

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Sorta Outdoorsy Spring Hike Photo by Emile Hallez
Photo by Emile Hallez

We were discussing some of our favorite hikes near the city at Outdoorfest’s Mappy Hour last night which stirred the project manager in us to start creating a list of trails we’d like to explore over the next few weeks. Check out our picks below and let us know what’s on your spring hike to-do list.  Continue reading Spring hike checklist: Trails near New York City

Hike the Long Path: a day trip fit for your lazy Saturday

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Hike the Long Path

You slept in on Saturday and missed that early morning Breakneck Ridge-bound Metro-North but find that you’re still jonesin’ for a hike. Hope is not lost! Head to the George Washington Bridge, where you’ll find miles of trails, including the aptly-named Long Path. Continue reading Hike the Long Path: a day trip fit for your lazy Saturday

Tip: Here’s how to scramble

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Rock scrambling while hiking

We’re not talking about the eggs you’re eating for brunch. Many hikes in the northeast require some amount of rock scrambling or using your hands and feet to ascend a steeper-than-usual part of a hiking trail. Here’s a few basic tips to help move yourself up these sometimes tricky trail sections. Continue reading Tip: Here’s how to scramble

We’re bullish on Bear Mountain

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Bear Mountain View

Bear Mountain State Park is an amusement park (literally, there’s a merry-go-round) of outdoor activity. You can rent a boat to paddle around Hessian Lake or visit the trailside zoo. There’s swimming and ice skating and even an Oktoberfest that attracts tourists and New Yorkers alike.

Continue reading We’re bullish on Bear Mountain