What we’re about
Destination Backcountry is a wilderness guide service founded in 2011 and operated by outdoor professionals who have dedicated their lives to sharing their passion for wild places with others. We all love the woods in different ways, from thru-hikers to canoe experts and deep wilderness explorers, but what we love most is teaching and helping everyone find the same joy in the outdoors that we have.
If you see a trip you'd like to join, please follow the link listed in that trip's description and sign up on our website. You will then receive an email with all of the trip details.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Enchanted Forest PaddleCatskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/catskills-enchanted-forest-canoe-camping
### Step into a fantasy forest on this enchanting canoe camping trip
Our first overnight canoe trip of the year is also one of our most spectacular. The rush of fresh water in early spring means we can canoe on brooks and rivers that are often unaccessible by boat in the Catskills. Our first day of paddling will take us through meadows filled with wildflowers and unfurling fiddlehead ferns. We'll make a luxurious overnight camp in a tributary brook in the forest to enjoy a cozy night of great food and warm campfires. On our second day, we’ll explore ponds and rivers that become marshes and brooks by mid-summer. This special route is one few people know about and one of our favorite adventures of the spring.
### Trip stats
🛶 1-2 miles of canoeing each day + less than 1/4 mile hike to the river and to camp over backcountry (trail-less) terrain
⛰️ No elevation gain during this trip
🧭 Difficulty: Moderate. This is a take-your-time canoe trip in shallow water with no rapids, falls, etc. Hiking is minimal with no elevation gain but we will be walking over backcountry terrain with no trail.### 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 day of canoeing and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trip, our guides will share:
✨ One-of-a-kind destination: this trip is the definition of a hidden gem. In fact, we've never seen another person in this forest before!
🐸 Our route along this incredible backcountry brook will give us the opportunity to see herons, frogs, toads, fish, freshwater mussels, and more!
🛶 No canoe experience needed! Our guides will offer instruction and helpful tips throughout our trip.
🔥 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.### 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
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~10:00 Arrival at Trailhead + Hike to the River
~12:30 Lunch on shore
~3:30 Hike to Backcountry Campsite + Camp Setup
~6:00 Campfire + Dinner + Smore's + Stargazing until BedtimeDay Two
8:00-10:00 Breakfast + Coffee + Break Camp
10:00-12:00 Canoe + River Exploration
12:00 Light Lunch + Hike to Van
~2:00-3:00 Van heads back to NYC
~12:30 Lunch on shore
~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:
🩴 Water shoes are great for while we're in the canoe!
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/catskills-enchanted-forest-canoe-camping
- Blackhead MountainCatskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/blackhead-mountain-hike
### Summit Blackhead Mountain in the Catskills!
Journey to the northeastern Catskills on this challenging and gorgeous hike. Our trail wanders past the magical Batavia Kill brook before ascending to fun scrambles and sweeping views over the Catskills and Hudson Valley, with a profusion of spring wildflowers along the way. We'll summit between 1-3 Catskill 3500' peaks among Blackhead, Black Dome, and Thomas Cole and make a stop at a backcountry spring for a taste of the purest mountain water.
### Hike stats
🥾 5 mile loop from Big Hollow Road to Blackhead summit; we will have the option to hike an additional 1-3 miles to the summit of Black Dome and/or Thomas Cole
⛰️ About 1700ft elevation gain with some steep/scrambly sections
🧭 Difficulty: Hard. This is a challenging hike with some steep sections.### 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 day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🌼 Fields of wildflowers! Including spring beauties, trillium, dutchman's breeches and more
🥾 Perfect pacing: your lead and apprentice guide will offer multiple paces so everyone can hike at a pace they feel comfortable with, plus, they'll offer tips and guidance along the route.
🌲 Incredible observations about the forest and wildlife we may encounter.### 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: 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
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~9:45 Arrival at Trailhead
~12:30 Lunch at Summit + Potential option to summit additional peaks
~1:00 Hike out
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~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. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/blackhead-mountain-hike
- First Wildflowers of Spring Easy HikeCatskill Mountains, Catskill Mtns, NY
BOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/first-wildflowers-of-spring-day-hike
### A restorative and chill day hike in the Catskills
Enjoy a gentle ramble through open meadows filled with fiddleheads and the first wildflowers of the season. Explore the cascades and pools of the Batavia Kill mountain book on this gentle hike through a vast, beautiful forest. We'll have plenty of time to take pictures, dip our feet in the stream, and listen to the peaceful chorus of spring peeper frogs on this mellow day in the wood spent connecting with nature. This day hike is perfect for first-time hikers and anyone looking to enjoy the forest at their own pace.
### Hike stats
🥾 3-5 mile easy hike along the Batavia Kill spring in the northeastern Catskills
⛰️ Minimal elevation change
🧭 Difficulty: Easy. On-trail hiking on genle### 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 day of adventure: Our all-inclusive day escapes include transportation, meals, and a full day of hiking and adventure. Make your escape upstate worth every minute!
On this trail, our guides will share:
🌼 Fields of wildflowers! Including spring beauties, trillium, dutchman's breeches and more
🥾 Perfect pacing: your lead and apprentice guide will offer multiple paces so everyone can hike at a pace they feel comfortable with, plus, they'll offer tips and guidance along the route.
🌲 Incredible observations about the forest and wildlife we may encounter.### 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: 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
6:30 Brooklyn Pickup near Barclays
7:00 Manhattan Pickup at Grand Central
~8:30 Rest Stop
~9:45 Arrival at Trailhead
~12:30 Lunch along a gorgeous stream bank
~1:00 Hike out
~3:30 Van returns to the city
~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. Travel time are subject to many factors, including weather and traffic.
### What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 HatBOOK HERE: https://destinationbackcountryadventures.com/products/first-wildflowers-of-spring-day-hike
