Put the fancy hotels on hold—we’re rolling deep into the Catskills for a weekend of backpacking, stars, and backcountry brilliance. Three days of trail-conquering, camp-building, and proving that food always tastes better outside. We’ll load up our packs, earn those mountaintop views, and crash under skies so bright we might just high-five the Milky Way. Every mile brings new stories, every night brings campfire laughs, and every second reminds us why these kinds of adventures are better than everything else. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a full-on escape. Wild places, fresh air, and a whole lot of ‘heck yes.’ Let’s turn this plan into reality!
Three days, two nights, and one unforgettable escape into the wild. This guided Catskills backpacking tour is your chance to ditch the daily grind and trade it for rugged trails, starlit skies, and the kind of adventure that makes us forget our phones exist. We’ll hike through deep forests, soak in mountaintop views, and master the art of backcountry camping—gear, meals, and expert guidance included. We’ll carry our world on our backs, fuel up with trail meals that actually taste good, and spend nights under a five-billion-star hotel. Ready to press pause on routine and hit play on adventure?
On Day 1, we’ll have a meet and greet at Scutt Rd. trailhead, and a brief overview of the trip will be provided to the participants. Gear will also be provided. The guides will help everyone to organize their packs to fit their personal gear as well as common group gear. Food will be distributed to all group members to carry. We’ll then load up on a shuttle to be driven to the Northern Trailhead.
We’ll begin the hike to the first camp, stopping along the way to enjoy views and have lunch. Once we reach camp, all participants will help in setting it up, cooking dinner, and cleaning up. After dinner, we will spend some time relaxing around the campfire before going to bed.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14 km (9.2 mi)
Accommodation: Camping
After waking up to a beautiful forest morning, we will have breakfast and do a little stretching to prepare for the day. We will then clean up camp, pack our gear, and begin the day. We will stop along the way to enjoy views, filter water, and have lunch. After hiking, we will arrive at camp for night two. All participants will help in setting camp, cooking dinner, and cleaning up. After dinner, we will again spend some time relaxing around the campfire before sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 13.8 km (8.6 mi)
Accommodation: Camping
On the final day, we will have breakfast and stretch to prepare for the day ahead. We will clean up camp, pack our gear, and begin the final day. After some hiking, we will arrive back where we started our journey and end our trip.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking with Greg was wonderful! He’s so knowledgeable about the area, from the climate to the geography to the history to the ecology. He was my guide for the week, and he made my first visit to the Catskills an amazing experience. He had the trekking poles and microspikes needed for winter hiking, and snowshoes if we had needed them. He catered hikes to my needs and interest and was flexible with weather conditions. In addition to his knowledge and experience, Greg is a pleasant person to spend time with. He’s very interesting to talk to, and is always open to conversation, but he’s also comfortable with stretches of quiet where we can just appreciate the sounds and silence of nature. I felt very comfortable with him. He was also so chill about my constant need to stop and take pictures, ask questions, or make recordings. I would highly recommend Greg to anyone visiting the Catskills. Prepare for a wonderful adventure!
Included:
Not included:
This Catskills backpacking tour is rated moderate, which means that a good level of fitness is required. You should be capable of carrying a 9 kg (20 pound) backpack for 13-16 km (8-10 mi) per day over varying terrain and elevation.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A Catskills backpacking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Catskills backpacking tour is Scutt Road Trailhead in Haines Falls. To get there, most people fly into Albany International Airport (ALB). From there, you can take a shuttle service, use public transport, or rent a car to reach Scutt Road Trailhead.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at a predetermined time at Scutt Road Trailhead. Your guide will provide more information before the adventure starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
I have been on several guided hikes with Greg from RipVanWinkle Adventure Guides. If you’re looking for an awesome adventure then this is the guide for you. Greg knows his way around any mountain, especially while bushwacking. He is very knowledgeable of the history that the Catskill Mountains hold and his passion for these mountains simply amazes me. With Greg’s vast experience i felt totally safe on each & every hike with him. Not to mention the delicious snacks that he includes when you reach the summit! Book a guided hike today with RipVanWinkle Adventure Guides. You certainly will not be disappointed!