Covid measures in the Gunks region, NY

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Gunks region, NY, please refer to the New York State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Lunch and snacks Personal clothing and equipment Day passes Parking

How fit do I need to be?

The best thing about hiking in the Gunks is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. There is a variety of trail options and difficulties from easy strolls and/or more active and active hikes. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring for your hiking adventure. Day pack is available for loan through your guiding service. Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 1L for a half day, or 2L for a full day) Sturdy hiking shoes and/or boots (above the ankle, waterproof & well broken in) Wool or new blend socks Synthetic or wool T-shirt Synthetic pants or shorts Spare clothes for layering Waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants if weather dictates Fleece jacket or sweater Long wool underwear top and bottom Gloves Wool or fleece hat Baseball cap or sun visor Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, personal medications, etc.) Lunch (food you can eat on-the-go–sandwiches, energy bars, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries Sunglasses A pair of glasses (if you wear contact lenses) Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For these adventures, the guest-to-guide ratio is 15:1. The maximum number of participants is 30 people. Cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! Hiking in the Gunks region can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Shawangunk Mountains (the Gunks), most people fly into one of the international airports in New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) , LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) . From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service for 2 hours to the Shawangunk Mountains. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Hiking in the Shawangunks Mountains, New York, with a guide

Hikers near Minnewaska State Park in the Gunks Region

Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park in the Gunks region

Hiking Adventure in the Gunks Region, New York

The Shawangunks | New York

Hiking in the Shawangunk Mountains

5.00 ()

Season

April through November

Nearest city

New York, NY, is about 2 hours away

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Guide

Alpine Endeavors

From $150 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

When people think of New York, the first thing that pops into their mind is the crowded city that never sleeps. However, the stunning state of New York teems with other areas of exceptional beauty and offers a plethora of hiking objectives to its most curious visitors. Situated just two hours away from the Big Apple, this breathtaking Shawangunk Mountains are home to the stunning Mohonk Preserve and the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. These jaw-dropping locations allow nature enthusiasts to hike on miles of historic carriage roads and admire the dramatic cliffs, open fields, thick pine forests and bubbling streams. Another gem equally as beautiful as the preserves are the Catskill Mountains. With its mirror-like lakes, surreal overlooks and soothing sounds of water dripping from the waterfalls found in the area, the Catskills never disappoint. Get ready to discover the state of New York in a refreshing way, all with the help of a knowledgeable guide!

Escaping to the Gunks is an ideal antidote to busy city life
Versatile terrain and endless hiking opportunities will satisfy all appetites
Soak up the astounding views and gentle sounds of streams, waterfalls and rivers

Available itineraries

Half-Day of Hiking in the Gunks Region

Hit the trails and make your way through the Mohonk Preserve’s dense forests and open fields to reach Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Admire the fast-flowing streams, towering cliffs and stunning waterfalls before heading for the Catskill Mountains where more phenomenal views await. Join an expert guide and discover the state of New York in a new light!

A Full Day of Hiking in the Gunks Region

Escape the urban buzz and wind your way through the Mohonk Preserve’s forests and open fields while taking in the soothing sounds of waterfalls and get to Minnewaska’s clear streams and soaring cliffs. Reach the Catskill Mountains, marvel at the splendid views of mountain summits and let your guide show you the best gems in the area!

Private Day of Hiking in the Catskills

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Download Hiking in the Shawangunk Mountains Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

5.00

Alpine Endeavors

Alpine Endeavors operates year-round for rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing and mountaineering. They operate daily in the Shawangunk, Catskill, and Adirondack mountains of New York and offer unique mountain adventures to world class areas in the US and internationally. All of the guides are trained, certified and accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association; trained in wilderness medicine; and New York State licensed.

5.00 (1 reviews)

Amparo McDowell about Marty Molitoris on 57hours

Marty was very professional and my guide Jennifer was outstanding! Two challenging mountains in the Catskills! Very good!

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Gunks region, NY, please refer to the New York State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Lunch and snacks
  - Personal clothing and equipment
  - Day passes
  - Parking
The best thing about hiking in the Gunks is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. There is a variety of trail options and difficulties from easy strolls and/or more active and active hikes. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring for your hiking adventure. Day pack is available for loan through your guiding service.
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 1L for a half day, or 2L for a full day)
  - Sturdy hiking shoes and/or boots (above the ankle, waterproof & well broken in)
  - Wool or new blend socks
  - Synthetic or wool T-shirt
  - Synthetic pants or shorts
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants if weather dictates
  - Fleece jacket or sweater
  - Long wool underwear top and bottom
  - Gloves
  - Wool or fleece hat
  - Baseball cap or sun visor
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, personal medications, etc.)
  - Lunch (food you can eat on-the-go–sandwiches, energy bars, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  - Sunglasses
  - A pair of glasses (if you wear contact lenses)
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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 prices:
- - For these adventures, the guest-to-guide ratio is 15:1.
  - The maximum number of participants is 30 people.
  - Cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
Hiking in the Gunks region can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Shawangunk Mountains (the Gunks), most people fly into one of the international airports in New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service for 2 hours to the Shawangunk Mountains.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.