Hike the Hudson Highlands

Explore green buildings in Black Rock Forest, immerse yourself in local history, or absorb incredible views of the Hudson Valley and numerous mountain ranges. SKAT's guided hiking tours combine rich information about the region with healthy, exciting outdoor activity.

Price & Scheduling:

• All hikes are $25 per person..
• Weather permitting, there will be guided hikes every Saturday and Sunday at 10am with a licensed DEC guide.  Some hikes will include a cultural specialist.
• Dates and times are flexible; we conduct hikes when a minimum of four people have made reservations.
• Hikes are approximately three hours long.

Choose your hike:

Our cultural specialists are certified in first aid and CPR:

More details:

• Wear sturdy boots, and don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Tick season is spring through fall, so we advise light-colored pants and socks.
• Hikers should carry their own water, and any food you wish.
• For any packaging or other trash, the rule is carry it in, carry it out.

DENDROLOGY

Learn to identify trees by their leaves and bark.

Cultural specialists: Jamie Kamlett, David Noland, Chris Lee, Matt Munson, Jack Caldwell

SCENIC VIEWS I

Hike to three of the peaks in Black Rock Forest: Black Rock Mountain, Split Rock and Eagles Cliff.

Cultural specialists: All

SCENIC VIEWS II

Hike to three of the peaks in Black Rock Forest:
Hill of Pines, Mount Misery and Black Rock Mountain.

Cultural specialists: All

HOMESTEADS

Visit the remains of former forest homesteads and travel along 250-year-old roads and trails.

Cultural specialists: All

SEASONAL OBSERVATIONS

Plan a visit for each season to observe the natural changes of the forest.

Cultural specialists: All

GREEN BUILDINGS

Tour "green buildings" featuring geothermal HVAC, composting toilets, and solar arrays.

Cultural specialist: Jack Caldwell

CHI HIKING AND YOGA

Learn the five mindful steps for health and energy. Explore the healing benefits of yoga and walking meditation.

Cultural specialist: Carol Ward

HISTORY OF STORM KING MOUNTAIN

Hike along the summit ridge and learn of mountain history from the Dutch era through the landmark environmental decision.

Cultural specialist: Warren Mumford

HISTORY OF PAPERMAKING

Stroll through the ruins of the former estate of the Pagenstecher family and learn the history of papermaking. The Pagenstechers revolutionized the papermaking industry in the late 19th century by introducing groundwood pulp to america.

Cultural specialist: Warren Mumford

Guides

Gary Curasi Gary is a DEC licensed hiking guide who has led hikes for over 10 years in the Hudson River Valley. He has covered territory in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and The Gunx, among others.

David Noland
Dave Noland is a freelance writer who specializes in outdoor adventure and science/technology. He's written for Outside Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Men's Journal, and many other publications. He has written two books: Travels Along the Edge (Vintage, 1997) and Outside Adventure Travel: Trekking (W.W. Norton). Dave is also an avid outdoor hiker, trekker and world traveler. He's hiked on all seven continents, and has been prowling around Black Rock Forest and Schunnemunk Forest for more than 30 years.

Sally Wortmann
Sally Wortmann has led hikes for Mount St. Mary's College for senior women, and specializes in easier hikes. As a retired Science Teacher, she has extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Hudson Highlands region.