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Hiking Committee

The Hiking Committee schedules hikes ranging leisurely paced hikes for those with limited experience in the forests to hikes offering a challenging pace and terrain to those strong hikers possessing years of experience on the trail.

We usually offer 10-24 day hikes per weekend. Most are nearby New York City and are in areas such as Harriman State Park and the State Parks and forests of Northern New Jersey, and a bit further areas such as Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, the Catskills, Adirondacks, and even the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Click on the New York New Jersey Trail Conference's Regional Trails Map to see where the hike areas are. The source of most hiking maps and information in the New York area is the Trail Conference and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference WWW Home Page is a great place to learn about them and what they offer. Check it out!

Our hikes are suitable for all levels of hikers from novice to trail athletes; however, only you know your own capabilities and limits and should not start of select hikes beyond your ability. Where do you think the term "not a happy camper" came from. If you are a novice to hiking we strongly advise to begin with hikes reflecting a "2" pace, mileage at the low end (6-8), and terrain no higher than "C". Pay close attention to the Hike Codex! To learn more about a particular hike contact the leader. For non-members to join our hikes please see below.

Most of our hikes have a specific meeting time and location as reflected by the "Trans. Code" in each hike description (e.g. Trans. 1B, etc.). The Trans Codes are explained under Transportation Codes.

Guidelines for Hikers

While on a hike, please abide by the decision of the leader, who is responsible for the entire group not just one person. The leader's decisions are final concerning the route and conduct on hike. Any complaints should be forwarded to the Hike Committee Controller or Hike Chair.

No pets are allowed on hikes unless otherwise expressly specified in schedule by leader.

We encourage low impact hiking practices, so please avoid trampling the fauna by staying on trail and on rocks where possible and during a group "separation" please make sure you are at least 50' away from a water source and at least 10' off trail. Take out whatever you pack in. By observing these simple guidelines we can repeatedly enjoy the pristine forests for years to come.

Winter Hiking 101

For many experienced hikers, winter is the best season of all. There are fewer people on the trails, no bugs, and with the leaves down, views are more spectacular. Getting started on a winter day hike in Harriman does not have to involve the purchase of a lot of expensive clothing and gear, but some experimenting with different layering techniques may be necessary.

Those of you interested in Winter hiking can download "Winter Hiking 101" in either Adobe PDF or MS Word formats.

Rating System: Hiking, Singles & Sociables, Walks & Outings, and Young Members Trips

All Hikes

The Hike Codex consists of four elements: PACE - TERRAIN - MILEAGE - COMMITTEE, [e.g., 4C12 (H)]. As described below:

Pace:
  1 - Leisurely (nature walk, window shopping pace)
  2 - Moderate (steady, comfortable pace)
  3 - Vigorous (brisk, firm pace)
  4 - Fast
  5 - Very Fast

Terrain:
  A - Solid pavement/sidewalk
  B - Soft ground/sand/carriage trails
  C - Hiking trails/gentle rolling hills
  D - Steep hills, scrambles possible
  E - Rough terrain/exposure and/or thick brush possible
  F - Extremely difficult terrain/possible sustained exposure
Note: Hikes in the Hudson Highlands (Breakneck), Ice Caves Mountain, White Mountains, Adirondacks, and parts of the Catskills are much steeper and more demanding than hikes in our other hiking range. Choose your hike accordingly.

Mileage:
  # - Estimated mileage, plus or minus 1 mile.

Committee:
  (H) - Hiking Committee
  (H+) - Hiking Committee - Overnight or multi-day
  (S) - Singles & Sociables Committee
      ~ Outings marked only (S) do not require any special skills.
      ~ Outings requiring skills basically use system defined by Activity Committee responsible for that activity; sometimes modified for our needs.
  (W) - Walks & Outings Committee
      ~ Outings marked only (W) do not require any special skills.
  (Y) - Young Members Committee
  (Y+) - Young Members Committee - Overnight or multi-day

The leader may modify or cancel a hike due to weather, trail conditions, or any other reason deemed prudent for the safety of the group.

Rating codes are intended as a general guide only. We strive for accuracy and consistency, but cannot guarantee them. If you have concerns relating to your safety or enjoyment, discuss them with the leader in advance.

Hiking: Other Outings / Co-Sponsored Outings

Rating Systems defined by the responsible activity committees. As an example: If we co-sponsor a Hiking Canoe & Kayak trip, it would be listed as BW (Brown Water), CL 1 (Class 1 whitewater), CL 2 (Class 2 whitewater) or other similar classification. If Hiking Committee co-sponsors the event, the title will contain "Hiking" or (H).

Join Us On Our Trips and Events

• To join us on our trips or for training you have to be a member or guest of the AMC. To request any membership option, get a copy of our online AMC Membership Application.
• The application form includes all the information that you need, but you can also read about the membership options.