Anastasia Tavarez

From a childhood in the Dominican Republic to her current life in New York City, Anastasia Tavarez has always enjoyed the outdoors.  However, like so many of us, career and family obligations always seemed to get in the way of active, organized participation.

But it’s never too late, and in 2020 Anastasia took the plunge and began hiking – occasionally at first, on day outings like those posted on https://activities.outdoors.org/, then more frequently and also on hiking vacations.  Seeing the great work that AMC’s hike leaders do, three years later she became one herself, and now leads day hikes across the greater Hudson Valley as many as four times a week.

Anastasia brings an infectious enthusiasm to her hikes, noting that what she likes most about being a hike leader is ”being able to facilitate opportunities for others” and for herself.  And people who hike with her agree: notes AMC member and hike leader Mark Gordon, “On Anastasia’s hikes, you can be sure of a knowledgeable leader, great routes, friendly company and an overall good time.”   Many of her hikes take place in Harriman State Park, where personal favorites include Reeves Meadow to Pine Meadow Lake and Anthony Wayne to West Mountain.

For people new to organized hiking, Anastasia recommends finding outings that match your abilities.  Local AMC hikes range from easy walks in Rockefeller State Park to challenging ascents like Mt Beacon in Hudson Highlands State Park and Bearfort Ridge in NJ’s Hewitt State Forest; if in doubt about a posted outing, reach out in advance to the AMC hiking leader, who will be happy to help you figure out its suitability.

And for those who hike regularly, Anastasia suggests “try leading hikes; it is rewarding.”  If you’re uncertain of whether it would be right for you, AMC’s hike leader certification process includes shadowing a current hike leader on one of their hikes followed by leading a hike of your own while being shadowed by a current hike leader.  If this might be of interest to you, please reach out to AMC NY-NJ volunteer hiking coordinator Steve Galla at steve@stevegalla.com

Interested in hiking with Anastasia?  Right now, she’s planning a Harriman hike the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27.  Once it’s been finalized, you’ll find it, like all AMC outings, on https://activities.outdoors.org/