For AMC to continue to attract and retain our active and enthusiastic membership, we need not only great programs but also great people to lead them. And to see why there’s so much excitement about the future of AMC’s NY-NJ chapter, one need only look at people like three year AMC member and rookie hike leader Gwen Hartstein.
Like many outdoor enthusiasts, Gwen has been hiking for over a decade. But it was only in 2022 that she first participated in an AMC activity. In her case, it was a backpacking weekend near Woodstock, NY, led by longtime AMC outing leader Russ Faller. On that trip, Gwen discovered what first-time AMC activity participants frequently remark on: the warm, inclusive atmosphere that quickly welcomes newcomers. Adds Gwen, “Russ was patient, knowledgeable and shared his experience. I felt inspired to learn more about AMC and to eventually become a hike leader and soon to be backpacking leader.”
Last September, Gwen became an AMC hiking leader, and an active one too, posting two hikes per month, schedule permitting. A native New Yorker residing in East Harlem, Gwen understands that many AMC members do not own cars, and strives to offer hikes accessible by train or bus. She notes that “I like to share my favorite hikes with folks who may not know that there are wonderful trails accessible to them and see them enjoy the hike.” Personal favorites include the Arden Point and Glenclyffe Loop Trails in Phillipstown, NY (via the Garrison MetroNorth train station) – a route that’s also an excellent introduction to the Hudson Highlands for less-experienced hikers – and the Pine Meadow Trail in Harriman, a great way to get to know the sprawling Harriman lands without the rigorous climbs of trails like Seven Hills or Ramapo Torne.
Looking to the future, AMC looks forward to Gwen continuing to lead hikes, and to start leading backpacking outings, for many years to come. On a broader level, Gwen also advocates for AMC doing more to educate the public on outdoors (i.e. conservation, leave no trace, etc.) and working with urban communities to build partnerships and to also train the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Her social awareness also extends to her professional activities, where Gwen is a passionate advocate for financial literacy for all ages and has been a volunteer with a local non-profit in facilitating budget management workshops since 2014.
Meanwhile, Gwen continues to seek out hiking opportunities wherever possible. Recently, she and her husband went on a circumnavigation cruise around Iceland. Instead of signing up for the various excursions, they chose to hike at almost every port. At Bakkagerdi, they crossed several fjords and ended up at a beach that was “absolutely beautiful,” while passing hillside waterfalls and wild goats and sighting whales.
As many AMC day outing leaders also lead week-long destination trips, perhaps one day we’ll get to join a trip of Gwen’s to Iceland. In the meantime, we can all take advantage of the wonderful transit-accessible day hikes that Gwen leads; whether you’re a regular hiker or just starting out on the Hudson Valley’s trails, look for her outings on https://activities.outdoors.org/ and get ready for a day in beautiful surroundings with wonderful company and an inspiring leader.