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Beginner Skills

July 26, Sept. 3, Sept. 20, Oct. 8

Beginner Day Hikes

Get off on the right foot with our Beginner Day Hike series and learn the ropes from a seasoned professional guide. A guided trip to the summit(s) will provide the foundation of skills and knowledge necessary to fully enjoy your future outings. We’ll discuss safe low-impact travel, map reading, equipment, nutrition, and more, including the rich natural history of the Adirondacks.  

Cost: $50/$55, includes instruction.

  • July 26: Rooster Comb (4 miles; elev. 2,762 ft)               
  • Sept. 3: Nun-da-ga-o Ridge (6 miles; elev. 3,100 ft)                                                                      
  • Sept. 20: St. Regis Mt. (5.5 miles; elev. 2,800 ft)
  • Oct. 8: Jay Range (7.5 miles; elev. 3,600 ft)

         

July 16-18

Beginner Backpacking: High Peaks Wilderness Area           

Enjoy learning the tips and tricks of backpacking and low-impact camping with a NYS licensed guide. Three days and two nights will be spent in the High Peaks Wilderness covering topics such as proper gear, food planning and preparation, safety considerations, map reading, camp set-up, low-impact techniques, water treatment, waste management and stove use.

Cost: $160/$175; includes instruction, meals, and use of group gear.

Oct. 16-17

Map and Compass Bushwhack                                  

A great refresher course, or a good place to learn the basics of map and compass skills.  The first day will be an introduction to the fundamentals of map reading, compass use, triangulation, and identification of terrain features.  On day two, participants will put their newfound skills to the test with a half-day guided bushwhack in the Heart Lake area. You’ll go home with much more confidence in your ability to use a map and compass when it really counts!

Location: Heart Lake Program Center

Cost: $100/$110; includes instruction and use of materials.

Nov. 20, Dec. 11

Pack Basket Making Workshop

Create your own traditional Adirondack pack basket with the owners of Clear Creek Weavers, Bud Ziolkowski, and Sandy Muller. During this full-day course, skilled craftsmen will take you through the step-by-step instruction to weave your own pack basket from start to “skids.”  You’ll leave at the end of the day with a beautiful basket and a smile on your face!

Time: Nov. 20, 9 AM to 4 PM. Dec. 11, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring your own lunch.

Location: Heart Lake Program Center

Cost: $70 small basket /$80 large basket; includes instruction and use of materials.

First price is the member price; second price is the nonmember price. Registration information is available here.