A.T. Overnight Backpacking Adventure!

Want to join us for an overnight backpacking trip in NY state? Have some old gear that you can dust off, or borrow gear from a friend? Does the idea of hiking to a remote spot, miles into the wilderness, setting up camp, and sitting around a campfire with like-minded friends, under the stars sound like fun? Then we have the trip for you!

Beginners welcome.  We can help you set up your camp and we have some (limited) gear to lend if you are missing a key component. 

When: Saturday/Sunday April 15-16th.  

Where: Morgan Stewart Memorial Shelter in Pawling NY (where we will meet and camp)

Who:Sober Adventurers, their families, friends, and friendly dogs. 

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Difficulty: Your choice: Moderate with a few uphill stretches over 3.5 to get your heart beating, or Challenging with many uphill stretches over 9.5 miles.

Cost: A sense of adventure. 

Other:  Everyone will need a backpack, sleep gear (pad and sleeping bag), water, food, snacks. If you dont want to sleep in the shelter, bring a tent or hammock. The sleeping bag should be rated to 30 degrees. even though the overnight temp probably won't go below 40 degrees. Better to be warm. 

We can send you a list of recommended gear if you are new to backpacking.

Weather:  As of 4/9, the weather is looking near perfect. 70s during the day and high 50's overnight. As it gets closer, we will look at the weather and decide if we need to reschedule, with the final decision being made on Thursday 4/13. 

Important: You will have two options, depending on your level of experience and fitness level.  

We will contact RSVPs with specific instructions, GPS coordinates of the chosen trailhead. 

Option 1: Experienced backpackers, or those who like a serious physical challenge.

Sat 9.5 miles. Sun 3.5 miles for 13 miles total. Join us at "trailhead 1" and hike 9.5 miles up and down backwoods hills, on the AT. Pass Cat Rocks and beautiful Nuclear Lake, to reach the Morgan Stewart Memorial Shelter.  This group will meet at 8am at the AT trailhead. We will walk at a moderate pace of 2mph when not going uphill :)

Day 2, we will take a short 3.5 mile hike out. 

Option 2 : Beginners and those who have no interest in a long hard hike, regardless of the views :)

Sat 3.5 miles. Sun 3.5 miles for 7 miles total. Join others from our group at trailhead two. The trail from here "shortcuts" directly to the shelter from a parking lot. Hiking distance is only 3.5 miles to the Morgan Stewart Memorial Shelter. Though 3.5 miles may not sound far, it can be with a 30+lbs of gear on your back. The trail includes about 700 feet of elevation gain.

 If you are new to backpacking we strongly suggest you take option two. This group will meet at Trailhead 2 in Pawling at 2pm. We will walk at a moderate pace of 2mph when not going uphill :)

Both groups should arrive at the shelter around 4pm. Those without tents can set up their sleeping bags in the shelter, and anyone else can set up their tent or hammock near the shelter. Gather firewood, and relax until dinner.