Are you passionate about hiking? Cycling? Paddling or camping? Snowshoeing or skiing? Or maybe you just want to learn more about New York’s wild lands, and their conservation.
The Schenectady Chapter presents year-round wilderness outings and indoor programs that connect members to each other, and to the great outdoors. We hope you’ll join us for these regular outings and programs in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and beyond.
Don’t have the right gear for a hike? Borrow it from us! Contact Stan to borrow snowshoes, crampons, trail clearing tools. Borrowing gear costs just $10!
If your passion lies with the protection of wild lands, note that our chapter has an active conservation tradition dating back 75 years. A portion of member dues support wilderness conservation and education, as well as the care of the Adirondack Loj and Johns Brook Lodge, both at the heart of the Adirondacks. You can get involved by helping with trail maintenance, invasive species monitoring projects, and more.
Please join us in taking full advantage of all the opportunities the Schenectady Chapter has to offer. Together we can protect New York’s wild lands and waters, help each other discover nature, and get out there to play.
Outings
Schenectady chapter outings are open to people of all ages and abilities. We’re pleased to present extensive outside activities of varying difficulty every weekend. Numerous trips are in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains.
We offer strong seasonal programs for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and white water enthusiasts. We also have multi-day backpacking trips, flat water canoe trips, and bicycle trips. All ages are welcome, although youngsters generally come on outings with an adult. Some trips are noted as suited for small children. The chapter has snowshoes that can be used on chapter outings, with a small fee.
Outing Classifications and FAQ
| Distance | Leader’s Pace | Terrain | Examples |
| A+: 13 miles or more A: 8-12 miles B: 5-8 Miles C: Under 5 miles | 1: Fast 2: Moderate 3: Slow | A: Very Difficult B: Strenuous C: Average D: Easy | A+1A: Most difficult trip B2C: Moderate trip C3D: Easy Trip |
How do I sign up for a hike?
For further details or to sign up for a hike, contact the trip leader. Try to call at least two days in advance, as leaders may cancel on the day before an outing if there is insufficient interest. Leaders reserve the right to refuse participants for any reason, including lack of experience and/or lack of physical fitness. All equipment and supplies are the sole responsibility of the trip participants.
What do I need to bring?
The trip leader will let you know if any special equipment (crampons, snowshoes, etc.) will be needed. In general, you should always carry food, water, rain gear, map, compass, headlamp, first aid kit and extra clothing, including hat and gloves in case temperatures drop. Clothing (especially cold or wet weather clothing) should not be made of cotton — use a synthetic fabric or wool. If in doubt, ask the leader.
Do you have gear I can borrow?
We sure do! Whether you’re looking to try out winter hiking, or want to help our with trail conservation, we have just what you need. Contact Stan to borrow MSR mountaineering snowshoes, higher flotation Sherpa snowshoes, adjustable size full crampons and trail clearing tools including loppers, saws, axes and hazel hoes. Borrowing gear costs just $10!
Should I reimburse drivers for gas?
Yes! Each rider should pay their driver four to five cents per mile, depending on the current cost of gasoline. With gas at $3 per gallon, six cents per mile should be used and at $3.50 per gallon, seven cents should be used ($4/gallon – eight cents, etc).
The kind of hikes I’d like to do aren’t listed here — what can I do?
Trip leaders may be willing to plan trips based on member suggestions. If there’s a specific trip you’d like to do, contact our Outings Co-Chair, Roy Keats (370-0399), and let him know.
For Trip Leaders
Wilderness First Aid Course
The Schenectady Chapter Board agreed to provide partial tuition refund for outings leaders who take Wilderness First Aid courses. The program is modeled after the 46ers current program so people who are both 46ers and Schenectady trip leaders can get a combined reimbursement. For further information, call Roy Keats at 518-370-0399.
Resources
ADK Accident Report
ADK Release Form