SUGGESTIONS FOR HIKES

We want to make sure you have the best time possible on the trail. A key to this is to be prepared.
Please email with questions.

What to Bring for Hikes

•   sunscreen and bug repellent
•   water bottle or hydration system. We suggest at least one liter or quart of water on easy hikes, and 2-3 liters or quarts in warm to hot weather, or on intermediate to advanced hikes. Avoid breakable plastic and glass containers.
•   food. This is important for energy during a day of exercise. Snacks for shorter hikes or lunches for longer ones: sandwiches, substantial salads, trail mix, or other foods in a plastic container (double bag messy foods in case of possible leakage). Additional snacks are wise on longer hikes.
•   hat with visor
•   sunglasses with straps
•   solid hiking boots or other well-constructed, rubber-soled shoes that has enough ankle support and stability on rough ground. This is especially important on hikes that are rated intermediate to advanced, but recommended for all trips. Sneakers or other light trail shoes will sometimes pass, on hikes rated easy as long as conditions are not wet and muddy. A word of caution to those with new boots. Please break them in prior to the hike or bring an extra pair of light shoes in case of blisters or other problems.
•   non-cotton layer shirts (synthetics, silk, or wool) are suggested to keep you comfortable if weather conditions change. Wear something loose enough for freedom of movement, and so you can dry quickly in the event of an unexpected rain shower.  
•   lightweight rain jacket, parka, or poncho along with a hood or rain hat if there is the slightest threat of rain. You should always have one in your gear since rain can come at any time. We all know forecasts can be wrong. Cheap vinyl or other plastic rainwear can easily tear so nylon is preferred.
•   sweater or light jacket. It is wise to have on in your pack, even on a summer day. If you happen to get caught during a storm temperatures can plunge rapidly. If you are hiking in cool or cold weather, you should pack several layers of lightweight warm clothing. You may remove it while hiking, but during breaks you will be glad you brought it. Gloves or mittens and a hat are also advisable.
•   socks. wear heavy wool or synthetic socks. You may also want thinner "liner socks" under these, which will reduce the friction on your feet.
•   loose-fitting pants are advised. Shorts may be more comfortable in warm weather and ok on well-traveled wide trails, but long pants provide better protection against bugs (especially ticks), poison ivy, and thorny bushes on trails that may have become overgrown.
•   you may want to pack a camera, binoculars, or any other item you consider important -- but to avoid overloading yourself, "when in doubt, leave it out."
•   day pack to carry your gear on your back so your hands and arms are free. Ideally they should be waterproof or water-repellant. 

*we do carry some essentials in our store and Old Souls on Main Street in Cold Spring carries quality camping and hiking gear. 

We find the following prevent you from discovering and enjoying the sounds of nature.
Please leave behind
•  radios
•  CD players
•  iPods
•  other audio devices
•  cell phone conversations. we prefer your cell phone is turned off or on silent mode.
•  only dogs or cats with well-behaved guardians who have learned to work well with and and be able to read their signals can accompany tours. We will have some that exclude our furry friends due to the terrain or parks regulations. Please include any concerns or questions in our comments when you book and a member of the team will reach out.

Hike Information and Policies

Hike Ratings

Easy: These trails do include have hills can be rocky. Having balance and being in reasonably good shape (capable of walking the mileage indicated at a steady pace without added rest breaks). These hikes are more demanding than walking on a sidewalk or flat ground. 

Intermediate: These hikes are longer and and have a steeper change in elevation. Moderate hikes require a greater degree of physical fitness. They also have much rockier terrain and may include some scrambles (minor rock climbing). 

Advanced: These strenuous hikes include a much greater change in elevation and are longer in mileage. These hikes require a considerable amount of strength and stamina. They also have much rockier terrain and will include scrambles (minor rock climbing). 

If you would like to join us for up for intermediate or advanced hikes must have the ability to maintain a steady pace, which includes the rocky portions of the trail. If you having trouble deciding which hike is right for you please e-mail us for advice.

Group size
Some hikes and as well as our paddling tours and rentals fill well in advance. Early reservations are highly recommended, especially for summer weekends but e-mails and phone calls are welcome as late as the day before each tour to check on availability.

Cancellations
For hiking only (paddling tours have a different policy), you must cancel 48 hours prior to your hike in order to be guaranteed credit for another hike. Your credit does not expire. A full refund is available is you cancel a week prior to your hike.

​After 48 hours credit is only available if we can fill your space. Unfortunately we cannot offer credit for no-shows, last minute cancellations, or for late, arrivals regardless of the circumstances.

Weather
We will cancel hikes if there is a high likelihood of heavy rain, lightening, a major snowstorm, or other unusually severe weather. 

Minor precipitation can offer a fun chance to explore our area. We often get the trails more to ourselves and the fauna tend to come out to great us more in these conditions. Nature is beautiful in all weather!

Smoking
Many of our guests are non-smokers and may dislike cigarette (or other) smoke. We request that smoking is not done in the presence of the group. Smokers are asked to separate themselves from the group, visibly and olfactorily, if the need to smoke arises. We also ask that they make sure to completely extinguish all smoking materials and and pack out waste. Be sure to bring a bag for potential litter.