Hiking can help you lose weight, become physically fit and maintain your level of fitness while enjoying the outdoors. According to the Mayo Clinic, hiking burns approximately 400 calories or more per hour. Joining a hiking club connects you with other hikers, and provides scheduled excursions to a variety of locations.
Adirondack Region
The Adirondack Mountain Club is the Adirondack Mountain hiking authority, and has been since 1922. The Club sponsors a variety of hikes in the Adirondack region including short, scenic hikes, such as the hike to Moose Pond, near Saranac. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long; Moose Pond is surrounded by mountains and is a lovely spot to rest or have a picnic before starting the 20 minute trek back to your starting point. If you enjoy a more challenging hiking experience, the Club suggests the trail to Bald Peak, which includes a climb of approximately 2,400 feet and a length of nearly four miles to the summit.
Appalachian Region
If you enjoy hiking in addition to activities such as biking, backpacking and skiing, check out the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Club sponsors hikes and other outdoor activities in the Appalachian Mountain region. Hikes are designed for members ages 18 and older. The club rates all hikes based upon distance, terrain and pace, and suggests that beginners start out with easier hikes to become acclimated. Appalachian Mountain Club boasts more than 100,000 members and the distinction of being the oldest conservation/outdoor recreation organization in the United States.
Finger Lakes Region
Bring your hiking boots and a camera to the scenic Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes Trails Conference hike on the area's nine different trails, which are designed for hiking or bicycling. The Finger Lakes trail is divided into sections. The Seneca Lake Section is nearly 21 miles long, beginning at Watkins Glen State Park's main entrance. The Cayuga Trail is approximately six miles long, beginning just north of Ithaca at Stewart Avenue Bridge.
Hudson Valley Region
Bring your bottled water and get ready for the thrill of achieving your hiking goals with the Hudson Valley Hikers club. The group is based in New York's Hudson Valley and hikes predominately in the New York area. Excursions are led by a hike leader and members are expected to care for one another in a friendly fashion while on the trail; however, hikers join excursions "at your own risk." The club requires members to bring two bottles of water, weather-appropriate clothing and food. Members hike in areas such as Rockefeller Preserve, near Tarrytown or Dunderberg Spiral Railway in Harriman State Park in Cornwall.
Beyond New York
Explore the northeastern United States' mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls with Wild Earth Adventures. The club offers a variety of hiking, camping, backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trips in destinations throughout New York, as well as in other locations in the northeast. Hike on the well-known Appalachian Trail or on trails that are "off-the-beaten-path." The club has more than 350 members and schedules weekly or biweekly hiking excursions. Transportation is provided from New York City to the destination.
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