Kickin’ off Summer 2026 off with adventure! We’re heading out for 9 days and 8 nights on the iconic Appalachian Trail, wahoo! The 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail winds its way through 14 states from Georgia to Maine, and comes packed not just with the beauty of Nature, but its own amazing community and lore.
Many hikers dream of tackling the entire thing all at once or in sections, but just aren’t sure where to begin. That’s where GGH comes in! Girl Gotta Hike Founder and AT thru-hiker Melissa (Click) Goodwin, and her team of co-guides, Lauren (Woodchuck), Avalou (Angle), and Eva (trail name TBD) will draw from our personal long trail experiences to guide participants across all 91.3 miles of the AT in New York, as from Connecticut to New Jersey.
We’ll teach you the ropes, share stories and lessons learned from our own time on trail, plus create plenty of new laughs too!
The Deets!
Where: The Appalachian Trail in New York
Native Land Recognition: Mahican, Wappinger, Munsee Delaware, Mohawk
When: Saturday, June 13th through Sunday, June 22nd (the 1st day of Summer!) Travel details provided upon signup.
Distance: 93 total miles over nine days (91.3 in NY, plus a lil’ extra on the NJ side)
Rating: Challenging – terrain will consist of ascents and descents throughout, with some rocky sections that will require use of hands. Due to the cumulative mileage of this trip, it is best for regular exercisers who feel capable of carrying approximately 30 pounds on their back for 8-10 hours per day. Prior backpacking experience highly recommended.
Price: $2,295.00 / person (installment plans available by email request)
Inclusive of: Gear (Individual Ultralight Backpacking Kits, including backpack, solo tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cook set & stove), on-trail meals, expert guide service from NYS Licensed Guides, logistical support, supportive community, individual pack list, group pre-planning session(s) via video chat, and positive vibes!
Extra fun: Around half-way through the trip, we’ll enjoy a trail magic treat -- spending a night indoors with a home-cooked meal, warm showers, and even fresh laundry!
Not included: Transportation, off-trail meals or treats, guide gratuity (10-20% appreciated, but never expected)
Got your own gear & food? Use the code “GOTGEAR” at check out for $150 off
Backpacked with GGH before? Yay, thanks for coming back! Contact Click to receive a special alumni discount.
Extra Info: Over the nine days, we’ll hike across a variety of terrain, from open fields, to covered forests, to rocky ledges. We’ll earn iconic views over the Hudson River, watch for spring blooms in the underbrush, traverse tricky rock footings, and become a part of something much greater than ourselves – the community that is the AT! Throughout the trip, there will be plenty of time to learn all of the how-tos of setting up gear, treating water, proper food storage and waste burial, plus tips and tricks to help you successfully plan for your own multi-day trips, (or turn you into a pro for your next one with GGH!)
Fun Facts: New York’s Bear Mountain State Park is home to both the Appalachian Trail’s first section of trail, and its lowest point in elevation! The cool continuous footpath vibes all started here back in 1923 atop Bear Mountain, while downhill at the Bear Mountain Zoo, the trail bottoms out at only 120-ft above sea level, the lowest spot in all 14-states.
This trip will run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 in order to ensure the health and safety of all guides and participants. If the minimum has not been met 72 hours ahead of trip, we will reach out and refund, reschedule or make alternate arrangements. Liability Waiver must be completed ahead of hike in order to participate. All hikes are rain or shine.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel 14 days or more prior to the start of your trip, you will receive a full refund, less a 10% non-refundable administration fee. If you cancel between 24 hours and 14 days ahead, you will receive a 50% refund. Anything less than 24-hours is ineligible for refund, unless trip is canceled by Girl Gotta Hike, due to dangerous conditions or any other reason.
Public Transit + Ride Sharing: Carpooling is encouraged! GGH helps connect carless NYC-hikers with their neighboring hiker-drivers to get everyone to trail. Public Transit options are also available for hikers coming from NYC. Travel details are provided upon signup.