The Girl Gotta Hike Public Transit Series is a monthly-ish guided hike that is easily accessed by subway, train or bus from New York City. Get out of the city and into the woods without needing a car!
Where: Greenwood Lake, NY
Native Land Recognition: Mohican and Munsee Lenape
When: Saturday, July 18th, 7:10 AM (to meet @ New York Port Authority)
Distance: 7.5 miles
Rating: Moderate – best for regular exercisers and/or those who can spend a fair amount of time on their feet.
Terrain: A mix of forested footpath, and some rocky ascents and descents which may require the use of hands.
Estimated Hiking Time: 4 ½ hours (including breaks)
Estimated Return to NYC: 4:15 PM
Price: $40/person
Inclusive of: Expert guide service, logistical support, welcoming community
Not included: New Jersey Transit bus fare, post-hike food or beverage, guide gratuity (always appreciated, never expected)
Hike Description: 2026 marks GGH Founder, Melissa “Click” Goodwin’s 15-year Appalachian Trail-versary, and the 8th year of Girl Gotta Hike! To celebrate, we’ll be visiting segments of the trail that inspired it all — the Appalachian Trail!
This July, we’re heading up to Orange County to hike on the westernmost piece of the Appalachian Trail in New York State, just north of the New Jersey border. On this out-and-back hike, we’ll walk atop a ridgeline dotted with viewpoints of the rolling hills of nearby Sterling Forest State Park, and lots of local lakes. We’ll also pass by Wildcat Shelter, one of the nine overnight lean-tos along the AT in NY. We’ll reach the real gem of this hike at our turnaround point – the cool and cascading Fitzgerald Falls! Post-hike we can cool off even more with some delicious ice cream at hiker-friendly Bellvale Farms Creamery.
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 in order to ensure the health and safety of all guides and participants. If the minimum has not been met 24 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.