Looking for a continuous challenge, the satisfaction of checking mountains off a list, or just a good excuse to keep on heading for the hills? Then the Catskill 3500 Bushwhack Series hikes are just for you!

There are 35 peaks in the Catskills over 3500 feet, twelve of which are off-trail bushwhack hikes, making for a unique and challenging outdoor experience. Hike ‘em all and you’ll earn a patch and recognition as a Catskill 3500 Club Member!

Special Post-Hike Event: In collaboration with this weekend’s Catskills Charmed Circle Fly Classic (a catch-and-release fly fishing contest hosted by nearby West Kill Brewing), 20% of proceeds from this hike will be donated to the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers.

Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization founded on American fly-fishing traditions promoting stream and river protection and self-sustainable salmonid populations through conservation, environmental oversight, activism, catch-and-release practices, and education.

Find out more about the fishing event here!

The Deets!

Where: Rusk Mountain Wild Forest, West Kill, NY

Native Land Recognition: Haudenosaunee

When: Sunday, June 8th, 8:00 AM (to meet onsite)

Distance: 5-ish miles (with no official trail to follow, mileage can vary slightly)

Rating: Challenging – terrain is mostly off-trail with steep ascents and descents; best for regular exercisers and those who can spend a long time on their feet.

Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (including breaks)

Price: $95 / person (includes 20% donation)

Inclusive of: Expert support from female New York State Licensed Guide(s), gear check-list upon signup, trekking pole rental, one celebratory beverage of choice

Not included: transportation, additional post-hike meal/drink, guide gratuity

Hike Description: For this month’s Catskill 3500 Series hike, we’ll be continuing our quest to reach another of the trail-less 3500 peaks! This time, we’re aiming for Rusk, a mostly trail-less bushwhack, and its and slightly smaller neighbor, East Rusk. The pristine water which drains from these protected peaks flows first into the West Kill, then into the Schoharie, a river which not only helps to feed New York City’s water supply, but also provides the perfect habitat to support the native brook trout. These waters are highly sought after by many fly fishers and anglers, and along with our friends over at West Kill Brewery, a portion of the proceeds from this hike will help support the conservation efforts of the Theodore Gorden Flyfishers, whose mission is to keep these waters protected and clean for everyone!

Post hike, we’ll kick back and raise a glass to our double summit success at said nearby favorite West Kill Brewery, where the “beer tastes better outdoors!”

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 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 100% refund. 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 cancelled by Girl Gotta Hike, due to dangerous conditions or any other reason.

Ride Sharing: Girl Gotta Hike encourages participants from the NYC area to carpool up to The Catskills. Upon signup, you’ll be prompted to let us know if you have a car, if you’re willing to rent one, or if you need a ride. We’ll put hikers and drivers in nearby neighborhoods in touch with each other to help get everyone to trail on time.