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!

The Deets!

Where: Pawling, NY

Native Land Recognition: Paugusett, Schaghticoke, Munsee Lenape and Mohican

When: Saturday, May 9th, 7:00 AM (to meet @ Grand Central)

Distance: 6.5 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 wooden boardwalk and rolling pasture, plus one long and steep rocky ascent / descent.

Estimated Hiking Time: 5 ½ hours (including breaks)

Estimated Return to NYC: 4:45 PM

Price: $40/person

Inclusive of: Expert guide service, logistical support, welcoming community

Not included: MTA Metro-North 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 May, we’re heading upstate to Dutchess County, where the AT has it's very own stop on the Metro-North Railroad. This section of the AT, features a smooth boardwalk, open fields, panoramic views of neighboring Connecticut from a rocky outcropping, and the Dover Oak, a massive 300-year old tree! We may even cross paths with some current year AT thru-hikers making their way north from Georgia to Maine!

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.