If you’ve never hiked in the Hudson Valley in New York, now is your chance. This is the perfect time to catch those fall leaves and colors from beautiful summit views, plus this hike is public transportation friendly. Not to mention a bit moderate at first with some rock scrambles to keep your glutes honest.
Intention: This hike is about reclaiming our connection with our ancestors. From our grandparents to the ones we never got to meet. Even if you have never done so or haven’t in a while, you will walk away knowing one way to communicate with them in nature through writing. Join us. Don’t miss out.
Why? Because nature serves as a bridge to our ancestors, connecting us to our heritage. Ancestral landscapes and sacred sites in natural settings allow us to understand our roots. Nature's elements and symbolism play a role in honoring and communicating with our ancestors. It holds ancestral knowledge, enabling us to reclaim teachings and wisdom. Nature also provides a healing space for ancestral wounds, fostering reconciliation and a deeper connection to our ancestral past. Dale, let’s go.
About the hike: (Moderate at first, then easy) We’re headed to Anthony’s Nose trail near Cold Spring, NY where you’ll also be able to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail. If you’ve looking for a hike with a bit of a challenge, then this might do the trick. The first section of the hike is the steep 500-foot rock staircase (takes about 20-30 minutes to go up), then the trail levels out leading to the overlook with the epic views where we will take a break to rehydrate, meditate and journal before heading back. If you aren’t sure about the rock staircase, check out the photo below and/or you can read a play by play here.
Hike level: If you usually workout, you'll be okay. If you don't at all, you will huff and puff a bit but it's only the first 30 minutes. Then, it's super chill.
Videos of past hikes can be found here and here.
Distance: 2.6 miles
Photo courtesy of Hike the Hudson Valley
Public Transportation: If you're coming from NYC, you can take the Metro North train from Grand Central to Cortlandt via the Hudson Line. From there, it is about a 10-minute ride to the trailhead. If you're not down for the walk, you can easily book an Uber or Lyft. I’ll email the exact meetup spot 3 days prior.
Another transportation option: A shuttle is available for $89 RT with our partners at Outerthere. Fits up to 10 and will take you directly to the trail and back. Check out this link to book your shuttle.
Bathrooms: Only on the trains and in Cold Spring. There aren’t any at the trailhead or on the way. So we can find a spot and then the group can help cover you with our backs turned. We’ve done so in the past and you would be surprised how fast like-minded women come through for one another in nature. I also carry a bathroom kit for all the hikers so no need to pack that. I got you.
Breakdown:
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Welcome/Smudging/Introductions
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Hike in
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Snacks & Rest/Guided journaling session
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Hike back/Closing circle
Look forward to:
Grounding meditation
Earthing
Guided Spiritual Hike
Energetic cleanse with Sage and/or Palo Santo
Guided Journaling Session
Sharing circle
I’ll be sending out an email with information on how to prep, what to pack, and more.
Refunds are not available but you can transfer your ticket to someone else or another one-day retreat this fall. If it rains, the hike will be rescheduled for the following day. If it rains the following day, then it will be rescheduled for the following weekend, again depending on the weather.
WHY HIKE?
It boosts endorphins, reduces stress and helps keep you present. By allowing ourselves to be unapologetically spiritual in a place like the outdoors, we honor and affirm how we take up space in the world.
WHY JOURNAL?
The peace you get from being out on a hike naturally leads to personal reflection because your mind is super clear and you’re tapped into your highest self. Writing in this state is a powerful way to connect with yourself and what you want out of life. Once the pen hits the paper, anything is possible.
SIDE EFFECTS OF HIKING WITH US INCLUDE:
Spiritual freedom as we unapologetically take up space in nature, self-esteem on point, nature high that lasts about a week, inner peace, remembering who the fuck you are, feeling grounded, deep connection with nature, appreciation for ancestral land a.k.a. Pachamama, self-revelations through journaling, and the sassiness to stand in your power. You’ll always walk away from a hike feeling better than how you came in.