Destination Backcountry Adventures

As an avid hiker with friends who are flatly unenthusiastic about nature, climbing mountains, and/or swimming rocky streams, I found myself exploring extra-urban solo adventures online. I found DBA and, with no assurances other than the website, rolled the dice, laid down $100, and signed up for a day trip to the Catskills with a bunch of strangers.

After payment online, I received a confirmation email with details about what to bring, what to wear, when to meet, and what to expect from the hike.

When the day of our adventure came, I woke up early and hoofed it to Grand Central to meet the group. About 12 of us packed into a passenger van at 7 AM, where we were met with fresh coffee and copious breakfast snacks. We then set out on a 3 hour drive up to the Catskills, drinking coffee and chatting.

When we arrived at the trail head at the base of Westkill Mountain, the van was met with a handful of guides lead by one guy who was way too energetic for the early hour, but you can't fault people for enthusiasm. After a long wait, we started our trek, hiking up a five-mile trail through furs and boulders to the top of the mountain. The adventure I signed up for was classified as "challenging" and was pleased to find that it was indeed a hike that pushed me physically. Our efforts were rewarded at the mountain summit with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountain Range and a bountiful lunch provided by our guides.

The hike back down the mountain was easy, but I'd wished I'd followed the guidelines sent in the email and brought more water. Luckily, I found a spring along the way and filled my bottle with perfectly cold and clean ground water.

At the base of the mountain, we stripped down to our swim suits and jumped in a creek supplied by an absolutely beautiful waterfall.

From there, we drove to a nearby brewery with live music, fresh barbecue and outdoor seating where we slated our thirst with local beer.

The drive back was long, but our feet were grateful. I got back to the city about 9 PM and was showered and fast asleep by 10 PM, happy to have filled the day with nature and new friends.

Given the amount of prep I've put in to planNING my own hikes in the past, DBA is a steal considering all I had to do was pay $100 and show up.

This group really knows how to organize a great day away from the city! From transportation to informed trail/nature guides to fun post-hike stops - everything is smoothly executed and they attract a good group of hikers!

My first ever backpacking experience was one I'll never forget! Our crew of 8 set out with Brad, who was so knowledgeable and accommodating, especially getting us setup with equipment my two friends and I didn't already own. I loved learning how to use a saw for firewood, the ins and outs of the water filtration system, and portaging to a campsite. Not to mention the great meals and snacks provided by DBA! My one tip is to bring crocs as they suggest - I'll join that club the next time :) We felt very lucky to have such a helpful and fun group to spend our three days with. I couldn't have asked for a better Labor Day weekend excursion and would do another trip in a heartbeat!

Destination Backcountry his owner and guides are very professional. They are eager to help in every step of the hike. I had an amazing time, Lauren is a wonderful guide and a great person. Greg was our driver, he was great and professional.
I would recommend them and I will definitely be going in more hikes in the near future.

Super nice and friendly staff. Had Greg as our guide on a 3 day overnight trip in the Adirondacks. He was laidback and easy going which made for a relaxed vibe and knew how to take care of the group very well. Had another awesome guy named Wilson in the group who was like our camping chef on the trip and whipped up some tasty dishes with the bare essentials we had. I would definitely recommend this company to other people looking either for a day hike or for a few nights away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

I had a trip to Wittenberg with Brad. I really liked this experience. Great guide and amazing trip.

Amazing group! I've been on a few trips with different companies based out of the city and I always love DBA. For one you can't beat the price. They take care of everything. Pick up, guides, and food. They will even let you borrow gear for free (other groups in the city charge for this). The guides are knowledgeable and super friendly. Dave the owner is a super nice guy! You can tell he does this because he truly enjoys this. Would highly recommend!

First time hiking in a while and I could not have asked for a better experience! Dave, Jess, and Rachel were knowledgeable, prepared, and so incredibly friendly. I went on my own and felt like I was with a group friends. The "gentle" hike started or with a perhaps more than gentle hike up to the top of a waterfall, but it was totally worth it to scope out such a secluded and gorgeous spot. The rest of the hike was in fact gentle, gorgeous, and so fun. Oh and their dog Winnie is probably the best! I can't wait to go in my next adventure!

Extraordinary guides! I took a 3 day backpacking trip with DBA and Dave, Jess, and Alex were knowledgeable, fun, and deeply connected to the forest. I had some natural outdoor fears but their compassion and expertise helped me feel at ease in the backcountry.

I have been going on trips with DBA for years and I credit my survival in NYC to it completely!! The guides are incredible and every trip has been so passionately curated I want to scream about it from the Catskills Mountains and I HAVE!