Spring is an ideal season to explore the many hiking trails that weave throughout our region. As the mountaintops thaw and the trees awaken, now is the perfect time to enjoy the scenic vistas, wooded landscapes, and pebbly paths all around us. And what’s better than exploring with a group of like-minded nature enthusiasts?

The Hudson Valley Hikers (HVH) group brings together a network of people from around the world who love to trek trails. HVH founder Chris Baker began the group on Meetup.com in 2008 after he began hiking for health reasons, but didn’t want to hike solo in the winter; he thought it’d be a great way to seek out fellow hikers. The group now has more than 18,000 members and hosts about 100 events per month.

We’re a passionate community that welcomes hikers of all ages and skill levels.

“Hudson Valley Hikers currently stands as one of the largest, most active outdoors groups in the world, and it exists to bring together people who love the outdoors,” Baker says. “We’re a passionate community that welcomes hikers of all ages and skill levels.”

HVH members range from world-traveling experts, to retirees, to families with children. Although 60% of HVH membership is based in the Hudson Valley, other members hail from each state in the US and more than 30 countries worldwide. Baker believes in the significance of this group so much that, to keep membership free, he covers all costs himself. In return, he has observed the blossoming of a community. Members support each other, share knowledge, swap stories around the campfire, and enjoy camaraderie surrounded by nature’s beauty. According to Baker, several marriages and families have developed as a result of relationships made on the trails.

Jackie Corley, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley
Jackie Corley, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley
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Hiking is good for the mind, body, and soul. When you reach that summit on a bluebird day and all you see is forests and peaks in the distance, everything lifts.

“Hiking is good for the mind, body, and soul. When you reach that summit on a bluebird day and all you see is forests and peaks in the distance, everything lifts. You can think of nothing else except the accomplishment of a good climb,” he says. “Many new members will start on a easy two-to-four mile beginners’ hike, and after a few months find themselves doing things they never thought possible, like skydiving, ice climbing, rappelling in Utah, or training for their first marathon. You never know who you will meet or how your life will change once you join your first HVH event.”

Visit Meetup.com/HVHikers to stay up to date on future events, including Tuesday evening kayak trips, sunset hikes in the Hudson Highlands, and hikes for all levels.

Jackie Corley, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley
Jackie Corley, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley
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Spring 2016 Upcoming Events:

March 26: Beginner hike at Ward Pound Ridge in Westchester County
April 2: Advanced 50-mile hiking/camping trip in Harriman State Park
April 15: Group camping trip in the Finger Lakes wine region. Explore the many gorges of the area and sample some of NY's finest wine.
May 6: Group camping trip in Worthington State Forest, NJ. Enjoy beautiful hikes along the Delaware Water Gap.

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