The #Onward Challenge: Season 3
One day, Trip Host Anna and her bff Carla decided to go on a casual walk that accidentally turned into a 17-mile hike.
And apparently, they only took a 5-minute break the entire 17 miles. So, to finish that hike, they’d say, “Onward!” to motivate each other to keep going. Ooookay. Yeah. "Accidentally".
Anyway, that's how the #Onward Challenge was born.
The #Onward Challenge kicked off in 2021 with a 36.5 mile "ultra" hike-a-thon that took fam over 7,350 feet of elevation change over 15 weeks from January to April.
And in 2022, we hiked ~35 miles with over 8,100 feet of elevation change over 20 weeks from January to May.
Each hike has its own challenges, testing your stamina and endurance in extreme weather conditions. But when you're done, you're never going to forget what you accomplished.
Join us in 2023! Onward!
SEASON 3 SCHEDULE
- Jan 14, 2023 at Ashokan Rail Trail, Catskill, ~7 miles, ~400' elevation change. Challenge: Willpower
- Feb 18, 2023 at Hunter Mountain, Catskills, ~6 miles, ~4,040' elevation. Challenge: Ice.
- Mar 11, 2023 at Overlook Mountain at Woodstock, Overlook Mountain Forest Park, ~5 miles, ~3,140' elevation. Challenge: Pace
- Apr 8, 2023 at Mt. Tremper Fire Tower at Phoenicia - Mt. Tobias Wild Forest at Shakenden, NY, 6.5 miles, ~2,740' elevation. Challenge: Distance
- May 6, 2023, Catskill Interpretive Nature Trail Loop at Upper Esopus at Mt. Tremper, NY, 1 mile, ~100' elevation. Challenge: Extra credit. (This trip is included when you join us on our Beginner Camping Trip).
- May 13, 2023, Red Hill Fire Tower Trail at Sundown Wild Forest at Denning, NY, ~4 miles, 2,990' elevation. Challenge: Weather.
Total elevation ~13,400'
Completed
*The average pace of hiking 1 mile in NYC is 15 minutes. In natural terrain, it's about 30. Onward Challenge will attempt to hike 1 natural terrain mile in about 20 minutes or less. Challengers will be tested.
- 9am Arrive at trailhead
- 9:20am Begin trip
- ~12pm Arrive at midpoint, quick lunch
- ~3p Conclude trip
**Schedule is subject to change depending on trail conditions, weather, etc. Final schedule sent via email after you've made your reservation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- This trip is included with an Unlimited Pass.
- If you've been on any past Onward Challenges, use code ONWARD2023TEAM at checkout when you reserve upcoming Onward Challenge trips and they will come out to the original $39 of 2021 trips! (Any trouble with this code and let us know in the chat box below. We'll fix it right away.)
- When you complete 4 out of 5 #Onward Challenges, your 5th Challenge is free. Just use code ONWARDFINISHER when you book your 4th hike and 5th hikes together and your 5th hike will come out to $0.
- Bonus, you'll also receive a free limited edition #Onward Challenge Finisher Sweatshirt.
- Double bonus! Reach all 6 fire towers with us and you'll receive a Finisher Patch from NY State for completing this challenge!
- Hikers MUST bring spiked crampons for their shoes to help them maintain traction on icy terrain.
- This is rated INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED. Learn more about How We Rate Trips.
- Roundtrip shuttle available. Or get a Ryde Membership instead.
- YOU WILL RECEIVE EXACT PICKUP TIMES AND LOCATIONS VIA WELCOME EMAIL AFTER YOU'VE MADE YOUR RESERVATION AND 72 HRS PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP. You'll be able to select your pickup time and location only by replying to that email.
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Physical Distancing and Face Covering Policy.
- No Questions Asked Refund and Cancellation Policy.
- TRIP DETAILS (I.E. TIME, DATE, DESCRIPTIONS) POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Details regarding your trip will be emailed to you after you book.
TRIP REVIEWS
From the #whatyoumissed archives
