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Hi, I'm Al and I'm excited to be your trip host for this trip!
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Watkins Glen Fall Hiking & Equinox Camping
Watkins Glen Fall Hiking & Equinox Camping
BRING FRIENDS! ADD 3 OR MORE FOR AN AUTOMATIC 10% OFF YOUR RESERVATION 🙌
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Updated Aug 2024
You'll be camping at the Six Nations Campground at Watkins Glen State Park from Thursday, September 19 through Sunday September 22, 2024.
Watkins Glen is one of the most amazing natural wonders in New York State. It's a series of 19 waterfalls inside a deep gorge made up of shale, limestone, and sandstone, all eroding at different rates, creating the instagrammable features Watkins Glen is famous for.
Spend fall equinox enjoying a magical camping experience at Watkins Glen with your outdoorsy fam in glorious northeast foliage.
There will be bathrooms with showers.
Reserve as soon as possible. This trip is limited to 10 campers (including couples and kids)!
This is a casual, fun weekend full of hiking under waterfalls, positive camping vibes and a ton of optional activities!
This camping is rated FAMILY-FRIENDLY. The hike is rated BEGINNER. See General Information below.
WHAT TO EXPECT*
- Day 1: It’s a full day’s roadtrip with a supply stop. Leaving NYC early. Arriving late afternoon. Then camp set up, campfire, and chill.
- Day 2: Group breakfast in town around 7am. Waterfalls hike around 9am. Group lunch in town around 1p. Dinner whenever you want.
- Day 3: Free time. We recommend doing other Waterfall hiking trails. Courtesy shuttle to local beach and boat launch.
- Day 4: Pack up. Leave around 12p. Lunch pitstop before dropping you off.
The itinerary is fluid, meaning you get there when you get there, you get started when you get started, you wrap up when you want to wrap up.
You’re getting a roadtrip, fun times, good vibes, awesome activities, and a chance to unplug and relax at one of NYs most spectacular natural features, all hosted by our amazing Hosts! What. Are. You. Waiting. For. Sign up ASAP - this trip will sell out!
*Details subject to change.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Campsite reservations are for singles or couples and included in the cost of your roundtrip shuttle.
- You may not drive in your own vehicle. You must reserve our shuttle.
- Tent and full-size inflatable mattress are available. Add it to your reservation.
- Roundtrip shuttle available from NYC on Day 1 and returning late on Day 4 only. Shuttles will not return to or pickup from NYC in between.
- Courtesy shuttles will be available to and from different activities and areas.
- There are bathrooms and showers. Bring your own soap, water container, wipes, sanitizers, toilet paper and towels.
- There will be a grill available for your use.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What kind of gear will I need to bring? You will receive a detailed list via email 72 hours prior to your trip.
- Can I drive myself? Unfortunately, no. You must use our shuttle service.
- If I don't have gear, can I borrow it from you? Yes! Add it to your reservation. Sold out? Ask in the chatbox. There might be something left.
- Is this trip "kid-friendly"? 100%. Also, kids 10 and younger can camp for free (as long as they fit in your tent).
- I'm going alone and worried about walking around the campground in the dark. How safe is the campground? You will be camping at a New York State Park with it's own staff and park police available. There will be other campers, many with families, who are generally respectful and courteous.
- Will there be food? No. You will receive a detailed list of what to bring to eat via email 72 hours prior to your trip.
- Will the camping and activities happen rain or shine? Although severe weather may prompt a change to our scheduling, yes, all camping and activities will occur rain or shine. Except when safety is compromised.
- Are we allowed to bring pets? Yes, but NYS Parks requires that your pet's rabies test be presented on-site.
Ask any questions any time from the chat box on this page.
General Trip Information
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Commercially insured, professionally hosted service, including safety checks (via trip scouting), extensive safety direction, support on a challenging trail, with setting up your tent, campfire, kayaks, etc.
- Tried-and-tested logistical support including detailed maps, accommodations (when applicable), packing lists, meal suggestions, meeting and pickup coordination, use of equipment like grills, headlamps, camp chairs, tables, crash pads, etc.
- In some cases, prices are inclusive of 3rd party gear rentals (i.e. skydiving equipment, specialized bikes, boats and safety equipment).
- Welcoming community because you wouldn't want to do this trip alone. Doing this trip with your outdoorsy fam guarantees you'll have an amazing trip.
- The most generous cancellation and refunds policy in the business.
AFTER YOU BOOK
All the details about your trip - including the most up-to-date weather, packing list and itinerary (especially for pickups) - lands in your inbox 72 hours prior to your trip date.
The sender will be "Al at Outerthere" and the subject of the Welcome email will be "Welcome to [name of trip]" and is only sent from info@ outerthere.com.
Here's what it'll look like in your inbox:
Please make sure you let your Gmail/iPhone know that this sender and email address are important.
Additionally, you should have received a confirmation for your reservation and a separate Thank You email with the subject, "You've reserved a trip on Outerthere!"
If your trip is within 72 hours and you still haven't seen any emails from us, please check your spam folder or "newsletters" folder in Gmail.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask us in the chatbox here or reply to any email you've received from our official email, info@ outerthere.com.
PICKUPS
Roundtrip shuttle is available for this trip.
Pickup times depend on total number of pickups for your trip, where you're going for your trip and type of trip you've signed up.
As a result, there are no standard pickup times, but you can get approximate times via the chatbox.
YOU WILL RECEIVE EXACT PICKUP TIMES AND LOCATIONS VIA WELCOME EMAIL AFTER YOU'VE MADE YOUR RESERVATION AND 72 HRS PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP. These pickup times are final. You'll be able to select your pickup time and location only by replying to that email.
Here's how to reserve a pickup for any Outerthere trips you reserve:
These are our primary pickups: North Astoria on Ditmars, Downtown Brooklyn near Junior's Restaurant, Midtown East on 63rd, Washington Heights on 181st and Ft. Wash, and The Grand Concourse and East 149th in the Bronx.
In addition, we can also accommodate requests near these primary pickups and along our route. We've picked up in Harlem, Fort Lee, New Rochelle and even Stamford, depending on where we're going and when you make your reservations.
But don't let the map fool you. As close as all these pickups appear, it takes a full 2 hours to pickup at every stop. So, we don't pick up at every stop every time.
We pre-determine our pick up route based on the address you use when you make a reservation. Then, you can either request your pickup by replying to the Welcome email prior to your trip or when you indicate your preferred pickup in your Safety Information Form. You can also request your pickup via the chat box on the website or even DM'ing here on IG.
Our route may change and our schedule gets adjusted, but the point is that our hosts are at your service to make joining us on trips as easy as possible.
So next time you get a Welcome email and don't see your preferred pickup, just request it!
ABOUT YOUR SHUTTLE
Updated June 2024
We work with 3rd party providers to ensure that your trip host has access to suitable vehicles for their trips. The rental fees for 3rd party providers are paid by each passenger, allowing your trip host to access vehicles easily and conveniently.
Your vehicles are 15-seat passenger vans with up to 460 cubic feet of interior space.
On occasion, your vehicle may also be privately-insured 7-seat minivans with up to 144 cubic feet of interior space.
Your vehicle is able to go places where larger vehicles cannot and are better suited for smaller groups.
The interiors of your vehicle will be cleaned and sanitized before every trip by your driver.
If you have any questions or concerns about your riding experience, don't hesitate to ask using the chat box below.
FAQs
Can I cancel my shuttle ride after I've reserved it? As you may already know, we have an awesome refund & cancellation policy and your shuttle fee can be refunded with advanced notice.
However, if you change your mind on the day of your pickup; or you appear physically unable to ride in our vehicle (i.e. you're sick or intoxicated); or if your behavior is threatening or harmful to other passengers and you are not permitted to enter the vehicle by your driver, we unfortunately will not be able to refund you.
And hey, it's OK if you do not feel comfortable for any reason, and we won't take offense.
CAMPING GEAR RENTALS
Want to book a trip, but don't have the gear? That's OK!
Borrow or rent the gear you need for your trip as an add-on to your reservation!
Just add to your cart and your Trip Host will have it for you on the day of your trip!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- If renting separately from your reservation, just add the order number from your reservation in the comments section during checkout.
- All gear is used and in good condition.
- You will be given instructions on use and care for the gear your borrow when you receive. Please treat gear gently so others may use it after.
- Booking for more than one person? Select your quantity, while supplies last.
- Lends Gear Program is only available to Outerthere guests and partners at this time. Our apologies.
- Want to donate your gear? Please submit here.
ABOUT TRIP RATINGS
Guidance by Outerthere, Updated August 2023
PACE
Everyone goes at their own pace and regardless of the pace you're on, you will never get left behind or be made to feel as though you’re slowing down your group. Whether you’re coming out for fitness or to just enjoy nature, the pace of the group can accommodate you.
BEGINNER
Beginner trips and activities are for anyone physically active at least one to three times per week, including kids ages 5+.
Beginner hiking trips, for example, may cover 0 to 3 miles in distance where you will be walking across unpaved, natural terrain anywhere between 2 to 4 hours with plenty of breaks or an experience will include basic training.
Elevation is within 1,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down.
Beginner trips are generally labeled "Easy" or "Beginner-friendly" and in the case of water-based trips (i.e. kayaking), will be on calmer lakes and slow moving rivers. For beginner camping trips, we may go from trailhead to campground without backpacking.
Regardless of the pace you're able to keep, you will not be left behind and will be supported with demonstrations or other instruction until you're comfortable performing the basic activity.
Beginner trips are recommended for anyone who little-to-no experience, but wants to get more acquainted with that activity.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Like Beginner trips, but with more consideration to kids and pets. (For example, other parents/nannies will be present and are happy to support your kid, expect activities your kids will enjoy, baby changing stops and areas are considered, area is walkable with carrier or stroller).
INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate trips are a bit more challenging than Beginner trips, but completely doable for anyone active 3 to 5 times per week, including pre-teenagers.
An Intermediate trip may cover 3 to 7 miles, during which you'll be moving anywhere between 4 to 8 hours with breaks.
If you're participating in an Intermediate trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own some gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and will be OK with unexpected weather.
And you may even be asked to support Beginners transitioning up to Intermediate.
Elevation is within 3,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down. You'll feel it in your calves, quads, hams, shoulders, back, and arms next day.
Intermediate water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) generally assume you're comfortable in open water and/or with fast-moving water. Although you don't have to know how to swim, if you're participating in an Intermediate trip, it's recommended.
You will need to focus and stay alert at all times for your safety.
When you’re done, you may say to yourself you’ll never do a trip like that again, but afterwards, you’ll look forward to the next one.
These trips are recommended for anyone interested in stepping up their outdoor game or anyone about to start a training program.
ADVANCED
Advanced is intended for anyone (including teenagers) who is active almost every day and could probably put together their own trip, but prefers going in a group with other Advanced fam.
They may cover 7 or more miles during which you'll be moving 8+ hours. Destinations, elevation and weather will be challenging.
If you're participating in an Advanced trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own all gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and are knowledgeable with how to use it.
Advanced water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) will require you to comfortable in all types of water. You should know how to swim.
These trips are recommended for anyone thinking about DIY trips and need some additional guidance, anyone training to do epic, multi-day treks, and/or anyone interested in mixing up their normal weekly workout.
IMPORTANT HEAD UP ABOUT ADVANCED PACE: Please be aware that some fam will attend a trip convinced that they are prepared for an Advanced trip, including maybe you. However, they may have discovered on that trip that they are not as Advanced as they expected. That is perfectly normal and in no way reflects a miscommunication or misunderstanding by anyone. Like it says in Welcome emails, sh_t happens and your trip host can manage.
If that's the case, and you or someone else on your trip is having a challenging time, other fam may be asked to support anyone who is having a challenging time maintaining an Advanced pace. This can mean that someone is going at a slower pace due to injury, dehydration, affected mental state, anything. In any case, trips are safe spaces and no one will be made to feel as though they are being a burden or left behind.
SCOUTING
Scouting trips are meant for us to "test the adventure" (like breaking gadgets on purpose to see if they'll hold up to regular use) and figure out all the risks before planning a safe adventure for everyone else.
That said, since we won't always know what to expect, sometimes these scouting trips are very easy and even boring.
Or they are very challenging and extremely dangerous. We won't know until we try it.
Either way, they're fun for anyone who has already participated in Intermediate or Advanced trips, are open to anything and don't mind the unexpected inconveniences (weather, car issues, whatever) that come up on the way to a new experience.
These trips are recommended for anyone with advanced outdoor skills, lots of experience in the outdoors and a variety of outdoor gear.
DISCLAIMER
TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Details regarding your trip will be emailed to you after you book.