Overview

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Come spend your fall break with OEL in the High Peaks Wilderness Area in the Adirondacks, NY. This 4 day, 3 night trip will include a short day of backpacking to our base camp, where we will stay for the next few days. From our base camp, we will enjoy long day-trip hikes in this stunning area of the Adirondack mountains, including a summit attempt of New York's highest peak, Mt. Marcy (elev. 5,344'). Once we have had our fill of the backcountry, we will make our way back to civilization with a stop for breakfast in Keene Valley before the long drive back to Bucknell.

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While we encourage participants of all experience levels to join, we do anticipate strenuous hiking on this longer trip. Participants may experience up to 12 miles of hiking per day, with as much as 3,500' of elevation gain while carrying a light backpack. The campsite we will use for this trip is an approximate 2 mile hike from the trailhead, so carrying a heavy (30-50lbs) backpacking-style backpack will be necessary for the first and last portions of this trip. 

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Location

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We'll first meet at our Basecamp on Bucknell's campus. From there we'll make the approximate 6.5 hour, 384 mile drive to Keene Valley, NY, where we will begin our adventure in the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

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*Links share GoogleMaps references

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Schedule

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Saturday, Oct. 12:

-8:00 AM - Meet at our Basecamp on Bucknell's campus. Check and prepare gear. Load vehicle.

-10:00 AM - Depart campus.

-4:00 PM - Arrive to Keene Valley, NY. Pick up any remaining supplies if needed.

-5:00 PM - Arrive at the Adirondak Log & Heart Lake Program Center trailhead parking lot. 

-6:15 PM - Hike into Marcy Dam Lean-to primitive camping area (~2 miles).

-7:00 PM - Arrive at camp, set up camp.

-8:00 PM - Make dinner and relax.

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Sunday, Oct. 13:

-7:00 AM - Breakfast at camp.

-8:00 AM - Begin Phelps Mountain hike (~6 mile hike out and back from campsite).

-5:00 PM - Return to camp. Dinner and relax.

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Monday, Oct. 14:

-5:00 AM - Breakfast at camp.

-6:00 AM - Start hiking Mt. Marcy (~12 miles out and back from campsite).

-6:00 PM - Return to camp. Dinner and relax.

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Tuesday, Oct. 15:

-6:00 AM - Break camp and hike out to vehicles at trailhead (~2 miles).

-7:00 AM - Drive into Keene Valley for breakfast at the diner.

-9:00 AM - Gift shopping/final needs in Keene Valley.

-10:00 AM - Drive back to Bucknell.

-5:00 PM - Return back to Bucknell Campus. Return gear and conclude trip.

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What's Provided?

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-Hiking gear (trekking poles, backpacking style backpack, rain jacket/pants if needed, etc.)

-Camping gear (sleeping bags, tents, sleeping pads, headlamp if needed, etc.)

-All camping meals and snacks (Saturday 10/12 dinner - Monday 10/14 dinner)

-Breakfast in Keene Valley on Tuesday, 10/15

-Sunscreen & bug spray

-Transportation to/from

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What To Bring

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-Clothing that's comfortable to hike and camp in (e.g. athletic type clothing and/or synthetic pieces, etc.)

-Rain jacket & pants (available to borrow from OEL if needed)

-Warm insulated jacket and pants

-Baselayer fleece shirt and pants (available to borrow from OEL if needed)

-Warm beanie

-Pair of socks for camping

-Pair of socks for hiking

-Hiking boots or a pair of sturdy sneakers (trail can get slippery)

-Small backpack

-1-2 water bottles

-A sun hat

-Sunglasses

-Personal snack/energy food for day hikes

-Personal food for transportation to/from trip destination