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Wilderness Escapes

Nature Adventures for Members

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Free

 

Explore the Catskills, Hudson Valley & Shoreline Beyond NYC

While all of our trips, classes, and rentals in NYC are open to the public, these are member-exclusive outdoor adventures beyond city limits. We take small groups of trained paddlers to the most serene wilderness. Whether by riding the train or carpooling with the crew, we handle logistics and gear. Explore scenic waterfalls, nature sanctuaries, and beaches, then end with a local dinner. It’s the ultimate NYC weekend escape.

2026 Expeditions: From the hidden waterfalls of Hudson Highlands and the coastal swells of Sandy Hook, to the dramatic Palisades Cliffs and the historic waterfronts of Kingston and Piermont. We’ll scout the Tivoli & Catskills wilds, paddle to Bannerman Castle at peak foliage, and finish the year exploring the Connecticut Islands.

 

A peaceful outdoor escape from New York City featuring a morning paddling expedition on a misty, remote wilderness lake.

Trading the subway for the stillness of the upper Hudson—only for MKC members.

 

Important

These Wilderness Escapes are a free benefit exclusive to MKC members.
To join these expeditions, you must be a member and have reached the Advanced Level by completing our class series and 4 intermediate trips this season.

Not a member yet? Join the Club to access these wilderness escapes and get deep discounts on the training steps to get there.

 

Areas We Explore

Join us for curated excursions to the Hudson Valley, Long Island Sound, and the Catskills. Perfect for those seeking hiking, paddling, and nature photography near New York City.

 

A communal lunch break during a peak-foliage expedition to the Hudson Highlands. The group of paddlers is gathered at picnic tables beneath a massive, majestic Weeping Willow, with the dramatic ridges of Storm King Mountain and Breakneck Ridge in the background. It captures the transition from the high-performance effort of paddling to the high-value reward of the lunch in nature’s cathedral. The crisp blue sky, autumn colors on the mountains, and lush green grass create a perfect fall day.

An unforgettable lunch with friends.