Winter Hike & Howl

Scenic winter hike and stunning wolves

What We Love

Open hiking along the Delaware River

Beautiful winter views of the Water Gap

See wolves, foxes, and bobcats up close

Learn about wildlife

Your Day

Join us as we leave the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for the quiet trails and beautiful snow covered scenery of the Delaware Water Gap. First, we'll enjoy a hike along the Kittatinny Ridge. We'll start by ascending a climb and earning sweeping views over the Delaware River and surrounding forest. We'll keep our eyes peeled for the many birds of prey that live in the area. After a relaxing lunch, we'll complete our hike with a waterfall visit.

Next, we'll come face to face with one of nature's fiercest and most beautiful creatures. After arriving at the base camp of the wolf preserve, a short drive away, we'll find ourselves on a quiet half-mile path. Emerging into the center of the sanctuary, packs of Timber, Tundra and Arctic wolves surround us. It's as if we've been transported back to a time when wolves patrolled our valleys and mountains. We'll participate in the Wolf Watch, seeing the wolves in natural surroundings and learning their eating patterns and social structures and hearing their howl. We'll also learn about some other wild and fascinating creatures at the preserve - like the Bobcat and Fox.

Depending on trail conditions, snowshoes or microspikes may be required. If so, they will be provided by your guide.

Perfect for: Fit first time hikers up for a challenge, experienced hikers seeking a relaxing pace

Planning

Bring

Essential Gear

Lunch
Ample snacks
At least two liters of water
Backpack. Need a recommendation? Check out Deuter!
Weather-appropriate clothing. For a great selection and discounts, visit our partners
Gaiters
Extra wool socks on the trail

Recommended Gear

Trekking or ski poles
A thermos of hot soup, tea, or coffee
Hand / Foot warmers
Chapstick
Camera
A dry set of clothes and shoes for the ride home (can be left in the van)

Wear

Essential Clothing

Ski or snowboarding gear, including a warm, waterproof jacket
Comfortable, moisture wicking base layers
Waterproof hiking boots with wool socks (required)
Warm hat
Weatherproof Gloves
Neck buff or balaclava
Sunglasses

What's Included

Included

Expert guides
Transportation
Park permits
Snowshoe or microspike rental, depending on conditions
Entry to wolf sanctuary

Not Included

Meals
Gratuity for your guide

Drive to Meet

Have your own transportation? Select the "drive to meet" option at check out. You'll meet your guide in Worthington State Forest at the Douglas Parking Lot Trailhead at 10:15 AM. Please see map below.

Intensity

Level 3

Easy Active - Perfect for active first timers

Level 3 trips will give you a broad sense of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

Activity

Three to five hours is standard. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles or exercising two or three days a week.

Distances

Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be hiking three to six miles on this trip, the average distance run in an hour-long basketball game.

Surfaces

You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain with bare rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

Elevation Change

There could be up to 1,000 feet per day.

Altitude

Up to 4,500 feet.

Weather

Weather conditions can be quite different from the city in the mountainous regions we visit. Temperatures can be expected to be quite cooler as we head north or to higher elevations and we'll likely encounter more snow accumulation between early winter and spring. Keep your eyes out for an email from our team a few days in advance of your trip. That email will provide updated weather conditions and will alert you to anything additional you should put in your pack to prepare. Your guide will also make sure you have the necessary gear, such as snowshoes or microspikes, so you can have a great day in the snow. We head outside in any weather, as long as we know it's safe, and we don't let a little snow or wind ruin a chance for an adventure. You can contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about preparing for trail conditions.