Explore the Outdoors with Guided Hikes From Base Camp

A downtown store has helped hundreds of area residents to escape the suburbs and discover the nearby great outdoors.

The program at Base Camp Adventure Outfitters that takes hikers out into nearby preserves and parks is entering its second year, but for Gregg Shaffer, who leads the hikes, experiencing nature is nothing new.

Shaffer has hiked around Canada, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and even the entire Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Maine to Georgia. His interest in the outdoors came from growing up in Washington State, with a father who had him outside camping, hiking and fishing.

"It's such a Mecca out there for all of that. That's where it all stems from," he said. "I'm an outdoorsman. … I feel more at home when I'm out hiking in the woods and out in nature than I do at home."

Shaffer leads hikes for groups of three to five or six, and occasionally 12, people on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Many people return for another after their first hike. He enjoys getting to reach out to the community in this way.

"I just love it so much, seeing the expression on people's faces," he said. "Numerous people that go on hikes with me that have lived here all their lives are just blown away because they didn't even know it was there and it's at their back door."

Hikes on Wednesdays last around four hours, while Saturdays may be longer, but Shaffer tries to work with those who are interested to find timing that fits their schedule.

He has seen a wide variety of people, from businesspeople who are new to hiking to those who want more aggressive activity.

"It ranges from some families that bring kids to a couple of elderly women that were in their 80s out there hiking with me … I was in heaven that day," he said.

No experience hiking or special gear is necessary to participate. Shaffer simply advises bringing a snack and good footwear.

"The most important thing of all is to bring proper footwear," he said. "You need something to give ankle support, something you feel comfortable in."

What many hikers don't realize is the importance of water on hikes this time of year, according to Shaffer.

"It's a good idea to bring plenty of water because you need just as much in the winter as in the summer," he said.

This Wednesday and Saturday Shaffer is leading a hike to Jiminy Glick Park in the Abraham S. Hewitt State Forest, which will include views of the Catskill Mountains and Greenwood Lake. The hike is of moderate difficulty and meets up with the Appalachian Trail.

Next week, he is leading an easier 7.5-mile hike in Hewitt Township to Wawayanda State Park, with views of ponds and lakes. The hike crosses Cedar Swamp on a boardwalk.

The walks cost $10 per person, and those interested can sign up at Base Camp Adventure Outfitters. Information about the scheduling and difficulty of upcoming hikes is available on the Base Camp website.