OUTDOOR HIKING CLUB AT THE YMCA OF GREENWICH
Trailblazers is the YMCA of Greenwich’s outdoor hiking club for adults who love fresh air, movement, and community. From spring through autumn, members and non-members come together to explore scenic trails at different locations each month, connecting with nature and with one another along the way. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a fun, active way to enjoy the outdoors, Trailblazers offers a welcoming space to get moving, unplug, and explore together.
2026 SESSIONS OF TRAILBLAZERS
APRIL HIKE: HOOK MOUNTAIN, NYACK BEACH LOOP
Saturday, April 18 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- N Rte 9W, Nyack, NY 10960
- 5.7 Miles, B Level Moderate Hike, 1,156 ft Elevation
- $8 Parking Fee
- Bathroom facilities available
- 46 minute drive from Greenwich
- If self-driving, meet at Hook Mountain Parking Lot Trailhead
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 8AM
MAY HIKE: HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK, BALL HILL LOOP
Saturday, May 16 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- 3011 NY-90 Cold Spring, NY 10516
- 5.2 Miles, B Level Moderate Hike, 1,148 ft Elevation
- No Parking Fee
- Bathroom facilities available
- 1 hour 17 minute drive from Greenwich
- If self driving, meet at the Hudson Highlands State Park Parking Lot Trailhead
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 7:45AM
JUNE HIKE: CLIFF WALK HIKE, OPTIONAL MANSIONS TOUR
Saturday, June 20 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM Hike | 2PM - 4PM Open Air Trolley Mansions Tour
- 17 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI 02840
- 3.5 Miles, C Level Easy Hike
- Metered parking fee on Memorial Blvd, $35 fee at Easton’s Beach public parking day rate
- Bathroom facilities available
- 2-hour 38 minute drive minute drive from Greenwich
- If self driving, meet at entrance of Cliff Walk at Easton’s Beach side
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 6AM
- Additional fee of $48 for Open Air Mansions Trolley Tour with admission to Breakers.
- Pre-booking required. Contact lparentice@gwymca.org by 6/6/26 to ensure spot.
JULY HIKE: ALANDER MOUNTAIN TRAIL TO BASH BISH FALLS
Saturday, July 18 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- 545 East Street, Mount Washington, MA 01258
- 5.8 Miles, A Level Hard Hike, 111 foot ascent, 1,699 foot descent, via South Taconic Trail to Bish Bash Falls
- No Parking Fee
- Bathroom facilities available
- 2 hour 1 minute drive from Greenwich
- If self driving, meet at the South Taconic Trailhead
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 6:45AM
SEPTEMBER HIKE: MOUNT BEACON
Saturday, September 19 | 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- 788 Wolcott Avenue, Beacon, NY 12508
- 6.1 Miles, A Level Hard Hike, 1,919 foot elevation, via Casino, Wilkinson Memorial, and Fishkill Ridge Trails
- No Parking Fee
- Porta potty facilities available
- 1 hour 10 minute drive from Greenwich
- If self driving, meet at the Casino Trailhead
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 7:45AM
OCTOBER HIKE: STRATTON MTN, HARVEST FEST, BREWFEST, & CHILI COOKOFF
Saturday, October 10 | 9:30AM - 12:30PM
- 5 Village Lodge Rd, Stratton, VT 05360
- 3 Miles Peak to Base, A Level Hard Hike, 1,872 foot elevation
- No Parking Fee
- Bathroom facilities available
- 4 hour 4 minute drive from Greenwich
- If self driving, meet at the clock tower at Stratton Base
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 5AM
- $25 Admission fee for Harvest Fest, BrewFest, and Chili Cookoff (Tickets can be purchased online)
- Optional 2- night fall foliage weekend getaway at Black Bear Lodge: $190 per night for Friday and Saturday
- Contact Linda at lparentice@gwmyca.org for pre-booking information.
NOVEMBER HIKE: CENTRAL PARK STROLL
Saturday, November 21 | 9:30AM - 12PM
- 59th Street and 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022
- 6.1 Miles, A Level Hard Hike, 295 foot elevation, via East & West Drive Loop
- Bathroom facilities available
- $7.46 Toll Fee; $55 Day Rate Parking Fee, $30 Round Trip Train from Greenwich, $20 to $24 Uber fee from Grand Central to meet up spot
- Parking Garage Details: 80 Central Park West Garage (very close to access loop); $55 day rate
- Varying travel time from Greenwich based on method of travel
- If self driving, meet at the Grand Army Plaza Park Entrance
- If carpooling, meet at the YMCA of Greenwich Mason St Entrance at 7:45AM
VOLUNTEER WITH TRAILBLAZERS
Trailblazers has grown into a vibrant, welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts, and we’re excited to continue expanding the club with the help of dedicated volunteers. Volunteer hike leaders play an important role in supporting group hikes, helping participants feel comfortable and included, and ensuring each outing runs smoothly and safely.
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to get involved—just someone who enjoys the outdoors, values community, and is excited to help others connect with nature. Whether you’re assisting with logistics, helping guide the group, or supporting the hike leader, your involvement helps make Trailblazers a positive and accessible experience for everyone.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
To help ensure a safe and positive experience for all participants, Trailblazers volunteers are required to complete a few standard YMCA steps before getting started. These include signing a volunteer release agreement and completing a background check through our volunteer system.
Full details and step-by-step instructions can be found in the Volunteer Requirements PDF linked below. For questions, please contact
- Jodi FitzGerald - JFitzgerald@gwymca.org
- Julia Borges - JBorges@gwymca.org