This trek will be led by Aviva Green. You can learn more about Aviva here.

This trek takes place in the western Catskills near Alder Lake within Catskill Park.

The route climbs along Mill Brook Ridge to the historic Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower, offering sweeping views across the Catskill Mountains.

It is located approximately 2 hours and 45 min north of NYC.

Shabbat in the Backcountry

Shabbat invites us to step away from the pace and pressure of everyday life. In the wilderness, that invitation becomes even deeper.

Spending Shabbat beside a mountain stream in the Catskills gives us the chance to slow down, breathe, and reconnect—with nature, with one another, and with the deeper rhythms that Shabbat was meant to restore.

(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)

Day 1 – Thursday

Distance: ~2.17 miles

Elevation gain: ~1,400 ft

Start time: 11:00 AM

We begin hiking from Alder Lake, climbing gradually along the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail until we arrive at the Brook Ridge Lean-to and set up camp.

Day 2 – Friday

Distance: ~4.34 miles

Elevation gain: ~800 ft

We continue along the Mill Brook Ridge Trail, traversing a quiet ridgeline deep in the Catskills.

After a break at Beecher Lake Overlook, we descend toward Beaver Meadow Lean-to near Alder Creek, where we will set up camp before Shabbat.

Day 3 – Saturday

Shabbat in the Catskills

We will spend Shabbat resting, enjoying the forest, sharing meals, and relaxing.

Day 4 – Sunday

Distance: ~6.43 miles

Elevation gain: minimal

End time: approximately 3-4 PM

We complete the final stretch of the hike along the Alder Lake Trail, returning to the trailhead.

Depending on weather and time, there may be opportunities to swim in Alder Lake before heading home.

We welcome people of all levels of Jewish observance. Our trips are structured to ensure that participants who observe Shabbat and kashrut can do so comfortably.

We will arrive at our campsite before Shabbat on Friday (where we will built a kosher eruv) and spend Shabbat resting near Beaver Meadow Lean-to before continuing the trek on Sunday.

All food provided by Lech-Lecha is kosher, and the schedule allows participants to comfortably observe Shabbat.

Lech-Lecha provides:

• All kosher food

• Tents

• Cooking equipment and stoves

• All communal gear

Participants must bring:

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Hiking boots or trail shoes

• Weather-appropriate hiking clothing

Gear can be rented from us if needed.

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming

Or our trek leaders: Annie (Annie@lechlechajourneys.org) | Aviva (aviva.r.green@gmail.com)