

Thu, Jun 18
|Alder Lake Trailhead
Catskills Juneteenth Backpacking Trek
Join us for an epic four-day backpacking adventure in New York’s Catskills. Beginning at Alder Lake, we’ll climb to the Balsam Lake Fire Tower, traverse gorgeous ridges, and spend Shabbat in the backcountry, beside a mountain stream. This hike features one of the best views in the Catskills.
Time & Location
Jun 18, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT – Jun 21, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Alder Lake Trailhead, Alder Lake Trailhead Parking, 2 Cross Mountain Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, United States
About the Journey
Trek Overview
Total Distance: 12.9 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 2,700 ft
Difficulty: Intermediate (one slightly more challenging hiking day)
Participants should be comfortable hiking with a full backpack for several consecutive days.
Group Size: Limited to 12 participants.
Location
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.
Spiritual Theme for this Event
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.
Itinerary
(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.
Shabbat and Kosher Friendly
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.
What do I need to bring?
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.
Contact
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)
Tickets
Lech-Lecha Early Bird
Sale ends
May 01, 8:35 AM EDT
Paying the full amount guarantees your spot at this experience. Paying only the deposit will reserve your spot up to 2 weeks prior to the event. We will send you an invoice by email for the remaining balance (plus any rental gear!). The full payment is due within two (2) weeks prior to the Trek Date. Please see the FAQ section below for our cancellation policy. Coupon codes only work for full purchases, not with deposits.
$550.00
Lech-Lecha Catskills Trek
Sale ends
Jun 04, 8:37 AM EDT
May 01, 2026, ticket prices go up to $625/person.
$625.00
Pay Deposit Only
Paying the full amount guarantees your spot at this experience. Paying only the deposit will reserve your spot up to 2 weeks prior to the event. We will send you an invoice by email for the remaining balance (plus any rental gear!). The full payment is due within two (2) weeks prior to the Trek Date. Please see the FAQ section below for our cancellation policy.
$100.00
Total
$0.00
Frequently asked questions
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
Let's Connect
Got questions? Reach out and we'll get back to you real soon!








