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Backpacking Shabbaton Near NYC | Delaware Water Gap & Mount Minsi
Backpacking Shabbaton Near NYC | Delaware Water Gap & Mount Minsi

Fri, Jul 17

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Mount Minsi

Backpacking Shabbaton Near NYC | Delaware Water Gap & Mount Minsi

Join us from July 17-19 for a beginner-friendly backpacking Shabbaton on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap. We’ll hike Mt. Minsi, camp near Kirkridge Shelter, spend Shabbat in the quiet of the ridge, and reset, reconnect, and enjoy time together in nature.

Time & Location

Jul 17, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT – Jul 19, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT

Mount Minsi, Mt Minsi, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18013, USA

About the Journey

Overview

This is a 3-day / 2-night backpacking Shabbaton in the Delaware Water Gap over the July 17th weekend.


Our route follows the Pennsylvania side of the Mount Minsi–Appalachian Trail Loop, climbing to scenic overlooks before continuing along the ridge on the Appalachian Trail. We’ll hike in on Friday, make camp near the Kirkridge Shelter area, and remain there through Shabbat. On Sunday, we’ll retrace our route back to the trailhead.


This section of trail offers a great balance of views, forest, and quiet backcountry, making it an ideal setting for a Shabbat spent outdoors—without the pressure of long mileage or complex logistics.


Total Mileage: ~10–12 miles

Total Elevation Gain: ~1500ft


This trip offers:

  • Beginner-friendly backpacking weekend

  • A great chance to get your feet wet backpacking if you haven’t before

  • A small Jewish group

  • A meaningful Shabbat in the backcountry

  • Kosher food provided

  • Peaceful ridge-top camping near Kirkridge Shelter

  • Scenic hiking with ridge views and forest trails


Trek Leaders



This trek will be led by Max Gruber! Max is an experienced Lech-Lecha trekker and guide. You can get to know Max here.

Difficulty Level

Beginner/Moderate (Beginner-Friendly with Preparation)


This trip is designed to be accessible for those new to backpacking, while still offering a meaningful physical challenge.

  • Daily hiking distance: ~5–6 miles

  • Terrain: Rocky sections typical of the Appalachian Trail, with some sustained uphill hiking


You should be comfortable:

  • Carrying a backpack for several hours

  • Hiking uphill at a moderate pace

  • Being outdoors for a full weekend

Location

Mount Minsi Trailhead (Kittatinny Point) – Delaware Water Gap, PA


Our trip will begin at the Mount Minsi trailhead, located at Kittatinny Point on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap.

We’ll hike directly onto the Appalachian Trail, gaining quick access to the ridge and continuing north toward the Kirkridge Shelter area.

  • ~1.5–2 hours from New York City

  • ~1.5 hours from Philadelphia


This location allows us to reach scenic overlooks and quieter backcountry terrain quickly, making it ideal for a Shabbat-centered backpacking trip without long approach hikes or complicated logistics.

Transportation

The trailhead is accessible by car and you can park there. If you need a ride or have room in your car, you can connect with other participants to coordinate.

Itinerary

(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)


Day 1 — Friday, July 17 – 10am

Distance: ~5–6 miles

Elevation gain: ~1,500–2,000 ft


We will meet at the Mount Minsi trailhead (Kittatinny Point) by 10:00 AM.


We begin hiking up the Mount Minsi Trail, climbing steadily through forest and rocky sections with several scenic overlooks along the way. After reaching the ridge, we’ll continue north on the Appalachian Trail, moving into quieter terrain as the crowds thin out.


We’ll arrive at the Kirkridge Shelter area and set up camp in time to prepare for Shabbat.


We want to give ourselves enough time to hike at a comfortable pace, settle into camp, and transition into Shabbat without feeling rushed.


Day 2 — Saturday, Shabbat, July 18


We spend Shabbat in the backcountry, camped near the Kirkridge Shelter area along the ridge.


The day is open for rest, reflection, conversation, and time in nature, with optional short walks nearby (within your comfort level). This is a chance to fully unplug and experience Shabbat in a quiet, natural setting.


Day 3 — Sunday, July 19

Distance: ~5–6 miles

Elevation gain: ~500–1,000 ft


We break camp and hike back along the ridge, retracing our route south on the Appalachian Trail before descending via the Mount Minsi Trail.

Despite the moderate mileage, we’ll move at a steady, relaxed pace and aim to return to the trailhead by early–mid afternoon.


Spiritual Theme for this Event

Self-Kindness


This weekend is an invitation to practice self-kindness.

To notice how we relate to ourselves—especially in moments of effort or discomfort—and to meet that experience with patience instead of pressure.

Moving at your own pace.


Resting when needed.


Letting you, and the experience, be enough.

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.

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 rentals are available for this trip, for an additional fee.

Contact

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming


Or our trek leader: Max (Maxngruber@gmail.com)


Tickets

  • Delaware Water Gap Early Bird

    Sale ends

    Jun 07, 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.

    • $375.00

    • Delaware Water Gap Trek

      Sale ends

      Jul 01, 6:30 PM EDT

      June 7, 2026, ticket prices go up to $450/person.

      • $450.00

        +$11.25 ticket service fee

      • 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

        +$2.50 ticket service fee

        Sale ended

      Total

      $0.00

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