This trek will be co-led by Ari Weber & Ber Lew. You can learn more about both of them here: Ari and Ber.

This is an intermediate to advanced backpacking trek.

We will cover approximately 17.3 miles and 4,960 feet of elevation gain over four days of hiking.

Participants should be comfortable hiking with a full backpack for multiple consecutive days.

See the trail map here (final itinerary subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions).

This trek takes place in the White Mountain National Forest, one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the northeastern United States.

Our route climbs to the summit of Mount Carrigain, known for its sweeping 360-degree views across the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness.

The trek also passes beautiful backcountry lakes including Nancy Pond and Norcross Pond.

• 6.5 hours from New York City

• 3 hours from Boston

(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)

Day 1 – Friday

Start time: 3:00 PM

We will arrive mid-afternoon near the White Mountain National Forest. We will set up an Eruv and prepare for Shabbat!

We will set up car camping near the trailhead and welcome Shabbat together in the mountains.

Day 2 – Saturday

We will spend Shabbat resting in the forest, sharing meals together, and enjoying the quiet of the mountains.

Day 3 – Sunday

Distance: Hike 6.6 miles

Elevation gain: ~1200 ft

We begin hiking in the morning, following the trail steadily uphill alongside a mountain stream as we head deeper into the forest.

By the afternoon we reach the Notch Brook Crossing, where we will camp near the brook.

Day 4 – Monday

Distance: Hike 6.4 miles

Elevation gain: ~2,500 ft

Today we climb toward the summit of Mount Carrigain, one of the most iconic peaks in the White Mountains.

From the fire tower at the summit we’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness.

After the summit we descend and camp near Whiteface Brook.

Day 5 – Tuesday

Distance: 2 miles

Elevation gain: - 300 ft

We wake up, enjoy a slow morning, and then make the short hike to the trailhead.

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.

Freedom in the Wilderness

The Fourth of July is a celebration of freedom. In the wilderness, we encounter a different kind of freedom — freedom from noise, pressure, and distraction.

Over the course of the trek we’ll explore what it means to step away from routine and reconnect with something deeper: the quiet clarity that emerges when we walk, rest, and live simply in wild places.

Through shared conversation, reflection, and time in nature, we’ll consider how the wilderness invites us to rediscover freedom within ourselves.

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.

Participants will arrive before Shabbat on Friday afternoon and spend the day resting together in the mountains before beginning the hike on Sunday.

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

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming

Or our trek leaders: Ber (berlew3@gmail.com) | Ari (Ayweber@gmail.com)